Sponsoring Your Spouse and Kids in UAE: 2026 Requirements
Spouse and family sponsorship needs minimum AED 4,000-10,000 salary, tenancy contract, and Emirates ID. Here is the 2026 requirement set.
Quick answer
Sponsoring a spouse and children in the UAE requires a minimum salary of AED 4,000 for spouses and AED 4,000 per child in 2026, plus a valid tenancy contract and Emirates ID. Free zone employees need AED 10,000 monthly salary. Authorities require Form 1, Emirates ID copies, passport copies, and medical fitness certificates. Processing takes 2-4 weeks through ICP or GDRFA portals. Medical tests and Emirates ID issuance cost AED 1,100-1,500 per person.
Salary and income requirements for 2026
Minimum salary thresholds differ by employer type. Mainland and free-zone employees must show AED 4,000 monthly basic salary to sponsor a spouse. Each child requires an additional AED 4,000. Free zone employees need AED 10,000 monthly salary to sponsor family members. Bank statements for the previous three months must accompany the application.
Salary proof documents
- Salary certificate issued by HR on company letterhead
- Bank statements covering last three months
- Labour contract showing basic salary breakdown
- MOL or MOHRE approval letter for mainland employees
Required documents checklist
Submit these documents through the ICP app or GDRFA portal. All foreign documents require attestation from the UAE embassy in the country of issue.
Common documents for spouse and children
- Completed Form 1 from ICP website
- Valid passport copies with 6-month validity
- Emirates ID copy of sponsor
- Valid tenancy contract or property title deed
- Medical fitness certificate from approved centres
- Passport-size photos with white background
- Marriage certificate for spouse (attested)
- Birth certificates for children (attested)
Application process step-by-step
Log into the ICP app or visit a typing centre. Select "Family Sponsorship" under Visa Services. Fill Form 1, attach scanned documents, and pay fees online. Send originals to ICP or GDRFA after approval. After entry permit approval, family members enter the UAE and convert to residence visas.
Fees and costs in 2026
Entry permit fee is AED 300 per person. Residence visa stamping fee is AED 300. Medical fitness test costs AED 300-500. Emirates ID fee is AED 370 for 2-year validity. Insurance coverage is mandatory and costs AED 700-1,200 per person. Typing centre fees range from AED 150-250.
Medical fitness and Emirates ID steps
Book medical fitness appointments through the DHA or MOHAP app. Tests include HIV, hepatitis, tuberculosis, and pregnancy for women. Results arrive in 2-3 days. Collect the certificate and submit it to ICP for residence visa stamping. After stamping, book an Emirates ID appointment through the ICP app.
FAQs
How long does family sponsorship take in 2026?
End-to-end processing takes 2-4 weeks once all documents are submitted correctly. Free-zone applications may take 5 days extra due to additional approvals.
Can I sponsor my parents in the UAE?
Parents require a minimum salary of AED 20,000 and a 3-bedroom accommodation proof. Applications go through ICP under "Parents Sponsorship" category.
Can children above 18 years still be sponsored?
Children over 18 need full-time student status or a job offer from a UAE company. Sons require approval from MOHRE before sponsorship.
Can female sponsors bring their families?
Female employees earning AED 10,000 or more can sponsor spouses and children. Female doctors, teachers, and engineers are exempt from the salary threshold.
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