Sponsoring family members in the UAE allows expatriates to bring their loved ones, spouses, children, parents, and even in-laws, into the country under their residency sponsorship.
To qualify, sponsors must meet set income thresholds (AED 4,000 monthly or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) and hold a valid UAE residence visa.
The UAE family visa process involves applying for an entry permit, completing medical fitness tests, registering for an Emirates ID, and stamping the residence visa—all within specified timelines.
Recent rule changes have eased requirements—sons can now be sponsored up to age 25 with no bank deposit, daughters without age limits, and Green Visa holders can bring first‑degree relatives.
Understanding eligibility, required documents, costs, and timelines is crucial to a smooth family sponsorship journey.
Why Sponsor Your Family in the UAE?
The UAE is home to a large expatriate community, many of whom wish to live and work here while raising their families in a stable, high‑quality environment.
Under the family sponsorship scheme, UAE residents can secure a legal status for dependents, giving them access to healthcare, education, and other vital services.
Sponsoring your family is not only about reuniting loved ones—it also contributes to their well‑being and integration in the community, reinforcing the UAE’s vision of an inclusive society.
Besides that, living apart from the people you care about most can be stressful and lonely. Getting your spouse and children settled beside you in the UAE means they can attend local schools, access public services, and share in your new life.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
To become a sponsor, you must hold a valid UAE residence visa. There are three main pathways:
1. Employment Visa Sponsor
If you’re on a work visa, your employer has already sponsored you. You can use that visa to bring your family, as long as you earn enough (more on that below).
2. Property Investor Visa Sponsor
Gifted real estate owners can apply for a two‑year investor visa. If your property is worth at least AED 750,000 in Dubai (AED 1 million elsewhere), you qualify to sponsor a family under the investment route.
3. Green Visa Holder
Introduced in 2021, the Green Visa lets certain skilled professionals or entrepreneurs self-sponsor and bring first‑degree relatives without meeting traditional salary thresholds.
Regardless of your visa type, the basic principle is the same: you petition the immigration authorities to add your dependents to your residency permit.
What Family Members Can You Sponsor?
Under current regulations, you may sponsor:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children:
- Sons up to age 25 (no longer a student requirement)
- Daughters of any age if unmarried
- Newborns, within 120 days of birth
- Parents (mother and father), on an annual, renewable basis
- Stepchildren, with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the other biological parent
- In‑laws and siblings, in special circumstances
These expanded categories reflect the UAE’s commitment to family unity.
Financial Requirements: Salary & Accommodation
Before you apply, make sure you meet the financial criteria. Immigration officers will check:
Salary Threshold
- AED 4,000 per month (if your employer provides no accommodation)
- AED 3,000 per month + employer‑provided accommodation
Property Investment
- Ownership of real estate worth AED 750,000 or more in Dubai, or its equivalent elsewhere in the UAE
Parents’ Sponsorship
- A higher threshold applies—AED 10,000 per month to sponsor parents (up to five dependents), or AED 15,000 per month for up to six.
You’ll prove your income with a salary certificate from your employer (stamped and signed) or audited bank statements for investors.
Accommodation Requirements
Immigration also ensures you have adequate living space:
- A valid Ejari (tenancy contract) registered with the Dubai Land Department, or a property title deed.
- The home must have enough rooms: two rooms for a spouse and up to three children, plus one extra room per additional dependent.
If you’re property‑based, your title deed automatically suffices. Otherwise, present your new lease contract.
The UAE Family Visa Process
Here’s a step-by-step process for visa processing
1. Apply for an Entry Permit
Your first step is securing an entry permit (sometimes called a “Tasheera” outside Dubai). You can apply online via:
- GDRFA Smart Services for Dubai
- Amer Centers or the TCA e-Services portal for Abu Dhabi
This permit costs AED 500–1,000 per family member and is valid for 60 days, giving you time to complete the rest of the steps.
2. Undergo Medical Fitness Tests
Dependents aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness test at a Ministry of Health-approved facility. The standard package includes:
- Blood test
- Chest X‑ray
Costs range from AED 300–500. Minors under 18 are exempt from these tests.
