The UAE Golden Visa allows primary holders to sponsor family members under conditions that differ markedly from standard residency visas. Below are the key rules and practical considerations for family sponsorship in 2026.
Sons – No Age Limit
- Standard residency: sponsorship ends at 18, extendable to 25 if the son is a full‑time student (Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022).
- Golden Visa: the age cap is removed entirely. A son can be sponsored at any age, whether or not he is a student.
Daughters – Unmarried, Any Age
- Both standard and Golden Visa sponsorship permit an unmarried daughter to remain on a parent’s visa indefinitely.
- Sponsorship ends only upon marriage, after which she moves to her husband’s sponsorship.
Children of Determination
- A child holding a disability (determination) certificate issued by a UAE authority can be sponsored for the full 10‑year term, regardless of age, without education or marital status conditions.
Parents
- Golden Visa holders may sponsor each parent for a 10‑year residency period.
- Unlike standard parent visas, there is generally no mandatory monthly salary threshold (often cited as AED 20,000 for standard visas). Required documentation includes:
- Proof of relationship
- Valid health insurance for each parent
- Evidence of adequate support, such as suitable accommodation (e.g., a two‑bedroom home registered on Ejari).
Domestic Staff
- Golden Visa holders can sponsor domestic workers (maids, drivers, nannies) without a fixed numerical cap, provided appropriate accommodation is shown. Each staff member receives an individual Emirates ID and residency permit.
Approximate Costs per Dependent
| Item | Approx. Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Medical fitness test (adult) | 750 |
| Emirates ID (10 years) | 1,186 |
| Document attestation/translation (MOFA) | 2,500 per document |
| Health insurance | Varies by provider and age (mandatory) |
Children under 18 are typically exempt from the medical fitness test.
For a family of four (spouse + two children), attestation and government fees alone can amount to several thousand AED, before insurance and any advisory fees.
Practical Notes
- Staggered Sponsorship: Family members can be added at different times; a son may be sponsored now and a daughter later as separate applications.
- Visa Cancellation: If the primary Golden Visa is cancelled, dependents’ sponsorship ends, usually with a grace period of around 60 days to secure an alternative status.
- Sponsor’s Death: Dependents’ residency does not automatically terminate upon the sponsor’s death, unlike many standard visas where immediate status change is required.
Implications
- Adult children who are studying, working, or residing in the UAE no longer face the recurring renewal issue that arises when a son reaches 25 under standard visas.
- The lack of a strict salary requirement for sponsoring parents broadens eligibility for bringing parents to the UAE.
- Specific circumstances—such as second marriages, adopted or step children, and disability certification—can affect eligibility and should be verified with a licensed advisor or the relevant authorities (ICP/GDRFA).
Disclaimer: This information is for general guidance only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Always confirm the latest criteria and fees with the appropriate UAE authorities or a licensed immigration advisor before proceeding.
Source article: knightsbridge.ae
