You launch your business, get your license, get your visa โ but your spouse, children, or parents canโt join you unless you can sponsor them. Many entrepreneurs overlook this, assuming business setup and family visas are separate. They’re not. To truly settle and scale in Dubai, you need both.
When you sponsor your family, it also improves your quality of life, helps retain talent (for you or your team), and gives legitimacy to your operations in the eyes of banks and immigration.
Who can you sponsor?
Once you have a valid residence visa, you can typically sponsor the following dependents in the UAE:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children (biological or adopted)
- Parents (under certain conditions)
- In some cases, other dependents depending on rules
Note: If dependents are over a certain age (often 18 or older), they may need to pass extra checks (like medical fitness) or meet student status requirements.
From the official UAE government portal: expatriate residents who hold a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor family members. The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) and dependents above 18 must pass medical fitness exams.
Requirements and eligibility
To successfully sponsor family members, youโll need to satisfy certain criteria. Hereโs what you must check:
| Requirement | Typical Details |
| Valid residence visa | You must already hold a valid UAE residence permit (business, employment, investor, etc.) |
| Minimum salary | Usually at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 + accommodation (subject to change). |
| Proof of accommodation | A valid tenancy contract or proof of housing in your name |
| Health/medical test | Dependents (especially those 18+) must undergo medical fitness exams at approved centers |
| Passport & personal documents | Copies of passports, birth certificates, marriage certificate (attested/translated) |
| Emirates ID and biometrics | After visa approval, dependents often need to get an Emirates ID card and biometric registration |
| Proof of relationship | Marriage certificate, birth certificate, legal guardianship documents where applicable |
Also, the application for the dependentโs visa must generally be made within 60 days of their entry under an entry permit.
Step-by-step process for sponsoring family via your business visa
Hereโs how you can bring your family legally under your business visa:
1. Hold a valid residence visa yourself
You must first secure your business visa or investor visa (or other residence visa path) and ensure itโs active.
2. Collect and legalize required documents
Get certified copies of marriage, birth, passports, tenancy, etc. If theyโre foreign documents, get them attested and translated.
3. Apply for an entry permit (if needed)
If family members are outside the UAE, apply for an entry permit so they can enter the country legally before converting to a residence visa.
4. Submit family visa application
Use the immigration authority (ICP / GDRFA, or free zone authority) portal or service center. Upload sponsor and dependent documents, pay fees.
5. Medical fitness checks & biometrics
Dependents 18+ must complete medical tests in approved centers. Biometric data must also be captured for Emirates ID.
6. Issue visa & Emirates ID
Once approved, your dependents receive their residence visa stamps and Emirates ID cards.
7. Renewals & compliance
Keep donor visas active and maintain minimum salary, accommodation, and visa conditions to continue sponsoring family members.
Key points and caveats to watch
- Salary and accommodation requirements can change. Always check the current rule for your emirate.
- Free zone vs mainland rules: Some free zones have their own visa rules. They may accept your company-based visa for family sponsorship, but you must work through that zoneโs immigration authority.
- Student or dependent age: If children grow beyond a certain age or stop being students, they may need to convert to work visas or leave the country.
- Cancellation: If your business visa is canceled, family visas under it often get canceled too.
- Parentsโ sponsorship is stricter: To sponsor parents, you often need higher wages or additional criteria. Some authorities require AED 20,000+ salary to sponsor parents.
- Freelance visa case: Some freelance visas now allow family sponsorship, subject to meeting income and visa status criteria.
Why AB Capital can help you with family sponsorship
When you sponsor a family in UAE, it is legal but tedious if you try on your own. With changing rules, documents, attestations, and procedural delays, mistakes happen. Hereโs how AB Capital Services supports you:
- We verify whether your business visa qualifies you to sponsor your family.
- We prepare and translate all necessary documents.
- We coordinate with immigration, GDRFA, ICP or free zone immigration offices.
- We manage biometric, medical, and Emirates ID steps.
- We ensure that your sponsored family visas stay valid even as your business changes or renews.
With Bharat Bajajโs expertise and our experience in company formation, visas, tax, and compliance, working with AB Capital reduces delays and gives you peace of mind while you grow.
FAQs on Sponsoring Family Under a Business Visa
1. Can I sponsor my wife and children under my business visa?
Yes, as long as you meet the salary, visa, and accommodation criteria.
2. What minimum salary is required to sponsor my family in the UAE?
Typically AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation โ but this may vary by emirate or authority.
3. Can I sponsor my parents under my business visa?
Yes, though you may need a higher salary requirement or additional criteria (e.g. AED 20,000+ in some cases).
4. Do children over 18 need medical tests?
Yes. Anyone above 18 generally must undergo medical fitness tests as part of the visa process.
5. Can a freelance visa sponsor family?
In many cases yes, provided your freelance visa qualifies and you meet income and visa status criteria.
Final Words
When you sponsor your family under your business visa is a real possibility in Dubai โ but only if you understand the rules and follow the steps correctly. Donโt let confusion or documentation delays ruin your plans.
If you want help getting your familyโs visas sorted, AB Capital Services stands ready. We do the heavy lifting so you get peace of mind and can focus on your business growth.
Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in immigration policies or visa regulations. For the most accurate and up-to-date advice, consult a licensed visa consultant or contact AB Capital Services directly.