Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas
Written in plain language for general understanding. This is educational content, not legal advice. Based on UAE federal decrees, laws, and ministerial decisions.
UAE Federal Law
What is this right?
UAE residents can sponsor family members for dependent residence visas, subject to income and housing requirements:
- Sponsoring spouse and children: Male residents can sponsor their wife and children. Since recent reforms, women can also sponsor their husband and children if they meet the income requirements.
- Income requirement: The sponsor typically needs a minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) to sponsor dependents.
- Children: Sons can be sponsored until age 18 (or 21 if studying). Daughters can be sponsored until they marry. Unmarried daughters over 18 may be sponsored if dependent on the parent.
- Parents: You can sponsor your parents if you earn enough and can provide health insurance and suitable housing. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents regardless of age.
- Domestic workers: Families earning above a certain threshold can sponsor domestic workers (housemaids, nannies, drivers).
When does it apply?
- You have a valid UAE residence visa and want to bring your family to live with you.
- You meet the minimum income requirements for sponsorship.
- This applies to all nationalities residing in the UAE.
What should you do?
- Apply through the GDRFA or ICP portal for dependent visas.
- Provide required documents: sponsor's passport and visa, marriage certificate (attested), children's birth certificates, salary certificate, and tenancy contract.
- Arrange health insurance for all dependents — this is mandatory in most emirates.
- Attest all foreign documents — marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the UAE embassy in the issuing country and by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
What should you NOT do?
- Do not bring family members on a visit visa and overstay — apply for proper dependent visas.
- Do not submit unattested documents — the application will be rejected.
- Do not forget to renew dependent visas when you renew your own — they are linked to the sponsor's visa.
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