Residence permit for family members
family sponsorship
UAE residents can sponsor their spouse and children to live with them on a residence permit without work. The family member first gets an entry permit valid for a 60-day stay, then completes residency formalities (medical test for those over 18) inside the country. The family's residence is linked to the sponsor's. These details come from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai; other emirates process through ICP.
1 entry rule for United Arab Emirates based on recent travel
These apply to people who were recently in certain countries. Sign in and add your trips to see whether any apply to you.
Yellow fever certificate needed after a stay in countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (WHO list)
Travellers aged 9 months and over arriving from a yellow fever risk country (or after more than 12 hours' airport transit in one) need a valid yellow fever certificate.
WHO International Travel and Health, Annex 1: Countries with risk of yellow fever transmission and countries requiring proof of vaccination against yellow fever (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) WHO ITH Country List: Vaccination requirements and WHO recommendations for international travellers, 2022 edition (18 Nov 2022, revised 3 Jan 2023) Checked October 19, 2026
Life in United Arab Emirates
Money
3
Currency
United Arab Emirates Dirham
AED
United Arab Emirates Dirham
Cost of living
69
Price level · US = 100
World Bank price levels, 2025
Living
1
Happiness
#19 of 145 countries
World Happiness Report 2025
Your edge here Premium
What gives you an edge here: passports, visas and permits you hold, work, study, language and family ties
Who it’s for
Foreign residents of the UAE (male or female) who earn enough and have housing, and who want to bring a spouse, children (sons under 25, unmarried daughters of any age, children with special needs of any age) to live with them.
Eligibility
Sponsor's income
- AED 4,000,
- or AED 3,000 plus housing
- AED 3,000
- plus housing
- At leastAED 48,000
- as stated in the partnership agreement
The resident sponsor's salary must be AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus housing (GDRFA entry permit page). For business partners, the partnership share must be at least AED 48,000 as stated in the partnership agreement.
Suitable housing
The sponsor must provide suitable housing for the family members.
Eligible relatives
Spouse (husband or wife), children under 25 or unmarried daughters; children with special needs regardless of age.
A sneak peek at what's inside
- Next requirement
- Document checklist
- Fees
The full requirements are for members
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- 3 more requirements
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- 5 steps
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Places to visit in United Arab Emirates
Attractions picked for you, based on your profile and interests.
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Other routes to United Arab Emirates
- Visit & tourismTourist visit visa (entry permit for tourism), sponsored by a licensed tourism establishment
- StudyResidence permit for a student
- Work permitsWork permit (MOHRE) and residence visa for private sector employees
- 2 more routes with Premium
