Key Highlights: 

• Sponsor your spouse, children (of any age), parents, and unlimited domestic staff under the UAE Golden Visa.
• No minimum stay required—family members can live abroad and keep their UAE residency.
• 2025 updates expand eligibility to healthcare workers, educators, creatives, and more.
• Comprehensive health insurance is mandatory for all Golden Visa family members from January 2025.

The UAE Golden Visa stands as one of the most significant residency programs in the world, offering foreign nationals the opportunity to live, work, and study in the Emirates without requiring a local sponsor. 

Since its launch in 2019, this long-term residence visa has evolved into a comprehensive program that attracts investors, entrepreneurs, skilled professionals, and outstanding students from around the globe.

What makes the Golden Visa particularly attractive is its extended validity period and the extensive benefits it provides to holders and their families. The program represents the UAE’s strategic vision to attract global talent and establish itself as a premier destination for long-term residency.

Keep reading further to learn more. 

UAE Golden Visa Overview and 2025 Updates

1. Duration and Categories

The Golden Visa comes in two primary durations: 5-year and 10-year visas, depending on your eligibility category. The 10-year visa typically requires higher investment thresholds and is aimed at significant contributors to key sectors, while the 5-year visa is more accessible to entrepreneurs and professionals.

2. 2025 Expansions

The program has witnessed remarkable growth, with more than 158,000 Golden Visas issued in 2023 alone. The 2025 updates have significantly expanded eligibility to include:

• Healthcare workers, including nurses with over 15 years of service at Dubai Health Authority
• Private educators working in registered Dubai institutions
• Content creators, filmmakers, and digital artists under the creative residency track
• E-sports professionals aged 25 and above, accredited by Dubai Culture
• Yacht owners and maritime leaders with assets above 40 meters in length

3. Key Benefits

The Golden Visa automatically renews and has no minimum stay requirements, allowing you to maintain your residency status even during extended periods abroad. This flexibility makes it particularly attractive for global professionals and investors who need to travel frequently.

Family Sponsorship Benefits Under Golden Visa

One of the most compelling aspects of the UAE Golden Visa is its comprehensive family sponsorship benefits. Unlike regular residence visas, Golden Visa holders enjoy extended privileges when it comes to bringing their loved ones to the UAE.

1. Extended Residency Duration

Your family members receive residency visas that match the duration of your Golden Visa. This means if you hold a 10-year Golden Visa, your spouse, children, and other eligible family members also receive 10-year residency status.

2. No Minimum Stay Requirements

Just like the main visa holder, your sponsored family members have no minimum stay requirements in the UAE. This provides tremendous flexibility for families who may need to travel frequently or maintain residences in multiple countries.

3. Enhanced Access to Services

Golden Visa family members enjoy priority processing benefits and enhanced access to banking, real estate, and educational services throughout the UAE. This streamlined access makes it easier for families to establish themselves and integrate into UAE society.

Who Can You Sponsor: Complete Family Member Categories

1. Spouse Sponsorship

You can sponsor your spouse under the Golden Visa program with proper documentation. The process requires:

Legal Marriage Requirements:

• Attested marriage certificate in Arabic or duly translated into Arabic by a certified translator
• Alternative documentation options may include consulate letters when marriage certificates are unavailable

Special Cases:

In strict circumstances, Muslim residents may be allowed to sponsor two wives if they meet certain terms and conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

2. Children Sponsorship Rules

The Golden Visa provides unprecedented flexibility for sponsoring children, representing a major advantage over regular residence visas.

Sons:

• No age limit for Golden Visa holders—this means even adult sons over 25 can be sponsored
• This represents a significant change from regular visas, which typically limit son sponsorship to age 25

Daughters:

• Unlimited sponsorship for unmarried daughters regardless of age
• Married daughters typically transition to their husband’s sponsorship

Children with Special Needs:

• Complete exemption from age restrictions for children of determination (special needs)
• These children can remain under sponsorship indefinitely

Stepchildren:

• Golden Visa holders can sponsor stepchildren with proper documentation
• Requires a deposit of AED 5,000 for each stepchild, which is refundable upon visa cancellation
• The sponsor’s monthly salary must be over AED 6,000, including accommodation

3. Parents Sponsorship

Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents, providing families the opportunity to stay together in the UAE.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Both parents need to be present for the application process
• In cases of death, divorce, or other circumstances, attestation should be provided by the UAE Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Required Documentation:

• The sponsor’s birth certificate must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE Embassy in the country of origin
• If birth certificates are unavailable, a letter from your consulate proving the relationship can be submitted
• Medical fitness requirements apply to parents over 18 years

