Moving to the UAE to start a business is a major step—but many entrepreneurs also want to bring their family with them. Understanding the UAE’s family sponsorship rules is essential if you’re planning to relocate with dependents. This guide explains how to sponsor family members when setting up a business in the UAE, covering visa requirements, eligibility, procedures, and costs.
Who Can Sponsor Family in the UAE?
If you’re setting up a business and hold a valid UAE residence visa, you may sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children (sons under 25, daughters unmarried)
- Parents (if specific income and housing requirements are met)
To do this, you must meet the UAE’s minimum salary threshold and provide valid accommodation documents.
Minimum Requirements for Family Sponsorship
To sponsor family members, you must:
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa under your business license (Investor/Partner visa)
- Earn a minimum monthly salary (usually AED 4,000–AED 5,000 depending on the emirate)
- Provide a valid Ejari (tenancy contract) in your name
- Have an attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
- Have attested birth certificates (for children)
- Pass medical fitness tests (for all family members above 18)
Step-by-Step: How to Sponsor Family After Business Setup
- Obtain Your Investor/Partner Visa
- Form your company (Free Zone or Mainland)
- Apply for your own UAE residence visa
- Prepare Necessary Documents
- Marriage/birth certificates (attested in home country + UAE Embassy)
- Passport copies, passport photos
- Salary certificate or trade license
- Ejari or tenancy contract
- Emirates ID copy
- Apply for Entry Permit
- Submit via GDRFA or a Free Zone portal
- Usually processed within 2–5 working days
- Medical Testing & Emirates ID Registration
- Adults must undergo medical screening
- Start Emirates ID application
- Final Visa Stamping
- Once entry permit is approved and medical/ID steps are done
- Visa stamped in passport, valid for 1–3 years
Costs Involved
- Entry permit: AED 500–1,000
- Medical test: AED 300–500
- Emirates ID: AED 200–370
- Visa stamping: AED 500–1,000
- Typing/processing fees: Varies by emirate
Prices differ between Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates. Using a PRO or concierge service like Setupros can streamline the process.
Sponsoring Parents in the UAE
Additional conditions apply:
- Minimum salary: AED 20,000+ (varies)
- Proof that no one else can sponsor them in your home country
- Must sponsor both parents together, unless one is deceased
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not attesting foreign documents before arrival
- Inadequate salary or invalid tenancy contract
- Applying before your own visa is finalized
- Delays in completing medical/ID steps
Need Help?
At Setupros, we simplify UAE relocation for expats and entrepreneurs. If you’re starting a business and want to bring your family, contact us at [email protected] or visit https://setupros.com for personalized support.