Can I Sponsor My Parents in Abu Dhabi 2026

Quick answer

Yes, you can sponsor your parents in Abu Dhabi if you hold a valid residence visa, earn at least AED 20,000 monthly, and can prove accommodation and health insurance for them. The process runs through ICP and GDRFA Abu Dhabi.

Who qualifies to sponsor parents?

Only UAE residents on skilled visas or family visas can apply. Tourists and visit-visa holders cannot sponsor. Your salary must meet the threshold set by GDRFA Abu Dhabi and you must already live in Abu Dhabi, not Dubai or another emirate.

Minimum requirements checklist

• Valid Abu Dhabi residence visa in your passport
• Minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000 (or AED 15,000 + accommodation allowance of AED 5,000)
• Proof of family relationship (birth certificate, attested and translated)
• Parents’ passports valid for at least six months
• Medical fitness test and health insurance for each parent
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) showing adequate living space

Step-by-step application process

Step 1: Get salary attestation

Have your employer issue a salary certificate stamped by MOHRE or the free-zone authority (ADGM, DMCC, IFZA etc.). This document proves you meet the income requirement.

Step 2: Book medical fitness test

Book an appointment at an Abu Dhabi-approved centre such as Al Baraha Medical Fitness Centre. Both parents must pass the test; results are valid for two months.

Step 3: Obtain health insurance

Purchase a DHA-compliant policy for each parent. Plans start around AED 7,000 per year for seniors. Keep the policy active for the entire visa period.

Step 4: Open an ICP file

Log into the ICP portal (formerly GDRFA), create a new file under “Family Residence Visa” and upload all documents. Pay the non-refundable submission fee.

Step 5: Submit biometrics and receive entry permit

Once ICP approves the file, an entry permit is issued. Your parents use it to enter the UAE within 60 days.

Step 6: Medical stamping and Emirates ID

After arrival, complete the medical stamping at the same centre, then apply for Emirates ID cards. The residence visa is stamped in their passports and linked to your own visa.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting documents attested in the wrong country order
• Using a Dubai tenancy contract when your visa is Abu Dhabi-sponsored
• Choosing health insurance without senior coverage
• Forgetting to renew your own visa before applying for your parents

Cost breakdown (verify current fees)

Expect to pay approximately AED 4,500–6,000 per parent for the first year, including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and stamping. Insurance and attestation add extra. Verify current fee with ICP before you pay.

Timeline and validity

Most complete applications finish within 4–6 weeks. The residence visa is valid for two years and must be renewed before expiry. Parents may enter and exit the UAE freely once the visa is stamped.

Tips for a smoother process

• Use a typing centre near Abu Dhabi’s ICP Amer centre; staff know the latest checklist
• Keep digital copies of every attested document on your phone
• Book medical appointments early in the week to avoid weekend queues
• If both parents are over 60, budget extra for higher insurance premiums

Can I sponsor parents if I work in Dubai but live in Abu Dhabi?

No. The visa must be issued by the same emirate where you live. If your employer is in Dubai, you must first transfer your visa to Abu Dhabi via GDRFA before sponsoring parents.

Key takeaway

Sponsoring parents in Abu Dhabi is straightforward once salary, accommodation, and insurance are in place. Start with your salary certificate and medical booking; the ICP portal does the rest. Always double-check the latest fees and rules on the official ICP website before submitting.