Bringing your parents to the UAE to live with you is a beautiful way to ensure family bonds remain strong while embracing the unique opportunities that life in the UAE offers. The UAE Family Visa system allows expatriate residents to sponsor immediate family members for residency, enabling them to live in the country. This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring your parents under the UAE Family Visa, including the eligibility criteria, costs in 2025, and step-by-step instructions for application.
Table of Contents
- What is a Family Visa in the UAE?
- Who Can Sponsor Their Parents in the UAE?
- Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Parents
- How to Apply for a Family Visa for Parents
- Costs for Sponsoring Parents in the UAE (2025)
- Key Rules and Conditions for Sponsoring Parents
- Options to Upgrade Your Visa: UAE Golden Visa and Green Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How Arab Asset Consulting Can Help You Navigate the Process
What is a Family Visa in the UAE?
A Family Visa in the UAE is a residency visa that allows expatriate residents to sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and under certain conditions, parents, to live in the country. This visa grants your family legal residence, allowing them to access essential services and live in the UAE for the duration of the visa.
The process of sponsoring your parents involves meeting specific income, accommodation, and health insurance requirements. The visa is typically linked to the sponsor’s residency status, meaning that the visa remains valid as long as the sponsor’s status remains active.
Who Can Sponsor Their Parents in the UAE?
While the UAE is supportive of family unification, sponsoring parents under the family visa program has more stringent requirements compared to sponsoring spouses or children. In the UAE, any expatriate resident with a valid residency visa can sponsor immediate family members if they meet certain conditions.
To sponsor your parents, you must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by the UAE authorities. These include your financial capacity, accommodation, and other requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Parents
To be eligible to sponsor your parents in the UAE in 2025, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Age and Dependency: Sponsored parents should generally be elderly and dependent. Proof of dependency may be required, such as an affidavit from your home country’s embassy or consulate stating that you are their primary financial supporter.
- Income: The sponsor must have a monthly salary of at least AED 20,000 (approximately USD 5,400). If the sponsor’s accommodation is provided by their employer, this threshold drops slightly to AED 19,000 (around USD 5,170).
- Accommodation: You must have appropriate housing for your parents, usually a two-bedroom apartment or larger, to accommodate them comfortably.
- Health Requirements: Parents must pass a mandatory medical fitness test, which includes screening for communicable diseases like tuberculosis. This test is conducted at approved medical centers in the UAE.
- Health Insurance: Parents must have valid health insurance coverage in the UAE for the entire duration of their stay. The coverage should meet the minimum requirement of AED 150,000 (USD 40,000) annually.
- Document Requirements: You will need to submit several documents, including valid passports, passport-sized photographs, and proof of the relationship (e.g., birth certificates).
- Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of AED 2,500 per parent is required, which is refunded upon visa cancellation.
How to Apply for a Family Visa for Parents
The process for sponsoring your parents in the UAE involves several key steps:
1. Gather Required Documents
You’ll need the following documents:
- Your passport, residency visa, Emirates ID, and salary certificates.
- Your parents’ passports, passport-sized photographs, and health insurance.
- An attested birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship.
- An affidavit from your home country’s consulate confirming you are their primary financial supporter.
- A valid tenancy agreement (Ejari).
2. Apply for an Entry Permit
Apply for the entry permit online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or at Amer centers. The entry permit typically costs around AED 200–300 (USD 50–80) per parent.
3. Pay the Security Deposit
Pay the refundable security deposit of AED 2,500 per parent. This will be refunded upon cancellation of the visa.
4. Medical Test and Health Insurance
Schedule a medical fitness test for your parents at an approved medical center. Health insurance must be secured before submitting the residency application. The cost of the medical test is approximately AED 320 per parent.
5. Apply for the Residence Visa
Submit the medical certificates, residency visa applications, and necessary documentation. The cost for visa stamping is about AED 460 per parent, and the Emirates ID fee is AED 370 per parent for one year.
6. Receive Emirates ID
After the visa is approved and stamped, your parents will receive their Emirates ID cards, which serve as their identification within the UAE.
7. Visa Renewal
Family visas for parents are typically valid for one year, and you must renew their visas each year. This includes renewing their health insurance, repeating the medical fitness test, and paying the visa renewal fee.
Costs for Sponsoring Parents in the UAE (2025)
The cost breakdown for sponsoring your parents in the UAE in 2025 is as follows:
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship File Opening | 380 | Initial application processing fee. |
| Entry Permit (per parent) | 450 | Entry permit fee. |
| Medical Fitness Test (per parent) | 380 | Health check at an approved center. |
| Emirates ID (per parent) | 380 | Issuance fee for Emirates ID. |
| Visa Stamping (per parent) | 460 | Visa endorsement in the passport. |
| Security Deposit (per parent) | 2,500-3500 | Refundable deposit. |
| Health Insurance (annually) | 1,500–3,000 | Based on coverage and age. |
| Typing and Service Fees | 300–450 | Document processing fees. |
Estimated Total Cost: AED 10,000–14,000 (USD 2,750–3,860) for both parents.
