UAE Family Visa Sponsorship | Eligibility, Process & Costs

If you’re planning to bring your family to live with you in the UAE, understanding the UAE family visa sponsorship requirements and steps is essential. This guide explains who can sponsor a family visa, what documents are needed, how the application process works, and typical costs involved in 2026. You’ll also learn about minimum salary thresholds, residency durations, renewals, and common challenges applicants face and how Arnifi can support you in simplifying the process.

What Is a Family Visa Sponsorship in the UAE?

Family visa sponsorship allows UAE residents (expat employees and investors) to bring eligible family members to live legally in the UAE. This includes spouses, children (under age limits), and in some cases, parents. The sponsor (employee or investor) is responsible for meeting eligibility criteria, providing documents, and ensuring compliance with immigration rules.

Who Can Sponsor Family Visas?

1. Expatriate Resident

Anyone holding a valid UAE residence visa, whether employed or an investor, can sponsor immediate family members, provided they meet key eligibility criteria:

• Salary requirement: At least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 + accommodation
• Medical fitness: Dependents aged 18+ must pass UAE medical tests.

2. UAE Citizens

UAE nationals can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents on a 5-year visa, no minimum salary or employment needed.

3. Women With Work Permits

Females with a valid UAE work permit can now sponsor their husbands and children. They must meet standard residency and financial prerequisites.

Who Qualifies as a Dependent?

Spouse

• Husband or wife: Sponsor must show an attested marriage certificate translated into Arabic if needed
• Polygamous cases: Muslim expatriates may sponsor up to two wives under ICP conditions

Children

• Sons: Up to age 18; extended to 21 if studying (or up to 25 per some sources)
• Unmarried daughters: At any age, no upper limit
• Newborns: Must be sponsored within 120 days of birth to avoid fines
• Stepchildren: Require a notarized NOC from the biological parent and deposit per child
  

Parents

• Sponsor must support both parents together, unless one parent is deceased/divorced, supply proof accordingly
• Financial threshold is often higher (e.g., AED 20,000/month or AED 19,000 + accommodation)
• Sponsor must pay a security deposit per parent and provide medical insurance.
  

How To Sponsor?

Check Eligibility
Valid residence visa, income threshold, and accommodation proof. For parents or stepchildren, additional financial/insurance conditions apply.

Gather Documents

• Sponsor’s passport, visa, and Emirates ID copy
• The dependent’s passport and photos
• Attested marriage or birth certificate
• Employment contract or salary certificate
• Tenancy contract or accommodation proof
• Medical insurance for all dependents
• Medical fitness certificates for those aged 18+
  

Apply for Entry Permit (UPPER)
Submit the entry permit through the GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA portals before dependents arrive.

Entry to UAE & Application Submission
Once dependents arrive on entry permits, apply for a residence visa at the GDRFA/DLD/Amer center

Undergo Medical Fitness, Emirates ID & Biometrics
Required for those aged 18+, and dependents will need to do fingerprinting and photos at ICP-approved centers.

Visa Stamping
The sponsor pays the required government fees and finalizes stamping in passports.

Collect Emirates ID Cards
Complete the process with Emirates ID issuance.

Visa Validity and Renewal

• Validity: Family visas usually mirror the sponsor’s visa – 1, 2, or 3 years. In some cases, longer (5 years for UAE nationals)
• Grace period: Sponsors have 60 days to apply after dependents arrive; if cancelled or expired, dependents receive 30 days to renew or exit
• Renewal: Similar process, including medical fitness, insurance, and fee renewal.
  

Exceptional Scenarios

Golden Visa Holders

Can a sponsor’s dependents similarly start with the online DLD system? Yes, once they are in town, you register your intent with the DLD office to add them as a dependent, and that will kick off … biographies & biometrics”

Sponsor’s Visa Cancellation

If your visa is cancelled (e.g., job loss), family visas tied to yours are cancelled too, dependents must leave the UAE or transfer sponsorship within 30 days.

Important Notes

• Ensure all documents (marriage, birth certificates) are attested by UAE authorities, critical for approval
• Get comprehensive medical insurance before applying
• Apply for entry permits before arrival; delays could lead to fines
• Track income thresholds as they’re revised periodically, always confirm with ICP or GDRFA
• Be aware of grace periods to avoid penalties.
  

Costs and Fees (2026 Estimated)

Family visa costs in the UAE generally include:

• Entry permit processing
• Medical fitness test fees (if applicable)
• Emirates ID registration
• Visa stamping charges
• Health insurance premiums

Typical total costs per person range from AED 3,000 to AED 6,000+, depending on insurer, age, and medical screening results.

In Summary

FAQs

Q: What salary do I need to sponsor my family in the UAE?
A: A minimum monthly salary threshold (e.g., AED 4,000–AED 10,000+) is typically required, but this varies by emirate and employer.

Q: Can I sponsor my elderly parents?
A: Parents may be sponsored if you meet higher salary thresholds and provide adequate accommodation and insurance.

Q: How long is a family visa valid?
A: Family visas are usually valid for 2–3 years and renewable upon meeting eligibility requirements.

Q: Do dependents need health insurance?
A: Yes, health insurance is mandatory for sponsored family members in the UAE.

Q: Can I sponsor my brother or sister?
A: Typically, only spouses, children, and parents are eligible; siblings are usually not covered under standard sponsorship rules.

How Can Arnifi Help?

The sponsorship process involves providing correct documentation, securing entry permits, fulfilling medical and biometric requirements, and final stamp & renewal steps. While policy shifts can occur, the UAE government’s ICP and GDRFA portals remain the authoritative sources. Our experts at Arnifi will walk you through the process and overcome the complexity during the documentation and approvals. Get a free consultation now!