How to Sponsor Parents Visa in UAE: Complete 2025 Guide
Understanding UAE Family Visa for Parents Sponsorship
The UAE offers expatriate residents the opportunity to sponsor immediate family members, including parents, through its Family Visa system. This allows your parents to legally reside in the country, maintaining family bonds while enjoying the UAE's exceptional quality of life.
Unlike spouse and children sponsorship, parent sponsorship has more stringent requirements to ensure sponsors can adequately support their elderly relatives. This guide will walk you through everything you need to know about successfully bringing your parents to live with you in the UAE.
Key Benefits of Sponsoring Your Parents in UAE
Family reunification - Keep your family together regardless of where you work
Long-term stay - Parents can legally reside in the UAE for as long as your visa remains valid
Access to services - Sponsored parents receive Emirates ID cards and can access essential services
Multiple entry/exit - Freedom to travel in and out of the UAE
Potential pathway to Golden Visa eligibility for longer-term security
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Parents in UAE
Who Can Sponsor Their Parents?
To qualify as a sponsor for your parents in the UAE, you must meet these essential criteria:
Hold a valid UAE residency visa
Earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000 (approximately USD 5,400)
OR earn AED 19,000 (USD 5,170) with employer-provided accommodation
Demonstrate sole financial responsibility for your parents
Have suitable accommodation (typically a two-bedroom apartment or larger)
Be prepared to pay a refundable security deposit of AED 2,500 per parent
Parent Eligibility Criteria
For parents to qualify for sponsorship under the UAE Family Visa:
They must pass medical fitness tests screening for communicable diseases
Have valid passports with at least six months validity
Be covered by comprehensive health insurance with minimum coverage of AED 150,000 annually
Demonstrate dependency on the sponsor (typically through legal affidavits)
Both parents should typically be sponsored together (exceptions apply for widowed or divorced parents)
Complete Step-by-Step Process for Parent Sponsorship in UAE
Step 1: Document Collection and Preparation
Gather these essential documents before beginning the application:
Sponsor documents:
Valid passport copy
UAE residency visa copy
Emirates ID
Salary certificate or employment contract
Valid tenancy contract (Ejari)
Parent documents:
Valid passports (with 6+ months validity)
Passport-sized photographs (white background)
Attested birth certificate proving relationship
Affidavit from your consulate/embassy proving sole financial support
Marriage certificate (if sponsoring mother through father or vice versa)
Death certificate or divorce papers (if sponsoring only one parent)
All foreign documents must be legally attested for UAE validity, typically through:
Notarization in country of origin
Authentication by the foreign ministry
Attestation by UAE embassy in that country
Final attestation by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Step 2: Apply for Entry Permit
The entry permit is the first official document allowing your parents to enter the UAE for residency purposes:
Submit application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal
Alternative application channels include:
In-person at Amer centers
Through typing centers
Via the UAE ICA Smart Services app
Pay entry permit fees (approximately AED 450 per parent)
Receive electronic entry permit (typically issued within 5-10 working days)
Step 3: Parents' Arrival and Status Change
Once your parents arrive in the UAE:
If entering on the new entry permit:
Parents can enter through any UAE port of entry
Entry permit validation is automatic upon arrival
If parents are already in the UAE on visit visa:
Apply for change of status (approximately AED 640 per parent)
Status change must be completed before current visa expires
Step 4: Pay Security Deposit
A refundable security deposit must be paid to the immigration authorities:
AED 2,500 per parent (AED 5,000 total for both parents)
Payment can be made online or at authorized centers
Receipt must be kept safe for future refund when visas are cancelled
Step 5: Medical Fitness Test
All residency visa applicants must undergo medical screening:
Book appointments at government-approved health centers
Tests typically include:
Blood tests (infectious diseases screening)
Chest X-ray (tuberculosis screening)
General health examination
Cost is approximately AED 320 per parent
Results usually available within 2-3 working days
Step 6: Health Insurance Arrangement
Before visa issuance, valid health insurance is mandatory:
Purchase appropriate health insurance meeting minimum requirements
Coverage must be at least AED 150,000 annually
Insurance costs typically range from AED 1,500 to AED 3,000 annually per parent
For older parents, premium costs may be higher
Several insurance providers offer specialized senior citizen packages
Step 7: Residency Visa Stamping
Once medical results clear and insurance is arranged:
Submit passport for visa stamping
Pay visa stamping fees (approximately AED 460 per parent)
Apply for Emirates ID (approximately AED 370 per parent)
Processing typically takes 3-5 working days
Collect stamped passport and Emirates ID application receipt
Step 8: Emirates ID Collection
The final step in completing the residency process:
