Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) has issued detailed guidance on how residents can sponsor relatives and even friends on short-term visit visas—an increasingly popular option as regional airspace disruptions complicate travel plans. The advisory, published on 17 July 2026, sets out three clear income thresholds: AED 4,000 per month for first-degree relatives (spouse, parents, children); AED 8,000 for second- and third-degree family members such as siblings and cousins; and AED 15,000 for non-related friends. Applicants may choose between single-entry permits (30, 60 or 90 days) and multiple-entry permits of the same durations. GDRFA underlined that both categories can be extended from within the UAE, although holders must enter the country within 60 days of visa issuance. Fees start at AED 200 for a 30-day single-entry visa and rise to AED 700 for a 90-day multiple-entry visa, excluding VAT and mandatory medical insurance. A refundable security deposit of AED 1,000 (single-entry) or AED 2,000 (multiple-entry) also applies. Crucially, the authority clarified acceptable proof-of-income documents—salary certificate, MOHRE-attested labour contract or partnership papers for business owners—aimed at reducing rejections caused by incomplete files. It also reminded sponsors that accommodation evidence and, where relevant, attested relationship certificates must accompany applications. Most visas are processed within 48 hours through the GDRFA Smart Services portal, Amer centres or Customer Happiness Centres using UAE Pass digital ID. The clarification comes amid a surge in demand: GDRFA says it issued 29,456 relative and friend visit visas in H1 2026, reflecting Dubai’s role as a family and business hub for the wider region. For multinational employers, the guidance provides a predictable framework for bringing in overseas staff for short assignments or project kick-offs without navigating the more complex employment-visa route. Travel managers should note the elevated AED 15,000 salary bar for sponsoring friends; companies may wish to act as the formal sponsor for visiting consultants or partners to avoid hitting that threshold. GDRFA’s emphasis on digital channels also signals that paper submissions will be phased out, so HR teams should ensure they have UAE Pass credentials in place.
Source: Gulf News
