Sponsoring Your Spouse and Kids in UAE: 2026 Requirements
Sponsoring your spouse and children in the UAE requires meeting 2026 salary thresholds, tenancy proofs, and health checks. Here are the updated ICP rules.
Who Can Sponsor Family in 2026
Only residents on employment, investor, or golden visas can sponsor spouses and children. The sponsor must hold a valid Emirates ID and a tenancy contract registered with Ejari or Tawtheeq. Minimum salary rules apply strictly through ICP portals.
Salary and Housing Requirements
Employed sponsors need a minimum basic salary of AED 4,000 plus accommodation allowance or provided housing. For those without housing allowance, the threshold rises to AED 10,000. Investors and property owners must prove AED 15,000 monthly income or ownership of property valued above AED 2 million.
Documents Required from You
- Valid passport copies of all family members
- Marriage certificate attested by UAE embassy and MOFA
- Birth certificates for children, similarly attested
- Tenancy contract and recent DEWA bill
- Salary certificate from employer on company letterhead
- Medical fitness results from approved DHA or DOH centres
Step-by-Step Application Process
Start by creating an ICP account and selecting family sponsorship. Upload scanned documents, pay the entry permit fee of AED 1,100 per person, then complete medical tests and Emirates ID issuance. Once the residency visa is stamped, your family receives their own Emirates IDs within 60 days.
Common Reasons for Rejection
Applications fail when salary proofs are outdated, marriage certificates lack full attestation, or housing contracts are not Ejari-registered. Always verify that your employer letter matches ICP salary records and that all children under 18 are included on one application to avoid extra fees.
Costs to Budget in 2026
Expect AED 4,500 to AED 6,000 per dependent for medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping. Insurance is mandatory and starts at AED 800 per adult annually through DHA-approved providers. Renewals follow the same salary and housing checks every two or three years depending on your own visa type.
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Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to sponsor my spouse?▾
AED 4,000 basic plus housing, or AED 10,000 without housing allowance, per ICP 2026 rules.
How long does family sponsorship take?▾
Entry permits are issued in 5-10 working days after ICP approval, followed by 30 days for medical and Emirates ID.
Can I sponsor my parents too?▾
Parents over 60 may be sponsored only if you hold a Golden Visa or earn above AED 20,000 monthly.
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