How to Sponsor Your Family on a UAE Residence Visa

Who Can Sponsor Family Members in 2026

Only UAE residents on employment or investor visas who meet the salary requirement can sponsor family. The sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 per month with accommodation provided, or AED 5,000 without accommodation. This rule applies across the mainland and most free zones. Golden Visa holders follow the same income threshold.

Eligible Family Members

You can sponsor your spouse, sons up to age 18, and unmarried daughters of any age. Sons aged 18 to 21 may qualify if they are full-time students and provide proof of enrollment. Parents can be sponsored only in exceptional medical cases approved by the relevant health authority.

Documents You Need

• Valid passport copies for each family member
• Marriage certificate attested by the UAE embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Birth certificates for children, similarly attested
• Medical fitness certificates from an approved UAE center
• Emirates ID application forms and passport photos
• Salary certificate or contract stamped by MOHRE
• Tenancy contract or property title in the sponsor's name

Step-by-Step Application Process

First, obtain entry permits for each family member through ICP or your Amer service center. Once they enter the UAE, schedule medical tests and Emirates ID biometrics within 60 days. Submit the residence visa application online or in person. Processing usually takes 3 to 7 working days after biometrics. Pay the fees: AED 1,000 for the entry permit, AED 300 for the medical test, and AED 100 for the Emirates ID per person, plus AED 600 for the visa stamp if the duration is two years.

Renewal and Validity Rules

Family residence visas are typically valid for two years and tied to the sponsor's visa. Renew at least 30 days before expiry through ICP. If the sponsor changes jobs, the family visas must be cancelled and reapplied under the new sponsor. Children turning 18 must either obtain their own visa or leave unless they qualify as students.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many expats forget to attest documents overseas, which delays the process by weeks. Others apply without a valid tenancy contract, causing automatic rejection. Always confirm the latest fee list on the ICP portal before payment, as small changes occur yearly.

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Got more UAE questions?

Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →