Dubai is a city that has it all—stunning skyscrapers, endless business opportunities, and a lifestyle that’s hard to match anywhere else. It’s no surprise that so many people from around the world dream of calling it home. But whether you’re planning to move here for work or bring your family to join you, there’s one essential step: getting the right visa.
That’s where sponsorship visas come in. They’re the key to living and working legally in Dubai, helping individuals secure jobs, reunite with loved ones, and even enjoy the benefits of long-term residency.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about Dubai sponsorship visas in 2025. From eligibility requirements to step-by-step instructions, this blog is here to make the process as simple and stress-free as possible.
If you’re looking for UAE’s business visa details, you can read our complete guide here.
What is a Dubai Sponsorship Visa?
A Sponsorship Visa allows residents in Dubai to sponsor their immediate family members, such as spouses and children, provided they meet specific eligibility criteria. For instance, residents earning a minimum salary can sponsor their families.
Sponsorship establishes a legal framework that defines the sponsor’s responsibilities, including providing accommodation, healthcare, and financial support to the sponsored individuals. To better understand the different types of work permits and how they integrate with sponsorship visas, check out our comprehensive guide to UAE and Dubai work visas and permits.
Who Can Apply for a Sponsorship Visa?
As a sponsor, you must meet specific eligibility criteria to ensure a smooth application process:
- Employment Status: You must hold a valid UAE residence permit and be employed or own a business. Tourist or visit visa holders are not eligible to sponsor dependents.
- Minimum Income: The UAE government mandates a minimum salary requirement to ensure sponsors can financially support their dependents. As of recent regulations, you must earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by your employer.
- Legal Standing: Maintaining a clean legal record is essential. Any criminal history can impede your ability to sponsor family members.
Eligibility for Sponsored Individuals
- Immediate Family Members: You can sponsor your spouse, children, and, under certain conditions, your parents. Sponsoring other relatives may require special approvals.
- Medical Fitness: To qualify for residency, family members aged 18 and above must undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers in the UAE.
NOTE: Providing proof of adequate housing, such as a tenancy contract, may be necessary to demonstrate suitable living conditions for your family. After your dependents enter the UAE on an entry permit, you have 60 days to apply for their residence visas.
Benefits of a Sponsorship Visa
ion from the paragraph presented in a table format for clarity:
Benefit | Details |
---|---|
Family Unity | Enables expatriates to bring immediate family members (spouses, children, parents) to reside with them. |
Access to Quality Services | Sponsored dependents gain access to the UAE’s healthcare system. Also, your children can enroll in reputable schools. |
Employment Opportunities | Spouses holding sponsorship visas may seek employment in Dubai with the necessary work permits. |
Legal Residency | Dependents receive legal residency status, eliminating the need for separate visas or permits. |
Stability and Security | Family reunification enhances emotional support and stability. |
Types of Sponsorship Visas in Dubai
1. Employment Sponsorship
Employers sponsor foreign employees with this type of visa, facilitating the acquisition of work permits and residency visas. This sponsorship authorizes individuals to work and grants them legal residency in the UAE.
Employer’s Role in Sponsoring Work Visas
Initiating the Visa Process: Upon extending a job offer, the employer commences the visa application by submitting the necessary documents to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This includes obtaining an entry permit, which allows the employee to enter the UAE for employment purposes.
Facilitating Medical and Identity Procedures: After the employee’s arrival, the employer coordinates mandatory medical fitness tests and assists in securing identification documents, such as the Emirates ID.
Ensuring Legal Compliance: Employers are responsible for adhering to UAE labor laws, which encompass providing employment contracts that conform to the standard employment contract introduced by the ministry.
No initial approval for employment is granted until after the employer issues an employment offer. The offer must conform to the standard employment contract and be duly signed by both the employer and the employee.
Key Industries Relying on Employment Sponsorship
Dubai’s diverse economy attracts a multitude of sectors that depend heavily on employment sponsorship to source international talent. Notable industries include:
- Construction: With ongoing infrastructural development, the construction sector consistently recruits skilled labor from abroad.
- Hospitality and Tourism: As a global tourist destination, Dubai’s hospitality industry seeks professionals to enhance service quality.
- Information Technology: The growing tech landscape requires expertise in various IT domains, leading to a demand for foreign specialists.
- Healthcare: Dubai’s healthcare sector employs medical professionals from around the world to meet the needs of its population.
2. Family Sponsorship
Family Sponsorship Visas enable expatriates to bring immediate family members—spouses, children, and parents—to reside with them, fostering family unity and stability.
