Explained: Who can sponsor friends, family and visitors under new UAE visa rules
Humanitarian permits and widow residency rules introduced under new framework
DUBAI – The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has announced new categories of visit visas and amendments to existing permits, with a sharper focus on sponsorship requirements and financial conditions.
The latest decision introduces four new visa categories for specialists in technology and entertainment, cruise ship passengers, and event attendees. Alongside this, clear salary thresholds have been set for residents wishing to sponsor family, relatives, or friends, while humanitarian and special residency permits have also been expanded.
Family sponsorship explained
Under the revised rules, sponsorship depends on the degree of relationship and the sponsor’s monthly income. To sponsor an immediate family member, a resident must earn at least Dh4,000 per month.
For second- or third-degree relatives, the threshold rises to Dh8,000.
Sponsorship of friends is also possible but requires a higher income of Dh15,000 per month.
These rules are aimed at ensuring financial stability of sponsors while standardising the process across categories.
Humanitarian and widow permits
A humanitarian residence permit has been introduced for a period of one year, renewable upon approval by the authority. This applies to individuals from countries facing wars or disasters, or those in need of sponsorship exemptions for financial or kinship reasons.
Foreign widows and divorcees may now obtain one-year residence permits without a sponsor. Applications must be made within six months of the death or divorce. Residency may also be extended for custodians of children, provided financial solvency and housing conditions are met.
Business and employment visas
The business exploration visa requires applicants to prove financial solvency, ownership of shares in an existing company abroad, or evidence of professional activity. This visa is aimed at those assessing opportunities to establish businesses in the UAE.
Truck drivers may be granted visas for single or multiple trips, sponsored by licensed shipping or transport firms. Applicants must meet health insurance and financial guarantee conditions in addition to paying the required fees.
New entry categories
The amendments introduce four new entry purposes. Specialists in artificial intelligence can obtain single or multiple-entry visas with sponsorship from a recognised technology establishment. Entertainment professionals can receive temporary visas for industry-related work.
An event visa is now available for those attending exhibitions, conferences, cultural or educational activities, with the sponsor required to be the hosting entity. A multiple-entry visa is also available for cruise ship and leisure boat passengers, granted through licensed tourism operators.
Duration and extensions
The ICP has published detailed schedules setting out the authorised stay durations for each visa type, as well as extension conditions. These updates are designed to improve transparency, streamline applications, and support the UAE’s economic diversification.
Major General Suhail Saeed Al Khaili, Director General of ICP, noted that the new framework reflects global best practices and responds to customer feedback while ensuring alignment with the UAE’s development and security goals.