UAE Visit Visa Requirements & Documents: Complete Checklist

Regardless of who is sponsoring the visa or which application channel you use, the visitor must provide certain core documents. These are submitted as digital scans for online applications or as photocopies for in-person submissions at service centres.

1. 1Valid passport — Must have at least 6 months validity from the planned date of entry into the UAE. The passport must have at least 2 blank pages for the entry stamp. Damaged or tampered passports will be rejected.
2. 2Colour scan of passport bio page — A high-resolution colour scan of the page containing the photo, name, passport number, and expiry date. Black-and-white scans are not accepted. The entire page must be visible with no corners cut off.
3. 3Passport-size photograph — One recent photograph measuring 4.3cm x 5.5cm with a plain white background. The photo must be taken within the last 6 months. Head covering is permitted for religious reasons only. Glasses should be removed.
4. 4Previous UAE visa copy (if applicable) — If the visitor has previously visited the UAE, a copy of the most recent UAE visa or entry stamp helps speed up processing.
5. 5Return flight ticket or itinerary — Some channels (particularly airlines and travel agencies) require a confirmed return flight booking or round-trip itinerary.

When a UAE resident sponsors a visit visa for a family member, they must provide documents proving their identity, residency status, financial capacity, and relationship to the visitor. The GDRFA uses these documents to verify that the sponsor can support the visitor during their stay.

1. 1Emirates ID copy (front and back) — Must be valid and not expired. The name must match the sponsor's passport.
2. 2UAE residence visa copy — A clear scan of the residence visa page in the sponsor's passport. Must have at least 6 months validity remaining.
3. 3Salary certificate — An official letter from the employer confirming the sponsor's job title, monthly salary, and employment start date. Must be on company letterhead with an authorised signatory.
4. 4Bank statement (last 3 months) — Stamped original or digital statement from a UAE bank showing regular salary credits and a stable balance. Used to verify the salary certificate and assess financial capacity.
5. 5Tenancy contract (Ejari) — A registered Ejari contract proving the sponsor has adequate accommodation for the visitor. The contract must be valid at the time of application.
6. 6Proof of relationship — Attested marriage certificate (for spouse), birth certificate (for parents or children), or family book. Documents in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated by a legal translator.
7. 7DEWA or utility bill — Sometimes requested as additional proof of residence, particularly if the Ejari contract is recent.

For sponsors earning below the minimum salary threshold, an alternative is to provide a higher security deposit or to apply through a travel agency instead. Some emirates have slightly different salary requirements, so check the specific GDRFA office for your emirate.

When a UAE-registered company sponsors a visit visa for a business visitor, the documentation requirements shift from personal documents to corporate documents. The company must prove it is a legitimate, active business that can support the visitor.

• Trade licence copy — Valid and not expired. Must show the company name, licence number, and activities.
• Establishment card (immigration card) — Issued by GDRFA, this proves the company is registered for visa sponsorship.
• Company memorandum of association (MOA) — Shows the company's legal structure and ownership.
• Authorised signatory's Emirates ID — The person signing the application must be an authorised signatory.
• Invitation letter on company letterhead — Must state the visitor's full name, passport details, purpose of visit, duration of stay, and a statement that the company assumes financial responsibility.
• Board resolution or power of attorney — If the application is signed by someone other than the company owner.

Companies with an active establishment card can process business visit visas faster than individual sponsors. The GDRFA typically processes company-sponsored visas within 2 to 3 working days. Companies are not required to provide accommodation proof or salary certificates, as the corporate registration serves as sufficient financial guarantee.

The UAE has specific photo requirements that differ from many other countries. Submitting a photo that does not meet these specifications is one of the most common causes of application delays. The requirements apply to both physical photos and digital uploads.

For online applications, upload the photo as a JPEG or PNG file between 200 KB and 600 KB. The photo should be cropped to show the head and upper shoulders only, with the face occupying approximately 70 to 80 percent of the frame. Professional photo studios in Dubai (available at most malls and typing centres) are familiar with UAE visa photo specifications and can provide correctly formatted photos.

Financial documentation is primarily required from the sponsor, not the visitor. The UAE government wants to ensure that the sponsor can financially support the visitor during their stay, reducing the risk of the visitor overstaying due to lack of funds.

Travel insurance is not mandatory for UAE visit visas, but it is highly recommended. The UAE has excellent healthcare facilities, but medical costs for non-residents can be very high. A basic travel insurance policy covering medical emergencies, hospitalisation, and repatriation costs approximately AED 50 to 150 for a 30-day visit. Some travel agencies include basic insurance in their visa package.

While the core document requirements are the same for all nationalities, some passport holders face additional requirements based on bilateral agreements and security policies. These extra requirements are specified during the GDRFA application process based on the visitor's nationality.

If you are unsure whether your nationality requires additional documents, check the GDRFA portal during the application process. The system automatically displays any extra requirements based on the passport nationality entered. Alternatively, contact an authorised visa processing centre for guidance specific to your nationality.

Some documents submitted for a UAE visit visa must be attested (officially verified) and translated into Arabic or English. Attestation requirements primarily apply to relationship proof documents such as marriage certificates, birth certificates, and family books.

• Marriage certificates must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of issue, then by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
• Birth certificates require the same embassy and MOFA attestation chain.
• Documents in languages other than Arabic or English must be translated by a UAE-approved legal translation office.
• Typed translations must include the translator's stamp, signature, and licence number.
• Attestation typically costs AED 150 to 500 per document and takes 3 to 7 working days.
• Some documents can be apostilled under the Hague Convention instead of embassy attestation, depending on the country of origin.

Use this consolidated checklist to ensure you have all required documents before submitting your UAE visit visa application. Tick off each item as you prepare it. Missing documents are the number one cause of delays.