Family Residency in Dubai: Sponsoring Spouse, Children and Parents
From first enquiry to handover, and beyond
A UAE resident who meets the salary and housing condition can sponsor a spouse, unmarried daughters, sons up to 25 and children with special needs. The steps are an entry visa, a medical test for adults, then the residence visa and Emirates ID.
Last updated 2026-11-09Who can sponsor and who can be sponsored
The process
- 1
Entry visa
The sponsor applies for the entry visa. An entry visa lets the family member stay 60 days from the date of entry until the residency requirements are met.
- 2
Medical test
Family members aged 18 and over must pass a medical fitness test at an approved centre in the UAE.
- 3
Residence visa and Emirates ID
Apply for the residence visa and the Emirates ID card. The Emirates ID application receipt is part of the residence visa documents.
Documents
Entry visa
- Personal photo
- Passport copy valid for at least 6 months
- Sponsor's employment contract
- Salary certificate for government, semi-government and free-zone employees
- Attested birth certificate
- Certified marriage contract
- No-objection from the father if the sponsor is the wife
Residence visa
- Recent coloured personal photo with a white background
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID application receipt
- Certified housing lease contract or proof of owning a residence
- Sponsor's passport copy with a valid residence permit
- Sponsor's job contract
- Medical fitness certificate for dependents above 18
- Entry permit
- Attested birth certificate for children
- Medical insurance or health card
Renewal
- Recent coloured personal photo with a white background
- Passport copy
- Medical examination approval if the person is over 18
Costs and timeline
Official government fees are shown on this page. For the cost of our services, request a quote.
Frequently asked questions
Who can I sponsor?
A resident can sponsor a spouse, unmarried daughters, sons under 25 and children with special needs.
What salary do I need?
A minimum salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Do my family members need a medical test?
Family members aged 18 and over must pass a medical fitness test at an approved centre in the UAE.
How long can my family stay while the visa is processed?
An entry visa lets the family member stay 60 days from the date of entry until the residency requirements are met.
What happens if I cancel my visa?
A dependent's residence visa cannot run beyond the sponsor's. If the sponsor's visa is cancelled, the dependents' visas must be cancelled too.