The UAE has become a beacon for individuals and families seeking new opportunities and a higher quality of life. With a growing economy and a vibrant culture, Dubai is a particularly popular destination. Many expatriates come to the UAE to build their careers, and once settled, they aspire to bring their families to join them in this new chapter. However, sponsoring family members in Dubai requires meeting specific eligibility criteria. Here’s everything you need to know about the minimum salary requirements and other essential steps for sponsoring family in Dubai.
The First Step: Residency and Work Requirements
To sponsor family members in the UAE, you must be legally employed with a valid residency visa. This work permit serves as your pathway to both employment and long-term residency, allowing you to support your family in the UAE. If you plan to bring family members when traveling to Dubai for the first time, they can enter the country on a visit visa before you begin the residency visa process.
Eligibility and Minimum Salary Requirements
For expatriates seeking to sponsor family members, the UAE government has set minimum income requirements to ensure financial stability:
- Minimum Salary: To sponsor family members, an expat must earn at least AED 4,000 monthly, or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided. The stability and income criteria are designed to ensure that sponsors can provide for their dependents.
- For Parents: Sponsoring parents requires a higher salary of AED 10,000, along with additional stipulations (detailed below).
- Housing Requirement: Sponsors must have suitable housing for their family, whether renting an apartment or villa, and may need to show proof of accommodation.
Additional Sponsorship Criteria
- Medical Fitness: All sponsored family members over 18 must pass a medical fitness test, which screens for infectious diseases.
- Time Limit: Upon their family’s arrival on entry permits, residents have 60 days to apply for their dependents’ residence visas.
- Profession: Unlike previous years, an expat’s specific profession is no longer a determining factor for family sponsorship.
- Employment or Business Ownership: Expatriates must either be employed in the UAE or own a business to qualify for family sponsorship.
Specific Guidelines for Sponsoring Spouses and Children
Sponsoring a spouse or children requires meeting the financial and housing requirements outlined above. Additional requirements for various family members include:
- Sponsoring a Spouse: A marriage certificate, attested and translated into Arabic, is essential. For Muslim residents, sponsoring two wives may be permitted under certain conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
- Sponsoring Daughters: Daughters can be sponsored without an age limit, provided they are unmarried.
- Sponsoring Sons: Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25. Sons with special needs can be sponsored beyond this age without restrictions.
- Newborns: Parents must apply for a residence visa within 120 days of a child’s birth in the UAE to avoid penalties.
- Stepchildren: Expats may sponsor stepchildren by meeting specific General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) conditions, such as providing a no-objection certificate from the biological parent and placing a deposit for each child. Residence visas for stepchildren are issued for one year and are renewable.
Documents Required for Sponsoring Family Members
When applying for sponsorship, ensure you have all required documents ready for a seamless process. These typically include:
- Visa application form submitted online or at a typing center
- Passport copies and photos of the wife and children
- Medical clearance certificate for family members over 18
- Employment contract or company ownership documents
- Salary certificate from the sponsor’s employer
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
- Attested birth certificates for children
- Tenancy contract proving adequate accommodation
- Emirates ID application forms for each family member
Special Guidelines for Sponsoring Parents
Sponsoring parents in Dubai requires a minimum salary of AED 10,000 and annual medical insurance coverage for each parent. Expats must sponsor both parents unless there are specific circumstances, such as the passing of one parent or if they are divorced. Sponsorship is granted annually, with a guarantee deposit required per parent.
Applying for a Family Residence Visa
Applications for family residence visas can be submitted online through the GDRFA for Dubai residents or the ICA for residents of other emirates. Applicants can also visit the nearest Amer Centre or typing center for assistance.
Costs and Fees for Family Visas in Dubai
Visa fees in Dubai vary based on the visa type and duration. The standard fees include:
- Residence permit fee: AED 200
- Knowledge fee: AED 10
- Innovation fee: AED 10
- In-country processing fee: AED 500
- Delivery fee: AED 20
Other fees, such as eChannel service fees and application fees, apply per ICP guidelines. The medical test, necessary for applicants over 18, typically costs AED 260 to AED 360 based on the category of employment.
Medical Test and Emirates ID
Family members over 18 must pass a medical fitness test to proceed with the residency application. After passing the medical test, applicants can apply for their Emirates ID—a vital identification card required for all UAE residents.
Renewing Family Residence Visas
Family residence visas are generally valid for one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa status. The renewal process mirrors the initial application, and starting early can prevent fines for overstaying. Staying updated on UAE visa regulations is essential to ensure a smooth process.
A New Life for Families in Dubai
The UAE is more than just a place to work—it’s a home for those looking to build a fulfilling life with their families. By understanding and meeting the sponsorship requirements, expatriates can bring their loved ones to share in the opportunities and experiences that Dubai has to offer. Whether starting a family or reuniting with loved ones, the UAE offers a welcoming home where families can thrive.
