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What the Family Golden Visa Covers
The UAE Golden Visa allows holders to sponsor immediate family members for long-term residence permits matching the duration of the primary visa. A Golden Visa holder with a 10-year permit can sponsor a spouse, children, and parents for the same period. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) administers the programme at the federal level, while in Dubai, applications are processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Family sponsorship under the Golden Visa differs significantly from standard residence visa sponsorship. There is no salary threshold for the sponsor, provided the Golden Visa remains valid. Sponsored dependents are not bound by the six-month residency rule, which means they can travel outside the UAE for extended periods without losing their residence status. If the primary Golden Visa holder passes away, sponsored family members may remain in the UAE until the expiry of their individual residence permits.
Golden Visa holders may sponsor domestic helpers, subject to labour and immigration rules set by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
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Required Documents for Family Sponsorship
Document requirements vary depending on whether the dependent is a spouse, child, or parent. All documents issued outside the UAE must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) and, where applicable, the UAE embassy in the issuing country.
For a spouse:
- Attested marriage certificate (Arabic translation required if originally in another language)
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity
- Recent passport-sized photo with white background
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and Golden Visa copy
- IBAN number
For children:
- Attested birth certificate
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity
- Recent passport-sized photo with white background
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Undertaking that sons or daughters over 18 are not married (where applicable)
- NOC from the father, notarised by a notary public, if the mother is the sponsor
For parents:
- Certified dependency certificate from the sponsor's consulate
- Attested birth certificate of the sponsor
- Valid passport with at least six months' validity
- Recent passport-sized photo with white background
- Valid UAE health insurance
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and Golden Visa copy
- IBAN number
Health insurance is mandatory for every sponsored family member. Applications submitted without valid insurance may be rejected at the submission stage. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) oversees insurance compliance in Dubai. EGSH assists applicants with selecting a DHA-compliant health insurance policy that meets visa stamping requirements.
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Step-by-Step Application Process
The sponsor's own Golden Visa must be fully approved and active before any family sponsorship application can be submitted. Below is the standard process for sponsoring dependents in Dubai.
Step 1 — Open a Sponsor File
Register a sponsor file with the GDRFA (for Dubai residents) or through the ICP Smart Services portal (for other emirates). This step links your Golden Visa record to your dependents' applications. A one-time file opening fee of AED 318.75 applies in Dubai.
Step 2 — Apply for Entry Permits
If dependents are outside the UAE, apply for entry permits through the GDRFA or ICP portal. The entry permit is valid for 60 days and allows the dependent to enter the country. If dependents are already in the UAE on a valid visit visa, a visa status change can be completed without exiting the country.
Step 3 — Complete Medical Fitness Tests
All dependents aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test at a DHA-approved health centre. The test typically includes a blood test and chest X-ray. Results are usually available within 24 hours.
Step 4 — Register Biometrics and Apply for Emirates ID
Visit an ICP-approved centre for fingerprinting and photograph capture. The Emirates ID application is submitted simultaneously. For a 10-year Golden Visa, the Emirates ID is issued for the same duration.
Step 5 — Receive Residence Permits
Upon approval, each dependent receives a digital residence permit and an Emirates ID valid for the same period as the primary holder's Golden Visa. Since 2022, visa stickers on passports have been replaced by digital residency confirmation stored in the Emirates ID.
According to the DLD, the typical processing time for family Golden Visa applications is 7–10 business days. Applications submitted through the GDRFA or authorised AMER centres may be processed depending on document completeness.
Special Cases in Family Sponsorship
Several situations require additional documentation or follow specific procedural rules.
Newborns born in the UAE. Parents holding a Golden Visa must apply for their newborn's residence visa within 120 days of birth. Failure to apply within this period may result in daily fines. The newborn's visa is aligned with the parent's Golden Visa duration.
Jointly owned property. When a married couple jointly owns property and the value per share is below AED 2 million, only one spouse may qualify for the Golden Visa. The other spouse is then sponsored as a dependent.
Mother as sponsor. If the mother holds the Golden Visa and sponsors children, a notarised NOC from the father is required.
Adult children over 18. An undertaking confirming that the son or daughter is unmarried may be required. This is submitted at the time of application.
Dependents on existing visas. Current residence visas do not need to be cancelled before applying. Dependents can be placed in a hold unit while the Golden Visa application is processed, or their existing visas can be cancelled and replaced.
