UAE family visa: sponsoring your spouse and children
Who can sponsor
Residents with a valid UAE residency can sponsor spouse and children if they meet the salary requirement — commonly cited as AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation). Green and Golden Visa holders sponsor family for the full duration of their own visa.
Documents you need
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Attested birth certificates (for children)
- Sponsor’s salary certificate or contract
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) and utility bill
- Passports and photos of each family member
- Health insurance for each dependent
The attestation trap
Marriage and birth certificates must be attested in the issuing country and then by the UAE embassy there, plus MOFA in the UAE. This is the slowest part of the whole process — start it before you arrive if you can.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to sponsor my family in the UAE?
Commonly cited: AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Verify current thresholds with ICP / GDRFA.
Can I sponsor my parents?
Parent sponsorship exists but has stricter conditions (higher salary, proof of dependency) and is typically approved case by case.
How does StayBuddy help with family visas?
It tracks every family member’s visa and Emirates ID expiry in one place and warns you before each deadline.