How to Sponsor Your Family in the UAE

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is one of the most popular destinations for expatriates worldwide, especially those seeking better job opportunities and a high standard of living. With millions of foreigners living and working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates, family sponsorship is a vital topic for many residents who want their loved ones to join them.

This detailed guide will walk you through the family sponsorship process in the UAE, including eligibility criteria, required documents, application steps, visa fees, and tips to make your application successful in 2025.

Table of Contents

1. Who Can Sponsor Their Family in the UAE?

2. Who Can Be Sponsored Under a Family Visa?

3. Family Visa Types and Validity

4. Minimum Salary Requirements

5. Required Documents for Family Sponsorship

6. Step-by-Step Family Visa Application Process

7. Medical Fitness Test for Family Members

8. Emirates ID and Health Insurance

9. Family Visa Renewal and Cancellation

10. Common Questions and Practical Tips

11. Final Thoughts

1. Who Can Sponsor Their Family in the UAE?

To sponsor your family in the UAE, you must meet specific conditions. Both residents (expatriates) and UAE citizens can sponsor their immediate family members, but in this article, we’ll focus on the expat resident sponsorship process.

 Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors:

• Must be a UAE resident with a valid residence visa.

• Must meet minimum salary requirements.

• Can be employed in the private or public sector, or a business owner (investor visa holders can also sponsor family).

• Must provide suitable accommodation (Ejari registered).

• For male sponsors, employment in almost any profession is accepted (as per latest updates).

• Female sponsors may have additional conditions (covered below).

2. Who Can Be Sponsored Under a Family Visa?

You can sponsor the following family members:

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 Immediate Family Members:

• Wife

• Children (sons up to 25 years, daughters until marriage)

• Parents (under specific conditions)

• Stepchildren (with legal proof)

• Newborn children born in the UAE (must be sponsored within 120 days)

3. Family Visa Types and Validity

Family visas in the UAE are residence visas valid for:

• 1 year

• 2 years

• 3 years

• 5 years (in special cases, like for property owners)

The validity depends on the sponsor’s visa type and contract duration.

4. Minimum Salary Requirements (2025 Update)

💰 General Salary Requirements:

• AED 4,000 per month OR

• AED 3,000 per month + accommodation

For sponsoring parents, the salary requirement is AED 20,000/month or proof of being their sole supporter.

👩 Female Sponsors:

Women can sponsor their husband and children under special conditions:

• Must earn AED 10,000/month or AED 8,000 + accommodation.

• Should work in certain professions such as engineering, education, or healthcare (subject to approval).

5. Required Documents for Family Sponsorship

Here’s what you’ll need to prepare:

📄 For Sponsoring a Spouse and Children:

• Copy of sponsor’s passport + residence visa

• Copy of family member’s passport

• Passport-sized photo (white background)

• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)

• Attested birth certificates (for children)

• Medical fitness certificate (for adults)

• Tenancy contract (Ejari)

• Salary certificate or labor contract

• Bank statement (3–6 months)

• Emirates ID of sponsor

All official documents from outside the UAE must be attested by the UAE Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

6. Step-by-Step Family Visa Application Process

🧾 Step 1: Apply for Entry Permit

• Apply online via the GDRFA portal, Amer centers, or Tasjeel typing centers.

• Can be done inside or outside the UAE.

🏥 Step 2: Medical Fitness Test (for adults only)

• Required for all family members 18 years and older.

• Blood test + chest X-ray (to check for HIV, TB, etc.)

🆔 Step 3: Emirates ID Registration

• Visit ICP centers with your Emirates ID application form.

• Fingerprinting required for applicants 15 years or older.

📑 Step 4: Health Insurance (Mandatory)

• Health insurance is required for the visa stamping process.

• Insurance packages vary by emirate and provider.

🛂 Step 5: Residence Visa Stamping

• Submit all documents for visa stamping on the passport.

• Done via GDRFA or authorized centers.

7. Medical Fitness Test for Family Members

This test is mandatory for:

• All adults (18 years and above)

• First-time applicants

• Visa renewals

You must visit an approved government health center and take:

• Blood test

• Chest X-ray

If found medically unfit, the visa will be rejected.

8. Emirates ID and Health Insurance

📇 Emirates ID:

• Biometric capture and ID issuance by ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security).

• This card is mandatory for all UAE residents and required for everything from opening a bank account to renting a property.

🏥 Health Insurance:

• Mandatory in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.

• Plans range from AED 700 to AED 5,000+ per person depending on coverage.

9. Family Visa Renewal and Cancellation

🔄 Renewal:

• Must renew before expiry to avoid fines.

• Requires same steps: medical fitness test, insurance, Emirates ID renewal.

• Grace period of 30 days after visa expiry.

❌ Cancellation:

• If you leave the UAE permanently, or your sponsor visa is canceled, dependent visas must also be canceled.

• Can be done at typing centers or online.

10. Common Questions and Practical Tips

❓ Can I sponsor more than one wife?

No, only one wife can be sponsored unless the marriage is legally permitted and documented in your home country and recognized in UAE law.

❓ Can I sponsor my parents?

Yes, but only if you are their sole provider and meet a higher salary threshold (AED 20,000/month). You must also provide:

• A two-bedroom Ejari

• Medical insurance

❓ How long does the family visa process take?

Usually 10–15 working days, but may vary by emirate.

✅ Tips:

• Translate and attest all documents before arriving in UAE.

• Apply early to avoid overstaying fines.

• Keep backup copies of all forms and receipts.

• Visit an Amer or Tasheel center for assistance if you’re confused.

11. Final Thoughts

Bringing your family to the UAE is a wonderful step toward building a balanced and stable life. With proper documentation, understanding of requirements, and timely actions, the family sponsorship process is smooth and achievable. Dubai and other emirates offer world-class facilities for families — from schools and hospitals to parks and shopping malls.

Whether you’re a new expat or a long-term resident, this guide ensures you’re well-prepared to start the process of sponsoring your loved ones and creating a fulfilling life in the Emirates.