UAE Golden Visa for Family Members

One of the most significant advantages of the Golden Visa program is that it provides long-term residency in the UAE not only for the applicant but also for their family members—spouse, children, and elderly parents. The validity is the same—10 years—with lifestyle, work, and business privileges as a bonus.

Benefits of the Golden Visa for families vs standard UAE residence visa

Each UAE residence visa holder can sponsor residency for family members and dependants. Unlike standard residency visas, Golden Visa family sponsorship offers additional privileges that support a smoother, more premium lifestyle.

• Long-term residency and independence: Unlike standard visas that require renewal every 2 years, the Golden Visa grants your loved ones a renewable 10-year status. Because it is self-sponsored, your family’s residency is no longer at risk if you change employers or close a business.
• Global mobility (The 180-Day Rule): Standard residence visas are automatically cancelled if a family member stays outside the UAE for more than six months. In contrast, Golden Visa holders and their dependents have no minimum stay requirement; they can live abroad for extended periods while maintaining their legal UAE status.
• No age limits for children: One of the most significant "game-changers" is the sponsorship of children. While regular visas typically limit the sponsorship of sons to age 25, Golden Visa holders can sponsor sons of any age and unmarried daughters regardless of age.
• Security beyond the sponsor’s lifetime: Dependents keep their residency even in the unfortunate event of the primary sponsor’s death. Standard visas usually require immediate cancellation or status changes if the sponsor passes away.
• Exclusive lifestyle privileges: Only Golden Visa families gain access to the ESAAD privilege card, which provides discounts on essential family costs, including healthcare, education, and retail.

Requirements: Who is eligible for sponsorship?

To trigger the sponsorship process, the primary holder must meet specific criteria, for example the salary requirements of AED 30,000 for managers or a AED 2 million real estate investment or bank deposits. The applicants under sponsorship do not have to meet specific criteria themselves.

How many dependents can a Golden Visa holder sponsor?

The law allows for an unlimited number of eligible family members.

• Spouse: Legally married partners.
• Unmarried sons and daughters: Can be sponsored regardless of age.
• Children of determination: Exempt from all age restrictions.
• Parents: Sponsorable for 10 years, typically requiring a higher income threshold and proof of dependency.
• Domestic staff: Sponsorship is permitted for an unlimited number of household employees (maids, drivers, etc.), provided the sponsor can provide suitable accommodation.

Price and fee breakdown for dependents’ Golden Visa

The Golden Visa cost for families is structured per individual and depends on whether the applicant is currently inside or outside the country.

Government fees

Mandatory additional costs:

• Medical fitness test: AED 750 per adult. Children under 18 years do not have to undergo medical tests.
• Emirates ID (10 years): AED 1,186.
• Health insurance: basic plans start from AED 800+ annually.
• Attestation and translation in MOFA: AED 2,500 per document.

Step-by-step process and required documents

Once the primary applicant's Golden Visa is approved, the family sponsorship process can begin.

1. File opening: Register a sponsor file with the ICP or GDRFA.
2. Entry permit: Issue an entry permit for those currently outside the UAE (used to enter the country) or issue an entry permit and perform a status change for those inside.
3. Medical screening: Mandatory for all dependents over 18 (includes HIV and Chest X-ray).
4. Biometrics: Visit an ICP center for fingerprints to finalize the Emirates ID.
5. Visa issuance: The 10-year e-visa is issued after final approval.

Required document checklist

• Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months) and recent photos of all dependents.
• Legalized marriage certificate (attested by MOFA and translated into Arabic).
• Legalized birth certificates for all children.

Note: The UAE requires document legalization, not an apostille.

Timeline and maintenance

The UAE Golden Visa processing time for family members typically ranges from 3 to 7 working days.

To maintain family Golden Visas, the primary holder must have a valid Golden Visa. When a Golden Residency cancellation takes place, the primary holder must first cancel the dependants’ visas before cancelling their own visa.

Furthermore, comprehensive health insurance must be renewed annually to comply with federal law.

How Emirabiz can help

Navigating family sponsorship can be complex, especially with document legalization and MOFA attestation requirements. With over 12 years of experience and 25,000+ satisfied clients, Emirabiz offers a "red carpet" turnkey service.

We handle every detail—from eligibility mapping and certificate translations to coordinating medical appointments and ID deliveries. Our experts ensure that your family’s residency reflects current income thresholds and updated age rules, so your household stays together without the stress of bureaucracy.