If you live and work in the UAE — whether in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or any other emirate — you may be eligible to sponsor your immediate family to live with you. Family sponsorship allows your spouse, children and, under certain conditions, your parents to obtain residence visas based on your status, income, and accommodation.
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At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP we help expatriates, investors, and professionals navigate the sponsorship process across the UAE, ensuring they meet all legal requirements and succeed in reuniting their families seamlessly. And in this article we will discuss about family sponsorship in the UAE including eligibility, costs, timeline etc.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members
- You must hold a valid UAE residence permit (work visa, investor visa, or other legal residency).
- Your residence permit must have sufficient validity remaining before you apply.
- You need to meet the minimum salary and housing requirements established by the immigration authorities of the relevant emirate (e.g., Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah).
It’s no longer necessary to belong to a particular job title or profession — as long as income and housing requirements are met, you can sponsor your family.
Key Requirements: Salary, Housing, Documentation
Monthly Income & Salary Threshold
- To sponsor spouse and children, your minimum monthly salary should typically be AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer‑provided accommodation.
- For sponsoring parents (or other senior dependents), significantly higher income and financial capacity is usually required.
- These income thresholds apply across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah and other Emirates, though exact rules may vary slightly depending on the emirate.
Housing / Accommodation Proof
You must provide proof of suitable accommodation in the UAE. This usually means a tenancy contract or property ownership, formally registered under the laws of the emirate (for example, “Ejari” in Dubai or equivalent in other Emirates).
Shared accommodation or a studio apartment may not qualify. Authorities expect a minimum standard — e.g. a one-bedroom apartment for a spouse, larger for families with children.
Required Documents
To apply for family sponsorship, you typically need:
- Sponsor’s residence visa copy, passport, and Emirates ID
- Proof of income: employment contract or salary certificate
- Tenancy contract or property ownership proof (as per emirate’s law)
- For spouse: attested marriage certificate (translated into Arabic or English if required)
- For children: attested birth certificate
- Passport copies and photos of family members being sponsored
- For adult dependents (over 18): medical fitness test clearance from an approved health centre
For some categories — e.g. sponsoring parents or step‑children — additional requirements or conditions may apply.
Who You Can Sponsor
Spouse
As long as you meet salary and housing requirements and provide an attested marriage certificate, you may sponsor your spouse regardless of gender. Both husband and wife can act as sponsor (subject to local rules).
Children
- Sons can generally be sponsored until age 18.
- In many Emirates, if a son is studying (in UAE or abroad), sponsorship may continue up to age 21–25 (depending on emirate’s rule).
- Daughters can be sponsored (usually as long as they remain unmarried).
There are often provisions for children with special needs to remain sponsored regardless of age.
Parents (and sometimes In‑laws)
Sponsoring parents is allowed under certain conditions. Typically higher salary thresholds, proof of sole financial responsibility, and suitable accommodation are necessary.
Rules for parent sponsorship may vary between Emirates (e.g. Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah), and additional documentation may be required.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process
1. Confirm Eligibility
Ensure your residence visa is valid and active. Check that your salary and housing meet the requirements set by the immigration authority of your emirate (Dubai: General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — GDRFA; Abu Dhabi: Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship — ICA/ICP; or equivalent authority in Sharjah).
2. Gather Required Documents
Collect all necessary paperwork: passports, Emirates ID, employment contract, salary certificate, tenancy contract or ownership proof, marriage certificate, birth certificates, photos, etc.
3. Entry Permit or Status Change
Depending on whether your family member is outside UAE or already inside (on entry stamp / tourist visa), apply for an entry permit or status adjustment for residence visa.
4. Medical Fitness Test & Insurance
Family members over 18 need to pass a medical fitness test at an approved centre. Also, secure adequate health insurance cover for sponsored dependents.
5. Visa Stamping & Emirates ID Registration
Once approved, complete visa stamping, submit documents to the immigration authority, and register for Emirates ID for each family member.
6. Renewal & Validity
Family residence visas are usually issued for 1–3 years (depending on emirate and sponsor’s visa). Renewals follow similar requirements. If the sponsor’s residency ends or gets cancelled, dependent visas also become invalid and must be cancelled or renewed under a new sponsor.
Medical Fitness Requirements for Family Sponsorship
All adult family members applying for a UAE residence visa must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized health center in the UAE. This includes tests for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV. Passing this medical check is mandatory in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates. Children under the age of 18 are usually exempt from the medical test, but their vaccination records may be reviewed. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP guides families to certified medical centers and ensures all paperwork is correctly submitted, reducing delays in visa approval.
