How to Sponsor Family Under the UAE Golden Visa
Step-by-step process to sponsor your spouse, children, parents, and domestic staff once your UAE Golden Visa is approved.
Family Sponsorship Is the Real Reason People Apply
For many of our clients, the UAE Golden Visa is not only about the principal's 10-year residency; it is also about consolidating the whole family in the UAE without yearly renewals.
Who You Can Sponsor
| Dependent | Eligibility |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Valid marriage certificate (attested) |
| Sons | Up to 25 years old, unmarried |
| Daughters | Any age if unmarried |
| Parents | Both parents allowed under Golden Visa |
| Domestic helpers | Up to 4 |
Documentation Required
For Spouse
- Marriage certificate (attested in home country + UAE Foreign Ministry)
- Spouse's passport
- Photograph
- Medical fitness certificate
- Health insurance
For Children
- Birth certificate (attested)
- Custody documents (if divorced)
- School/college enrollment for over-18s
- Medical (children 18+)
For Parents
- Birth certificate proving relationship
- Proof of financial dependence
- Medical fitness
- Health insurance (must cover seniors)
For Domestic Helpers
- Standard domestic visa documentation
- WPS-registered wage agreement
The Process
Step 1: Apply for the entry permit
Submit through ICP or GDRFA portal. Processing: 3-5 days.Step 2: Status change (if dependent already in UAE)
AED 750 fee, replaces need to exit and re-enter.Step 3: Medical fitness test
For dependents 18+. Costs AED 300-500.Step 4: Emirates ID biometrics
Required for everyone, even children.Step 5: Visa stamping in passport
Final step. Visa now matches principal's 10-year validity.Cost per Dependent (All-in)
| Item | AED |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | 1,150 |
| Status change | 750 |
| Medical + Emirates ID | 850 |
| Visa stamping | 750 |
| Health insurance (annual) | 2,000-8,000 |
| Total Year 1 | ~5,500-12,000 |
Children Aging Out
Sons traditionally lose dependent status at 18 (extended to 25 if studying). Daughters can remain dependent indefinitely if unmarried. When a son ages out:
- Apply for his own Golden Visa (if eligible)
- Apply for student visa (if enrolled in UAE university)
- Self-sponsor via own employment or business
Common Mistakes
- Late attestation: Marriage and birth certificates must be attested in the country of origin AND by the UAE MoFA, budget 4-8 weeks
- Expired medicals: Medical results are valid for 90 days only
- Insurance gaps: A 1-day gap can block visa stamping
- Wrong category: Sponsoring a parent under a standard residency visa requires AED 20K minimum salary; Golden Visa removes this constraint
What Family Sponsorship Doesn't Cover
- Adult siblings (need their own visa)
- Unmarried partners (not recognized under UAE family law)
- Step-parents (case-by-case basis)
Tax & Compliance Note
Sponsoring family doesn't change your corporate tax obligations or business compliance.
How Two Pillars Advisory Helps
We coordinate every dependent visa in parallel with your Golden Visa. Get family sponsorship support.
Disclaimer
Two Pillars Advisory FZCO is an independent residency consultancy. All dependent approvals are at the sole discretion of UAE authorities.
Review and authoritative references
Last reviewed: . Presentation and reference review; full numerical verification pending.
Official references explain the applicable framework; they do not validate every estimate below. Authority fees, bank tariffs and eligibility can change. Confirm the current requirements before committing funds.