UAE Dependent Visa — Sponsoring Family from Free Zone Company 2026
A UAE free zone investor can sponsor family members (spouse, children) on dependent residence visas. Here is the complete 2026 guide to UAE dependent visas for free zone company owners.
In this guide:
Who Can Be Sponsored as a UAE Dependent?
- Spouse (husband or wife) — any nationality; no minimum age
- Sons under 18 (or up to 21 if still in full-time education)
- Unmarried daughters (no age restriction)
- Parents: Possible but requires higher salary proof if on employment visa; as a free zone investor, parents sponsorship requires proof of minimum income
UAE Dependent Visa Requirements for Free Zone Investor Sponsors
- Your valid UAE investor visa (you must have your own residence first)
- Minimum monthly income: AED 4,000 (some zones require AED 7,000 for parents)
- For free zone investors: Income is assessed from bank statements or verified by the free zone authority as a licence holder (minimum income threshold is usually waived for verified investors)
- UAE property or approved rental contract as proof of accommodation
Dependent Visa Documents Required
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copy
- Dependent’s passport (valid 6+ months)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) — attested in UAE (requires Embassy attestation and MOFAIC attestation)
- Birth certificate (for children) — attested
- Passport photos
- EJARI tenancy contract or property title deed (proof of accommodation)
Dependent Visa Cost
- Dependent entry permit: AED 500-800
- Dependent medical test: AED 320-600 per person
- Dependent Emirates ID: AED 100 per person
- Dependent visa stamping: AED 300-500
- Total per dependent: AED 1,500-3,000
Key Note: Certificate Attestation for Marriage and Birth Certificates
All family certificates must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). This requires: Home country notarization → UAE Embassy attestation in home country → MOFAIC attestation in UAE. Allow 2-4 weeks for this process.