4. Domestic Staff Sponsorship

Golden Visa holders have significant flexibility when it comes to sponsoring domestic workers. You can sponsor unlimited numbers of domestic staff, including:

• Housemaids and cleaners
• Drivers and chauffeurs
• Nannies and childcare providers
• Cooks and kitchen staff

Requirements:

• A monthly income of AED 15,000+ with a 2-bedroom accommodation typically allows sponsorship of one domestic worker
• Higher income and larger homes permit sponsoring multiple domestic workers
• You must provide private rooms or separate living spaces for domestic staff
• Formal labor contracts outlining salary, duties, and working conditions are mandatory

5. Siblings and Extended Family: What’s Not Covered

It’s important to understand that the Golden Visa does not allow you to sponsor siblings or extended family members beyond the categories mentioned above. Siblings would need to qualify for their own visas through regular channels or other Golden Visa categories if they meet the eligibility criteria.

This limitation distinguishes Golden Visa family benefits from some other residency programs, so you should plan accordingly if you have siblings you’d like to bring to the UAE.

Also Read: How to Buy Investment Property in UAE and Secure a Golden Visa

Eligibility Requirements for Family Sponsorship

1. Main Visa Holder Requirements

To sponsor family members, you must first qualify for and obtain your Golden Visa. The main categories include:

Property Investors:

• Minimum investment of AED 2 million in UAE real estate
• Mortgaged properties are acceptable if the loan is from an approved local bank

Business Investors:

• Investment of AED 2 million in a UAE company or payment of at least AED 250,000 annually in taxes

Skilled Professionals:

• Monthly salary of AED 30,000 or more
• Bachelor’s degree or higher qualification
• At least two years of work experience in current role

2. Medical Insurance Requirements

All Golden Visa holders and their family members must maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage. As of January 1, 2025, this has become a federal mandate across all Emirates.

Insurance Requirements:

• Coverage must include inpatient and outpatient services, surgeries, emergency care, and maternity care
• Plans must comply with emirate-specific guidelines (e.g., Dubai Health Authority standards for Dubai residents)
• International coverage is recommended for frequent travelers
• Pre-existing and chronic conditions must be covered

Costs:

• Basic health insurance packages start from AED 320 per year
• Enhanced plans for Golden Visa holders can range from AED 900 to several thousand dirhams annually

3. Physical Presence Requirements

You must be physically present in the UAE during the application process for family member visas. Family members also need to be present for medical examinations and biometric registration.

Required Documentation for Each Family Member Category

1. Spouse Documentation

Essential Documents:

• Marriage certificate with proper attestation and Arabic translation
• Passport copies and recent photographs
• Medical fitness tests for spouses over 18 years
• No Objection Certificates in specific cases

2. Children Documentation

For All Children:

• Birth certificates with attestation and Arabic translation
• Passport copies and photographs
• Medical fitness tests for children over 18 years

For Adult Children:

• Unmarried status declarations for daughters
• Educational enrollment certificates for children over 18 years
• Special documentation for children of determination

3. Parents Documentation

Required Papers:

• Sponsor’s birth certificate with full attestation process
• Dependency certificates and affidavits
• Medical fitness certificates and insurance coverage
• Consulate letters and Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation

4. Domestic Staff Documentation

Employment Documentation:

• Formal labor contracts complying with UAE labor laws
• Accommodation proof meeting minimum space requirements
• Salary certificates and bank statements

Personal Documentation:

• Medical tests and health certificates
• Emirates ID applications
• Passport copies and photographs

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Initial Application Steps

Step 1: File Opening

• Open a sponsor file with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)

Step 2: Entry Permit

• Issue entry permits for family members applying from abroad
• Pay required deposits and processing fees

Medical and Biometric Requirements

Step 3: Medical Examinations

• Complete medical fitness tests at approved health centers
• Costs range from AED 250 to AED 700 depending on age and requirements

Step 4: Emirates ID Application

• Apply for Emirates ID for all family members
• Complete biometric registration, including fingerprints and photographs

Final Processing

Step 5: Visa Processing

• Submit all completed documentation for final residency visa processing
• Await approval and visa stamping

Step 6: Emirates ID Collection

• Collect physical Emirates ID cards once processing is complete

Processing Time:

The typical processing time ranges from 30 to 60 days, depending on the category and emirate. Some expedited processing options may be available for additional fees.

