How to sponsor a family residence visa in Dubai

General procedure

1. 1

   Check the sponsor's eligibility

   A resident can sponsor family with a valid visa and a minimum salary of AED 4000 (or AED 3000 plus contracted accommodation). Green-visa holders have easier rules for sponsoring first-degree relatives.

   Documents:Sponsor passport & visaSponsor Emirates IDEmployment contract / salary certificateEjari / tenancy contract
2. 2

   Decide who you can sponsor

   Typically you sponsor a spouse, unmarried daughters, sons under 25 and children with special needs. Sponsoring parents has separate conditions — see u.ae and GDRFA. A spouse needs an attested marriage certificate.

3. 3

   Apply for the entry permit

   Apply for the family member's entry permit online via GDRFA Dubai or ICP. If the person is already in the country on another status, a status change without exit may be available for their case.

   Documents:GDRFA/ICP applicationPhotos to specAttested relationship documents
4. 4

   Medical test and Emirates ID

   Family members aged 18 and over take a medical fitness test at an approved centre. Then you apply for the Emirates ID — as for a standard residence visa.

   Documents:Medical certificate (18+)Emirates ID application
5. 5

   Visa issuance and duties

   After checks the visa is issued and linked to the sponsor's visa. If the sponsor's visa is cancelled or expires, dependents get a 6-month grace period to obtain new residency. Many services (school, bank) require the family to hold health insurance.

Fees and timelines may change — verify with the official source.

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