Who Can You Sponsor?
UAE residents with a valid residency visa can sponsor their immediate family members for UAE residency:
Spouse (Husband/Wife)
- Both husband and wife can sponsor a spouse in the UAE
- Minimum salary requirement for male sponsor: AED 4,000/month (AED 3,000 + accommodation or AED 4,000 all-inclusive)
- Female sponsors: typically AED 10,000/month in some categories
- A valid tenancy contract (Ejari) in the sponsor's name is required
Children
- Children under 18 years old (boys and girls)
- Sons: sponsorship ends at 18 unless enrolled in full-time UAE university
- Daughters: can be sponsored regardless of age if unmarried and financially dependent
- Children over 18 in UAE university can continue to be sponsored (annual renewal)
Parents
- Either parent (mother or father) can be sponsored
- Minimum sponsor salary: AED 20,000/month (strict requirement)
- Alternative: proof of sufficient financial means
- Entry permit and residency visa issued — same process as spouse visa
What Documents Are Required?
For the Sponsor
- Valid UAE residency visa (stamped in passport)
- Emirates ID
- Valid Ejari tenancy contract
- Salary certificate (from employer) or trade license (for business owners)
- Recent bank statements (3 months)
- Marriage certificate (MOFA-attested, for spouse sponsorship)
For the Sponsored Family Member
- Passport (valid 6+ months)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Birth certificate (attested, for children)
- Marriage certificate (attested, for spouse)
All foreign documents must be attested by the issuing country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then by the UAE Embassy in that country, then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). We manage the full attestation chain.
Process
Step 1 — Document Attestation
All non-UAE documents (marriage certificate, birth certificates) must be attested before the visa application. We manage this through our document attestation service — typically 5–15 business days depending on the country.
Step 2 — Entry Permit
We apply for a family entry permit through the GDRFA portal. The family member can enter the UAE on this permit.
Step 3 — Medical Fitness
All family visa applicants over 18 must complete a medical fitness test in the UAE. Children under 18 are exempt from the medical test.
Step 4 — Emirates ID
After medical clearance, family members enroll for their Emirates ID at an ICP center. Emirates ID is typically ready within 7–10 working days.
Step 5 — Visa Stamping
The family residency visa is stamped in each family member's passport, completing the process.
Total timeline: 15–25 working days (including attestation)
Family Visa Duration & Renewal
- Family visas are linked to the sponsor's visa duration — typically 2–3 years
- All family visas renew when the sponsor's visa renews
- We manage renewals and send reminders at 60, 30, and 14 days before expiry
What If My Salary Doesn't Meet the Minimum?
If your monthly salary is below the minimum sponsorship threshold:
- Option 1: Open a joint or family account demonstrating sufficient savings
- Option 2: Upgrade your role/position with your employer
- Option 3: Sponsor family through the Golden Visa route (10-year residency, no salary minimum for the main holder)
We advise on the best approach for your specific situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to be physically present in the UAE to sponsor family? You need a valid UAE residency visa (stamped in passport). You don't need to be present during the application process — we can submit on your behalf with a power of attorney.
Can my wife sponsor me? Yes — female UAE residents can sponsor their husband. The standard salary threshold is typically AED 10,000/month for female sponsors (subject to GDRFA discretion).
My child is turning 18 soon — what happens to their visa? Boys' sponsored visas typically expire at 18 (or at the visa term end date, whichever comes first). Daughters can continue as long as they are unmarried and financially dependent. University students can extend — contact us 3 months before the 18th birthday to plan.
Do grandchildren qualify as dependents? No — grandchildren are not eligible for sponsorship under the standard family visa category.
+971 50 380 7565 | support@hashmibusinessconsultant.com