United Arab EmiratesVisits and short stays

UAE visit visa for relatives and friends of residents

Visit visa sponsored by a UAE resident (relatives or friends)

In short

A UAE resident can sponsor a visit visa for a relative or friend through ICP or GDRFA. The sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 a month for first-degree relatives, AED 8,000 for second- or third-degree relatives and AED 15,000 for friends; stays of 30, 60 or 90 days are possible, extendable to 120 days in total.

Apply on ICP Smart Services checked 25 October 2026

Key facts

Maximum stay
30, 60 or 90 days; extensions up to 120 days in total
Validity
Entry within 60 days of issue
Fee
AED 100ICP single-entry visit visa: AED 100 application + AED 100 issuance per month + AED 100 smart-service fee; multiple entry has AED 200 per month issuance. A refundable guarantee of AED 1,000 (single) or AED 2,000 (multiple) plus AED 20 may apply.
Funds required
AED 4,000 per monthMinimum monthly salary of the UAE sponsor for first-degree relatives; AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives and AED 15,000 for friends (ICP).
Processing time
ICP lists 2 days
Work
No
Family
Each visitor needs a separate visa filed by the sponsor
Where to apply
Filed online in the UAE by the resident sponsor; the visitor applies from abroad

Who can sponsor a visitor

The sponsor must be a UAE resident with an active sponsor file. ICP links eligibility to the relationship and the sponsor's monthly salary: AED 4,000 for first-degree relatives such as parents, spouse, children or siblings, AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree relatives, and AED 15,000 for friends.

UAE citizens and residents of all emirates use the same federal service at ICP; Dubai residents usually file through GDRFA Dubai or an Amer centre.

What the sponsor and visitor provide

The visitor supplies a passport valid for at least six months, a photo, health insurance valid in the UAE and a return ticket. The sponsor provides proof of relationship (for relatives) and income, and any further documents the system asks for, such as a rental contract.

Birth or marriage certificates issued abroad to prove kinship may need to be legalised; ask the sponsor which documents the system requests before having them attested.

Required documents

Travel

  • Visitor's passport valid for at least 6 months and a photo
  • Return ticket

Money

  • Sponsor's salary evidence meeting the ICP threshold (AED 4,000, 8,000 or 15,000)

Family

  • Proof of kinship where the sponsor is a relative

Insurance

  • Health insurance valid in the UAE

Supporting documents (where they apply)

Other

  • Rental contract or other documents requested in the sponsor's case

Fees and guarantee

ICP charges an application fee of AED 100, an issuance fee of AED 100 for each month on a single-entry visa (AED 200 per month for multiple entry) and a smart-service fee of AED 100. A cash guarantee of AED 1,000 for single entry or AED 2,000 for multiple entry, plus a AED 20 deposit fee, may be required.

The guarantee is refunded after the visitor leaves or the visa is cancelled, provided there were no residence violations.

Length of stay and extension

Visit visas are issued for 30, 60 or 90 days and must be used within 60 days of issue. According to ICP they can be extended up to a total of 120 days. ICP gives a processing time of 2 days.

Overstaying is fined at AED 50 per day, and the sponsor remains responsible for the visitor during the stay.

How to apply, step by step

  1. The sponsor checks that their salary meets the threshold for the relationship.
  2. The visitor sends the sponsor a passport copy, photo, insurance and ticket details.
  3. The sponsor applies through ICP Smart Services, GDRFA Dubai or an Amer centre and chooses 30, 60 or 90 days.
  4. The sponsor pays the fees and any refundable guarantee.
  5. After approval, the e-visa is sent to the visitor, who must enter within 60 days.
  6. Before the stay ends, the sponsor applies for an extension if needed or the visitor leaves, so the guarantee can be refunded.

Forms

Frequently asked questions

How much must my sponsor earn to invite me to the UAE?

At least AED 4,000 a month for a first-degree relative, AED 8,000 for a second- or third-degree relative and AED 15,000 for a friend, according to ICP.

How long can a family visitor stay in the UAE?

The visa is issued for 30, 60 or 90 days and can be extended up to 120 days in total.

Is the guarantee for a UAE visit visa refundable?

Yes. The AED 1,000 or AED 2,000 guarantee is returned after exit or cancellation if there was no violation.

Can I apply for this visit visa myself from abroad?

No. The resident sponsor files it in the UAE. If you have no sponsor, use a tourist visa through a hotel, agent or airline.

Official sources

Summarised from the official sources above. Rules, fees and processing times change: confirm with the embassy or the official portal before you apply.

Other visa types for the United Arab Emirates

Visits and short stays

  • Tourist visa Maximum stay: 30 or 60 days per permit; the 5-year visa allows up to 90 days per visit, extendable once by 90 days
  • Transit visa Maximum stay: 48 or 96 hours, single entry
  • Medical treatment visa Maximum stay: Depends on the permit issued; healthcare-related permits can be extended to a total of 180 days

Business and self-employment

Study and training

  • Student visa Maximum stay: For the duration certified by the institution; renewed while enrolled

Work

Family

Residence

United Arab Emirates visa guide