Family Sponsorship UAE – Step-by-Step Guide

Family sponsorship UAE policy permits expatriate residents to bring their family members to live with them in the country. The new family sponsorship policy in the UAE has specific requirements that must be fulfilled to be eligible for sponsoring family members. Discover all the essential details regarding it here. 

UAE New Family Sponsorship Policy

family

The new policy in the UAE allows residents to invite their family members to join them in the UAE. The resident’s parents and siblings, in addition to the resident’s spouse’s parents, are all allowed in the country.

However, the process requires a minimum monthly salary and specific supporting documents to be met. Below are some insights on the new family sponsorship rules of the UAE.

  • All newcomers above 18 years old are required to get a medical check and pass a fitness test. The test is done at specific medical centres under the umbrella of the Ministry of Health and Prevention in the UAE.
  • People who fail the medical test are not approved for the program.
  • The minimum salary for sponsoring family members is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation for male expatriates.
  • Mothers can sponsor their children if the Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship and Customs & Port Security approve them.
  • In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if approved by the authorities. Provided she meets the necessary financial and visa requirements.
  • In specific cases, the minimum salary requirement may vary, such as in Dubai. A woman can sponsor her family if her monthly salary is at least AED 4,000 in Dubai
  • The new policy has significantly reduced the minimum salary required to sponsor family members.

    Allowing residents with lower salaries to sponsor their families. This change reflects the UAE’s commitment to supporting its expatriate community and creating a more inclusive environment for families.

visa application

Requirements for Family Sponsorship UAE

To sponsor your family in the UAE, you need to have a valid residence permit or visa and meet specific financial criteria. The type of profession is no longer a condition for an expatriate worker to be able to sponsor his family visas. Here are some UAE family sponsorship information and the key points to consider:

  • Residence Visa
    • To sponsor your family, you need to have a residence visa in the UAE. Work visa sponsored by your employer or a self-sponsored visa like a Green Visa, Investor Visa, or Golden Visa.
  • Financial Criteria:
    • The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
  • Family Size:
    • The new policy allows residents to sponsor a wider range of family members, including parents and spouses’ parents without a job, subject to specific financial criteria.
  • Accommodation:
    • Sponsors must have suitable housing, such as a property with at least two bedrooms, to start the family visa application.

Documents required for Sponsoring Your Wife and Children

visa requirement

Expats in the UAE have the right to bring their families to live with them as long as they match the criteria. If males are legal residents of the UAE and match the financial criteria, they need the following documents to sponsor their families:

  1. Family sponsorship application. Which can be submitted online or in person
  2. Passport copies of the wife and children. 
  3. Photos of the wife and children.
  4. A medical clearance certificate for any invitee above 18 years old. 
  5. A copy of the husband’s job contract.
  6. Salary certificate from the employer indicating the husband’s monthly salary.
  7. Marriage certificate.

Insights on Children and Wives Sponsoring

visa applications

The process of sponsoring family members in the UAE is easy now with the new UAE family sponsorship program. Below are some insights regarding the sponsorship of the family members:

  • Second Wife:
    • Second-wife sponsorship is possible if it meets the conditions of ICP.
  • Daughters
    • A father can apply for a sponsorship for his daughter as long as she approves it. No age restrictions for female applications.
  • Sons:
    • The age of sons must be under 25 years old. Unless the son is disabled, there will be no age restraints applied to him.
  • Newborn babies:
    • The caregiver has to issue a residence visa for babies born in the UAE. The visa must be applied for within 120 days after birth, or they will face delay penalties.
  • Stepchildren:
    • Expats can sponsor their stepchildren, but they are required to have both:
    • Monthly deposit to the child.
    • Written consent from the child’s father.

Time Needed to Issue a Family Visa 

Applying the soonest a person gets in the UAE is essential due to possible delays, additional requirements, and processing times. Visa renewals that are either not renewed or filed late may incur fees. 

  • Renewal of a Residence Visa: 30 days before it expires.
  • Family member: from the entrance gate, the sponsor has 60 days to initiate the visa.
  • Newborn: within 120 days of the baby’s birth.

Eligibility for Women to Sponsor Family

government services

In the past, Women needed to occupy a profession in the medical field, teaching, engineering, and restricted careers.

In addition to a minimum monthly income of around AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 plus housing.

The following are examples of situations in which the minimum wage criterion could change:

  • If the lady passes the particular financial and visa requirements, she may sponsor her husband and children to live in Abu Dhabi. 
  • Women must possess a valid work visa.
  • A minimum monthly salary of ِAED 5,000.
  • Dubai family sponsorship regulations in Dubai defer a bit if her monthly salary is at least AED 4,000, After the approval of the immigration authority. 

 FAQ

What is the maximum number of family members that can be sponsored in the UAE?

Sponsoring parents need a minimum income of AED 10,000 per month to sponsor a maximum of five people. Up to six people may be brought in by the sponsor if their monthly salary exceeds AED 15,000

What happens if the sponsor fails to apply for the residence visa of family members within the given time limit?

Some consequences may occur when a sponsor fails to apply for a renewal of the residence visa of family members. Some general potential consequences include:

  • Penalties: Fines or restrictions on future visa applications may be applied in case of a delay in the renewal.

  • Visa Expiration: Unrenewed visas result in the expiration of the visa, eventually forcing the family member to leave the UAE.

  • Legal Issues: Failure to apply for the residence visa within the specified time frame may lead to legal issues, potentially affecting the sponsor’s residency status and future visa applications.
  • How long does it take to do the medical test for the family sponsorship application?

    As per the ICP, It takes 40 minutes to complete the medical test. And 1-2 working days to issue the report with the results of the tests. 

    What immigration can a UAE national offer for family sponsorship in Dubai?

    The nationals in UAE can grant their family members with foreign passports a 5 years residency visa.

    Finally, more family members are eligible to be sponsored, thanks to the new UAE sponsorship policy. A wider variety of family members may now join expat residents in the UAE with some financial and visa criteria in place.

    The United Arab Emirates is demonstrating its dedication to its expatriate population and its desire to foster a more welcoming atmosphere for families with this new policy. Stay tuned with all UAE-related topics on Property Finder blog.


    This Blog is made available for educational purposes only, in addition to providing you with general information and a general understanding of its content, including referenced laws and regulations, and not to provide specific legal advice. The Blog should not be used as a substitute for competent advice from a licensed professional.