Sponsoring Spouses and Children
Sponsors must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
Required Documents:
- Marriage Certificate: Attested proof of marriage for sponsoring a spouse.
- Birth Certificates: Attested birth certificates for sponsoring children.
- Employment Contract: Proof of income, such as a salary certificate or employment contract.
- Tenancy Contract: Valid rental agreement under the sponsor’s name.
- Medical Fitness Certificates: Family members aged 18 and above must pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers.
Sponsoring Parents

- Income Requirements: Sponsoring parents requires a higher minimum salary, typically around AED 20,000 per month or AED 19,000 with employer-provided accommodation.
- Proof of Sole Responsibility: Evidence that the sponsor is the sole supporter of their parents.
- Medical Insurance: Comprehensive health insurance coverage for the sponsored parents.
3. Domestic Worker Sponsorship

Domestic Worker Sponsorship allows residents to employ individuals for household roles such as housemaids, drivers, and other domestic staff.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
Residency Status: Sponsors must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
Minimum Income: The sponsor should have a minimum monthly salary of AED 25,000, or AED 15,000, with an additional housing allowance.
Profession Criteria: Sponsorship is typically allowed for individuals in high-income professions such as doctors, engineers, business owners, and other senior-level or high-earning roles.
Eligible Nationalities for Domestic Workers
The UAE permits recruiting domestic workers from specific countries, including the Philippines, India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, and Indonesia. It’s crucial to verify the approved nationalities before initiating the hiring process.
Required Documentation:
- Sponsor’s Documents:
- Copy of passport and residence visa.
- Proof of income (e.g., salary certificate).
- Tenancy contract as proof of adequate accommodation.
- Domestic Worker’s Documents:
- Copy of passport.
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Medical fitness certificate from an approved health center.
Legal Obligations of Sponsors
Employment Contract: Both parties must sign a standardized contract outlining duties, working hours, salary, and other terms. Employers and employees alike should familiarize themselves with UAE labor laws to ensure compliance during the sponsorship process.
Medical Insurance: Sponsors must provide health insurance coverage for the domestic worker.
Accommodation and Welfare: The worker must be ensured adequate living conditions, including suitable accommodation and access to basic amenities.
Compliance with Labor Laws: Adherence to UAE labor laws, including provisions for working hours, rest days, and timely payment of wages, is mandatory.
4. Investor/Business Sponsorship
Investor/Business Sponsorship Visas allow entrepreneurs and business owners to establish and manage their ventures while securing residency in the UAE. These visas are designed to attract foreign investment and stimulate economic growth by offering long-term residency options to eligible investors.
Key Sponsorship Options for Entrepreneurs
Investor Visa: Ideal for individuals investing in a new or existing business within Dubai. Eligibility typically requires a minimum investment amount, which may vary depending on the business type and jurisdiction. For instance, investing in a mainland company may necessitate holding shares worth a substantial amount, as specified by local regulations.
Partner Visa: This visa is available to individuals who own shares in a Dubai-based business. It allows partners to reside and work in the UAE under their company’s sponsorship.
Golden Visa: A long-term residency option for substantial investors and entrepreneurs. Eligibility criteria include:
- Investment in an Investment Fund: A deposit of AED 2 million in an accredited UAE investment fund.
- Real Estate Investment: Ownership of one or more properties valued at no less than AED 2 million, provided the property is not mortgaged.
Benefits of Investor/Business Sponsorship Visas
Residency: Grants the investor and their family the right to reside in the UAE, with visa durations ranging from 3 to 10 years, depending on the investment type and amount.
Business Operations: Allows full ownership and management of business activities within designated jurisdictions, such as free zones or mainland areas, depending on the business structure.
Family Sponsorship: Enables investors to sponsor their immediate family members, providing them with residency permits.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship Visas in Dubai
Criteria | Details |
---|---|
Residency Status | Sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence permit. |
Minimum Salary | Minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation. |
Eligible Family Members | – Spouse: Husbands can sponsor wives, and vice versa (wives need AED 10,000 monthly income to sponsor husbands).- Children: Sons can be sponsored up to 18 years (up to 21 if studying); unmarried daughters can be sponsored indefinitely.- Parents: Higher income threshold of AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 with company-provided accommodation. |
Medical Fitness | Family members aged 18+ must pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers. |
Accommodation Proof | A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) must be provided to prove adequate housing. |
Profession Relevance | The sponsor’s profession is no longer a condition for sponsoring family members. |
Grace Period for Application | Sponsors have 60 days to apply for dependents’ residence visas after their entry into the UAE. |
Special Cases
Retired Expats: Retired expatriates may be eligible to sponsor their families if they meet specific criteria, including proof of sufficient financial means and accommodation.
