Guide to Sponsoring Family Members for Dubai Residency: Key Requirements and Process

Dubai has established itself as a premier destination for professionals and families seeking new opportunities. With a vibrant economy and family-friendly environment, many expatriates in Dubai aim to bring their loved ones to join them. However, sponsoring a family for residence in Dubai requires meeting specific criteria and following formal procedures.

Here’s a comprehensive guide to understanding the eligibility, documentation, and process for sponsoring your family in Dubai.

Eligibility to Sponsor a Family Member

Employment Status and Residency
To sponsor your family, you must be employed in the UAE with a valid residency visa. Your employer plays a key role in securing your work permit and visa.
Minimum Salary Requirement
- Earn at least AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 with company-provided accommodation.
- Sponsoring parents requires a minimum salary of AED 10,000.
Timeframe for Sponsorship
After a family member enters Dubai on an entry permit, you must apply for their residence visa within 60 days.
Accommodation Proof
Adequate housing, such as a rented apartment or villa, is necessary. A tenancy contract may be required during the application process.
Medical Fitness
Dependents over 18 years old must undergo a medical fitness test to complete their residency application.

Sponsoring Family Members: Criteria by Relationship

Spouse
- An attested marriage certificate in Arabic (or a certified translation) is mandatory.
- Muslim residents may sponsor two wives, subject to specific conditions.
Children
- Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25.
- Daughters must be unmarried to qualify for sponsorship, with no age limit.
- For newborns, a visa must be obtained within 120 days of birth to avoid penalties.
Stepchildren
- Requires a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the biological parent and a deposit for each child.
- Visas for stepchildren are valid for one year, renewable annually.
Parents
- Both parents must be sponsored together unless exceptional circumstances apply.
- Proof of sole support and adequate medical insurance is required.

Documents Required for Sponsorship

Completed visa application form (online or through a typing center).
Copies of dependents’ passports.
Recent passport-sized photographs.
Medical fitness certificates for dependents over 18.
Sponsor’s employment contract and salary certificate.
Attested marriage and birth certificates.
Valid tenancy contract.
Emirates ID application form for each family member.

Application Process

Where to Apply
- Submit your application online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICA) for other emirates.
- Applications can also be submitted at Amer centers or accredited typing offices.
Visa Fees
- Residence Permit: AED 200.
- Additional charges: Knowledge and Innovation fees (AED 10 each), and AED 500 for in-country visa processing.
- Medical fitness test costs: AED 260–360, depending on the category.
Medical Test and Emirates ID
Once the visa is approved, family members over 18 must pass a medical examination. Following this, you can apply for an Emirates ID and have the residency visa stamped in their passport.

Renewal and Validity of Family Visas

Family visas are typically valid for 1 to 3 years, aligned with the sponsor’s visa status. Renewal must begin before the visa expires to avoid fines for overstaying. The renewal process is similar to the initial application.

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