A Comprehensive Legal and Procedural Guide to Family Visa Sponsorship in Dubai
Family reunification is a central reason many residents choose Dubai. Rules are clear, yet they do change. Below is a current, plain-English walkthrough of who can sponsor, who you can bring, documents and attestations, fees and timelines, and smart upgrade paths like Green and Golden Visas. We cite official sources and recent government reporting so you can proceed with confidence.
Bizgate help: We can handle your file end-to-end, from document attestation and Arabic legal translation to Emirates ID biometrics scheduling and Amer submissions.
1) Who runs the process: GDRFA vs ICP (and Amer Centers)
GDRFA Dubai manages visa services inside the Emirate of Dubai, including issuance and renewal of dependent residencies. Applications can be filed online or at Amer Centers.
ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) runs the national identity layer, including Emirates ID and federal policy.
Amer Centers are Dubai’s authorized customer hubs for GDRFA services. They type, verify, and submit your applications into the GDRFA system.
2) Sponsor eligibility: minimum salary, housing, and status
Base rule for sponsoring spouse and children
Minimum salary AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 + employer-provided accommodation.
Housing
Dubai generally expects proof of suitable accommodation. A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) or a title deed is commonly requested, often with a recent DEWA bill.
Sponsor’s own visa
Hold a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID. Many guides and Amer advisories recommend at least 6 months remaining at time of filing.
Female sponsors
Family sponsorship is income-based nationwide. In practice, some cases for mothers as primary sponsors still require ICP or GDRFA approval, and may involve extra conditions. Always verify at an Amer Center for Dubai cases.
Parents sponsorship (Dubai)
As of August 2025, GDRFA-Dubai and typing centers confirm:
Salary: AED 10,000 minimum.
Housing: Ejari with a 2- or 3-bedroom apartment.
Deposit: AED 5,000 refundable.
Sponsor both parents together unless one is deceased or divorced, supported by official documents.
3) Who you can sponsor, and key age rules
Spouse: legal marriage certificate, duly attested and legally translated into Arabic if needed.
Children:
Sons up to 25 years old. Sons of determination can be sponsored regardless of age.
Daughters: unmarried daughters can be sponsored at any age.
Stepchildren: allowed with an NOC from the other biological parent and a refundable deposit, with visas typically issued for one year and renewable.
Parents: yearly renewable residency in most cases, with Dubai-specific conditions noted above.
Arrival and grace
After your dependent enters on an entry permit, you have 60 days to finish in-country procedures.
After expiry or cancellation, many categories benefit from up to 6 months grace to regularize status or exit. Always check your exact category.
4) Documents and attestations that trip people up
Typical sponsor documents
Passport and residence visa copies, Emirates ID, salary certificate or MOHRE contract, IBAN, Ejari or title deed, recent DEWA bill.
Typical dependent documents
Passport copy, compliant photo, attested relationship proof (marriage or birth certificates), and national ID for certain nationalities when required.
Attestation chain for foreign certificates
Home country authentication
Home country Ministry of Foreign Affairs
UAE Embassy/Consulate in the home country
UAE MOFA attestation inside the UAE, then legal Arabic translation by a Ministry of Justice-approved translator if the document is not in Arabic. MOFA fee for personal documents is commonly AED 150 per document.
5) Step-by-step: how the application flows
Entry Permit for residence without work (family): apply via GDRFA Dubai portal or Amer. If the dependent is already inside the UAE, additional inside-country fees apply.
Change of Status (if the person entered on a visit or tourist visa).
Medical fitness for dependents 18+ at an approved center.
Emirates ID application and biometrics through ICP smart services.
Health insurance for Dubai is mandatory before issuance.
Residence issuance by GDRFA. Residency is now digitally tied to the Emirates ID, so physical visa stickers are no longer standard.
Typical timeline
Document attestation is the biggest variable. Once documents are ready, Dubai in-country processing is commonly 7 to 14 working days depending on appointments and completeness.
