Family Sponsorship under Golden Visa — Facts vs Misinfo
Golden Visa holders can sponsor eligible family members (spouse, children within age limits, and in some cases parents) under current residency rules.
Who is Eligible
- Spouse of a valid Golden Visa holder.
- Children within age limits set by current policy (verify latest thresholds).
- Parents of a Golden Visa holder (often possible with added conditions and proof of support).
- Sponsor must continue to meet their Golden Visa route requirements (e.g., Real Estate ≥ AED 2M, or Salary/Professionals).
- Sponsor must hold valid Emirates ID and be inside the UAE for processing steps that require biometrics.
Required Documents
- Passports & photos (sponsor + dependents).
- Emirates ID (if any) and UID numbers.
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse).
- Attested birth certificates (for children).
- Proof of relationship/support (for parents) and any required affidavits.
- Arabic legal translations for non-Arabic documents (where required).
- Valid health insurance for dependents (emirate policy dependent).
- Sponsor’s Golden Visa proof (e.g., Title Deed ≥ AED 2M or Salary/Professionals documents).
Steps
- Confirm sponsor’s Golden Visa route is still valid (property value, salary docs, etc.).
- Collect dependent documents; arrange attestations and Arabic translations where required.
- Submit sponsorship application and pay authority fees.
- Complete medical fitness (if applicable) and biometrics appointments for dependents.
- Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance for dependents.
Timeline
- Pre Approval: 2–5 working days (document prep, attestations may add time)
- Processing: 3–10 working days (varies by emirate and case)
- Medical Eid: 2–5 working days
- Total: About 1–3 weeks in typical cases
Costs
| Authority & application fees (per dependent) | AED 1,000–2,500 (varies) |
| Medical fitness & Emirates ID | AED 800–1,500 |
| Translations & attestations (if needed) | As charged |
| Health insurance (policy dependent) | As per chosen plan |
Common Pitfalls
- Dependent age limits not met or not evidenced.
- Relationship documents not properly attested or missing Arabic translation.
- Sponsor no longer meets Golden Visa route criteria (e.g., property sold below AED 2M, job role/salary no longer qualifies).
- Expired IDs/visas or missing medical insurance where required.
Quick FAQs
Can I sponsor my parents?
Often possible with additional conditions and proofs—check current emirate policy and support requirements.
What are the age limits for children?
Limits/conditions apply and can change—verify the latest thresholds before applying.
Do we need Arabic translations?
Yes, non-Arabic certificates usually require legal translation; keep attestations up to date.
Do I need to maintain my original GV route?
Yes. Family sponsorship depends on maintaining your own Golden Visa eligibility (property value, salary/role, etc.).
How long does it take?
Typical end-to-end timeline is about 1–3 weeks depending on emirate, case, and medical/EID slots.
Can adult children be sponsored?
In some cases with specific conditions. Verify age rules and documentation before applying.
What if my property value drops below AED 2M?
Renewals may be affected. Consider switching to another valid route (Salary/Professionals, etc.).