Single Mothers: Single mothers can sponsor their children, provided they submit a no-objection certificate from the child’s father or proof of sole custody, along with meeting the financial requirements.
Sponsoring Stepchildren: Expatriates can sponsor stepchildren, subject to conditions set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), which may include a deposit for each child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent.
Application Process for Sponsorship Visas
Step | Details |
---|---|
1. Determine Eligibility | – Sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet the salary criteria.- Verify eligibility of the family members (spouse, children, parents). |
2. Gather Documentation | – For the Sponsor:Copy of passport, UAE residence visa, salary certificate, tenancy contract (Ejari), utility bill (if required).- For the Sponsored:Copy of passport, passport-sized photographs, attested marriage or birth certificates, medical fitness certificate (for 18+). |
3. Apply for Entry Permit | – Submit application via GDRFA or an authorized typing center.- Pay applicable fees (varies based on visa type and duration). |
4. Medical Fitness Test | – Conduct medical fitness screening for sponsored family members over 18 at an approved UAE health center. |
5. Apply for Emirates ID | – Submit Emirates ID application via the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security). |
6. Process Residency Visa | – Submit residency visa application with medical fitness results and Emirates ID receipts.- Residency visa will be stamped upon approval. |
7. Collect Emirates ID | – Emirates ID cards will be processed and can be collected or delivered after the residency visa is issued. |
NOTE: Using government apps like GDRFA Dubai and ICA UAE Smart can simplify the application process. Learn more about the top Dubai and UAE government apps for visa services and other essential tools
Costs and Fees for Sponsorship Visas in Dubai
Government Fees
Entry Permit: The cost varies based on the applicant’s location:
- Inside the UAE: Approximately AED 488.90.
- Outside the UAE: Approximately AED 1,138.90.
Residency Visa Issuance: Fees depend on the visa’s duration:
- 1-year visa: Around AED 2,000 – AED 3,000.
- 2-year visa: Approximately AED 3,000 – AED 5,000.
- 3-year visa: Approximately AED 4,000 – AED 6,000.
Emirates ID: The fee varies with the visa’s validity period:
- 1-year ID: Around AED 250.
- 2-year ID: Approximately AED 350.
- 3-year ID: Approximately AED 450.
Additional Costs
Medical Examination: Mandatory for applicants over 18 years old, with fees ranging from AED 250 to AED 500, depending on the medical center and urgency.
Health Insurance: Compulsory for all sponsored individuals, with premiums varying based on coverage and provider.
Document Attestation: Essential documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, require attestation.
Attestation Fees: Typically between AED 150 to AED 200 per document.
Translation Services: Non-English or non-Arabic documents must be translated by certified translators, incurring additional costs.
Typing Center Services: Utilizing authorized typing centers for application processing may involve service charges ranging from AED 100 to AED 200.
Changes and Updates to Expect in 2025
Introduction of New Visa Categories
Green Visa: Designed for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors, the Green Visa allows individuals to sponsor themselves without the need for employer sponsorship. This visa offers extended residency periods and the ability to sponsor first-degree relatives.

Golden Visa Expansion: The Golden Visa program will be broadened to include more professions, offering 10-year residency with the flexibility to sponsor unlimited dependents. Notably, the requirement for holders to return to the UAE every six months to maintain validity has been removed.
Streamlined Application Processes: The UAE will introduce online platforms to simplify visa applications, reducing processing times and enhancing accessibility for applicants. This digital transformation aims to make the process more efficient and user-friendly.
Extended Grace Periods: Following visa cancellation or expiry, flexible grace periods of up to six months are now offered, providing individuals with ample time to adjust their status or make necessary arrangements.
Family Sponsorship Enhancements: The age limit for sponsoring sons will be raised to 25 years, with no age limit for unmarried daughters, facilitating greater family unity. Additionally, children of determination are granted residence permits regardless of age.
Conclusion
Getting a Dubai sponsorship visa might feel overwhelming at first, but with a clear understanding of the eligibility requirements, application process, and benefits, it becomes much easier to navigate. Sponsorship visas open the door to bringing your family together, accessing quality services, and creating a stable life in one of the most exciting cities in the world.
Whether you’re an employer, entrepreneur, or looking to sponsor your loved ones, being prepared and following the steps outlined in this guide will help you get through the process smoothly. From meeting income requirements to gathering the right documents, every detail matters.
If this guide has been helpful, feel free to bookmark it for future reference or share it with friends, family, or coworkers who might need it. Together, we can make the journey to securing a Dubai sponsorship visa a lot simpler!