Expats in Dubai who want to bring their mother or father to live with them have a clear official route. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai offers a one-year renewable residence permit for parents. It is listed under the authority’s residence service for humanitarian cases.
Eligible residents can apply if they meet set salary and housing conditions. However, every application is still reviewed by the authority before approval.
Who Can Sponsor Parents in Dubai
Salary and Housing Requirements
Employed sponsors need a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000. Government employees must submit a salary certificate, and private-sector workers provide their employment contract. Partners and investors submit the relevant business documents instead.
Sponsors must also show suitable housing through an attested tenancy contract that matches the size of their household. GDRFA’s published requirements do not say that every applicant must have a two-bedroom apartment.
Documents to Prepare
Applicants should have these documents ready:
- Copy of the parent’s passport
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Attested tenancy contract
- Bank statements from the past three months
Business owners may also need their trade licence and partnership agreement. Officials can request more documents during the review to confirm the family relationship or other conditions.
How the Application Works
Applying Online or at an Amer Centre
Sponsors can apply through the GDRFA Smart Services platform or at an authorized Amer Service Centre. The process follows six steps:
- Log in to GDRFA Smart Services or visit an Amer Centre.
- Choose the relevant residence permit service.
- Fill in the application details.
- Upload the supporting documents.
- Pay the service fees.
- Follow the instructions issued after the review.
Breakdown of Fees
GDRFA lists an AED 200 residence permit issuance fee, plus AED 10 each for the Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham. Delivery fees may also apply. An extra AED 500 is charged for inside-country processing.
Once an application is approved, sponsors must pay a financial guarantee of AED 5,000 per request, up to a maximum of AED 15,000. Medical fitness tests, Emirates ID issuance and related services may add to the total cost. It’s wise to confirm the full payment breakdown before you begin.
What to Expect After Applying
GDRFA lists an expected completion time of 14 days, though some cases may take longer. A dedicated committee reviews each application individually, so meeting the requirements does not guarantee approval.
For families planning this important step, GDRFA Dubai can be reached at 800 5111. Residents can also visit an authorized Amer Centre to confirm the requirements for their situation. Using official government channels from start to finish helps keep the process smooth and secure.