How to Sponsor Your Family in UAE 2026: Visa, Costs & Requirements
Updated April 2026 · 8 min read · By Catalyst Services
One of the most important steps for any expatriate living in the UAE is bringing their family to join them. The UAE family sponsorship visa allows residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases parents to live in the UAE on a dependent residence visa. This guide covers the complete process, costs, and requirements for 2026.
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Minimum Salary Requirements
| Family Members | Minimum Monthly Salary (AED) |
|---|---|
| Spouse only | AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) |
| Spouse + children | AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) |
| Parents | AED 20,000 (or AED 19,000 + accommodation) |
Step-by-Step Process
Attest your documents
Marriage certificates and birth certificates must be attested in the country of origin (by the UAE embassy or consulate) and then counter-attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). Allow 2–6 weeks.
Apply for entry permit
Submit the sponsorship application through the ICA portal or through a typing centre. Your family member will receive an entry permit valid for 60 days.
Family member enters the UAE
Your family member travels to the UAE on the entry permit. They must complete the remaining steps within 60 days.
Medical fitness test
Each family member must complete a medical fitness test at an approved UAE health centre. Results take 1–3 days.
Emirates ID registration
Visit an ICA service centre for biometric registration (fingerprints and photo).
Residence visa stamping
The residence visa is stamped in the passport. The process is now complete.
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Family Sponsorship Costs in 2026
| Fee Item | Amount (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry permit application | AED 500 – 700 |
| Medical fitness test (per person) | AED 700 – 1,200 |
| Emirates ID (per person) | AED 370 – 570 |
| Residence visa stamping (per person) | AED 500 – 700 |
| Document attestation (per document) | AED 150 – 500 |
| Health insurance (per person/year) | AED 800 – 5,000 |
| Typing and admin fees | AED 200 – 400 |
| Total per dependent (approx.) | AED 3,500 – 8,000 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my wife if I am on a free zone visa?
Yes — free zone visa holders can sponsor their families, provided they meet the minimum salary requirements of AED 4,000/month.
Can my wife work in the UAE on a dependent visa?
Yes — a spouse on a dependent visa can obtain a work permit from any UAE employer without needing to transfer their visa to the employer. The employer applies for the work permit separately.
What happens to my family's visa if I lose my job?
If you lose your job and your residence visa is cancelled, your family's dependent visas are also cancelled. They typically have a 30-day grace period to either transfer to a new sponsor or leave the UAE.
Can I sponsor my parents if I am not a Golden Visa holder?
In limited cases, yes — but the minimum salary requirement is AED 20,000/month. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents with no salary restriction.
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