Key Highlights

• Minimum salary requirement reduced from AED 20,000 to AED 10,000 per month (though Dubai maintains the AED 20,000 requirement).
• Property owners with an AED 2+ million investment can sponsor parents for 10 years without annual renewals.
• Approximately AED 9,000-12,000 for sponsoring both parents, including visas, medical tests, and basic insurance.
• Both parents must typically be sponsored together with proof of dependency, valid health insurance, and adequate accommodation.

Sponsoring your parents to join you in the UAE represents one of the most meaningful ways to reunite your family and care for them in their golden years. 

Furthermore, with recent policy updates making parent sponsorship more accessible, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about bringing your parents to live with you in the UAE. 

Keep reading to learn more. 

Disclaimer: Visa requirements and costs are subject to change. Always verify the latest information from official UAE government sources before making decisions or beginning applications.

Understanding Parent Sponsorship in the UAE

The UAE government recognizes the importance of family unity and allows residents to sponsor their parents under specific conditions. This sponsorship falls under the family visa category and enables your parents to live with you legally while accessing essential services like healthcare.

Additionally, the UAE’s parent sponsorship program reflects the country’s commitment to supporting expatriates who contribute to its economy while maintaining strong family bonds. Both sons and daughters can sponsor their parents, with expanded opportunities now available for daughters-in-law and sons-in-law as well.

Family Reunification Policies

The UAE has consistently evolved its family visa policies to better serve its diverse expatriate population. These policies aim to balance economic considerations with humanitarian aspects of family unity. As a result, the government has made significant adjustments to make parent sponsorship more inclusive and accessible.

Moreover, the importance of parent sponsorship for long-term UAE residents cannot be overstated. Many expatriates who have built their careers and lives in the UAE wish to ensure their elderly parents receive quality care while remaining close to their families.

Eligibility Requirements for Sponsors

To sponsor your parents in the UAE, you must meet specific criteria that demonstrate your ability to provide adequate care and financial support. These requirements have been carefully designed to ensure both the welfare of sponsored parents and the stability of the UAE’s social systems.

1. Financial Requirements

The most significant recent change in UAE parent sponsorship is the reduction in minimum salary requirements. The threshold has been lowered from AED 20,000 to AED 10,000 per month as your basic salary. This change came into effect on October 3, 2022, making parent sponsorship accessible to a broader range of residents.

However, it’s important to note that some emirates may have different requirements:

Dubai: According to GDRFA Dubai, the minimum salary requirement remains AED 20,000 per month

Other emirates: May have varying thresholds, so it’s essential to verify with local authorities

In addition to meeting the salary threshold, you must provide proof of income through several documents. These include a salary certificate from your employer and your labor contract for private sector employees. Furthermore, bank statements for the last three months are required to demonstrate financial stability.

2. Employment Status Requirements

Beyond financial qualifications, you need to hold a valid UAE residence visa with at least six months remaining validity. Both employed residents and property investors can sponsor their parents, though the requirements may differ slightly depending on your employment status.

Consequently, employed residents typically follow the standard sponsorship route, while property investors may have access to the Golden Visa program, which offers additional benefits and longer validity periods.

3. Housing Requirements

Adequate accommodation forms another crucial requirement for parent sponsorship. You must demonstrate suitable housing for your parents by providing several key documents. These include a valid tenancy contract (Ejari), proof that the accommodation meets municipal standards for family living, and recent utility bills.

Who Can Sponsor Parents

The following individuals are eligible to sponsor their parents under UAE law:

• Sons (biological or adopted)
• Daughters (biological or adopted)
• Sons-in-law (with proper documentation)
• Daughters-in-law (with proper documentation)

Types of Parent Sponsorship Visas

The UAE offers different types of parent sponsorship visas to accommodate various circumstances and eligibility criteria. Understanding these options helps you choose the most suitable path for your family’s needs.

1. Standard Parent Visa

The standard parent sponsorship visa is valid for one year and requires annual renewal. This visa provides several important benefits, including legal residency status for your parents, access to healthcare services with mandatory insurance, and the ability to travel in and out of the UAE.

The cost structure for standard visas includes several components. Visa fees start from AED 3,340, while a security deposit of AED 2,500 per parent is required (though this amount is refundable). Additionally, processing fees and other charges apply, including medical fitness tests at AED 320 per parent and Emirates ID at AED 370 per parent.

2. Golden Visa for Property Investors

Alternatively, if you own property worth AED 2 million or more, you can apply for the Golden Visa, which allows you to sponsor your parents for 10 years. This option provides significant advantages over the standard visa.

