Sub-service · Residence visas · Family
Family (Sponsor) Visa in the UAE
A family (sponsor) visa lets a UAE resident bring their spouse, children and — under conditions — parents into the country on their own residence. The sponsored visa follows the sponsor: same validity, same renewals, and it is the reason most founders add a visa quota to their license package.
- Sponsor salary
- AED 4,000+ or 3,000 + accommodation
- Spouse
- Yes marriage certificate attested
- Children
- Sons to 25 unmarried daughters, students
- Parents
- Case by case higher threshold may apply
Process
How the investor visa process goes
-
Check the threshold
day 0Salary certificate or offer letter plus accommodation evidence (Ejari) — the sponsor's documents come first.
-
Entry permits for family
1–5 daysFile entry permits through ICP with attested civil documents (marriage/birth certificates).
-
Medicals and Emirates ID
1–2 weeksEach family member completes the medical test and biometrics after entry.
-
Residence stamped
1–2 weeksSponsored residence is issued with the same validity as the sponsor's visa and renews together.
Typical package sequence in the snapshot: License registration → Establishment card → Investor visa → Corporate bank account (1,833 of 2,047 packages follow this order).
Zones
Where packages include the investor visa
| Route | Who qualifies | Validity |
|---|---|---|
| Spouse | Attested marriage certificate; sponsor salary from AED 4,000/month or 3,000 + company accommodation | tied to sponsor |
| Children | Sons up to 25 (students) and unmarried daughters; birth certificates attested | tied to sponsor |
| Parents | Conditions apply — proof of sole support and a higher salary threshold; case-by-case approval | 1–2 years, renewable |
| Domestic staff | Golden Visa holders and qualifying residents may sponsor housekeeping | tied to sponsor |
Programme rules as of 2026 — confirm current thresholds with ICP or the free zone before applying.
Frequently asked questions
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to sponsor my family?
From AED 4,000/month, or AED 3,000 plus company-provided accommodation. Parents require a higher documented income and proof that the applicant supports them.
How long can sponsored family members stay?
Their residence matches the sponsor's visa validity and renews together — a 2-year company visa means 2-year family visas.
Do documents need attestation?
Yes — marriage and birth certificates must be attested by the UAE embassy in the issuing country and the MOFA.
Can a Golden Visa holder sponsor parents?
Golden Visa holders have broader sponsorship rights, including parents and domestic staff, under the programme's conditions.
Related
Planning an investor visa for your company?
We match the license package to your visa plan — quota, family sponsorship and bank account in one scope.