Bringing your family to the UAE
Salary requirements, documents and the process for sponsoring a spouse and children.
In short
You can sponsor your spouse and children once you have residence, a salary of about AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 plus housing) and an Ejari. Each family member needs a medical, health insurance and an Emirates ID.
- Salary needed
- AED 4,000, or 3,000 + housing
- Time
- 2–4 weeks
- Visa validity
- Matches the sponsor’s visa
- Sons
- Up to 25, daughters until married
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Marriage and birth certificates, home country + UAE embassy + MOFA.
2–6 weeks
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Start attestation before you move
- Insure family members first
Don’t
- Don’t let family enter on tourist visas if their permits are ready
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- If your visa is cancelled, your family’s visas are cancelled too.
Common questions
Can I sponsor my parents?
Yes, with a higher salary (around AED 20,000, or 19,000 + housing) and insurance.
Official links
Background and more detail
Salary requirement
You can sponsor your family if you earn at least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Documents
- Attested marriage certificate
- Attested birth certificates for children
- Tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai)
- Salary certificate
Process
- Apply for an entry permit
- Medical test (adults) and Emirates ID biometrics
- Residence visa and Emirates ID
Parents
Sponsoring parents needs a higher salary (around AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 plus a three-bedroom home) and medical insurance.
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