Last Updated on October 3, 2025
If you plan to bring your loved ones to the UAE, you can easily apply for a new visit visa through online platforms in the UAE. New visit visa rules in uae have become more streamlined, but you must follow each step carefully and prepare the required documents in advance. Here’s a complete guide to help you through the application process.
The new visit visa in the UAE has introduced fresh guidelines for residents who want to sponsor their relatives, family members, or friends. While the concept of a UAE resident sponsor for a visit visa is not new, the latest rules now link the eligibility directly to the sponsor’s monthly income.
Previous vs. New Rules
Earlier, any UAE resident earning more than AED 4,000 per month could sponsor visit visas for relatives or friends without much restriction. However, under the new visit visa rules in UAE, the eligibility depends on the degree of relationship and the income level of the sponsor.
Why These Rules Changed
The new visit visa in the UAE was designed to prevent the misuse of visit visas. In the past, some people sponsored friends and relatives mainly for financial gain, with visitors using the visa to job hunt in the UAE.
By introducing higher salary requirements, especially for sponsoring friends, the government ensures that only genuine cases move forward, while reducing violations of the visit visa terms.
Income Requirements for Sponsorship
According to the updated conditions, the rules are now categorized based on the relationship between the sponsor and the visitor:
- First-degree relatives (father, mother, spouse, son, daughter) – Sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 per month.
- Second-degree relatives (siblings, grandparents, grandchildren) – Sponsor must earn at least AED 8,000 per month.
- Third-degree relatives (uncle, aunt, cousins) – Sponsor must earn at least AED 8,000 per month.
- Friends (non-relatives) – Sponsor must earn at least AED 15,000 per month.
This salary-based classification makes it clear who is eligible to apply, ensuring only residents with sufficient income can bring in visitors.
How to Apply for a Visit Visa for Family Members in the UAE
Step 1: Collect the Required Documents
When you apply for a visit visa, the UAE authorities will ask for supporting documents. You should prepare the following in advance:
- Your Emirates ID (valid and not expired).
- Passport: A clear copy of your passport (sponsor and visitor).
- Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of the visitor (white background preferred).
- Proof of kinship: (birth certificate, marriage certificate, or legal family relationship document attested by your home country authority).
- Proof of income: a salary certificate, a labour contract, or a bank statement to show that you meet the salary requirement.
- Accommodation details – tenancy contract or Ejari, in some cases.
Submitting clear and valid documents increases your chances of fast approval.
Step 2: Choose the Right Platform
You have two main ways to apply for the new visit visa in the UAE:
- ICP Website (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security):
- Visit the official ICP website.
- Create an account or log in using UAE Pass.
- Fill in the application form with sponsor and visitor details.
- Upload the required documents.
- Pay the visa fee online using a credit or debit card.
- ICP Smart App:
- Download the ICP app from the Apple Store or Google Play.
- Register with your Emirates ID or UAE Pass.
- Complete the visit visa application within minutes.
- Upload scanned copies of documents and make the payment online.
Both methods are official and secure. The app is usually quicker if you are comfortable with mobile applications.
Step 3: Pay the Fees
The visa fee depends on the duration of stay (for example, 30 days, 60 days, or 90 days). You will see the exact amount on the website or app when you select the visa type.
Additional service charges may also apply. Always pay through the secure online system provided by ICP.
Step 4: Track Your Application
Once you submit the application and payment, you will receive a reference number. You can use this number to track your visa status on the ICP website or app.
- If documents are missing, you may receive a request to upload them again.
- If everything is correct, the visa will usually be approved within a few working days.
You should check your email frequently, as you will receive notifications about the status of your application.
Step 5: Receive the Visit Visa
When the visa is approved, you will receive it by email in PDF format. You can send this directly to your family member or friend. The visitor can print it and use it for travel to the UAE.
Step 6: Prepare for Arrival
As a sponsor, you are responsible for your visitor’s stay in the UAE. Make sure to:
- Arrange accommodation in advance.
- Keep a copy of the visitor’s visa and passport with you.
- Be prepared to provide financial support if needed during their stay.
Remember, under the new visit visa rules in the UAE, the government wants to ensure visitors do not misuse the visa for job hunting. As a sponsor, you should make sure your guest follows the visa conditions.
