Sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents for a UAE residence visa from Dubai requires a proper tenancy contract. Here's exactly what GDRFA needs, the minimum property size, salary thresholds, and the step-by-step process.
Sponsor eligibility (you must meet ALL)
- Valid UAE residence visa (yours)
- Minimum salary: AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) to sponsor spouse + children
- Minimum salary: AED 10,000-20,000 to sponsor parents (varies)
- Suitable accommodation proven via Ejari-registered tenancy contract
- Health insurance covering family members
Spouse-only sponsorship
- Minimum 1-bedroom property
- Ejari registered in sponsor's name
- Standard DLD Unified Tenancy Contract v1.4
Spouse + children sponsorship
- Minimum 2-bedroom property (recommended)
- Ejari registered in sponsor's name
- Studio apartments typically rejected for family sponsorship
Parents sponsorship
- Minimum 2-bedroom property
- Higher salary requirement (AED 10,000-20,000)
- Often requires separate AED 5,000 bank guarantee per parent
- Annual proof of medical insurance
Why custom contracts get rejected
GDRFA does NOT accept:
- Custom-drafted lease agreements (not registered on Ejari)
- Properties leased to someone else (must be in sponsor's name)
- Hotel apartment confirmations (unless Ejari-registered)
- Expired Ejari certificates
- Sub-let arrangements without official documentation
Step-by-step process
1
Confirm your eligibility
Check your salary meets the minimum, your residence visa is valid, you have health insurance you can extend to family.
2
Find suitable property
For spouse + children: minimum 2 BHK. Sign the lease in YOUR name as sole tenant.
3
Generate DLD tenancy contract
Free at tenancycontract.com - 3 minutes. Sponsor must be named as the tenant.
4
Sign + register Ejari
Both parties sign. Register Ejari via Dubai REST app. AED 220, 30 minutes.
5
Prepare family visa documents
Sponsor: passport + Emirates ID + salary certificate + Ejari + insurance proof. Family member: passport + photo + medical fitness test + attested birth/marriage certificate.
6
Apply via GDRFA / Amer
Online via Dubai REST app or in-person at GDRFA centre. Pay visa fee (AED 1,000-3,000 per family member).
7
Medical fitness test for family
Family member must visit DHA-approved medical centre. AED 320 per adult, AED 250 per child.
8
Receive visa + Emirates ID
Visa stamped in passport (2-5 working days). Apply for Emirates ID separately.
Common problems
- Studio apartment: Rejected for spouse + child sponsorship
- Joint contract with roommate: Rejected. Sponsor must be sole tenant
- Living with family, not on lease: You must sign your own contract first
- Salary below threshold: AED 4,000 minimum + accommodation = AED 3,000 minimum
- Expired Ejari: Renew before applying
- Property in spouse's name: Switch lease to your name, or add yourself as tenant
Cost breakdown (family of 3)
- Tenancy contract generation: Free (tenancycontract.com)
- Ejari registration: AED 220
- Spouse visa fee: ~AED 1,500-2,500
- Child visa fee: ~AED 1,000-1,500
- Spouse medical: AED 320
- Child medical: AED 250
- Spouse Emirates ID: AED 270
- Child Emirates ID: AED 270
- Health insurance: AED 4,000-12,000 per family member per year
- Total: ~AED 8,000-20,000 first year
For visa renewal process, see tenancy contract for visa renewal.