Can I Sponsor My Family Members?
For most founders, the answer is yes. Here is who you can bring, what you need to qualify and how your company makes it possible.
Building a business is one thing. Building a life is another. For many entrepreneurs, the real goal of a business setup in UAE is to live here with the people who matter most. The good news is that once you hold a valid UAE residence visa through your company, you can usually sponsor your family to join you. In this guide, the team at Ampsy Consultancy explains who you can sponsor, what you need and how to plan the process.
Who You Can Sponsor
According to the official UAE Government Portal, expatriate residents with a valid residence visa can sponsor the following family members:
You, the sponsor
With a valid UAE residence visa
can sponsor
| Your spouse | Sons | Daughters | Special needs |
|---|---|---|---|
| Husband or wife, with an attested marriage certificate | Under 25 years of age | Unmarried daughters | Children with special needs |
Sponsoring parents follows separate rules and usually involves additional income, accommodation and other conditions, so it is best to check your eligibility before you apply.
Am I Eligible? Follow the Path
- Step 1: Do you hold a valid UAE residence visa?
Usually as an investor, partner or employee of your own company. - Step 2: Do you meet the income requirement?
The UAE Government Portal sets this at a salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. - Step 3: Are your family documents ready?
Marriage and birth certificates, attested and translated where required.
You are ready to apply for family residence
Your Route Depends on Your Visa Type
| Investor or partner visa | The most common route for company owners. Once your own residency is issued through your business setup, you can generally apply for your family's visas. |
| Employment visa | If you are employed by your company, family sponsorship follows the salary rule of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. |
| Golden Visa | Long term residency that can extend to first degree family members, giving your family stability for longer periods. |
| Green Visa | The UAE Government Portal confirms Green Visa holders may also sponsor first degree relatives. |
Families Are Choosing Long Term Residency
Golden residency for families has grown fast. Khaleej Times reported in May 2026 that the General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai had issued more than 167,000 Golden residencies to the families of specialised talents between 2021 and the first quarter of 2026, with first degree family members now covered across several categories.
| 167,124 | 100,286 | 37,022 |
|---|---|---|
| Golden residencies for families of specialised talents | For families of real estate investors | For families of investors |
For founders who qualify, a Golden Visa can mean fewer renewals and more certainty for the whole family. It is worth asking about it when you plan your business setup in Dubai.
Documents You Will Usually Need
| From you, the sponsor | For your family members |
|---|---|
| Passport and residence visa copy | Passport copies and photographs |
| Emirates ID | Attested marriage certificate for your spouse |
| Proof of salary or income | Attested birth certificates for children |
| Tenancy contract or proof of accommodation | Medical fitness test for those aged 18 and above |
| Trade licence and company documents if you are the owner | Health insurance where required |
Five Rules Worth Remembering
- Medical tests. Family members aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness test at an approved centre in the UAE.
- Linked visas. Your family's visas are linked to yours. If your visa is cancelled, theirs must be cancelled too.
- Grace period. The UAE Government Portal states that dependents have a six month grace period after their visa expires or is cancelled to obtain a new residence permit.
- Renew or cancel on time. Sponsors can be fined for failing to renew or cancel their dependents' visas.
- Keep your company valid. Your own residency depends on an active trade licence, so renewing your licence on time protects your whole family.
Your business here. Your family with you.
Ampsy Consultancy LLC provides end to end business setup, support and advisory services across the UAE. With more than 4,000 companies set up, mainland licensing across all seven emirates, access to over 20 free zones and a 4.8 star Google rating, our team handles company formation, your residency visa, family visas, Golden Visa assistance, PRO services, corporate bank accounts, and tax and accounting compliance. Business setup packages start from AED 4,999 with fixed, 100 percent transparent pricing.
Ready to bring your family? Speak to our business setup consultants in UAE on +971 4 3524243, WhatsApp +971 58 2520100 or info@ampsyconsultancy.ae.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sponsor my family straight after my business setup in UAE?
Usually, once your own residency visa has been issued. After your business setup in UAE, the company sponsors your visa first, and then you can apply for your spouse and children, provided you meet the income and accommodation requirements and your documents are attested.
Can I sponsor my parents after my business setup in Dubai?
In many cases, yes, but parents follow separate rules that usually include higher income and accommodation requirements. If parents are part of your plans for your business setup in Dubai, business setup consultants in UAE can check your eligibility before you apply.
How do business consultants help with family visas?
Experienced business consultants prepare and check your documents, arrange attestation and translation, book medical tests and Emirates ID appointments, and track renewal dates for every family member. This keeps your family's residency aligned with your business setup from the start.
Sources
- UAE Government Portal: Residence visa for families of employees
- Khaleej Times, 15 May 2026: Over 160,000 Golden Visas issued to families in Dubai, authority says
Disclaimer: Family sponsorship rules, income requirements, eligible relatives and documents are set by the UAE authorities and can change. This article is general information as of November 2026 and not legal or immigration advice. Please check with ICP, GDRFA or Ampsy Consultancy before applying.