Who Can be Sponsored? Latest Rules for Sponsoring Relatives in the UAE

Dubai, a cosmopolitan city with year-round sunshine, is a popular destination for expats from around the world. One of the key reasons behind its popularity is the option to sponsor loved ones. However, recent updates to the rules on sponsoring relatives or wives’ relatives have changed the salary criteria.

Who Can You Sponsor?

To sponsor a relative, an expat must have adequate housing and monthly income. The relatives who can be sponsored include the expat’s father, mother, underage siblings, or the wife’s father and mother.

Monthly Income Requirements

Previously, expats needed to earn a minimum salary of Dhs20,000 to sponsor their parents in Dubai. However, the latest update to the rules means that this requirement has been halved, and now those earning Dhs10,000 per month can sponsor up to five relatives in the UAE.

Expats earning Dhs15,000 per month can sponsor up to six individuals, but if you have a larger family and want to sponsor over six people, the chairman of the authority will determine the applicant’s suitability.

For those wanting to sponsor their family (a husband sponsoring a wife and kids), the minimum salary requirement is now Dhs4,000, significantly lower than the previous requirement. However, if a wife wishes to sponsor her husband, she needs to earn more than Dhs10,000 per month.

The Importance of Adequate Housing

In addition to meeting the minimum salary requirements, expats must also ensure they have adequate housing for their sponsored relatives. This is because the UAE government requires that each sponsored relative has their own separate accommodation, either within the sponsor’s home or in a rented property.

It’s also worth noting that sponsors are responsible for their sponsored relatives’ financial support, including healthcare and education expenses.

Conclusion

If you’re an expat in Dubai looking to sponsor your loved ones to join you in the UAE, it’s essential to be aware of the latest changes to salary requirements. By meeting these requirements and ensuring adequate housing, you can successfully sponsor your family members and enjoy all that Dubai has to offer together.