Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas in UAE
Reviewed by the Commoner Law Editorial Team. Sourced from UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions. Written in plain language for general understanding — this is educational content, not legal advice. Our editorial standards
What is this right?
UAE residents can sponsor family members for dependent residence visas. Both men and women can sponsor dependents, though income requirements apply:
- Spouse: You can sponsor your spouse regardless of gender (since recent reforms, women can sponsor husbands). Minimum salary: AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + employer-provided housing).
- Children: Sons can be sponsored until age 25 (raised from 18 under the 2022 reforms, covering the entire higher-education period). Unmarried daughters can be sponsored at any age. Children with disabilities can be sponsored indefinitely regardless of age. Golden Visa holders can sponsor children of any age, with no cap on the number of dependants.
- Parents: Can be sponsored if you earn enough and provide health insurance and suitable accommodation. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents without income thresholds.
- Domestic workers: Families above a certain income can sponsor domestic helpers through Tadbeer centres.
Fees: Dependent visa application: AED 500-1,000. Medical test per person: AED 200-350. Emirates ID per person: AED 370. Health insurance (mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai): varies by plan, typically AED 3,000-10,000/year per person.
Processing time: 2-4 weeks from application to visa stamping. Document attestation (MOFA) takes an additional 1-2 weeks if not already completed.
Required documents: Sponsor's passport and visa copy, marriage certificate (attested), children's birth certificates (attested), salary certificate, tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai), and health insurance proof.
When does it apply?
- You hold a valid UAE residence visa and want to bring your family.
- You meet the minimum salary requirement (AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + housing).
- You hold a Golden Visa or Green Visa and want to sponsor dependents with expanded eligibility.
What to Do If You Want to Bring Your Family to Live in the UAE
- Attest all foreign documents — marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the UAE embassy in the issuing country, then legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
- Apply through GDRFA app (Dubai) or ICP smart app (other emirates) for dependent entry permits.
- Arrange health insurance before your family arrives — it is mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and increasingly required elsewhere.
- Complete medical tests and Emirates ID for each dependent after arrival.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not bring family on tourist visas and overstay — apply for proper dependent visas through official channels.
- Do not submit unattested documents — applications will be rejected. MOFA attestation is mandatory.
- Do not forget to renew dependent visas — they are tied to the sponsor's visa and expire when yours does.
Common Questions
When does it apply — family sponsorship & dependent visas?
You hold a valid UAE residence visa and want to bring your family.You meet the minimum salary requirement (AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + housing).You hold a Golden Visa or Green Visa and want to sponsor dependents with expanded eligibility.
What should I do if I want to sponsor my spouse, children, or parents for a UAE residence visa?
Attest all foreign documents — marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the UAE embassy in the issuing country, then legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.Apply through GDRFA app (Dubai) or ICP smart app (other emirates) for dependent entry permits.Arrange health insurance before your family arrives — it is mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai and increasingly required elsewhere.Complete medical tests and Emirates ID for each dependent after arrival.
What should you NOT do — family sponsorship & dependent visas?
Do not bring family on tourist visas and overstay — apply for proper dependent visas through official channels.Do not submit unattested documents — applications will be rejected. MOFA attestation is mandatory.Do not forget to renew dependent visas — they are tied to the sponsor's visa and expire when yours does.