The Golden Visa offers long-term residency without annual renewals, enhanced flexibility for family members, no minimum salary requirements for parent sponsorship, and the ability to sponsor parents regardless of age.

To qualify for Golden Visa parent sponsorship, you must meet specific requirements. These include property ownership of AED 2 million minimum, valid health insurance for parents, a certified dependency certificate from your consulate, and attested birth certificates.

Also Read: Is Your UAE Golden Visa at Risk? 2025 Compliance Rules You Must Follow

Special Cases

1. Single Parent Sponsorship

Typically, you must sponsor both parents together. However, exceptional circumstances allow for single-parent sponsorship. You can sponsor a single parent if one parent is deceased (requiring a death certificate), if the parents are divorced (requiring a divorce decree), or if you have a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the other parent.

2. Parents-in-Law Sponsorship

Similarly, sons-in-law and daughters-in-law can sponsor their in-laws, but additional documentation is required. This includes a marriage certificate proving the relationship, an NOC from the biological child, and all standard sponsorship documents.

Required Documentation

The documentation process for parent sponsorship involves two main categories: documents required from the sponsor and documents required from the parents.

1. For the Sponsor

As the sponsor, you need to provide comprehensive documentation to demonstrate your eligibility and ability to support your parents.

Personal documents include a copy of your passport and UAE residence visa, Emirates ID copy, and recent passport-sized photographs.

Financial documents encompass a salary certificate from your employer, bank statements for the last 3 months, and your labor contract if you’re a private sector employee.

Housing documents consist of a valid tenancy contract (Ejari) and recent utility bills to demonstrate adequate accommodation.

2. For the Parents

Your parents must also provide specific documentation to complete their visa application successfully.

Personal documents include original passports with at least 6 months validity, recent passport-sized photographs with white backgrounds, and Emirates ID (obtained after arrival).

Relationship proof is particularly important and includes an attested birth certificate proving your relationship. If a birth certificate is unavailable, a letter from your consulate may suffice. Importantly, all documents must be attested by MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs).

Health documents comprise a medical fitness certificate from approved UAE health centers and mandatory health insurance covering at least AED 150,000 annually.

Finally, Dependency Proof requires an affidavit from your home country’s embassy or consulate stating you are their sole supporter, along with proof that no one else can care for them in your home country.

Application Process and Timeline

The parent sponsorship application process involves several sequential steps, each with its own timeline and requirements.

Step 1: Document Preparation (2-3 weeks)

Initially, you must collect and attest to all required documents. The MOFA attestation process is particularly crucial and involves multiple stages. First, documents must be attested by relevant authorities in your home country, followed by UAE embassy or consulate attestation in your home country, and finally, MOFA attestation in the UAE.

Step 2: Entry Permit Application

Subsequently, you can submit your application through various channels. These include the GDRFA portal online, Amer centers in Dubai, authorized typing centers, and the TAMM platform for Abu Dhabi residents.

The processing time typically ranges from 2 to 5 working days, with entry permit fees of AED 450 per parent.

Step 3: Medical Examination

Once your parents arrive in the UAE, they must undergo medical fitness tests at approved health centers. The examination includes several components including blood tests for HIV and hepatitis, a chest X-ray for tuberculosis screening, and a general physical examination.

Notably, medical exemptions are available for people of determination (those with disabilities) in certain cases.

Step 4: Emirates ID Application

Following the medical tests, you must apply for an Emirates ID. The cost is AED 370 per parent for one year, with a processing time of 5-7 working days. This ID is required for all official transactions in the UAE.

Step 5: Visa Stamping

Finally, you complete the process by submitting all documents for visa stamping. The cost is AED 460 per parent. This step involves submitting medical certificates and Emirates ID applications before receiving the stamped visa in the passport.

Also Read: 19 Reasons Global Professionals Are Using the UAE Golden Visa to Future-Proof Their Careers

Insurance Options and Costs

Health insurance is mandatory for all sponsored parents, making it essential to understand the available options and their associated costs.

1. Basic Plans

Basic insurance plans typically cost between AED 1,500 and 3,000 per year per parent. These plans cover essential medical services and provide a minimum coverage of AED 150,000, meeting the basic legal requirements.

2. Premium Plans

In contrast, premium plans cost between AED 8,000 and 20,000+ annually per parent. These comprehensive options include specialist consultations, higher coverage limits, and additional benefits beyond basic medical care.

Insurance costs vary based on several factors, including the age of parents, pre-existing medical conditions, the coverage level selected, and the insurance provider chosen.

