Once you have a UAE residence visa through your free zone or mainland company, you can sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases parents to live with you. Family sponsorship requires meeting minimum salary thresholds and providing accommodation.
Who Can You Sponsor?
Spouse (wife or husband). Children under 18 (sons up to 25 if studying, unmarried daughters of any age). Parents (with AED 20,000/month salary or additional conditions). Domestic helpers (one per family member sponsored). Step-children and adopted children with proper documentation.
Requirements
Minimum salary: AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation. Tenancy contract (Ejari) in your name. Health insurance for each dependent. Attested marriage certificate (for spouse). Attested birth certificates (for children). Security deposit per dependent.
Process & Timeline
1. Entry permit application (1-3 days). 2. Family arrives in UAE. 3. Medical fitness test (1-2 days). 4. Emirates ID application (2-3 weeks). 5. Visa stamping. Total: 2-4 weeks from start to finish. Some free zones handle the process, others require you to use GDRFA directly.
Costs
Entry permit: AED 1,000-2,000 per person. Medical test: AED 300-500 per person. Emirates ID: AED 370 per person. Visa stamping: AED 500-1,000 per person. Health insurance: AED 500-5,000/year per person. Total per dependent: AED 3,000-8,000 first year.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do I need to sponsor my family in Dubai?
Minimum AED 4,000/month, or AED 3,000/month if your employer provides accommodation. For golden visa holders, there is no minimum salary requirement for family sponsorship.
Can my spouse work on a dependent visa?
Your spouse needs their own work permit to be employed. They can get a 'No Objection Certificate' (NOC) from you as sponsor, then the employer handles the work permit. Alternatively, they can get their own freelancer/free zone license.
How much does it cost to sponsor one family member?
Budget AED 3,000-8,000 for the first year including entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, visa, and basic health insurance. Ongoing annual costs are primarily health insurance renewal (AED 500-5,000).
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