Key Rules and Conditions for Sponsoring Parents
- Validity and Renewal: Parents’ visas are typically valid for one year. You must ensure that you renew their visas annually, including medical insurance and medical fitness tests.
- Linked to Sponsor’s Visa: The family visa for your parents is tied to your residency status. If your own visa expires or is cancelled, your parents’ visa will be affected.
- No Work Permit: Parents cannot work on a family visa. If they wish to work, they will need a separate work permit.
- Accommodation Requirements: Ensure that your housing is suitable for your parents’ stay, generally requiring at least a two-bedroom apartment.
Options to Upgrade Your Visa: UAE Golden Visa and Green Visa
If you seek more stability and fewer renewal processes, the UAE Golden Visa might be a suitable option for you. This long-term visa, valid for 10 years, allows for easier sponsorship of your parents and does not require a security deposit. Golden Visa holders are also exempt from salary and accommodation requirements.
Alternatively, the UAE Green Visa offers a 5-year residency without the need for annual renewals, making it an attractive option for those who want to provide long-term residence for their parents without the hassle of yearly visa renewals.
For more information on upgrading to these visas, read our article on the UAE Golden Visa 2025 and Green Visa Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process.
FAQs
Can I Sponsor My In-Laws? Yes, you can sponsor your in-laws if you provide the necessary documentation, including proof of marriage and financial responsibility.
Can I Sponsor a Stepfather or Stepmother? Yes, if you can provide the necessary legal documents proving the relationship, such as marriage and custody certificates.
Can I Sponsor My Parents if I am an Unmarried Woman? Yes, unmarried women can sponsor their parents, provided they meet the financial and legal requirements.
How Long Does the Process Take? The application process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on document preparation and processing times.
By following the above steps and understanding the rules, sponsoring your parents in the UAE can be a straightforward and fulfilling process. For more assistance or if you have any questions, contact Arab Asset Consulting for expert advice and personalized support throughout your application process.
Bringing your parents to the UAE to live with you is a beautiful way to ensure family bonds remain strong while embracing the unique opportunities that life in the UAE offers. The UAE Family Visa system allows expatriate residents to sponsor immediate family members for residency, enabling them to live in the country. This guide covers everything you need to know about sponsoring your parents under the UAE Family Visa, including the eligibility criteria, costs in 2025, and step-by-step instructions for application.
Table of Contents
- What is a Family Visa in the UAE?
- Who Can Sponsor Their Parents in the UAE?
- Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Parents
- How to Apply for a Family Visa for Parents
- Costs for Sponsoring Parents in the UAE (2025)
- Key Rules and Conditions for Sponsoring Parents
- Options to Upgrade Your Visa: UAE Golden Visa and Green Visa
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How Arab Asset Consulting Can Help You Navigate the Process
What is a Family Visa in the UAE?
A Family Visa in the UAE is a residency visa that allows expatriate residents to sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses, children, and under certain conditions, parents, to live in the country. This visa grants your family legal residence, allowing them to access essential services and live in the UAE for the duration of the visa.
The process of sponsoring your parents involves meeting specific income, accommodation, and health insurance requirements. The visa is typically linked to the sponsor’s residency status, meaning that the visa remains valid as long as the sponsor’s status remains active.
Who Can Sponsor Their Parents in the UAE?
While the UAE is supportive of family unification, sponsoring parents under the family visa program has more stringent requirements compared to sponsoring spouses or children. In the UAE, any expatriate resident with a valid residency visa can sponsor immediate family members if they meet certain conditions.
To sponsor your parents, you must meet specific eligibility criteria outlined by the UAE authorities. These include your financial capacity, accommodation, and other requirements.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Parents
To be eligible to sponsor your parents in the UAE in 2025, you need to meet the following criteria:
- Age and Dependency: Sponsored parents should generally be elderly and dependent. Proof of dependency may be required, such as an affidavit from your home country’s embassy or consulate stating that you are their primary financial supporter.
- Income: The sponsor must have a monthly salary of at least AED 20,000 (approximately USD 5,400). If the sponsor’s accommodation is provided by their employer, this threshold drops slightly to AED 19,000 (around USD 5,170).
- Accommodation: You must have appropriate housing for your parents, usually a two-bedroom apartment or larger, to accommodate them comfortably.
- Health Requirements: Parents must pass a mandatory medical fitness test, which includes screening for communicable diseases like tuberculosis. This test is conducted at approved medical centers in the UAE.