3. Cost Breakdown and Fees

Understanding the complete financial commitment helps you prepare adequately for the sponsorship process.

4. Complete Cost Estimate (Per Parent)

Total Estimated Cost for Both Parents: Approximately AED 9,000-12,000 for the first year

1. Annual Renewal Costs

After the first year, annual renewal involves several recurring expenses. These include visa renewal fees, Emirates ID renewal, health insurance renewal, and medical examination if required.

Digital Platforms and Processing

The UAE has embraced digital transformation to streamline visa processing, offering multiple online platforms for greater convenience.

1. TAMM Platform (Abu Dhabi)

Abu Dhabi residents can utilize the TAMM digital platform for parent visa applications. The platform offers 33 different visa and residency services, a streamlined application process, real-time status updates, and features specifically designed for elderly applicants and people of determination.

2. Other Digital Options

Additionally, other digital options include the GDRFA Dubai website and mobile app, the ICP portal for federal services, and the Dubai Land Department app for Golden Visa applications.

Medical Fitness Requirements and Exemptions

Medical fitness requirements form a crucial part of the parent sponsorship process, though certain exemptions may apply in specific circumstances.

1. Standard Medical Tests

All parents over 18 must undergo medical screening, including several tests. These encompass HIV/AIDS testing, tuberculosis screening via chest X-ray, hepatitis B and C testing for specific categories, and a general physical examination.

2. Exemptions for People of Determination

Importantly, the UAE provides medical fitness exemptions for people of determination (individuals with disabilities) in certain circumstances. 

These exemptions may apply to parents with specific disabilities, those with chronic conditions that don’t pose public health risks, and cases approved by the Minister of Health or authorized health authorities.

Important Rules and Conditions

Several important rules govern parent sponsorship that you must understand and comply with throughout the process.

1. Both Parents’ Requirement

Generally, you must sponsor both parents together unless exceptional circumstances apply. These circumstances include the death of one parent (requiring a death certificate), divorce of parents (requiring official documentation), or an NOC from one parent if only sponsoring the other.

2. Dependency Proof

Furthermore, you must demonstrate that you are the sole financial supporter of your parents, that no one else can care for them in your home country, and that they are genuinely dependent on your support.

3. Renewal Requirements

Parent visas are valid for one year only and must be renewed annually. Renewal requires continued compliance with salary requirements, valid health insurance renewal, updated medical certificates if required, and payment of renewal fees.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I sponsor my parents if I earn less than the minimum salary?

If you earn less than the minimum threshold, consider these alternatives. The Golden Visa route is available if you own property worth AED 2 million or more. 

Alternatively, you might explore salary restructuring by working with your employer to meet the basic salary requirement or wait for policy changes, as requirements may be updated periodically.

2. What happens if my employment ends?

If you lose your job, both your visa and your parents’ visas are affected. Typically, you have a grace period of 30-60 days to secure new employment and transfer sponsorship. During this time, it’s crucial to maintain valid health insurance for your parents.

3. Can my sponsored parents work in the UAE?

Sponsored parents generally cannot work on a family visa. However, they may apply for a separate work permit if they find employment, transfer to an employment visa with a job offer, or engage in limited business activities with proper permits.

4. How long does the entire process take?

The complete parent sponsorship process typically requires several weeks. Document preparation takes 2-3 weeks, entry permit processing requires 2-5 working days, and medical tests and Emirates ID need 1-2 weeks. Therefore, the total timeline spans 4-6 weeks from application to completion.

5. What if my parents have pre-existing medical conditions?

Parents with pre-existing conditions can still be sponsored, but several considerations apply. 

Comprehensive health insurance is essential; some conditions may require special medical clearances, and higher insurance premiums may apply. Consequently, it’s advisable to consult with insurance providers about coverage limitations.

Final Words 

Sponsoring your parents in the UAE has become more accessible with recent policy changes, particularly the reduction in minimum salary requirements. While the process involves multiple steps and extensive documentation, proper preparation and understanding of requirements can make it straightforward.

It’s important to remember that costs and requirements may vary by emirate, and policies can change over time. 

Therefore, always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources such as GDRFA, ICP, or the TAMM platform before beginning your application.

Ultimately, the opportunity to have your parents live with you in the UAE not only strengthens family bonds but also ensures they receive quality healthcare and live in a safe, stable environment. With careful planning and attention to detail, you can successfully navigate the sponsorship process and reunite your family in the UAE.

So, what are you waiting for?

Book your Free Consultation call today with the expert of JSB Incorporation to learn more about sponsoring your parents in the UAE.