UAE Family Sponsorship Visa: Spouse, Children, Parents
UAE residents who want their spouse, children or parents to live with them
Short answer
UAE residents who meet the salary threshold, commonly AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, can sponsor their spouse, children and parents for residence visas.
UAE family sponsorship lets a resident bring their spouse, children and, under certain conditions, parents to live in the country on a family residence visa. The sponsor applies through the immigration authority, which is ICP at federal level and GDRFA Dubai in Dubai. Family members then complete a medical test and receive their own Emirates ID.
Who can sponsor family in the UAE?
A UAE resident with a valid residence visa and a stable income can sponsor eligible family members. The commonly cited requirement is a monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 together with accommodation provided by the employer, though the authority can change the threshold and add conditions. Holders of long-term visas, such as the Golden Visa, can sponsor family under their own rules, usually with no minimum stay outside the country to keep the visa valid.
Which family members can be sponsored?
| Relative | Typical position | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Eligible | Marriage certificate, attested and translated |
| Children | Eligible | Birth certificates; extra rules apply by age |
| Parents | Eligible under conditions | Often a higher income or housing proof is requested |
| Other relatives | Case by case | Usually not sponsored under the standard family visa |
Age limits, the treatment of adult children and the extra conditions for parents can differ by authority and change over time, so we confirm each person's position before you start.
What are the housing and income requirements?
The authority typically asks for a tenancy contract registered in the sponsor's name or employer-provided accommodation, plus a salary certificate or labour contract and bank statements. The accommodation should suit the size of the family. If you are close to the threshold, we check whether an allowance or housing component changes your position.
What does the process look like?
- We check the sponsor's visa, income and accommodation.
- Documents are attested and translated where required.
- The entry permit or status change is requested.
- Family members take the medical test and give biometrics.
- Visas are stamped and Emirates IDs are issued.
How does DXB.IST help with family sponsorship?
We start with a free consultation to check your income, housing and the family members you want to bring. We prepare the document checklist, certificate attestations and translations, and book the appointments through government-approved typing centres. If a case is unusual, such as an income close to the limit or a parent sponsorship, licensed lawyers in our network review it. Our travel desk arranges family flights, airport transfers and hotels, and we help with school, banking and relocation basics. We are not a government body and cannot guarantee approval.
Who qualifies
- A valid UAE residence visa for the sponsor.
- Income meeting the current threshold, commonly AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
- Suitable accommodation in the sponsor's name.
- Proven family relationship with attested documents.
- Passport validity of at least six months for each family member.
- A passing medical test for each family member.
Documents you'll need
- Sponsor's passport, visa and Emirates ID
- Salary certificate or labour contract
- Tenancy contract or accommodation proof
- Bank statements, if requested
- Marriage certificate, attested and translated
- Children's birth certificates, attested and translated
- Passports and photos of family members
- Parent-specific documents, if parents are sponsored
How it works, step by step
- 1
Eligibility check
We confirm the sponsor's income, visa and housing.
- 2
Documents and attestation
We prepare and attest the family documents.
- 3
Entry permit or status change
File the application for each family member.
- 4
Medical test and biometrics
Family members complete the medical test and give biometrics.
- 5
Visa and Emirates ID
Visas are stamped and Emirates IDs issued.
City by city
Frequently asked questions
Commonly AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 with accommodation, though the authority can change this.
