Residence Visa for Parents in the UAE in 2026

In the United Arab Emirates, the process for obtaining a residence visa for parents is typically subject to certain conditions and requirements. The UAE government has introduced various visa categories to accommodate the diverse expatriate population in the country.

UAE Residence Visa Requirements for Parents

Sponsoring parents for a UAE residence visa involves meeting stricter requirements than for spouses or children. Here are the main eligibility criteria and required documents, based on the latest 2025 regulations.

Eligibility Criteria

• The sponsor must earn at least AED 20,000 per month or AED 19,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
• The sponsor must provide an attested birth certificate to prove the parental relationship. 
• You must sponsor both parents together, unless one is deceased or divorced (in which case, official proof is required).
• The sponsor must have a two-bedroom apartment or larger, proven by a registered tenancy contract (Ejari).
• Comprehensive medical insurance for both parents is mandatory and must be valid throughout their stay.
• An affidavit from your consulate stating you are the sole provider for your parents and no one else can care for them in your home country is required.
• A refundable deposit (typically AED 3,000 per parent) must be paid.

Required Documents

• Sponsor’s passport copy (valid at least 6 months).
• Sponsor’s UAE residence visa copy.
• Parent’s passport copies (valid at least 6 months).
• Recent passport-sized photos of parents.
• Sponsor’s salary certificate or labour contract.
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) for a two-bedroom apartment.
• Last three months’ bank statement.
• Health insurance policy for both parents.
• Affidavit from consulate (sole provider statement).
• Attested birth certificate of the sponsor.
• Proof of death/divorce if only one parent is being sponsored.

How to Get Residence Visa for Parents in the UAE

Once eligibility has been verified and documents have been prepared, the following steps must be completed:

1. Apply for Entry Permit

• Submit an application for an entry permit for your parents via: GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai or ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) portal for other emirates.
• Pay the entry permit fee (AED 500–1,100 depending on visa duration).
• Once approved, your parents can enter the UAE on this permit.

2. Medical Fitness Test

After arrival, parents must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved health centre. The test includes a blood test and chest X-ray. Medical results are submitted to immigration authorities.

3. Health Insurance and Emirates ID Application

Enrol your parents in a valid UAE health insurance plan (mandatory). Apply for their Emirates ID through the relevant authority. Biometrics may be required depending on age.

4. Submit Residency Visa Application

• Submit all required documents, including medical test results, insurance proof, and entry permit, to GDRFA or ICP.
• Pay the residence visa fees (starting from AED 3,340 plus medical and Emirates ID fees). 
• Processing typically takes 2–5 working days.

5. Visa Stamping

Upon approval, the residence visa is stamped in your parents’ passports. This finalizes their legal residency status in the UAE.

Estimated Costs

Additional Information

• A key document proving biological relationship, must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• A refundable deposit of AED 3,000 per parent is usually required.
• Residence visas for parents can be valid from 2 to 10 years, depending on sponsor visa and emirate regulations.
• From entry permit application to visa stamping, the process may take several weeks depending on document preparation and government processing.

UAE Residence Visa Renewal for Parents

Renewing a residence visa for parents in the UAE involves following updated procedures and meeting specific requirements to ensure compliance with immigration regulations.

Renewal Requirements

• Parents’ passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the renewal date.
• Parents over 18 years old must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized centre and submit the certificate.
• Valid health insurance covering the parents is mandatory and must be renewed annually.
• Proof of suitable accommodation (usually a tenancy contract) must be submitted.
• Sponsor’s valid residence visa, passport copy, and salary certificate or employment contract may be required.
• Recent coloured photos with a white background of the parents are needed.

Renewal Process

• Verify the expiry date and gather all required documents, including medical and insurance certificates.
• Complete the medical test if parents are over 18 years old.
• Apply online via the relevant government portals (GDRFA for Dubai or ICA for other emirates) or at authorized typing centres.
• Fees vary depending on visa duration and type, but generally range between AED 4,000 and AED 5,500 for parents’ visas.
• Emirates ID renewal is mandatory and usually processed simultaneously with the visa renewal.
• Processing typically takes 5 to 10 business days.
• Once approved, collect the renewed documents from the designated centres or receive them by mail.

Costs

Renewal fees depend on visa type and duration. For example, a 5-year parent visa renewal under an investor visa sponsor costs around AED 4,242. Additional fees include medical tests, Emirates ID renewal, and health insurance.

Grace Period and Penalties

• Parents have a 6-month grace period after visa expiry to renew without fines.
• Overstaying beyond the grace period results in fines of AED 50 per day.

It’s important to note that immigration policies and procedures can change, and it’s advisable to check with the Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority (ICA) or other relevant government authorities for the most current and accurate information regarding residence visas for parents in the UAE.