🇦🇪
Sponsoring a Family Residence Visa in the UAE
Document Checklist
Sponsor's Emirates ID and passport
Required: Original sponsor's Emirates ID and passport with current Residence Permit
Cost: Already issued
Per the UAE Government Portal, the sponsor must hold a valid Residence Permit and meet the salary threshold to sponsor.
Sponsor's salary certificate or work contract
Required: Salary certificate from employer on letterhead, or attested work contract showing monthly salary
Cost: Free (issued by employer's HR)
Per the UAE Government Portal, the sponsor's salary must be at least AED 4,000 — or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. The accommodation provision is verified via the tenancy contract.
Tenancy contract (Ejari for Dubai)
Required: Annual tenancy contract registered with the competent authority
Where to get: Ejari for Dubai; municipality registration for the other emirates
Cost: Issued at lease registration
Required to evidence the sponsor's accommodation when the salary path is AED 3,000 plus accommodation, and as a residence proof for the dependant.
Dependant's passport and photographs
Required: Passport with at least 6 months validity, recent passport photographs to ICP/GDRFA specifications
Cost: Already issued (passport); nominal for photographs
Children's passports must be valid for the duration of the requested residence visa. Dependants outside the UAE need an Entry Permit before travelling to the UAE.
Marriage or birth certificate (attested)
Required: Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship); attested birth certificates (for children)
Where to get: Issuing authority of the document; attested by UAE Embassy abroad and MOFA in the UAE
Cost: Varies by issuing country and attestation channel
Per the UAE Government Portal, evidence of relationship must be officially attested. Plan attestation before booking ICP/GDRFA appointments.
Medical fitness test result
Required: Issued by an approved health centre in the UAE for dependants aged 18 and over
Cost: Standard medical fitness fee at the centre (varies by emirate)
Per the UAE Government Portal, male and female family members who are 18 or over must undergo and pass the medical fitness test at approved health centres in the UAE.
View full guide
→