A Golden Visa holder can sponsor a spouse and children and, according to the DLD's investor service, parents, for the same term as the sponsor's visa, without the salary test that applies to standard sponsors. Sources disagree on adult sons: several 2026 guides say any age, and others say up to 25. This guide sets out who qualifies, how the rules differ from a standard family visa and what documents you need.
Who You Can Sponsor
| Dependant | Position |
|---|---|
| Spouse | Yes, with an attested marriage certificate, and a divorce ends the sponsorship |
| Unmarried daughters | Any age, consistently reported |
| Sons | Disputed: any age according to several guides, up to 25 according to others |
| Children with a determination certificate | Reported with no age limit |
| Parents | Yes per the DLD investor service, with extra documents such as proof of dependency and insurance |
| Domestic staff | Reported as unlimited, subject to accommodation and labour rules |
If adult sons are part of your plan, confirm the current position with GDRFA or ICP before you apply, because the difference between the two readings decides whether they can be included.
How It Differs from a Standard Family Visa
| Feature | Standard residence | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor income test | A minimum salary, commonly AED 4,000 a month or AED 3,000 with accommodation | None reported |
| Sons | Commonly up to 25 if studying | Disputed: any age or up to 25 |
| Parents | Higher income and extra conditions | Reported without the standard salary test |
| Time abroad | Six-month limit | Reported as exempt |
| Term | Linked to the sponsor | Same term as the Golden Visa |
Our dependant visa guide covers the standard rules in full.
Documents for Family Members
- Passports and photographs for each dependant.
- An attested marriage certificate for a spouse. Our guide to marriage certificate attestation covers the steps.
- Attested birth certificates for children, translated into Arabic. See our guides to document attestation and legal translation.
- A no-objection letter from the father, notarised, where the mother is the sponsor.
- Proof of marital status for daughters over 18, for example from the Dubai Courts.
- A medical fitness test and health insurance for each person, as covered in our DHA medical fitness test guide.
- Your own Golden Visa and Emirates ID as sponsor.
How to Sponsor Your Family
- Get your own Golden Visa issued first, since the family files rest on it.
- Attest and translate marriage and birth certificates issued abroad.
- Apply for each dependant through ICP or GDRFA, with your Golden Visa and Emirates ID.
- Complete each person's medical test and insurance.
- Register Emirates IDs and confirm the permit term matches yours.
Parents in More Detail
The DLD's investor service lists parents among those who can be sponsored, and several 2026 guides say the sponsorship carries no minimum salary and no deposit condition, though it needs proof of the relationship, valid UAE health insurance and a medical test. Some guides add a sole-support letter. Parent files draw more scrutiny than spouse and child files, so start the attestation early and keep the paperwork consistent.
Domestic Helpers
Reported guidance is that a Golden Visa holder can sponsor an unlimited number of household staff, provided suitable accommodation exists and labour rules are met. Our guide to the domestic worker visa covers the process and the source-country differences.
Other Long-Term Visas Compared
According to the DLD retiree service, the retirement visa covers a spouse and children, and a standard visa carries the income test. Our retirement visa page covers that route.
Time Abroad, Death of the Holder and Cancellation
- Time abroad: dependants are reported to share the exemption from the six-month rule.
- If the holder dies: family members may remain in the UAE until their own permits expire, according to reported guidance.
- If the Golden Visa is cancelled: sponsorship ends, with a grace period cited from 60 days to six months. Our guide to losing a Golden Visa covers what can trigger it.
Common Mistakes
- Assuming adult sons are covered without confirming the current age rule.
- Sending marriage or birth certificates that are not attested or translated.
- Forgetting dependants' insurance and medical tests.
- Cancelling your own visa before planning the family's next step.
Plan the Family Before You File
Bringing the family under one Golden Visa keeps everyone on a single renewal cycle, but each person still needs a complete file. Rules change, so treat this as general information. Takween Advisory handles family files through our UAE Golden Visa services, and our Golden Visa cost guide covers the fees. Book a free consultation to plan your household.