- Health Insurance: Parents must have valid health insurance coverage in the UAE for the entire duration of their stay. The coverage should meet the minimum requirement of AED 150,000 (USD 40,000) annually.
- Document Requirements: You will need to submit several documents, including valid passports, passport-sized photographs, and proof of the relationship (e.g., birth certificates).
- Security Deposit: A refundable security deposit of AED 2,500 per parent is required, which is refunded upon visa cancellation.
How to Apply for a Family Visa for Parents
The process for sponsoring your parents in the UAE involves several key steps:
1. Gather Required Documents
You’ll need the following documents:
- Your passport, residency visa, Emirates ID, and salary certificates.
- Your parents’ passports, passport-sized photographs, and health insurance.
- An attested birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship.
- An affidavit from your home country’s consulate confirming you are their primary financial supporter.
- A valid tenancy agreement (Ejari).
2. Apply for an Entry Permit
Apply for the entry permit online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or at Amer centers. The entry permit typically costs around AED 200–300 (USD 50–80) per parent.
3. Pay the Security Deposit
Pay the refundable security deposit of AED 2,500 per parent. This will be refunded upon cancellation of the visa.
4. Medical Test and Health Insurance
Schedule a medical fitness test for your parents at an approved medical center. Health insurance must be secured before submitting the residency application. The cost of the medical test is approximately AED 320 per parent.
5. Apply for the Residence Visa
Submit the medical certificates, residency visa applications, and necessary documentation. The cost for visa stamping is about AED 460 per parent, and the Emirates ID fee is AED 370 per parent for one year.
6. Receive Emirates ID
After the visa is approved and stamped, your parents will receive their Emirates ID cards, which serve as their identification within the UAE.
7. Visa Renewal
Family visas for parents are typically valid for one year, and you must renew their visas each year. This includes renewing their health insurance, repeating the medical fitness test, and paying the visa renewal fee.
Costs for Sponsoring Parents in the UAE (2025)
The cost breakdown for sponsoring your parents in the UAE in 2025 is as follows:
| Item | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsorship File Opening | 380 | Initial application processing fee. |
| Entry Permit (per parent) | 450 | Entry permit fee. |
| Medical Fitness Test (per parent) | 380 | Health check at an approved center. |
| Emirates ID (per parent) | 380 | Issuance fee for Emirates ID. |
| Visa Stamping (per parent) | 460 | Visa endorsement in the passport. |
| Security Deposit (per parent) | 2,500-3500 | Refundable deposit. |
| Health Insurance (annually) | 1,500–3,000 | Based on coverage and age. |
| Typing and Service Fees | 300–450 | Document processing fees. |
Estimated Total Cost: AED 10,000–14,000 (USD 2,750–3,860) for both parents.
Key Rules and Conditions for Sponsoring Parents
- Validity and Renewal: Parents’ visas are typically valid for one year. You must ensure that you renew their visas annually, including medical insurance and medical fitness tests.
- Linked to Sponsor’s Visa: The family visa for your parents is tied to your residency status. If your own visa expires or is cancelled, your parents’ visa will be affected.
- No Work Permit: Parents cannot work on a family visa. If they wish to work, they will need a separate work permit.
- Accommodation Requirements: Ensure that your housing is suitable for your parents’ stay, generally requiring at least a two-bedroom apartment.
Options to Upgrade Your Visa: UAE Golden Visa and Green Visa
If you seek more stability and fewer renewal processes, the UAE Golden Visa might be a suitable option for you. This long-term visa, valid for 10 years, allows for easier sponsorship of your parents and does not require a security deposit. Golden Visa holders are also exempt from salary and accommodation requirements.
Alternatively, the UAE Green Visa offers a 5-year residency without the need for annual renewals, making it an attractive option for those who want to provide long-term residence for their parents without the hassle of yearly visa renewals.
For more information on upgrading to these visas, read our article on the UAE Golden Visa 2025 and Green Visa Eligibility, Benefits, and Application Process.
FAQs
Can I Sponsor My In-Laws? Yes, you can sponsor your in-laws if you provide the necessary documentation, including proof of marriage and financial responsibility.
Can I Sponsor a Stepfather or Stepmother? Yes, if you can provide the necessary legal documents proving the relationship, such as marriage and custody certificates.
Can I Sponsor My Parents if I am an Unmarried Woman? Yes, unmarried women can sponsor their parents, provided they meet the financial and legal requirements.
How Long Does the Process Take? The application process generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks, depending on document preparation and processing times.
By following the above steps and understanding the rules, sponsoring your parents in the UAE can be a straightforward and fulfilling process. For more assistance or if you have any questions, contact Arab Asset Consulting for expert advice and personalized support throughout your application process.
