UAE Minimum Salary Requirement for Visit Visa Sparks Debate
The UAE recently introduced a new rule establishing a UAE minimum salary requirement for visit visa sponsorship. According to updated policy, residents who wish to sponsor family or friends need to meet specified income thresholds.
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) now requires sponsors to earn:
- Dh4,000/month for immediate family
- Dh8,000/month for second- or third-degree relatives
- Dh15,000/month when sponsoring friends
These changes accompany new visit visa categories and modified durations.
Why the Move? Policy Goals & Rationale
Officials argue that the new rules promote financial responsibility, reduce abuse, and ensure sponsors can support visitors. The changes aim to enhance transparency in visa processes.
They also align with broader goals: attracting skilled talent, improving economic diversification, and strengthening immigration integrity.
Critics warn the new thresholds may exclude many residents who support spouses, parents or friends under prior rules.
What the Rule Means for Different Sponsorship Cases
Immediate Family (Spouse, Children, Parents)
To sponsor one’s immediate family members, the sponsor must now earn at least Dh4,000/month.
If accommodation is furnished by the employer, the threshold may be lower under certain rules.
Extended Relatives (Siblings, In-laws)
Sponsoring second- or third-degree relatives requires a higher salary of Dh8,000/month.
Friends / Non-Family Visitors
To sponsor friends or unrelated visitors, the sponsor must now earn Dh15,000/month.
How Visa Durations & Categories Change
These salary rules come with four new visit visa categories covering AI, entertainment, events, cruise ships, and yacht sectors.
They also streamline visa durations, extensions, and entry permit terms.
Existing visit visa durations remain valid, but new applicants must satisfy the financial criteria.
Impacts & Concerns from Expat Communities
Many expatriates raise concerns about affordability. Salaries in some sectors may not meet these new thresholds.
Some families see delays or denials for visa applications under the new rules.
Critics argue the rules discriminate against lower-income but financially responsible residents.
Legal experts suggest using official channels to appeal or clarify in ambiguous cases.
Comparisons with Previous Visa Rules
Prior to this change, many visas did not strictly enforce such income criteria for sponsors.
Some rules allowed sponsoring family members with lower income or with a housing benefit included.
Now, the clear thresholds remove ambiguity but also raise the bar.
Implementation, Enforcement & Timeline
These changes are effective immediately for new applications.
Authorities issued circulars to all immigration and visa processing centers.
Immigration departments in different emirates are updating systems accordingly.
Existing visit visa holders and sponsors may not face retroactive changes.
What Sponsors & Applicants Should Know
Sponsors should gather proof of salary—salary certificate, employment contract, bank statements.
Applicants should verify whether the sponsor meets the new income thresholds before applying.
Some emirate offices may allow appeals or exemptions in special circumstances.
It’s wise to consult with immigration consultants or legal advisors.
Regional Context & Similar Practices
Gulf states like Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and Bahrain often enforce income criteria for visa sponsorship.
The UAE’s tightened policy puts it in line with regional norms to ensure financial capacity.
With rising global migration pressures, countries now stress accountability in visa systems.
Outlook & Likely Consequences
The UAE minimum salary requirement for visit visa will likely reduce frivolous sponsorships and abuse.
But enforcement may slow visa approvals initially as systems adjust.
Some residents may reconsider living and employment in emirates where income limits rise sharply.
Long run, the policy may strengthen visa integrity, reduce overload on services, and improve resource allocation.
