Can I Sponsor a Friend's UAE e-Visa Application?

Yes, you may be able to sponsor a friend’s UAE visa application if you are a UAE resident and meet the relevant requirements. However, the rules depend on the type of visa and the application channel. A friend sponsoring a visit visa is not necessarily the same as a tourist applying for an e-Visa through an airline, hotel, or licensed travel agency.

According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), a UAE resident applying to sponsor a friend may need to meet a minimum monthly salary requirement and provide supporting documents. Approval is subject to the applicable immigration rules.

Understand the difference between a visit visa and a tourist visa

A UAE resident may apply for a visit visa for a friend through the relevant immigration authority, provided the eligibility conditions are met. Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) also states that UAE residents may apply on behalf of friends or relatives, subject to its guidelines.

A standard tourist visa, by contrast, is generally arranged through an eligible UAE-based airline, hotel, or licensed travel agency. The appropriate route depends on your friend’s travel purpose, nationality, and circumstances.

Check the sponsor eligibility requirements

Before applying, confirm that you meet the current requirements of the authority or service provider handling the application. Under the ICP’s published conditions for a resident sponsoring a friend, a minimum monthly salary of AED 15,000 is specified. Other requirements may apply.

You may need to prepare:

A valid UAE residence permit and Emirates ID.
Proof of income or employment, where required.
Your friend’s passport copy and personal photograph.
Supporting information explaining the purpose of the visit.
Any required financial guarantee, visa fee, or health insurance.

Your friend’s passport generally needs to be valid for at least six months, but always check the requirements for the specific visa category.

Follow the application process carefully

Once you confirm eligibility, use the relevant official immigration portal or an authorised service provider. Complete the application accurately, upload the requested documents, and pay the applicable fees. Keep copies of the submission and payment confirmation.

Processing times and document requirements can vary. Avoid booking non-refundable travel arrangements until you understand the visa conditions and your friend has received the required approval.

Know your responsibilities as a sponsor

Sponsoring a friend involves more than submitting paperwork. Depending on the visa route, the sponsor may have financial or legal responsibilities connected with the visitor’s stay. Make sure your friend understands the permitted length of stay, entry conditions, and the need to leave or extend their status before the authorised period expires.

A sponsorship application does not guarantee visa approval or entry into the UAE. Final decisions remain with the relevant authorities.

Official sources

HOW CAN WE HELP?

All information entered on this form will be kept strictly confidential and subject to our privacy policy once received by us. Your transaction will be secured using SSL/TLS encryption.