UAE Golden Visa for Family 2026: Who’s Eligible, Costs, and Sponsorship Guide 

The UAE Golden Visa for Family allows holders of the Golden Visa to sponsor and bring their loved ones to live with them in the United Arab Emirates.  

Through this program, Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouses, children, and parents, allowing families to build a future together in global hubs such as Dubai and Abu Dhabi. 

One of the most attractive features of the program is its flexibility, enabling family members to benefit from the same stability, security, and lifestyle advantages as the main applicant.  

This guide will explore how family sponsorship via the UAE Golden Visa works, which dependents are eligible, and how Global Citizen Solutions can help.  

UAE Golden Visa for Family: Key Takeaways

UAE Golden Visa holders can sponsor a spouse, children, regardless of age, and parents for long-term residence.

Family residence permits may be issued for up to 10 years, subject to validity approval by ICP or GDRFA. 

Applicants must provide proof of the relationship, valid passports, health insurance, and other documents required by the issuing authority. 

Dependents aged 18 and over generally need medical fitness screening, while those aged 15 and over must complete Emirates ID biometrics. 

Family members can live and study in the UAE, but those taking employment must obtain the appropriate work permit

The UAE Golden Visa for Family is a long-term residency option that allows eligible visa holders to sponsor immediate family members under the same visa framework in the United Arab Emirates.  

The UAE Golden Visa has various categories, including qualified investors, entrepreneurs, and specialized talent, who can sponsor their spouses, children, and parents for a 10-year or 5-year renewable residency.   

One of the main benefits is that family members receive the same benefits as the primary applicant, including the right to live, work, and study in the UAE.  

Compared to traditional UAE family sponsorship pathways, the Golden Visa offers greater flexibility, as eligibility is primarily based on investment, professional qualifications, or talent rather than ongoing salary thresholds for sponsoring family members. This offers much better long-term stability for families moving to the UAE.  

Golden Visa holders can sponsor various family members, including:  

• A legally recognized spouse 
• Sons and daughters, regardless of age 
• Parents, subject to the applicable documentation, financial support and health insurance requirements 

 Note that all family sponsorships are subject to proof of relationship and applicable residence permit conditions.  

Can you sponsor domestic workers under the Golden Visa UAE?  

Yes. Golden Visa holders may recruit domestic workers according to their financial solvency and the applicable UAE domestic-worker regulations. The recognized domestic-worker professions include: 

• Nannies or babysitters 
• Personal drivers 
• Housemaids 

Domestic workers are employed under separate work and residence rules and are not considered family dependents under the Golden Visa. 

Family members sponsored under the Golden Visa enjoy: 

• Same visa duration: Family members of the UAE Golden Visa main applicant also get the same visa duration (5 or 10 years, renewable)   
• Freedom to live, work, and study in the UAE: Family members of Golden Visa holders are free to study, live, and work in the UAE. This supports both career development and access to education.  
• Access to world-class healthcare and education: The UAE has top-ranking universities specifically targeting global learners. Additionally, the top-tier healthcare system is a great benefit, with private medical facilities offering access to top global healthcare and modern facilities.   
• No need for a separate employer sponsor: Like the main Golden Visa applicant, family members are not required to be sponsored by an employer if they start working in the UAE.   
• Ability to remain outside the UAE without losing residency: The main applicant and their family members can stay outside the UAE for extended periods without losing their residency status.     

The UAE Golden Visa for families is generally more suited for: 

• Investors relocating with families  
• Professionals seeking long-term stability  
• Families planning education in the UAE  
• Individuals looking for a tax-efficient base  

To qualify for family sponsorship in the UAE, including Dubai, under the Golden Visa, applicants must provide the following required documents: 

• Valid passports for all family members  
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)  
• Birth certificates (for children)  
• Proof of medical insurance  
• Valid Golden Visa of the sponsor  

Unlike standard UAE residency visas, Golden Visa holders typically do not need to meet a strict minimum salary requirement. However, some categories, like skilled professionals, may need a minimum salary of AED 30,000.  

There is no single fixed cost for adding a family member to a UAE Golden Visa. Fees vary by emirate, residence duration, application channel, and whether the dependent is applying from inside the UAE. 

Typical costs per dependent  

The medical fitness test applies only to dependents aged 18 and over. The investor-family financial guarantee is refundable under the applicable conditions and should not be counted as a non-refundable visa fee. Note that additional emirate-specific or in-country processing charges may apply. 

Note: The qualifying Golden Visa investment amount does not increase with the number of family members, but residence, Emirates ID, insurance, and processing costs apply separately to each dependent.  

Applying for the UAE Golden Visa for family takes place after the main applicant has secured, or is in the proApplying for the UAE Golden Visa for family takes place after the main applicant has secured, or is in the process of securing, their residency. While the visa application process follows standard UAE procedures, family sponsorship requires additional documentation and coordination.  

Step 1: Confirm eligible dependents: Identify which family members qualify, including spouse, children, and parents.  

Step 2: Prepare and attest documents: You will need marriage and birth certificates, passports, and proof of relationship. All documents must be attested and, where required, translated into Arabic.  

Step 3: Submit dependent applications: Applications are submitted through UAE authorities, including the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security  (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), along with the relevant government fees.  

Step 4: Complete medical and biometric checks: Dependents aged 18 and over complete medical fitness screening where required. Applicants aged 15 and over complete the Emirates ID fingerprint and signature procedures. 

Step 5: Receive residence permits: Once approved, family members receive residence permits allowing them to live and study in the UAE. Those taking employment must obtain the applicable work permit.  

Working with a trusted and experienced advisor such as Global Citizen Solutions ensures that documentation, timelines, and multiple applications are managed efficiently, particularly for families with several dependents or more complex profiles. We work alongside the top UAE Golden Visa lawyers, ensuring all applications are up to date based on the regulations.     

The timeline for the UAE Golden Visa for family depends on document readiness and the number of dependents. In most cases, family sponsorship is processed alongside or shortly after the main applicant’s visa.  

Based on typical timelines:  

• Document preparation and attestation: 1–2 weeks  
• Application submission and initial approval: 1–3 weeks  
• Medical tests and biometrics: 3–7 days  
• Residence permit and Emirates ID issuance: 5–10 working days  
• Total estimated timeline: approximately 2 to 6 weeks (according to our UAE immigration experts) for family members, where documentation is complete, and no additional information is required.  

For families applying together, timelines may align with the main applicant’s Golden Visa process, which typically ranges from a few weeks to three months, depending on the application category and complexity.