August 24, 2025

Starting a business in Dubai comes with exciting opportunities, but one of the first questions most entrepreneurs ask is: Can I bring my family with me? The answer is yes. Dubai has clear visa rules that allow business owners to sponsor their family once they’ve obtained their own residency through a trade license. Below, we’ll break down the entire process using simple, real-world answers to the questions most people type into Google when searching for family sponsorship in Dubai. Can I sponsor my family in Dubai if I start a business? Yes. If you hold a valid trade license and have your own residency visa in Dubai (issued as an investor or partner), you can sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases your parents. The UAE government allows entrepreneurs and business owners to bring dependents legally, as long as they meet income, housing, and health insurance requirements. Who can I sponsor in Dubai as a business owner? Business owners in Dubai can sponsor: Spouse – Husbands and wives can sponsor each other. Children – Sons can be sponsored until age 25, daughters until they are married. Parents – Possible with higher income requirements and comprehensive medical insurance. Domestic workers – Allowed once your family visas are approved. What are the requirements to sponsor my family in Dubai? To sponsor your family while running a business in Dubai, you’ll need: A valid trade license and active company. Your own residency visa as an investor or partner. Minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Ejari tenancy contract or property ownership certificate. Health insurance for each family member (mandatory in Dubai). Attested marriage and birth certificates for spouse and children. What documents are needed to sponsor family members in Dubai? Here’s a checklist: Passport copies of sponsor and dependents Sponsor’s Emirates ID and visa copy Trade license copy and company documents (MOA, if applicable) Ejari tenancy contract or property title deed Attested marriage certificate (for spouse) Attested birth certificates (for children) Recent salary certificate or bank statements (depending on jurisdiction) Passport photos of dependents Health insurance policy for each family member How much does it cost to sponsor your family in Dubai? The cost varies depending on how many dependents you sponsor. On average, expect: Entry permit: AED 500 – 1,000 per person Medical fitness test: AED 350 – 500 per person (required for 18+) Emirates ID: AED 370 – 500 per person Visa stamping: AED 500 – 1,000 per person Health insurance: AED 1,000 – 2,500 annually (varies by coverage and age) For a family of four, the total cost typically ranges between AED 12,000 and AED 18,000. How long does the family sponsorship process take in Dubai? Once your business license and investor visa are active, sponsoring your family can be completed within 2 to 4 weeks. This includes entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID processing, and final visa stamping. Can I sponsor my parents in Dubai through my business? Yes, but there are stricter requirements: Higher monthly income (usually AED 20,000+). Larger housing space shown in your Ejari contract. Comprehensive health insurance for both parents. Proof that you are their sole supporter. Step by Step Process to Sponsor Family in Dubai 1. Apply for entry permits for dependents. 2. Complete medical fitness tests for members aged 18+. 3. Apply for Emirates ID cards and biometrics. 4. Purchase health insurance policies. 5. Get visas stamped in passports via GDRFA. Why now is the best time to sponsor your family in Dubai Dubai has made the family sponsorship process smoother than ever with online applications, longer visa validity (2–3 years), and flexibility for entrepreneurs. By combining your business setup with family sponsorship, you secure both your career and lifestyle in one move. How AB Capital Helps Entrepreneurs Sponsor Their Families At AB Capital Services, we understand that setting up a business in Dubai is not only about licenses and bank accounts but it’s also about family. As an FTA-approved agency, we help you with: Business setup and investor visa processing. Family sponsorship applications with accurate documentation. Document attestation and translation support. Health insurance coordination. Emirates ID and visa stamping assistance. This ensures your business and family life in Dubai begin smoothly and without delays. FAQs on Family Sponsorship in Dubai 1. Can I sponsor my wife in Dubai if I have just started a business? Yes. As soon as your trade license is issued and you hold your investor visa, you can sponsor your wife with an attested marriage certificate. 2. What is the minimum salary to sponsor a child in Dubai? The minimum requirement is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. 3. Can daughters be sponsored in Dubai after 18? Yes, unmarried daughters can be sponsored with no age limit, as long as they remain single. 4. Do free zone business owners have the same sponsorship rights as mainland owners? Yes. As long as you have a valid trade license and investor visa, you can sponsor your family from either jurisdiction. 5. How long are family visas valid in Dubai? Family visas are valid for 2 years in free zones and 3 years in mainland Dubai, aligned with the sponsor’s visa validity. Disclaimer: The information in this blog is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in UAE immigration laws and regulations. For the most accurate and updated advice, consult a licensed advisor or contact AB Capital Services directly.