Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: If you’ve landed a job in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, the next goal for many is to bring their family to the UAE. Fortunately, the UAE makes it possible to sponsor your spouse and children legally provided you meet specific eligibility criteria.
In this 2025 updated guide, we explain everything you need to know about how to sponsor family on UAE job visa, from salary requirements and documentation to GDRFA approvals and medical exams.
How to Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa 2025 Guide
Who Can Sponsor Their Family in the UAE?
Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: Under current UAE law, residents working on a valid job visa can sponsor their immediate family (spouse and children) if they meet the following criteria:
Eligibility Criteria:
Monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation
Valid Emirates ID and UAE residency visa
Proof of relationship (marriage and birth certificates attested)
Suitable housing and medical insurance
Both male and female residents can sponsor dependents, but certain conditions may apply depending on job title and salary.
Documents Required to Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa
Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: Here’s what you need to prepare:
For Spouse:
Attested marriage certificate (from home country & UAE embassy)
Passport copy of spouse
Passport-size photo of spouse
Sponsor’s Emirates ID
Sponsor’s passport and visa copy
Salary certificate (MOHRE or Free Zone)
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
Recent utility bill
Medical insurance coverage
For Children:
Birth certificate (attested)
Passport copy and photo
Same supporting documents as above
Vaccination records (optional but recommended)
Children over 18 must be enrolled in university and provide proof of education.
Step-by-Step Process to Sponsor Family in UAE (2025)
Step 1: Get Entry Permit
Submit documents to the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) online or via a typing center.
🕐 Processing Time: 2–5 business days
📎 Entry permit is valid for 60 days.
Step 2: Family Arrives in UAE (if abroad)
Family can enter using the issued entry permit. If already in UAE on visit visa, permit adjustment is required.
Step 3: Medical Test & Emirates ID
Family members (18 years and older) must undergo a medical fitness test. After that, apply for:
Emirates ID
Health insurance
Medical test includes: blood test + chest X-ray
Step 4: Apply for Residency Visa
Once the medical and Emirates ID procedures are complete, apply for the residency stamp via GDRFA.
Visa Validity: 1–2 years (renewable)
Fees to Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa (Approximate 2025 Rates)
Fee Type | Cost (AED) |
---|---|
Entry Permit | 500–750 |
Medical Test | 300–350 |
Emirates ID | 170–370 |
Residency Visa | 350–450 |
Typing & Service Fees | 100–300 |
Health Insurance | 700–1,500/year |
Total Cost (per person): AED 2,000 – 3,000
Housing Requirement for Sponsorship
Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: You must have a:
Valid Ejari Tenancy Contract (1-bedroom minimum)
Recent DEWA bill or utility proof
Accommodation suitable for the number of dependents
Sponsorship for Parents (Special Case)
Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: To sponsor parents:
Minimum salary: AED 20,000/month
Proof that no one else can take care of them
Both parents must be sponsored together
Larger apartment required (2-bedroom minimum)
This requires special GDRFA approval.
Can I Sponsor Family While in Free Zone?
Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: Yes. Free zone employees (like Dubai Internet City, JAFZA, DMCC) can sponsor family members with:
Valid Free Zone ID
Salary certificate
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from Free Zone Authority
Common Questions About Family Sponsorship
Q: Can I sponsor my family on a part-time job visa?
❌ No. Only full-time job visa holders with valid residency can sponsor.
Q: What if my salary is below AED 4,000?
Consider upgrading accommodation or getting employer support. Some exceptions apply with approval.
Q: Can I sponsor my wife if she also works in UAE?
Yes. If one spouse sponsors the other, the second person can work legally under their employer’s sponsorship too.
Final Thoughts
Sponsor Family on UAE Job Visa: Bringing your loved ones to the UAE is more than a dream it’s a legally structured process. With the right paperwork, professional guidance, and proper planning, you can easily sponsor your family on a UAE job visa in 2025.