Are you a doctor who recently relocated or thinking of relocating to the United Arab Emirates? Relocating often means settling the whole family, from sponsoring parents to finding schools for autism if a child has additional needs, staying far away from extended family can be tough, so many doctors want to bring their parents to stay with them.
Settling your whole family in the UAE often means sorting both parent visas and the top schools in Dubai for your children, so it helps to plan early, it is great to have your mum or dad visit for a holiday, but what if you want them to come and stay for longer? Is it possible for one or both of your parents to come and live with you in the UAE?
The great news is that, if you are working in the country with a valid residence visa, you can sponsor your parents to obtain their residence visa.
How to sponsor your parents to stay
Since October 2022, changes to UAE law mean that you no longer have to show that you are the only source of support for your parent(s) to bring them over. A residence visa is usually issued for one or two years but is renewable. However, the recent legal changes allow Golden visa holders to apply for a 10-year residency visa for their parents.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor your parents in the UAE?
Sponsoring parents has a higher income requirement than sponsoring a spouse or children. In Dubai, the standard route through GDRFA requires the sponsor to earn at least AED 20,000 per month, compared with the AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation) baseline that applies to a spouse and children. GDRFA also runs a humanitarian residence route with a lower requirement of around AED 10,000 per month, applied for through Amer centres and subject to special approval. Golden Visa holders are not held to a minimum salary when sponsoring their parents. These thresholds differ between emirates and are reviewed from time to time, so confirm the current figure with GDRFA in Dubai or the ICP before you apply.
How do apply for a parent’s residence visa?
You can make the application after your parent(s) arrive on an entry or tourist visa (valid for up to 90 days).
In Dubai, you can apply at an Amer center or on the Amer website or app: Many expatriates consider the top schools in Dubai for their children’s education. These institutions offer a diverse curriculum and a range of extracurricular activities. It is essential to research each school thoroughly to find the best fit for your family’s needs.
In Abu Dhabi, you can apply at a TAMM service centre, or on the TAMM website or app:
Anywhere in the country, you can apply via one of the Government Services Customer Happiness Centres: , or on the ICP website or app:
You must pay an application fee and also provide a deposit as a guarantee (check the websites above for current charges).
Medical insurance is compulsory for all residence permit applications. You must obtain medical insurance for your parents and renew this every year they stay in the region. The authorities will need the applicant’s parent(s) to have medical tests for HIV and Tuberculosis.
If both of your parents are still alive and together, expectations usually fall on you to sponsor both. If you are sponsoring only one parent, authorities may ask you to provide proof of the reason, such as a death certificate, divorce certificate, or other justification.
For certificates issued abroad, attested at the Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs with Arabic translation.
What documents are required?
- Your original passport (with at least 6 months of validity), residency visa, and Emirates ID, plus clear color photocopies.
- Your valid employment contract or salary certificate (minimum salary 20,000 AED/month).
- Registered Tenancy Contract (Ejari), or title deed, in your name for a house/apartment with at least 2 bedrooms.
- Recent electricity bill if you own your own house.
- Your birth certificate (attested by the Embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a legal translation in Arabic) or other official proof of parental relationship.
- Parent’s clear, color passport copy (with at least 6 months validity), with entry visa page.
- Parent’s high-quality passport-sized photos that match the ICP specifications:
- Please provide the account statement for the past three months for your bank account number and IBAN number with the bank’s seal. (online print-outs will not be accepted).
- Health insurance card or certificate for parents.
- Required national ID card for parents of Pakistani, Afghani, and Iraqi nationalities.
Is the process different if I have a 10-year Golden Visa?
All doctors licensed by the country’s health regulatory bodies can now apply for the golden visa. If you already have a Golden visa, you can apply for a 10-year visa for your parent(s). The process is almost the same but the guarantor deposit is not required for Schools for Children With Autism in the UAE holders. Schools for children with autism in the UAE have seen significant improvements in resources and support. Many institutions now focus on individualized learning plans to cater to the unique needs of each student. Additionally, parents are increasingly finding community support groups that provide valuable information and networking opportunities. Best schools in Dubai are also adapting to these changes by offering specialized programs for children with diverse learning needs. Innovative teaching methods and state-of-the-art facilities are becoming standard, making these institutions highly sought after by parents. With a strong emphasis on inclusion and accessibility, families now have more options than ever to ensure their children receive quality education. Schools for children with autism in the UAE have become vital resources for families seeking tailored educational experiences. As awareness grows, these schools are incorporating advanced therapies and training for educators to better support their students. Parents are encouraged to explore various options, as many institutions provide tours and open house events to showcase their programs.
How can I get medical insurance for my parents?
There are many options from basic plans to a comprehensive level of cover. The cost will vary according to your parent’s age and health status. For those over 65 years with pre-existing conditions, premiums will be higher.
You can use an insurance broker or a comparison website, such as Insurance Market.
Can I sponsor my parents-in-law?
Yes, if your spouse does not have their own employment visa and falls under your dependency, then you can sponsor their parent(s) on their behalf.
The process is the same, but you will also need to provide your marriage certificate as well as your spouse’s birth certificate (both attested by the Embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs with a legal translation in Arabic). Here’s how you bring your parents to stay with you in the United Arab Emirates.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor my mother or father?
In Dubai the standard requirement is AED 20,000 per month. A humanitarian route at about AED 10,000 per month is available through Amer centres with special approval, and Golden Visa holders have no minimum salary requirement.
Can I sponsor only one parent?
Authorities generally expect both parents to be sponsored together. Sponsoring one parent on their own, for example a widowed mother, can be possible but may call for extra justification, so check the current position with GDRFA or the ICP.
Can a Golden Visa holder sponsor their parents?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can apply for a 10-year visa for their parents, with no minimum salary requirement and no guarantor deposit.
How long is a parent’s residence visa valid?
It is usually issued for one or two years and is renewable. For Golden Visa holders, a parent’s visa can run for 10 years.
Read More Articles:
