Your Family Is Waiting — But the Process Feels Overwhelming?
You’ve landed your job or started your business in the UAE, and the next step is clear: you want your family by your side. But between income requirements, document attestation, and multiple authorities — the questions pile up fast: Is my salary enough? What documents do I need? And what’s the difference between sponsoring a spouse and sponsoring parents?
This guide breaks everything down — step by step, by family member type.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members in the UAE?
Any UAE resident holding a valid residence visa can sponsor family members — whether you’re an employee, investor, business owner, freelancer, or Golden/Green Visa holder — provided you meet the income and accommodation requirements.
Who you can sponsor:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children (sons and daughters)
- Parents (father and mother)
Note: Female residents can sponsor their husbands and children, subject to specific income thresholds. In some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the father may be required when a mother sponsors children without the father being co-sponsored.
Income Requirements for Family Sponsorship (2026)
Requirements vary depending on who you’re sponsoring and your visa type:
Sponsoring a Spouse and Children:
- Minimum salary: AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 if your employer provides accommodation)
- Female sponsor (sponsoring husband and children): The threshold is typically higher — approximately AED 10,000/month (or AED 8,000 + accommodation)
Sponsoring Parents:
- Minimum salary: Approximately AED 20,000/month (or AED 19,000 + suitable accommodation with at least two bedrooms)
- Both parents must be sponsored together (unless one is deceased or divorced, with supporting documents)
- The parent must not hold an existing UAE residence visa from another sponsor
Golden Visa and Green Visa Holders:
- No minimum salary requirement for sponsoring family members
- Can sponsor spouse and children without a specific income threshold
- Family members receive the same visa duration (5 or 10 years)
These figures are based on available information from ICP and GDRFA and may change. Always verify the latest requirements before applying.
Documents Required for Family Sponsorship
Sponsor’s Documents:
- Valid passport (with copy)
- Valid Emirates ID
- Recent salary certificate (no older than 30 days)
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) in the sponsor’s name
- Active health insurance for the dependents
For Sponsoring a Spouse — add:
- Attested and Arabic-translated marriage certificate
- Spouse’s passport (with copy)
For Sponsoring Children — add:
- Attested and Arabic-translated birth certificate
- Child’s passport (with copy)
For Sponsoring Parents — add:
- Sponsor’s birth certificate proving the relationship (attested and translated)
- Bank statements for the last 3 to 6 months
- Comprehensive medical insurance for both parents (mandatory)
- Proof that the sponsor is the parents’ sole financial provider
Important: All documents issued outside the UAE must be attested through the correct sequence (country of origin → UAE Embassy → MOFA) and then legally translated by an MOJ-licensed translator. AAMER Logistics provides both attestation and translation services under one roof.
Children’s Eligibility: Ages and Special Cases
- Sons: Can be sponsored until age 18, extended to age 25 if enrolled in education
- Unmarried daughters: No upper age limit
- Children of determination (special needs): Can be sponsored regardless of age with supporting medical documentation
- Children over 18: Must pass a medical fitness test
Step-by-Step: How to Sponsor Your Family
1. Confirm Your Eligibility
Verify that your salary meets the minimum threshold, that you have suitable accommodation with a registered lease, and that health insurance is ready for the dependents.
2. Prepare and Attest Your Documents
Gather all required documents and ensure they are properly attested and translated. This step is the most common cause of delays and rejections — don’t skip it.
3. Apply for an Entry Permit
Submit the application through the ICP or GDRFA portal, or digitally through the AAMER App. Entry permits are typically issued within 2 to 5 business days.
4. Arrival and Medical Fitness Test
After your family member arrives in the UAE, they must complete a medical fitness test at an approved center (for those over 18). In Dubai, you can complete the medical test and biometrics in a single visit through the Basmati initiative — bookable via the AAMER App.
5. Biometrics and Emirates ID Registration
Fingerprint capture, digital photo, and electronic signature at an approved ICP center.
6. Residency Visa Stamping
Once all steps are completed, the digital residency visa is issued and the Emirates ID card is delivered.
Expected timeline: Approximately 2 to 4 weeks from application to residency issuance, provided all documents are complete.
Common Reasons for Family Sponsorship Rejection
- Documents not attested or missing a step in the chain — the most common rejection reason
- Expired salary certificate — must be no older than 30 days
- Unregistered tenancy contract — must be registered via Ejari or Tawtheeq
- Mismatched information — between passport, salary certificate, or tenancy contract
- Missing NOC — required in certain cases where a mother sponsors children without the father
How AAMER Logistics Simplifies Family Sponsorship
Instead of navigating multiple authorities and trying to figure out every step yourself, AAMER Logistics manages the entire process for you:
- Fully digital application through the AAMER App
- Document attestation and translation — under one roof
- Biometrics and medical test booking — in Dubai via the Basmati initiative in a single visit
- Real-time application tracking from the app
- Specialized support for all sponsorship types: spouse, children, and parents
FAQs
Can a woman sponsor her husband in the UAE?
Yes. A female resident can sponsor her husband and children provided she meets the specified income requirements (typically higher than for male sponsors). In some cases, proof of employment in specific professions or additional documentation may be required.
Can a sponsored family member work in the UAE?
A dependent visa does not automatically grant work permission. However, the dependent can work if their employer obtains a work permit from MoHRE linked to the existing dependent visa — no new visa is needed.
What happens if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled?
Dependent visas are tied to the sponsor’s visa. If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled (e.g., due to job loss), dependent visas must be cancelled or transferred to a new sponsor within approximately 30 days.
How much does family sponsorship cost?
Costs vary depending on several factors and typically include: entry permit fees, medical fitness test, Emirates ID issuance, visa stamping, and health insurance. It’s recommended to check the latest fees through the AAMER App or by contacting AAMER Logistics directly.
Ready to Reunite Your Family?
Don’t let administrative complexity delay the moment you’ve been waiting for. Download the AAMER App and start your family sponsorship today — with speed, transparency, and full support from AAMER Logistics.