
Are you thinking about bringing your family to live with you in Dubai or another part of the UAE? Allow me to guide you through the detailed UAE family sponsorship regulations for 2025, so you can understand every step of the process. Having a clear grasp of the sponsorship requirements and procedures will help guarantee that your spouse, children, and parents are able to join you in the UAE both legally and with ease.
Additionally, I will refer to reliable and official resources such as u.ae, ICP, and GDRFA Dubai to make sure you receive accurate, up-to-date, and trustworthy information throughout the sponsorship process.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
In 2025, the UAE has made family sponsorship rules more inclusive. Here’s who can apply:
• Residents with valid UAE visas (employment, investor, Golden Visa holders).
• Minimum salary requirement: AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
• Golden Visa holders: No minimum salary requirement; they can sponsor spouses, children (no age limit), and even parents.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
• Spouse: A resident can sponsor their legally married husband or wife. Marriage certificates must be attested by the UAE Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Children: Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25 (increased from 18). Daughters can be sponsored until marriage, with no age limit. Disabled children are granted lifetime sponsorship.
• Parents: Expats can sponsor both parents together (or one, if the other is deceased) with proof of relationship. A refundable deposit and higher income threshold may apply.
• Domestic Workers: In some cases, residents may also sponsor house help under special rules.
Required Documents
When applying for family sponsorship, you’ll need:
• Passport copies of sponsor and dependents
• Passport-sized photos (white background)
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Attested birth certificates (for children)
• Tenancy contract or proof of accommodation
• Salary certificate or work contract
• Emirates ID and valid UAE residence visa of the sponsor
• Health insurance (mandatory for all dependents)
Application Process
1. Online Submission: Apply via u.ae, ICP, or GDRFA Dubai.
2. Upload Documents: Provide scanned copies of required paperwork.
3. Pay Fees: Sponsorship fees vary by visa type and emirate.
4. Medical Exam: Adults must undergo a medical fitness test.
5. Visa Issuance: Once approved, the dependent receives a residence visa and Emirates ID.
Duration & Renewal
• Family visas are typically valid for 1–2 years and renewable.
• Golden Visa holders’ dependents enjoy validity matching the sponsor’s visa (5 or 10 years).
• Renewal requires updated documents and medical tests (for adults).
FAQs
Q1: Can I sponsor my siblings?
No, siblings are not generally included under family sponsorship rules, unless under special humanitarian exemptions.
Q2: Can a mother sponsor her children?
Yes, under certain conditions and approval by ICP/GDRFA, especially if the mother meets the salary and accommodation requirements.
Q3: Is health insurance mandatory for dependents?
Yes, health insurance is compulsory in Dubai and across the UAE for all sponsored family members.
Recommendations
• Ensure all certificates are attested before arriving in the UAE.
• Always check u.ae or emirate-specific portals for latest updates.
• Plan ahead—family visa applications may take 2–4 weeks.
• Golden Visa holders should take advantage of flexible sponsorship rules for children and parents.
Conclusion
The UAE family sponsorship system in 2025 is designed to keep families together while ensuring compliance with immigration laws. Whether you’re a resident, investor, or Golden Visa holder, the UAE provides clear pathways to sponsor your loved ones. Always apply through official portals like u.ae, ICP, or GDRFA Dubai to ensure smooth processing.