Sponsoring your family in Dubai is one of the most important steps when settling in the UAE.
The rules can seem complicated at first, especially if you’re new to the country — salary requirements, documents, medical tests, Emirates ID…
But once you understand the structure, the entire process becomes clear and manageable.
This 2025 guide explains everything in a simple, human way:
– who you can sponsor
– salary requirements
– required documents
– visa application steps
– medical test + Emirates ID
– typical timelines and costs
1. Who Can You Sponsor in Dubai?
As a resident (employee, freelancer, or business owner), you can sponsor:
– your spouse
– your children (sons up to 25, daughters unlimited if single)
– your parents (under conditions)
Additional notes:
– You must have a valid UAE residence visa.
– You must meet income requirements.
2. Salary Requirements (2025 Rules)
Minimum income to sponsor spouse & children:
– 4,000 AED/month
or
– 3,000 AED/month + accommodation provided
To sponsor parents:
– 20,000 AED/month (varies by emirate)
Important:
Requirements may change depending on Free Zone or local authority.
3. Required Documents
For sponsoring your spouse:
– Passport copy (sponsor + spouse)
– Marriage certificate (attested)
– Employment contract or salary certificate
– Emirates ID + UAE visa copy
– Recent photo (white background)
For sponsoring children:
– Birth certificates (attested)
– Passport copy
– Photo
– School letters (if renewing)
For sponsoring parents:
– Proof of dependency
– Attested birth certificate
– Salary certificate
– Ejari (tenancy contract)
4. Step-by-Step Family Sponsorship Process (2025)
Step 1: Apply for Entry Permit
This creates the family visa file.
Step 2: Activate Change of Status
If your family is already inside the UAE.
Step 3: Medical Test (Adults Only)
– blood test
– chest X-ray
Processing: 24–48h.
Step 4: Emirates ID Biometrics
Adults (+ some older children).
Step 5: Visa Stamping / Issuance
Final residence visa issued digitally.
Step 6: Emirates ID Printing
Card delivered in 5–10 days.
5. Medical Test Details
Only adults (18+) must complete the medical test.
Includes:
– blood test
– chest X‑ray
Cost:
350–900 AED depending on service speed.
Centers:
– Dubai Health Authority
– SEHA (Abu Dhabi)
– MOHAP (other emirates)
6. Emirates ID for Sponsored Family Members
Process:
1. Submit Emirates ID application
2. Do biometrics (if first time)
3. Wait 5–10 days
Required for:
– health insurance
– school registration
– home internet
– bank accounts (for spouse)
7. Typical Processing Times
– Entry permit: 1–3 days
– Status change: 1–2 days
– Medical test: 24–48h
– Visa issuance: 2–5 days
– Emirates ID: 5–10 days
Total: 1–3 weeks for full process.
8. Sponsoring Parents (Special Rules)
This category has stricter conditions:
Requirements:
– salary: 20,000+ AED
– larger Ejari (2BR minimum recommended)
– proof they are dependent on you financially
Approval is not guaranteed and depends on immigration authority discretion.
9. Common Mistakes to Avoid
– Not attesting marriage or birth certificates
– Wrong passport photo size
– Letting your own visa expire
– Not having matching Ejari (same sponsor name)
– Submitting outdated salary certificates
Conclusion
Sponsoring your family in Dubai is absolutely possible as long as you meet the income requirements and have the correct documents.
The process is straightforward once you follow the steps: entry permit → medical test → Emirates ID → residence visa.
Find visa experts, PRO services, medical test centers, and translation/attestation services on The Expat Services Directory your trusted partner for living in Dubai.
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