Emirates ID cards are typically ready within 7-10 working days
Collection options include:
Designated post office pickup
Courier delivery (for additional fee)
Collection from Emirates ID center
Comprehensive Cost Breakdown for Sponsoring Parents in UAE (2025)
Estimated Total Cost for Both Parents: AED 9,000-12,000 (approximately USD 2,450-3,260)
Additional potential costs:
Document attestation fees (varies by country)
Translation fees for non-English/Arabic documents
Transportation and accommodation during application process
Medical insurance premium increases for elderly parents
Expedited service fees (if applicable)
Critical Rules and Conditions for Parent Sponsorship in UAE
Visa Validity and Renewal Requirements
Standard parent sponsorship visas are valid for 1 year
Annual renewal required, following similar process as initial application
Renewal should begin 30 days before expiry to avoid fines
Medical test, insurance renewal, and fee payment required for each renewal
Sponsor Responsibility Limitations
Parent visas are linked to sponsor's visa status
If sponsor's visa is cancelled, parent visas become invalid
Grace period of approximately 30 days applies after sponsor visa cancellation
Sponsor is legally responsible for parents' compliance with UAE laws
Important Residence Restrictions
No work permitted on parent dependency visa
Parents must not remain outside UAE for more than 6 consecutive months
Adequate accommodation must be maintained
Visa must be formally cancelled if parents permanently leave UAE
In case of parent's death, visa must be cancelled using death certificate
Options for Long-Term Parent Sponsorship in UAE
UAE Golden Visa Benefits for Family Sponsorship
The UAE Golden Visa offers significant advantages for parent sponsorship:
10-year validity without annual renewal requirements
No security deposit required for parent sponsorship
No minimum salary requirements for sponsoring parents
6-month grace period after visa expiration
No restriction on time spent outside UAE
Eligibility pathways include investment, specialized talents, scientific achievements, and other categories. Consult with specialists to evaluate your Golden Visa eligibility.
UAE Green Visa for Parent Sponsorship
The Green Visa provides a middle-ground option:
5-year validity without annual renewals
More flexible sponsorship requirements
Available to skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors
Allows parents extended stay in the UAE
Contains fewer restrictions than standard family visas
Frequently Asked Questions About Sponsoring Parents in UAE
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor parents more easily?
Yes. Golden Visa holders face fewer restrictions when sponsoring parents. They are exempt from minimum salary requirements and security deposits, and the sponsored parents' visas are valid for the same 10-year period.
Can I sponsor my in-laws in UAE?
Yes. You can sponsor your spouse's parents provided you submit proof of relationship through a marriage certificate and meet all other sponsorship eligibility criteria including income requirements.
Can I sponsor just one parent instead of both?
Generally no, unless exceptional circumstances exist. Both parents typically must be sponsored together unless:
One parent is deceased (death certificate required)
Parents are legally separated or divorced (legal documentation required)
One parent is medically unable to travel (medical certificate required)
Can unmarried daughters or female residents sponsor parents?
Yes. Both male and female UAE residents can sponsor their parents regardless of marital status, provided they meet the financial and documentation requirements. In some cases, married daughters may need to provide a no-objection letter from their spouse.
How long does the parent sponsorship process take?
Typically 2-4 weeks for the complete process, assuming all documentation is in order. The entry permit phase takes approximately 5-10 working days, followed by another 7-14 days for medical testing, visa stamping, and Emirates ID processing. Using professional visa services can help streamline the process.
What happens if my employment changes after sponsoring my parents?
If you change employers, you must:
Transfer your own residency to the new employer
Update your parents' sponsorship details
Provide proof of continued financial capability
Submit updated salary certificates and employment documentation
Can my sponsored parents access healthcare in the UAE?
Yes. With mandatory health insurance and Emirates ID, sponsored parents can access both private and public healthcare facilities throughout the UAE. The quality of accessible healthcare depends on the insurance coverage purchased.
Conclusion: Making the Process Smoother
Bringing your parents to live with you in the UAE is a meaningful way to maintain family connections while working abroad. While the process involves multiple steps and documentation, proper preparation makes it manageable.
For those seeking assistance, professional visa services can handle document preparation, application submission, and follow-ups with authorities, significantly reducing stress and processing time. These services typically cost between AED 1,000-2,500 but can save countless hours and potential complications.
Whether handling the process yourself or seeking professional help, understanding the requirements and planning ahead are key to a successful parent sponsorship application in the UAE.