How to Sponsor Your Parents on a Dubai Golden Visa (2026)
A Golden Visa lets you bring your mother and father to Dubai on long-term residence. Here is who can sponsor them, which documents are usually asked for, what the government fees look like in 2026, what happens if your own situation changes, and the order in which the steps usually run.
Last updated: 13 November 2026
Key takeaways
- Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents for long-term residence, subject to the current conditions.
- For property Golden Visa holders, the Dubai Land Department lists about AED 5,775 per parent for a 10-year permit (Nov 2026), plus a sponsorship file fee.
- Parents' visas depend on the main holder's visa — plan ahead if your property or status may change.
- Government fees change. Confirm current fees before applying.
Who can sponsor parents
A UAE Golden Visa holder can sponsor family members, including parents, on residence linked to their own permit. The UAE government Golden Visa page sets out the categories; for property investors in Dubai the application runs through the Dubai Land Department.
- You hold a valid Golden Visa (for example through property worth AED 2 million or more).
- You can show the family relationship with officially attested documents.
- Your parents pass the medical fitness test and hold health insurance valid in Dubai.
- Some categories and authorities add their own conditions — check the current rules for your route before you apply.
Documents usually required
Documents issued abroad usually need attestation in the issuing country and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and often a legal translation into Arabic. Start this early: it is the step that takes longest.
- Each parent's passport copy, valid for at least six months, and a recent photo
- Your passport, Golden Visa and Emirates ID copies
- Your birth certificate showing both parents' names, attested for use in the UAE
- Your parents' marriage certificate, attested, where both are sponsored
- Health insurance for each parent, valid in Dubai
- Proof of residence in Dubai, such as a title deed or tenancy contract
Cost
For property Golden Visa holders, the Dubai Land Department fee list shows a family residence permit for 10 years at about AED 5,770 per parent (AED 5,774.50, Dubai Land Department, Nov 2026), plus a one-off sponsorship file fee. See the current DLD fee list.
On top of government fees, budget for the medical test, health insurance, document attestation and translation. If a parent applies from inside the UAE, a change-of-status fee may also apply.
Government fees change. Confirm current fees before applying.
What happens to family visas if the main holder's situation changes
Family members' residence is linked to the sponsor's Golden Visa. If the main holder sells the qualifying property, the visa is cancelled or not renewed, the sponsored parents' permits are affected too.
The UAE has introduced provisions allowing family members to stay for the remaining validity of their permits if the Golden Visa holder dies. Rules on grace periods and transfers are updated from time to time, so check the current position with the authorities or a licensed adviser if your plans may change.
Step order and typical timeline
- 1. Attest and translate documents (birth and marriage certificates) — often 2–6 weeks, depending on the country.
- 2. Arrange health insurance for each parent.
- 3. Open the sponsorship file and submit the application through the Dubai Land Department channels; pay the fees.
- 4. Entry permit issued, or change of status if your parents are already in the UAE.
- 5. Medical fitness test and Emirates ID biometrics in Dubai.
- 6. Residence permits and Emirates IDs issued — the Dubai Land Department indicates about 7–10 working days once documents are complete.
How SETTRA coordinates it with licensed partners
SETTRA does not issue visas or give legal advice. We coordinate the process with licensed partners: we check which documents you already have, line up attestation and translation, arrange insurance quotes, book the medical and biometrics around your parents' arrival, and keep one timeline in English, Russian or Turkish.
See our guide to the Dubai property visa, our relocation support, or start a dated checklist in the free Move Planner.
Ask SETTRA a question about your own situation.
FAQ
Can a Golden Visa holder sponsor both parents?
Yes, subject to the current conditions: you sponsor each parent on their own residence permit linked to your Golden Visa.
How much does it cost to sponsor a parent?
For property Golden Visa holders, the Dubai Land Department lists about AED 5,775 per parent for a 10-year permit (Nov 2026), plus a sponsorship file fee, medical test and insurance. Fees change, so confirm before applying.
Which documents take the longest?
Attesting and translating birth and marriage certificates issued abroad. Start these first.
What happens if I sell the property?
Your parents' permits depend on your Golden Visa. If it is cancelled or not renewed, their residence is affected as well — plan the timing with the authorities or a licensed adviser.
Does SETTRA apply for the visa for me?
SETTRA coordinates the process and timeline; the application itself is handled by licensed partners and the authorities.
