Bringing Family to Dubai? Your Essential Visa Sponsorship Steps
April 16, 2025
Copy Link
Sources
36
Show Sources in Text
Gulfmigration Grc
Arabianbusiness
Adhrb
Sciencespo
Hir Harvard
Acs Edu
Blog Remitly
Webapps Ilo
Publishingindia
Hrpub
Feibv
U
Imidaily
Adtt Dct Gov
En Wikipedia
Globoprime
Sheikhmohammed
Refworld
Gulfmigration Grc
Gdrfad Gov
Buy-dubai
Meplaw
Hlbhamt
Gulfmigration Grc
Trenchlaw
Icp Gov
U
Mobile Stevieawards
Infibiz
Amercenter
Travelobiz
Migrationpolicy Unescwa
Altawakkal
Theurbannest
Mydubaiproperties
U
Thinking about bringing your spouse, kids, or even parents to join you in the vibrant city of Dubai? It's a wonderful goal, reuniting with loved ones in this dynamic emirate. While the UAE government supports family reunification, sponsoring dependents isn't just a simple sign-up; it requires careful planning and understanding the rules 
[25]. You'll need to meet specific eligibility criteria, particularly around your salary and housing, and gather correctly prepared documents – especially those needing official attestation 
[12]
[14]
[18]. This guide is here to give you practical, step-by-step advice based on current regulations, helping you navigate the sponsorship process smoothly for 2025 and beyond. We'll cover checking if you're eligible, who you can sponsor, the critical document attestation process, the application steps, and how to handle common hiccups.
Can You Sponsor? Checking Your Eligibility as a Sponsor
First things first, your own status as the sponsor is the foundation of the entire process [25]. The UAE authorities need assurance that you can financially support your family members. The key requirement is your minimum monthly salary. Good news – recent rules have simplified things a bit. Generally, expatriate residents can sponsor their immediate family (spouse and children) if they earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month if their employer provides accommodation 
[2]
[29]
[8]
[30]
[34]. This applies regardless of your specific job title, a change from older profession-based rules [2][29][8]. You'll typically prove this with an official salary certificate from your employer (often in the MOHRE format) or your attested employment contract [2]
[5]
[10]
[21]. If you're an investor or partner, the requirements might differ, potentially involving proof of partnership value 
[1].
Beyond salary, you must demonstrate you have suitable housing for your family [29][25]. The standard proof is a valid Ejari certificate – that's your tenancy contract officially registered in Dubai, and it must be in your name [5]
[7]
[31]. While there isn't always a strict minimum apartment size enforced for sponsoring a spouse or child, the accommodation needs to be considered adequate [29][10]
[11]. If your company provides your housing, you'll need an official letter from them confirming the arrangement instead of an Ejari [25]. And naturally, you, the sponsor, must hold a valid UAE residence visa throughout the process [2][29][8]
[15].
Who Can You Sponsor? Understanding Dependent Eligibility
Once you've confirmed your own eligibility, let's look at who you can bring over. For your spouse, you'll need to prove you are legally married using an attested marriage certificate, which might need translation into Arabic if issued elsewhere [2]
[4][10][12][15][21]. It's important to know that the UAE does not recognize same-sex marriages for visa purposes 
[3]. Muslim residents might be able to sponsor two wives under specific conditions set by the authorities [2][15]
[17]
[20].
When it comes to children, sons can generally be sponsored up until they turn 25 years old, an update from previous lower age limits [1][2][3][20]. An exception exists for sons with special needs ('sons of determination'), who have no age limit for sponsorship [2][3][15]. Daughters can be sponsored regardless of their age, as long as they remain unmarried [2][3][15][17]
[35][20]. If you have a baby born inside the UAE, you must apply for their residence visa within 120 days of birth to avoid fines [2][3][34][20]. Sponsoring stepchildren is also possible but usually requires extra steps like a deposit and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the biological parent, potentially with an annually renewed visa [17][34]. The core proof for sponsoring children is their attested birth certificates, translated if needed [1][4][5][10][21].
Sponsoring parents comes with stricter rules. You'll likely need a significantly higher minimum salary – often cited around AED 20,000 per month (or AED 19,000 plus accommodation), though some sources mention lower figures, so always verify with GDRFA/ICP [5][7][15][29][20]. You must sponsor both parents together, unless one has passed away or they are divorced, requiring official proof [2][7]. A crucial piece is proving you are their sole support, usually via an affidavit from your home country's consulate here, attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) [7]. A deposit per parent might also be needed [3][15]. Often, a minimum two-bedroom apartment (proven by Ejari) is required [5]. Furthermore, mandatory health insurance with specific coverage must be arranged and renewed annually for each parent [2][5][29][7][34]. Parent visas are typically issued for only one year at a time, regardless of how long your own visa is valid [2][29][8].
The Crucial Step: Document Attestation & Proving Your Case
Okay, let's talk about one of the most critical, and sometimes frustrating, parts: document attestation. Why is it so vital? Because it's the official process of legally validating your foreign documents, like marriage and birth certificates, so UAE authorities accept them [12][14][18]
[22]. Simply having the original certificate isn't enough; skipping the proper attestation steps is a common reason for visa application rejection [11]
[16]. Think of it as getting your documents officially stamped for international recognition [12][14][18][22].
The attestation journey usually involves multiple steps across two countries [14][18]
[33]
[23]. First, your document needs verification by relevant authorities back in its country of origin – this could involve local departments and finally the Ministry of Foreign Affairs there [14][18][33]. Second, the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that home country must attest the document, confirming the home country's stamps are legit [14][18][33]
[24]. The final step happens inside the UAE: you must get the document attested by the UAE's own Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) 
[6][12][14][18][23][24]. Honestly, this multi-stage process can be time-consuming and feel complex, so starting early is key [14]. Often, after MOFA attestation here, you'll also need to get the document legally translated into Arabic [2][6][12][17]. These attested documents are essentially your 'consanguinity proof' – the official evidence of your family relationship [12][22].
