UAE residents can bring their parents to live in the country on a sponsored residence visa — here is everything you need to know about eligibility, costs, and process.
To sponsor parents for UAE residence, you must meet these requirements. Requirements vary slightly between Dubai (GDRFA) and other emirates (ICA):
| Fee/Document | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Visa application fee | AED 350-500 per person |
| Medical fitness test | AED 300-500 per person |
| Emirates ID | AED 100-200 per person |
| Health insurance (annual) | AED 1,500-4,000 per person |
| Typing/processing fees | AED 100-300 |
| Total per parent (approx) | AED 2,350-5,500 |
Tip: Apply through ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal at icp.gov.ae, or use a licensed typing centre in your emirate. The process typically takes 2-4 weeks when all documents are complete and correct.
Yes — UAE residents can sponsor parents for long-term residence visas. Requirements include minimum salary (AED 10,000/month), valid UAE residence visa, suitable accommodation, and providing health insurance for sponsored parents. Apply through ICA portal or GDRFA (Dubai).
The official minimum is AED 10,000/month. However, in practice authorities may require higher salaries, especially for sponsoring both parents simultaneously. Some emirate-specific guidelines suggest AED 20,000+ for two-parent sponsorship. A salary certificate from your employer is required.
Parent residence visas are typically issued for 1 year (renewable) or 2-3 years depending on the sponsor's visa type and emirate. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents for longer periods matching their own visa duration.
Sponsor's documents: passport + UAE residence visa, salary certificate (AED 10,000+ monthly), Ejari tenancy contract. Parents' documents: passports, parent-child relationship proof (birth certificate), passport photos. Plus medical fitness tests and health insurance policy once visa application is approved.
No — parent residence visas sponsored by family do not permit work in UAE. To work, parents need a separate employment visa from a UAE employer. However, parents can travel freely in and out of UAE on the residence visa and live with their family full-time.
Parent visa guidance, document checklists, and UAE immigration support — our experts help navigate the process.
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