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Family Sponsorship

Rules and requirements for sponsoring family members, including dependents and spouses, for residency in the UAE.

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Comprehensive Guide to Family Sponsorship in the United Arab Emirates (UAE)

Family sponsorship in the UAE allows expatriates (residents) to bring their immediate family members to live with them. The process is governed by the UAE’s immigration laws and regulations, which are overseen by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate. Below is a detailed guide covering all aspects of family sponsorship in the UAE.

1. Eligibility Criteria for Family Sponsorship

Who Can Sponsor Family Members?

  • Expatriates: Any expatriate holding a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their family members, provided they meet the income and other eligibility requirements.
  • UAE Nationals: Emirati citizens can sponsor their family members without income restrictions.

Eligible Family Members

  • Spouse: A male resident can sponsor his wife. A female resident can sponsor her husband under specific conditions (see below).
  • Children: Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 18 (or 21 if studying). Daughters can be sponsored if unmarried, with no age limit.
  • Parents: Sponsoring parents is allowed but requires meeting higher income thresholds and additional conditions.
  • Stepchildren: Stepchildren can be sponsored with a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the biological parent and proof of custody.

Income Requirements

  • The minimum salary requirement for sponsoring family members is:
    • AED 4,000 per month, or
    • AED 3,000 per month with employer-provided accommodation.
  • For sponsoring parents, the minimum salary requirement is typically AED 20,000 per month or a combined income of AED 19,000 with accommodation.

Special Conditions for Female Sponsors

  • A female resident can sponsor her husband and children if:
    • She earns a minimum salary of AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 with accommodation).
    • She works in a specialized profession such as teaching, engineering, or healthcare.
    • She provides proof of her husband’s inability to support the family (e.g., unemployment or low income).

2. General Costs of Family Sponsorship

Visa Fees

  • Entry Permit: AED 500–1,000 (depending on the emirate and urgency of processing).
  • Medical Fitness Test: AED 250–500 per person (mandatory for adults aged 18 and above).
  • Emirates ID: AED 170–370 (depending on the visa duration).
  • Residence Visa Stamping: AED 500–1,000 (varies by emirate and visa duration).

Additional Costs

  • Health Insurance: Mandatory for all residents. Costs vary depending on the insurance plan and coverage, starting from AED 700 per year per person.
  • Security Deposit: Some emirates may require a refundable deposit (e.g., AED 2,500 for sponsoring parents).

3. Standard Procedures for Family Sponsorship

Step 1: Entry Permit Application

  • Apply for an entry permit for the family member through the ICP or GDRFA portal, or via a typing center.
  • Required documents:
    • Sponsor’s passport copy and residence visa.
    • Family member’s passport copy.
    • Recent passport-sized photos of the family member.
    • Proof of relationship (e.g., attested marriage or birth certificate).
    • Sponsor’s employment contract or salary certificate.
    • Ejari (tenancy contract) or proof of accommodation.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test

  • Once the family member arrives in the UAE, they must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized health center.
  • The test includes:
    • Blood tests for communicable diseases (e.g., HIV, hepatitis).
    • Chest X-ray for tuberculosis.

Step 3: Health Insurance

  • Obtain a health insurance policy for the family member, as it is mandatory for visa issuance.

Step 4: Emirates ID Application

  • Apply for an Emirates ID through the ICP or GDRFA portal. The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents.

Step 5: Residence Visa Stamping

  • Submit all documents to the immigration authority to get the residence visa stamped in the family member’s passport.

4. Required Documentation

For Spouse Sponsorship

  • Attested marriage certificate (attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
  • Sponsor’s passport and residence visa copy.
  • Spouse’s passport copy and photos.
  • Salary certificate or labor contract.
  • Ejari (tenancy contract) or proof of accommodation.

For Child Sponsorship

  • Attested birth certificate.
  • Sponsor’s passport and residence visa copy.
  • Child’s passport copy and photos.
  • Salary certificate or labor contract.
  • Ejari (tenancy contract) or proof of accommodation.

For Parent Sponsorship

  • Attested birth certificate of the sponsor (to prove the relationship).
  • Proof that the sponsor is the sole provider for the parents (e.g., affidavit of support).
  • Ejari (tenancy contract) showing a minimum of a 2-bedroom apartment.
  • Health insurance for parents (mandatory).

5. Country-Specific Considerations

Cultural Aspects

  • The UAE places a strong emphasis on family values, and family sponsorship is encouraged to promote family unity.
  • It is important to respect local customs and traditions, especially when dealing with government officials or submitting documents.

Attestation of Documents

  • All foreign-issued documents (e.g., marriage and birth certificates) must be attested by:
    • The issuing country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
    • The UAE Embassy in the issuing country.
    • The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).

Gender-Specific Rules

  • Male sponsors face fewer restrictions compared to female sponsors. Female sponsors must meet additional requirements to sponsor their families.

Renewal of Family Visas

  • Family residence visas must be renewed before expiry to avoid fines. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process.

6. Practical Tips for Applicants

  • Plan Ahead: Start the sponsorship process early to avoid delays, especially if documents need attestation.
  • Use Typing Centers: Typing centers can assist with filling out forms and submitting applications, ensuring accuracy.
  • Stay Updated: Immigration rules and fees may change. Regularly check the official ICP or GDRFA websites for updates.
  • Maintain Validity: Ensure that your own residence visa remains valid, as your family’s visas depend on it.

7. Useful Resources

By following this guide, applicants can navigate the family sponsorship process in the UAE with confidence and ensure compliance with all legal and procedural requirements.