Abu Dhabi, UAE — September 30, 2025
The UAE government has introduced tougher conditions for residents and citizens wishing to sponsor visitors. Under new regulations by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), hosts must meet a minimum monthly salary of Dh15,000 to sponsor a friend’s visit visa.
This development forms part of a broader effort to tighten the rules around visit visas, ensure clearer accountability, and manage the influx of visitors more effectively.
Background & Context
Previously, sponsorship rules for visit visas were more loosely defined, with less clear-cut financial thresholds for hosts. In the updated framework, the ICP sets differentiated salary requirements depending on the type of relationship between the host and the visitor:
For first-degree relatives (parents, siblings, children), the host must now earn at least Dh4,000 per month.
For second- and third-degree relatives, the requirement is Dh8,000 per month.
For sponsoring friends, the much higher threshold of Dh15,000 per month is set. DNA India+4The Economic Times+4DNA India+4
These changes were announced in conjunction with a package of visa policy reforms, which also include introducing four new visit visa categories and adjusting entry permit rules. DNA India
Officials say the move is intended to “encourage financial responsibility and prevent misuse of guest sponsorships,” while still enabling family ties and social visits under more regulated conditions.
Stakeholder Reactions & Concerns
Some immigration experts and expatriate communities have expressed concern that the Dh15,000 requirement may be prohibitive for many residents who wish to host friends. One consultant noted:
“For many mid-income residents, reaching a monthly salary of Dh15,000 may be out of reach, so this rule effectively restricts who can act as a sponsor for friends.”
On the other hand, the ICP has defended the change as a necessary measure for long-term sustainability:
“These reforms reflect our commitment to a more structured sponsorship system. They aim to preserve the integrity of visa processes while supporting tourism, family visits, and broader social exchange.”
Critics argue the jump in threshold for friends (compared to relatives) might discourage cultural exchanges and make it harder for expatriate communities to host non-family visitors.
What Is Confirmed vs. What Is Pending
Confirmed:
The minimum salary thresholds (Dh4,000, Dh8,000, Dh15,000) are now part of the official visit visa sponsorship rules. The Economic Times+2The Economic Times+2
The ICP is rolling out new visit visa categories and changing certain entry permit rules. DNA India+1
Pending / Unclear:
The precise manner of salary verification (e.g. bank statements, employer letters) has not been fully clarified in public sources.
How the changes will be enforced in borderline cases or for hosts whose income fluctuates.
Whether existing visa sponsorships (for friends or family) will be grandfathered or subject to re-evaluation under the new rules.
Implications & What’s Next
For residents considering sponsoring friends, this salary floor may limit eligibility to higher-earning individuals. Many will need to reassess whether they can act as hosts under the stricter regime.
Visa consultants expect transitional guidelines from ICP in the coming weeks to clarify implementation — for example, how to document income, how to appeal decisions, and how to treat existing sponsorships under the old rules.
Socially, expatriate communities may feel constrained in hosting friends unless they meet the new income benchmarks. Policy watchers say the UAE’s aim is to balance openness with control, ensuring that visa privileges align with financial responsibility.
If disputes or confusion arise, legal clarifications or court precedents may define how strictly the system is enforced. In the meantime, prospective sponsors and applicants should monitor announcements from the ICP and seek guidance from licensed visa agencies.
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