Sponsoring your family in Dubai is one of the biggest steps when you start your new life as an expat.
I remember when I first moved here, understanding the rules, minimum salaries, documents, and procedures was not easy. However, once explained clearly, the process is very straightforward.
This 2025 guide explains simply and step by step:
- Who can be sponsored
- The exact minimum salary
- Required documents
- How to submit the application
- Actual costs and timelines
- Practical tips
- Who Can You Sponsor?
With a valid UAE residence visa, you can sponsor:
Spouse (wife or husband)
Marriage certificate required (must be attested).
Children
Boys: up to 25 years old
Girls: no age limit (if unmarried)
Parents
Possible with higher income and conditions.
Newborns
Must be sponsored within 120 days after birth.
- Salary Requirements (2025)
The minimum salary to sponsor your family:
Spouse or Children:
- 4 000 AED/month, OR
- 3 000 AED + accommodation provided
Parents:
- 20 000 AED/month minimum
(or 19 000 AED + accommodation, depending on emirate)
Important:
Salary must appear on:
- UAE labour contract
- Ministry salary system (WPS)
- Documents Required (2025)
For spouse sponsorship:
- Marriage certificate (attested in home country + UAE)
- Passport copy of spouse
- Passport-size photo
- Your Emirates ID copy
- Your tenancy contract (EJARI)
- Latest salary certificate
- Latest bank statements (3 months)
For children:
- Birth certificate (attested)
- Passport + photo
- Vaccination card (sometimes required)
For parents:
- Proof of financial support
- Medical insurance
- Tenancy with minimum 2 bedrooms
- Step-by-Step Process (2025)
Step 1 — Entry Permit (E‑Visa)
Apply through:
- AMER center
- Smart services
- Visa consultant
Processing: 2–5 days
Step 2 — Medical Test (Adults Only)
- Blood test
- Chest X‑ray
Cost: 350–600 AED
Step 3 — Biometrics (Emirates ID)
Only for first-time applicants.
Step 4 — Emirates ID Application
Processing: 4–10 days
Step 5 — Visa Issuance (Digital Stamping)
Visa sent as a PDF — no passport sticker
Processing: 2–7 days
- Costs (2025)
Spouse or Children:
- Entry permit: 250–600 AED
- Medical test: 350–600 AED
- Emirates ID: 1 150–1 300 AED
- Visa stamping: 500–900 AED
- Insurance: 800–4 000 AED
Total: 2 500–5 000 AED per person
Parents:
Total: 5 500–9 000 AED (depends on insurance requirements)
- Sponsoring a Newborn in Dubai
Newborns must be sponsored within 120 days.
Steps:
- Birth certificate
- Passport
- Entry permit
- Emirates ID
- Visa stamping
Penalty after 120 days:
- 100 AED/day
- Medical Insurance Requirement
Every sponsored person must have medical insurance.
Typical costs:
- Adults: 1 000–3 000 AED
- Children: 1 000–2 000 AED
- Parents: 4 000–10 000 AED
- Tips to Avoid Delays
- Always check marriage/birth certificates are fully attested
- Ensure your EJARI is valid and in your name
- Check the name spelling matches all documents
- Keep all PDFs saved (entry permit, stamping, EID receipt)
- Apply early — especially before holidays
Conclusion
Sponsoring your family in Dubai is a structured, clear, and fast process when you know the exact requirements.
With the right documents, sufficient salary, and a bit of organization, you can bring your spouse and children in just a few days.
Find visa consultants, relocation experts, PRO services, and insurance providers on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for moving your family to Dubai.
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