Sponsoring your parents in the UAE
Salary requirement, deposit, insurance and the steps to bring parents on a residence visa.

In short
Expats can sponsor parents on a one-year renewable residence. Dubai requires AED 20,000 salary or AED 19,000 plus a 3-bedroom home, a refundable deposit and health insurance for each parent.
- Salary
- AED 20,000 (Dubai)
- Validity
- 1 year
- Deposit
- AED 5,000 per parent
- Insurance
- Mandatory
Step by step
Tick each step as you finish it. Open a step to see what to do.
Plans for over-60s are pricier; compare early.
1 week
Documents checklist
Do’s and don’ts
Do
- Attest birth certificate showing parents
Don’t
- Don’t forget renewal each year
Cost estimator
Untick what doesn't apply to you. These are rough figures and fees change often, so check with the authority.
Watch out
- Rules differ by emirate; check yours before applying.
Common questions
Can parents work?
Not on a family visa without a separate work permit.
Official links
Background and more detail
Expats can sponsor parents on a one-year renewable residence. Dubai requires AED 20,000 salary or AED 19,000 plus a 3-bedroom home, a refundable deposit and health insurance for each parent.
Key facts
- Salary: AED 20,000 (Dubai)
- Validity: 1 year
- Deposit: AED 5,000 per parent
- Insurance: Mandatory
Steps
- Get insurance – Plans for over-60s are pricier; compare early.
- Apply for entry permit – GDRFA or ICP with tenancy contract.
- Medical and Emirates ID – After arrival.
Watch out
- Rules differ by emirate; check yours before applying.
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