UAE Family Sponsorship, Emirates ID and Documents: What You Need in 2026
In the UAE the family is planned around the main visa holder, the sponsor. I always build the family file at the same time as the investor’s file, because a missing attested certificate can delay everyone. Sources: u.ae on family visas, u.ae on the Emirates ID and the BRIDGES family case. Checked on 2 November 2026.
Who can sponsor and whom
Under the general rules, a resident can sponsor the family with a salary of at least AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Eligible relatives:
- spouse;
- sons up to 25 years old;
- unmarried daughters of any age;
- children with special needs of any age.
Holders of a Golden Visa have wider rights: children regardless of age, parents and domestic workers. If the holder dies, the family may stay until their own permits expire.
How long the family visas run
A family member’s permit cannot outlast the sponsor’s. With a 10-year Golden Visa the family gets 10-year permits too. In Dubai the DLD lists AED 5,774.50 per family member for the 10-year permit.
The Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is the resident’s identity card. ICP issues it with the residence permit, after biometrics. It is used:
- for government services and digital identity;
- to open a bank account and sign a lease;
- at the e-gates in UAE airports.
According to u.ae, no employer or company may hold on to your Emirates ID.
Documents that need attestation
Certificates from abroad must be legalised before the UAE accepts them: marriage certificate, children’s birth certificates and, for professionals, degree certificates. Depending on the country, this means an apostille or consular legalisation, then attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and a certified Arabic translation. Family members aged 18 and over take a medical test.
My checklist for families
- Passports valid for at least six months.
- Marriage and birth certificates, attested and translated.
- Health insurance for everyone.
- Proof of address in the UAE (a tenancy contract or title deed).
- A plan for children approaching 25 or for parents, which is easier with a Golden Visa.
Questions and answers
What salary do I need to sponsor my family in the UAE?
Under the general rules on u.ae, AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 a month plus accommodation.
Up to what age can I sponsor my son?
Under the general rules, sons up to 25 and unmarried daughters of any age. Golden Visa holders can sponsor children regardless of age.
Can I sponsor my parents?
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents. Other residents can usually do it too, but with extra conditions on income and housing set by each emirate.
Do I need an Emirates ID?
Yes. Every resident must hold one. It is issued by ICP together with the residence permit and is used for government services, banks and airport e-gates.
Sources
- u.ae: Residence visa for family members
- u.ae: Emirates ID
- ICP: UAE Golden Residency guide
- BRIDGES case: family and staff sponsorship
Checked on 2 November 2026. Rules and fees change, so confirm them with the official sources before you file anything.