Bring Your Family to the UAE
Sponsor your spouse, children, and parents for UAE residency. Arab First handles all attestations, GDRFA applications, and Emirates ID registrations so your family can join you sooner.
Eligibility by Relationship
Spouse
- Sponsor must earn AED 4,000/month (AED 3,000 + accommodation)
- Valid UAE residence visa required
- Marriage certificate (attested)
Children
- Under 18 years old (up to 21 if studying)
- Boys under 18, girls of any age (unmarried)
- Birth certificates required
Parents
- Sponsor must earn AED 20,000/month
- Parents must not have other UAE sponsor
- Proof of relationship required
Minimum Salary to Sponsor Family
| Dependent Type | Minimum Salary |
|---|---|
| Spouse only | AED 3,000 + accommodation / AED 4,000 combined |
| Spouse + children | AED 4,000–6,000 recommended |
| Parents | AED 20,000 minimum per parent |
| Golden Visa holder | No minimum salary requirement |
What You Need to Prepare
Family Visa in 4 Steps
Eligibility Check
Confirm salary thresholds, relationship documents, and sponsor visa validity
Document Attestation
Marriage certificate and birth certificates attested through UAE embassy / MOFA
Entry Permit
GDRFA issues entry permit for dependent to enter the UAE
Medical & Emirates ID
Dependent completes medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics in UAE
Family Visa FAQs
What is the minimum salary to sponsor my wife in the UAE?
To sponsor a spouse, the UAE resident must earn a minimum of AED 4,000 per month (inclusive of accommodation allowance) or AED 3,000 per month plus confirmed accommodation provided by the employer. Arab First confirms the exact requirement based on your employment type.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE visa?
Yes, but the salary requirement is higher — AED 20,000 per month per parent is typically required. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents without a salary threshold. Parent sponsorship visas are typically valid for 1 year and renewable.
Do children need separate visas to stay in the UAE?
Yes. Children under 18 (up to 21 if in higher education) require a sponsored residency visa to live in the UAE. Boys under 18 can be sponsored by either parent. Unmarried girls and female dependents can be sponsored by a parent regardless of age.
Do I need to get my marriage certificate attested?
Yes. Foreign marriage certificates must be attested by the issuing country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and then by the UAE Embassy in that country (or through the MOFA in UAE). Arab First assists with the complete attestation process.
Can my family work in the UAE on a dependent visa?
Spouses on a dependent visa can apply for a work permit to take employment. Children under 18 cannot work. Parents typically cannot work on a dependent visa. Transitioning to an employment visa is also possible if the dependent finds work.
What happens to my family's visa if I leave the UAE?
If the sponsor's UAE residency visa is cancelled (due to job change, company closure, etc.), all dependents' visas are also cancelled. Arab First helps sponsors manage transitions — such as moving to a new employer or a new visa type — to minimise disruption to family visas.
Bring Your Family to the UAE We Handle the Rest
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