UAE residents can sponsor their parents for UAE residence visas under the Dependent Visa scheme. Here is the eligibility, process, and costs for sponsoring parents to live in the UAE.
Who Can Sponsor Parents?
UAE residents who can sponsor parents: UAE nationals (citizens) — can sponsor parents on long-term residence visas, and expatriate UAE residents — can sponsor parents on dependent visas if they meet the minimum salary requirement. Minimum salary to sponsor parents as an expatriate: AED 20,000/month (higher than the AED 4,000–6,000 requirement for sponsoring a spouse and children). If your monthly salary is below AED 20,000, you cannot sponsor parents — alternative: parents can apply for UAE tourist visas for extended visits instead.
Parent Visa Process
Step 1: Ensure your monthly UAE salary of AED 20,000+ is documented with the latest 3 months’ salary certificates and bank statements. Step 2: Submit the parent sponsorship application at GDRFA (Dubai) or DNRD (Abu Dhabi) with: your Emirates ID and residence visa copy, your employment contract or business licence (as proof of eligibility), your parent’s passport (valid 6+ months), a passport photo of each parent, and the completed application form. Step 3: Parents arrive in UAE, complete medical fitness test and Emirates ID. Step 4: Residence visa stamped in parents’ passports. Validity: 1 year initially, renewable annually. Cost per parent: approximately AED 3,000–4,500 (visa fees + Emirates ID + medical).
Health Insurance for Sponsored Parents
UAE-valid health insurance is mandatory for all sponsored visa holders including parents. Health insurance for parents (typically aged 50–70+) is more expensive than for working-age adults: expect AED 4,000–15,000/year depending on age, nationality, and coverage level. Pre-existing conditions are typically excluded from standard plans — disclose all conditions to get an accurate quote.