Beyond proving relationships, you need solid proof of your financial standing and housing. Your salary is usually verified via an official Salary Certificate or your Attested Labour Contract registered with MOHRE [1][5][10][15][21][20]. Sometimes, especially for investors or if authorities request it, recent bank statements showing salary deposits might be needed [7][11][15][17][35]. For housing, the primary proof is that Ejari certificate in your name [4][5][29][10][15][21][31]. You might also be asked for a recent utility bill (like DEWA) for the same address as backup [5][10][21][31]. If you live in company housing, you'll need that official letter instead [25], and if you own your property, the title deed is required [15].
The Application Roadmap: Step-by-Step Guide for Sponsors
Alright, you've confirmed eligibility and gathered your attested documents. Now, how does the actual application process work? It generally happens in two main phases: first, getting an Entry Permit for your dependent, and second, completing the necessary procedures once they are in the UAE (or if they're already here) – think medical tests, Emirates ID, and the final visa stamping [5][10][11][31].
Step 1: Apply for Entry Permit (Residence Visa)
This permit is what allows your family member to enter the UAE for residency, or if they're already here on a visit visa, it lets them change their status without leaving [1]. You can usually apply online through the GDRFA Dubai website or app (using your UAE Pass) or visit an authorized Amer center or typing center [1][3][29][21]. You'll need copies of your own ID/passport/visa, your dependent's passport and photo, those crucial attested marriage/birth certificates, your salary proof, and your Ejari or housing proof [1][2][5][29][10][21]. If a mother is sponsoring, an NOC from the father is typically required [1][6]
[13][35]. Fees apply, varying slightly if the dependent is inside or outside the UAE, so check the current rates [1][5][30]. Processing usually takes a few working days [31].
Step 2: Dependent Enters UAE / Status Change
If your dependent was outside, they'll use the entry permit to come into the country. If they were already inside on a visit or tourist visa, you'll apply for an "in-country status change" once the entry permit is approved [10]. This avoids the need for them to exit and re-enter, but there's a fee for it [29]. Here's the important part: you have 60 days from their entry (or from the permit issue date if they were already inside) to complete all the remaining steps [2][29][8][15][17].
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Anyone aged 18 or over being sponsored needs to pass a medical fitness test [2][3][8][10][34]. This checks for certain communicable diseases like HIV and Tuberculosis (TB) [3][24]. Unfortunately, testing positive for HIV or active TB means residency won't be granted [2][8][24]. Those with inactive TB might get a conditional one-year visa with required treatment follow-up [2][8]. These tests must be done at government-approved medical centers, like those run by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) [2][8][20]. Fees depend on how quickly you need the results, with standard options usually taking a couple of days [5][30][20][31].
Step 4: Emirates ID Application
Every single resident, including babies, needs an Emirates ID card [29][13]. You apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or a typing center [5][13][31]. For dependents aged 15 and up, biometrics (fingerprints and photo) are required at an ICP center [13]. Often, you can bundle the medical and Emirates ID applications together [10]. Fees depend on the visa duration requested [5][30].
Step 5: Arrange Mandatory Health Insurance
Step 6: Residence Visa Stamping
This is the finish line! Once you have the entry permit, passed medical results, the Emirates ID application receipt, and proof of health insurance, you submit everything to GDRFA [5][10][11][13][31]
[26]. They will then stamp the residence visa sticker into your dependent's passport. Fees apply for this final stamping [5][30][29]. The visa validity is usually linked to your own visa's duration (unless it's for parents, which is annual) [2][8][13][17]. If everything goes smoothly, the whole process from entry permit to stamping can take roughly 7-14 working days [31].
Avoiding Pitfalls: Common Challenges & Special Cases
While the process is designed to work, applications can sometimes hit roadblocks or get rejected. Knowing the common issues can help you avoid them. The most frequent culprit? Errors with document attestation – missing stamps, incorrect procedures, you name it [11][16]. Another big one is failing to meet the minimum salary or providing inadequate proof, or issues with housing proof like an invalid Ejari 
[9]
[28][11]. Simple mistakes on the application form, like typos in names or passport numbers, can also cause delays or rejection [9]
[36]
[27]
[32].
Other potential issues include failing the medical test [2][8][9], having unresolved immigration history like previous overstays or bans [9]
[19][36][32][28], or security flags related to criminal records [9][36][32][28]. If your application is rejected, the first step is to understand exactly why. You can inquire through official channels like GDRFA or Amer centers [27]. If it's a correctable error (like missing paperwork), you can usually fix the issue and reapply, though you'll have to pay the fees again [27][28]. Formal appeals are less common for family visas; reapplication is the standard route [27].
Let's spotlight a couple of specific situations. For women sponsoring their families, it's wise to double-check the current salary and profession requirements directly with GDRFA/ICP, as rules can evolve [2][8][4][35][5][15][30][17]. An NOC from the husband might be needed, and specific court documents are required for divorced or single mothers [4][6][13][35]. Sponsoring parents remains challenging due to the high salary threshold (around AED 20k), the need to prove you're their sole support via an attested affidavit, the typical requirement for a two-bedroom Ejari, mandatory annual insurance, and the yearly visa renewal [5][7][15][2][29][8][34]. Preparation and accuracy are your best allies in preventing delays and denials when bringing your family to Dubai. Always rely on official sources like GDRFA, ICP, and MOFA, and use authorized centers like Amer for applications and questions.
Try It for Free