How to Sponsor Your Family for UAE Residency via Free Zone Company 2026
UAE free zone company owners can sponsor family members (spouse, children) for UAE residency visas. Here is the complete 2026 guide.
In this guide:
Who Can You Sponsor?
- Spouse: Husband or wife (married; official marriage certificate required)
- Children: Under 18 years old (sons and unmarried daughters)
- Older children: Sons up to 25 may be sponsored if full-time students; unmarried daughters at any age
- Parents: Parents can be sponsored under certain conditions (dedicated parent sponsorship visa)
- Domestic workers: Maids, drivers, nannies; separate category; requires minimum salary
Minimum Salary Requirement for Family Sponsorship
- Dubai: Minimum AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + employer-provided housing) to sponsor spouse and children
- Other emirates: AED 3,000-4,000 depending on emirate
- Company owner: Draw official salary from your company; must be reflected in WPS and payroll records
Family Visa Application Process
- Step 1: Confirm your investor visa is active
- Step 2: Gather documents: Passport, Emirates ID, marriage certificate (attested), birth certificates (attested)
- Step 3: Apply for family entry permit (via ICA or DNRD portal)
- Step 4: Family member travels to UAE; medical test; Emirates ID
- Step 5: Visa stamping
- Timeline: 2-4 weeks from application to visa stamp
Document Attestation for Family Visa
- Marriage certificate: Must be attested by UAE Embassy in your country (or apostille if applicable)
- Birth certificates: Same; attested by UAE Embassy
- MOFA attestation: UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs attestation required after country-level attestation