Health Insurance for Sponsored Family Members
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in the UAE, including sponsored family members. In Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, insurance policies must meet the minimum coverage requirements set by local authorities. Sponsors must provide proof of insurance during the visa application process. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP assists families in selecting comprehensive, compliant health insurance plans, ensuring your dependents have access to top-quality medical care across all Emirates.
Sponsorship Rules for Children and Dependents
Children under 18 can be sponsored by either parent, but regulations differ slightly across Emirates. Sons can generally remain sponsored until the age of 18, extendable up to 21 or 25 if they are studying. Daughters can be sponsored until marriage. Families with children who have special needs may be eligible for extended sponsorship. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP provides tailored advice for families, ensuring compliance with Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah rules while maximizing eligibility for extended sponsorship.
Sponsoring Parents and Elderly Family Members
UAE residents can sponsor parents if they meet certain income and accommodation requirements. Sponsors must show the ability to financially support elderly dependents. This process requires detailed documentation, including proof of relationship and residence. Rules vary between Emirates, so professional legal guidance is crucial. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP has extensive experience helping expatriates in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah successfully sponsor parents, ensuring all legal requirements are fulfilled.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During Family Sponsorship
Several mistakes can delay or block family sponsorship applications in the UAE:
- Incomplete or incorrectly attested documents.
- Submitting tenancy contracts not registered under the relevant Emirate law (Ejari in Dubai).
- Failing to meet the minimum salary or accommodation criteria.
- Neglecting medical fitness or health insurance requirements.
- Ignoring emirate-specific regulations (Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs Sharjah).
Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP reviews every document, checks all requirements, and ensures applications are submitted correctly, reducing the risk of rejection.
Renewal of Family Residence Visas
Family residence visas in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other Emirates are usually valid for one to three years. Renewal requires the sponsor to maintain valid residency, meet income requirements, and continue providing suitable accommodation. Renewals also include updated medical tests for adult dependents. Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP ensures timely renewal of visas, keeping your family’s residency uninterrupted and fully compliant with UAE immigration laws.
Important Considerations & Common Challenges
- Income consistency: Authorities may scrutinize bank statements and salary slips, especially if bonuses or allowances are variable.
- Accommodation standard: Studio apartments or shared/multiple-tenant housing may get rejected. Always ensure tenancy/ownership proof is properly registered.
- Document attestation: Marriage and birth certificates must be attested (in many cases both by home-country authorities and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs) and translated if not in English/Arabic.
- Medical fitness & health conditions: Some health conditions may disqualify a candidate; all adults must undergo medical screening. Gulf News+1
- Sponsor’s visa validity: If the sponsor’s visa expires or gets cancelled, dependent visas get invalidated. Plan renewals proactively.
Given the complexity and frequent updates in law and regulations, it is highly advisable to consult legal experts or specialized law firms like ours for accurate guidance and support.
Why Legal Guidance is Important: How Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP Helps
Navigating family sponsorship in the UAE can be challenging due to evolving regulations, varying emirate‑specific requirements, and detailed documentation. At Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP we provide:
- Expert advice tailored to your emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.)
- Full review of your documentation to meet legal and administrative standards
- Assistance with application submission, attestation, medical screening and Emirates ID registration
- Strategic planning for long‑term residency, renewals, and family size growth
- Timely updates on immigration policy changes
With professional legal support, families can avoid rejection, delays, and unforeseen complications.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary required to sponsor my spouse and children in Dubai or Abu Dhabi?
You generally need a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
Can I sponsor my parents?
Yes — but parent sponsorship typically requires higher income, proof of financial dependence, and suitable housing. Rules may vary by emirate.
What documents are required to sponsor spouse or children?
Commonly required documents include: attested marriage/birth certificates, sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID, valid tenancy contract or property ownership proof, employment contract or salary certificate, and passport copies + photos of dependents. Adult dependents must also pass a medical fitness test.
What happens if my residence visa expires or is cancelled?
Dependent visas linked to your residency will also become invalid. You must either renew your residency or cancel dependent visas. Dependents may get a grace period for visa renewal.
Has the profession requirement to sponsor family been removed?
Yes. As long as you meet the minimum salary and housing requirements, your job title or profession generally does not matter.
If you are ready to begin the process of family sponsorship or want a detailed eligibility assessment, contact Dewey & LeBoeuf LLP today.
We will take care of everything — from document review to visa stamping — so you and your loved ones can enjoy a stable life in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other emirate. Let us help you reunite your family with peace of mind.
E-mail: info@deweyleboeuf.com
Phone: +971 58 690 9684
Address: 26B Street, Mirdif, Dubai, UAE