What Happens if the Golden Visa Is Cancelled or Expires
Family residence visas are linked to the primary holder’s Golden Visa. If the principal applicant's Golden Visa is cancelled or expires, all linked family residence visas are also cancelled. Sponsored dependents must either leave the UAE or transfer their visa status within the applicable grace period, as determined by the relevant authority.
Renewal is possible under the same conditions as the original approval. The principal applicant must still hold a valid Golden Visa, and the original eligibility criteria must continue to be met. Family members' permits are renewed simultaneously with the primary holder's visa.
In the event of the primary holder's death, sponsored family members may remain in the UAE until the expiry date of their individual residence permits. This provision offers a critical layer of security for families relying on the Golden Visa for long-term stability.
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How to Verify Eligibility and Start the Process
The first step is to confirm that the primary applicant's Golden Visa is active and valid. Sponsors can verify their visa status through the ICP Smart Services portal or the GDRFA Dubai.
Document preparation should begin at least two to three months before the intended application date, particularly when certificates issued abroad require embassy attestation and MOFAIC legalisation. All documents must be within their validity period at the time of submission.
For Dubai-based applicants, EGSH operates as a government-authorised AMER Centre assisting with the processing of Golden Visa applications and family sponsorship requests. The centre handles eligibility verification, document preparation, medical coordination, and submission through official GDRFA channels.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my spouse and children under the Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children for residence permits matching the primary visa duration. There is no age restriction for children under the Golden Visa, unlike standard residence visas.
Is there a salary requirement to sponsor family members under the Golden Visa?
No. Golden Visa family sponsorship does not require the sponsor to meet a minimum salary threshold. The primary condition is that the Golden Visa remains valid and the holder continues to meet the original eligibility criteria.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor their parents?
Yes. Golden Visa holders may sponsor their parents for a 10-year residence permit. The sponsor must provide a certified dependency certificate from their consulate, a valid birth certificate, and health insurance for each parent.
What is the cost of sponsoring a family member under the Golden Visa in Dubai?
According to the DLD, the family residence permit for 10 years costs AED 5,774.50 per person, plus a one-time file opening fee of AED 318.75. Additional charges for medical fitness, Emirates ID, and document attestation apply separately.
Do sponsored family members need health insurance?
Yes. Valid UAE health insurance is mandatory for every sponsored family member at the time of application. Applications submitted without proof of health insurance are rejected.
What happens to family visas if the Golden Visa holder passes away?
Sponsored family members may remain in the UAE until the expiry date of their individual residence permits. This provision applies in accordance with current UAE regulations.
Can I sponsor domestic helpers under the Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders may sponsor an unlimited number of domestic helpers, provided they comply with MOHRE labour regulations, including formal employment contracts and appropriate living arrangements.
How long does the family sponsorship process take?
According to the DLD, processing typically takes 7–10 business days. Applications through GDRFA or authorised AMER centres may be completed in a shorter timeframe when all documentation is in order.
Can family members work in the UAE under Golden Visa sponsorship?
Yes. Sponsored family members may obtain work permits and seek employment in the UAE. They may obtain employment rights in accordance with UAE labour regulations.
What documents are needed for parent sponsorship under the Golden Visa?
Parent sponsorship requires a certified dependency certificate from the sponsor's consulate, an attested birth certificate, valid health insurance, a recent passport-sized photo, and the sponsor's Emirates ID and passport copies.
Official Sources and References
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Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — Federal authority responsible for visa and residency regulation, Emirates ID issuance, and Golden Visa administration across the UAE.
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General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA) — Dubai's immigration authority responsible for residency permits, entry permits, and family sponsorship processing.
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Dubai Land Department (DLD) — Government authority responsible for real estate regulation, property registration, and processing Golden Visa applications for real estate investors in Dubai.
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Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) — Responsible for document attestation and legalisation of foreign-issued certificates for use in the UAE.
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Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) — Federal authority overseeing labour regulations, employment contracts, and domestic worker sponsorship rules.
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Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — Regulatory authority for health insurance and medical fitness requirements in Dubai.
Important Notice
The information in this article is current as of the date of publication and is based on officially published regulations and fee schedules from UAE government authorities. Immigration rules, fees, and document requirements are subject to change without prior notice. Final approval for all Golden Visa and family sponsorship applications rests with the relevant UAE government authority, including the ICP, the GDRFA, and the DLD. Applicants are advised to confirm current requirements and fees with the relevant authority or an authorised service centre before submitting applications.
