Bringing your family to the UAE is one of the biggest milestones for new residents, especially those who have recently relocated for business, employment, or investment. The UAE government has made the sponsorship process smoother over the years, but you still need to understand the rules, documentation, eligibility criteria, and financial requirements to ensure a seamless application.
This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring your spouse, children, and dependent parents under your UAE residency. Whether you are an entrepreneur, a new employee, or a business owner setting up a company in Dubai, this detailed breakdown will help you avoid delays, rejections, and unnecessary costs during the visa process.
Why Family Sponsorship Matters
Moving to Dubai is exciting, but settling without your family can be challenging. The UAE’s family residency visa system is designed to help residents reunite with their families and help them enjoy long-term stability.
Family visas offer several benefits:
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Ability to live together in the UAE
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Children can enroll in schools and universities
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Spouse can apply for a work permit
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Access to healthcare and insurance
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Long-term stability for business owners and investors
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Strengthened eligibility for future visa upgrades
Whether you are an employee or a business owner, understanding the sponsorship framework is crucial.
Understanding the Eligibility Rules
Before you begin the application, you must meet the UAE’s eligibility requirements for family sponsorship. These requirements vary depending on your profession, income, and type of visa.
In this guide, we also address the family visa requirement in DIFC, Dubai which may differ from other free zones due to its independent legal and residency framework.
Here are the main eligibility factors:
1. Minimum Salary Requirement
To sponsor your family, you must meet a minimum monthly salary:
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AED 4,000
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OR AED 3,000 + company-provided accommodation
This requirement applies regardless of profession.
2. Valid UAE Residency Visa
You must hold a valid residence visa before applying for sponsorship.
3. Valid Emirates ID
Your Emirates ID must be active and not expired.
4. Suitable Accommodation
A tenancy contract or Ejari certificate is required to confirm your residence.
5. Health Insurance Coverage
Family members must be covered under a valid health insurance plan.
Who You Can Sponsor
Residents in Dubai can sponsor:
1. Spouse
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Must provide a marriage certificate (attested and translated if not in Arabic)
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Islamic marriages and foreign marriages are both accepted
2. Children
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Sons up to 25 years old
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Unmarried daughters (no age limit)
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Children with special needs (regardless of age)
3. Parents
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Must provide proof of dependency
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Sponsor must earn a higher minimum salary (AED 20,000 in most cases)
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Valid medical insurance required
Required Documents for Sponsoring Family Members
Documentation must be accurate and fully attested to avoid delays.
You will need:
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Passport copies of each family member
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Passport-size photos (white background)
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Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
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Attested birth certificates (for children)
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Tenancy contract / Ejari
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Salary certificate or employment contract
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Bank statements (3 months)
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Emirates ID copy
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Your UAE residence visa copy
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Medical insurance for dependents
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Medical fitness test results (for dependents aged 18+)
Make sure all foreign documents are:
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Attested by the issuing authority
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Attested by the UAE Embassy
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Translated into Arabic (if required)
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Attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Sponsoring your family involves several steps. Here is a clear workflow to follow:
Step 1: Entry Permit Application
Before your family enters the UAE, you need to apply for an entry permit.
You can submit this through:
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GDRFA Dubai
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Amer Center
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Online smart services
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Authorized typing centers
Processing time: 24–72 hours.
Step 2: Family Arrival in the UAE
After receiving the entry permit, your family must enter the UAE within its validity period (usually 60 days).
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Required for dependents aged 18 or older.
Tests include:
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Blood test
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Chest X-ray
Results are usually issued within 24 hours.
Step 4: Emirates ID Application
Apply through:
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ICP website
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Typing center
Biometrics (fingerprints, facial scan) will be required for first-time applicants.
Step 5: Residency Visa Stamping
Once medical and Emirates ID applications are complete, submit documents for visa stamping on your family member’s passport.
This can take 2–7 working days depending on the application volume.
Common Reasons for Delays or Rejections
Even a minor mistake can delay or reject the application. Here are common issues to avoid:
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Submitting expired documents
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Mismatched names (especially in marriage certificates)
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Lack of proper attestation
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Insufficient salary
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Tenancy contract not registered in Ejari
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Incomplete health insurance
Always double-check every document.
How Long Does the Family Visa Last?
The duration of the visa depends on the sponsor:
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Employees: 1–2 years
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Investors / Business Owners: 2–3 years
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Golden Visa Holders: 5–10 years
Visa duration must match your own visa validity.
Renewal Process
Renew the visa before the expiry date to avoid penalties.
You must renew:
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Medical test
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Emirates ID
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Health insurance
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Residency permit
The renewal process is similar to the original application.
Costs of Family Sponsorship
The cost varies depending on:
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Type of visa
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Number of dependents
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Your employment category
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Emirates ID duration
General cost range:
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Entry permit: AED 250–600
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Medical test: AED 350–500
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Emirates ID: AED 170–400 (depending on duration)
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Visa stamping: AED 500–900
Tips for Faster Processing
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Prepare all documents in advance
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Use a UAE-based PRO service
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Ensure attested documents before arrival
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Avoid peak submission days
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Ensure tenancy contract is valid for at least 6 months
Final Words
Sponsoring your family in Dubai is an important step toward establishing long-term roots in the UAE. Although the process may seem detailed, it becomes smooth once you understand the requirements, documentation, and steps involved. By preparing everything in advance and ensuring compliance with residency rules, you can bring your family to Dubai without unnecessary delays. Whether you are an employee, investor, or entrepreneur, proper planning ensures a stress-free family visa process.