Costs Breakdown for Family Sponsorship (2025 Rates)

1. Visa Fees by Category

2. Additional Costs

Medical and Processing Fees:

• Medical tests: AED 300-700 per person
• Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,070-1,200
• Health insurance: AED 900+ per person annually
• Translation and attestation: AED 200-500 per document

Domestic Staff Costs:

• Visa processing: AED 2,000-4,000 per worker
• Medical tests: AED 300-500
• Emirates ID: AED 370-1,200
• Security deposit: AED 2,000-3,000 (refundable)

Note: These costs are subject to change, and you should always verify current fees with official UAE government sources before making financial commitments.

Common Rejection Reasons and How to Avoid Them

1. Documentation Issues

Incomplete Attestation:

• Ensure all documents are properly attested by UAE Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs
• Double-check Arabic translations are certified and accurate

Health Insurance Gaps:

• Maintain continuous health insurance coverage for all family members
• Ensure policies meet emirate-specific requirements

2. Financial Requirements

Insufficient Income Proof:

• Provide clear salary certificates and bank statements
• Ensure all salary deposits are processed through the Wage Protection System (WPS)

Investment Documentation:

• For property investors, maintain proper title deeds and ownership documentation
• Ensure all tax payments are verified by the Federal Tax Authority

3. Application Errors

Mismatched Information:

• Verify all personal information matches across documents
• Ensure job titles align with eligibility categories

Missing Nominations:

• Obtain required government nomination letters for specific categories
• Submit all endorsements from recognized authorities

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can Golden Visa holders sponsor unlimited family members?

Yes, Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouses, unlimited numbers of unmarried daughters, sons without age restrictions, parents, and unlimited domestic staff, subject to meeting income and accommodation requirements.

2. What happens to family visas if the main holder passes away?

In the unfortunate event of the Golden Visa holder’s death, family members can remain in the UAE until the original visa expiry date. This provides crucial stability during difficult times.

3. Are there age limits for children under the Golden Visa?

No, Golden Visa holders can sponsor sons of any age and unmarried daughters without age restrictions. This represents a major advantage over regular residence visas.

4. Can family members work in the UAE under Golden Visa sponsorship?

Yes, sponsored family members can obtain work permits and employment in the UAE. They have the same employment rights as other UAE residents.

5. What are the medical insurance requirements?

All Golden Visa holders and their family members must maintain comprehensive health insurance coverage that meets emirate-specific standards. This became a federal mandate across all Emirates starting January 1, 2025.

6. How long does family visa processing take?

Processing typically takes 30-60 days from application submission to visa issuance. The timeline can vary based on document completeness and emirate-specific procedures.

Also Read: Top Professions Eligible for the UAE Golden Visa

Tips for Successful Family Sponsorship Application

1. Document Preparation Best Practices

Plan Ahead:

• Start the document collection and attestation process at least 2-3 months before the application.
• Ensure all documents are within validity periods (typically 6 months for most certificates)

Professional Assistance:

• Consider working with authorized typing centers or professional service providers
• Verify all translations and attestations meet current UAE government standards

2. Timing Considerations

Optimal Application Timing:

• Apply during cooler months when government processing is typically more efficient
• Avoid application submissions during Ramadan or major UAE holidays when processing may be slower

Insurance Selection:

• Choose health insurance plans that exceed minimum requirements to avoid future issues
• Consider plans with international coverage if your family travels frequently

3. Medical Test Preparation

Health Requirements:

• Schedule medical tests at approved health centers only
• Ensure all family members over 18 complete required fitness examinations
• Maintain health records and vaccination certificates for smoother processing

UAE’s Position as a Family-Friendly Destination

The UAE has positioned itself as a premier destination for global families seeking stability, opportunity, and quality of life. The country’s strategic location, multicultural environment, and business-friendly policies make it an ideal base for international families.

The comprehensive family sponsorship benefits under the Golden Visa program reflect the UAE’s commitment to attracting and retaining global talent while ensuring families can build meaningful lives together in the Emirates.

Future Outlook

The Golden Visa program continues to evolve, with ongoing policy updates expected to drive even greater demand in 2025 and beyond. The UAE government’s commitment to expanding eligibility and streamlining processes demonstrates the program’s importance in the country’s long-term vision.

As the program matures, we can expect further enhancements to family benefits, additional professional categories, and continued improvements to the application process. For families considering long-term residency in the UAE, the Golden Visa represents an unparalleled opportunity to secure your future in one of the world’s most promising regions.

Book your free consultation call today with the experts of JSB Incorporation to learn more about securing your UAE Golden Visa.