1. The Sponsor’s Status (That’s You!)

You must be a UAE resident with a valid Residence Visa and Emirates ID.

2. The Minimum Salary Requirement

This is the most critical checkpoint.

• Male Sponsor: Minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 OR AED 3,000 + company-provided accommodation.
• Female Sponsor: Requirements are often stricter and can vary. A common minimum salary is AED 10,000, and she may be restricted to certain professions (e.g., teacher, doctor, engineer). Approvals are often granted on a case-by-case basis. Sponsoring a husband requires a higher salary and special approval.

3. Required Accommodation

You must have a valid tenancy contract in your name.

• In Dubai: This is your Ejari.
• In Abu Dhabi: This is your Tawtheeq.
• In Other Emirates: A municipality-attested tenancy contract is required.

4. Document Preparation (The Essential Checklist)

For the Sponsor (You):

• Passport & Residence Visa copy.
• Emirates ID copy.
• Labor Contract (for private/government employees) or Company Documents (for investors/self-employed).
• Salary Certificate (in Arabic) from your employer.
• Attested Tenancy Contract (Ejari/Tawtheeq).
• Recent utility bill (e.g., DEWA, SEWA).
• 3-month bank statement (sometimes required, especially for self-employed).

For the Sponsored Family Member(s):

• Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-sized photos with a white background.
• Marriage Certificate: Must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) in your home country, then by the UAE Embassy there, and finally by the MoFA in the UAE.
• Birth Certificate(s) (for children): Same attestation process as the marriage certificate.

Important: All documents not in Arabic must be legally translated into Arabic.

Variable 1: Your Emirate

• Dubai: The process is managed by the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs). You will primarily use Amer Centres for applications.
• Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, RAK, UAQ, Fujairah: The process is managed by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security). You can use the ICP Smart Services app/website or an authorized typing centre.

Variable 2: Your Employment Status

• Employed (Private/Govt): Your labor contract and salary certificate are the primary proof of income. The process is straightforward.
• Self-Employed / Investor: You are your own sponsor. You will need to submit your Trade License, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and sometimes a 6-month company bank statement to prove income stability.

Variable 3: Number of Children

• Sponsoring Sons: You can sponsor them until they are 25 years old. After 18, they must be students and you must provide proof of their studies.
• Sponsoring Daughters: You can sponsor them as long as they are unmarried, with no age limit.
• Each child is a separate application. This means separate fees for entry permits, medical tests (if over 18), Emirates ID, and visa stamping for each one.

Step 1: Apply for the Entry Permit

This is a temporary visa that allows your family to enter the UAE to complete the residency process.

• If Family is OUTSIDE UAE: Apply for an “Entry Permit”. They have 60 days to enter the UAE after it’s issued.
• If Family is INSIDE UAE (e.g., on a tourist visa): Apply for a “Change of Status”. This allows them to switch from a tourist visa to a residence visa without leaving the country. This costs extra (approx. AED 650).
• How to Apply: Visit an Amer centre (Dubai) or an authorized typing centre (other Emirates), or use the ICP app. Submit all your prepared documents.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test

Once your family is in the UAE (or status is changed), this is the next mandatory step for anyone over 18.

• Visit a designated Government Medical Fitness Centre.
• Tests check for communicable diseases like HIV and Tuberculosis.
• You can choose standard, 48-hour, or 24-hour VIP services for faster results at a higher cost.

Step 3: Emirates ID & Biometrics

• Simultaneously with the medical test, you must apply for the Emirates ID at a typing centre or through the ICP website.
• Your family members will receive an appointment for biometrics (fingerprinting and photo) at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre.

Step 4: Get Health Insurance

• Mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi. You cannot complete the visa stamping without valid health insurance for your sponsored family members.
• In other Emirates, it is highly recommended.

Step 5: Visa Stamping

This is the final step where the residence visa sticker is placed in the passport.

Submit the final set of documents to the immigration authority (Amer/ICP):

• Original Passports
• Original Entry Permit
• Medical Fitness Report (original)
• Emirates ID application form
• Copy of sponsor’s passport
• Health Insurance policy copy

Once approved, the passport is stamped with the residence visa, usually valid for 2 years (or matching the sponsor’s visa validity).