3. Register for Emirates ID
Next, book an appointment at an ICA typing centre (or an Amer kiosk in Abu Dhabi). You’ll have your:
- Fingerprints and a photograph taken
- Emirates ID card fee is AED 370 for a two‑year validity
4. Visa Stamping
With medical and Emirates ID done, submit your dependent’s passports to the immigration office (GDRFA or Amer). The visa stamping fee runs AED 500–1,000 per visa. Once complete, the visa sticker is placed inside the passport.
5. Collect Documents
Return to pick up:
- The stamped passport with a residency visa
- Emirates ID card
Congratulations—your family members are now legal residents!
UAE Family Visa Process
1. Apply for an entry permit for each family member (costs around AED 500–1,000).
2. Get a medical test for dependents above 18 (cost AED 300–500).
3. Apply for the Emirates ID (AED 370+ for 2 years).
4. Complete the visa stamping (AED 500–1,000).
5. Provide proof of housing, salary, relationship, and valid health insurance.
6. Pay the necessary fees and wait for approval.
What to Prepare for UAE Residency Sponsorship
If you’re planning to sponsor a family UAE, here’s what you’ll need:
- Your Emirates ID and residence visa
- Attested marriage and birth certificates
- Valid passport copies
- Recent photos
- Salary certificate
- Ejari (tenancy contract) or property title deed
- Health insurance for each dependent
Note: If your documents are from abroad, they must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
Special Cases & Exceptions
Single or divorced women can sponsor children if they show legal guardianship documents and meet financial criteria. The GDRFA and ICP handle approvals on a case-by-case basis.
University Students’ Sponsoring Family
Student visa holders can sponsor immediate families if they have enough scholarship or part‑time income and prove they have suitable housing.
Children with Special Needs
Children with disabilities can receive long‑term or permanent residency, regardless of age, under compassionate provisions.
Multiple Spouses
Under Islamic law in the UAE, a male sponsor may sponsor up to two wives if he meets the financial and accommodation requirements and secures GDRFA approval.
Costs Breakdown
| Service | Approximate Fee |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit | AED 1200-1500/person |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 300-500/adult |
| Emirates ID Registration | AED 370 (2 years) |
| Visa Stamping | AED 500-700/visa |
| Document Attestation | AED 100-300/doc |
| Ejari Registration | AED 200/contract |
| Bank Deposit (parents/stepkids) | AED 3000-5000/person |
Note that fees vary slightly by emirate and the service centre—always confirm on GDRFA or Amer portals before payments.
Validity, Renewal & Overstay
- Validity: Most sponsored visas mirror your visa length (2–3 years). Parents and adult sons get 1-year visas.
- Renewal: Begin 30 days before expiry. Repeat medical test, Emirates ID renewal, and stamping.
- Grace Period: 30 days after visa expiry to renew—overstay fines apply thereafter (usually AED 50/day).
- Cancellation: If your visa is canceled (job change, property visa lapses), all dependent visas are automatically canceled.
Top Tips for a Smooth Family Sponsorship
Start Early: Entry permits take 2–3 days; medical tests and Emirates ID take another week.
Use Official Channels: Avoid middlemen—apply directly via u.ae, GDRFA, or Amer.
Keep Originals Accessible: Centres may request to see original documents on the spot.
Track Progress Online: GDRFA and Amer offer real-time status updates.
Maintain Valid Health Insurance: All dependents must be covered for visa stamping and renewals.
Stay Informed: Rules evolve—check u.ae or official news portals for policy changes.
Can I sponsor my family in the UAE if I buy property?
Yes, if you meet the property investment criteria (usually AED 750,000 or more). After getting your investor visa, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and sometimes even parents.
How long does the UAE family visa process take?
It usually takes 1–3 weeks, depending on how quickly you gather documents and pass the required steps like medical exams and Emirates ID registration.
Do dependents need health insurance?
Yes, valid UAE health insurance is mandatory for all sponsored family members.
What if I miss the 60-day stamping window?
After 60 days, your entry permit expires. You’ll need to exit and reapply or pay fines for overstaying.
Can students sponsor their parents?
Students with sufficient scholarship or part‑time income and housing can sponsor immediate family, subject to Amer or GDRFA approval.
Bringing your family to the UAE is one of the most rewarding steps you can take as an expat.
While the UAE family visa process involves multiple stages and costs, careful preparation and early planning will save you time, money, and stress.
Follow this guide, keep an eye on official portals for updates, and soon you’ll have your loved ones by your side, enjoying all that the UAE has to offer.
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