6) Fees and realistic budgeting
Government and third-party charges vary by entry status, duration, and service speed. Expect the following ballparks:
| Cost item | Typical range (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit | ~200 basic fee plus VAT, inside-country add-on often 500 | GDRFA service card shows 200 + knowledge and innovation dirhams, inside-country fee applies. |
| Change of Status | 600 to 1,000 | Depends on category and speed. |
| Medical Fitness | 250 to 350 standard | Express options cost more. |
| Emirates ID | 170 to 300 per year | Varies by years of validity and channel. |
| Residence issuance | ~several hundred | Varies by emirate and duration. |
| MOFA attestation | 150 per personal document | Plus any embassy fees and translation. |
| Legal translation | Commonly charged per page | Use Ministry of Justice-approved translators. |
Budget tip: Include Amer typing fees and annual health insurance for each dependent. These items are often underestimated.
7) Renewals and grace
Start renewals about 30 days before expiry, keep a valid Ejari or title deed, renewed insurance, and updated salary proof. Medical fitness rechecks apply for 18+.
Grace periods can be up to 6 months depending on category. Always verify your exact allowance when planning travel or job transitions.
8) Clean exits and cancellations
Cancel dependents first, then cancel the sponsor’s own visa. GDRFA details requirements and fees for inside- or outside-country cancellation.
9) Smarter pathways: Green and Golden Visa
Green Visa: 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled employees, freelancers, and some investors. You can sponsor your family and align their validity with your 5-year permit.
Golden Visa: 5 or 10-year long-term residency. Key benefits include sponsoring family members regardless of age and enhanced continuity if the primary holder passes away. Use ICP or GDRFA channels only.
Parents under Golden Visa: Golden Visa privileges around parent sponsorship are more flexible than standard residencies. For the latest practical rules and deposits in Dubai, confirm directly at Amer since implementation details can differ by emirate.
10) What trips applicants up (and how to avoid it)
Attestation gaps: Missing one stamp in the chain will stall your file. Begin attestation early and keep receipts.
Housing proof: Keep Ejari or your title deed current and ensure names match your visa records. Some services explicitly ask for Ejari.
Parents’ files: Dubai salary, bedrooms, and deposit rules are enforced. Validate these at Amer before you commit travel or leases.
Quick reference tables
A) Sponsor eligibility snapshot
| Criterion | Spouse & Children | Parents (Dubai) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum salary | AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation | AED 10,000 per month confirmed Aug 2025 |
| Housing | Ejari or title deed, plus DEWA often requested | Ejari with 2- or 3-BR apartment |
| Other notes | Valid UAE residence and Emirates ID | Sponsor both parents together unless death or divorce, deposit AED 5,000 refundable |
B) Child age rules
| Dependent | Rule |
|---|---|
| Sons | Up to 25, longer if son is of determination |
| Daughters | Any age if unmarried |
| Stepchildren | NOC from other parent, refundable deposit, usually 1-year renewable |
Fast FAQs
Is profession still a condition to sponsor family?
No. Sponsorship is income-based across the UAE.
Do I need an Ejari in Dubai?
Dubai commonly requests a registered tenancy contract or title deed, often with a recent DEWA bill. Requirements can vary by case, so take your housing proof to Amer.
How long do I have after my family lands?
60 days to complete medical, Emirates ID, insurance, and residence issuance.
What changed about visa stickers?
Residency is linked to Emirates ID, so the passport sticker is generally not required now.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor children of any age?
Yes, Golden Visa holders can sponsor children regardless of age and can sponsor more categories of dependents than standard visas.
Final checklist before you start
Salary certificate or MOHRE contract that meets the threshold
Ejari or title deed in sponsor’s name
Attested marriage and birth certificates, legally translated to Arabic if needed
Emirates ID, passport copies, compliant photos
Health insurance quotes ready for each dependent
Amer appointment booked for typing and submission
Work with Bizgate
Save weeks of back-and-forth. Bizgate can coordinate your attestations, translations, Amer filings, medical bookings, Emirates ID biometrics, insurance, and renewals. Share your family details and we will prepare a clear action plan with a cost sheet.
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