How to Sponsor Your Family in GCC Countries: Complete Requirements & Process
Table of Contents
- Introduction: Reuniting Your Family in the Gulf
- General Eligibility Requirements
- Country-Specific Requirements
- Required Documents
- Application Process Step-by-Step
- Costs and Fees
- Timeline Expectations
- Common Challenges and Solutions
- After Arrival: Next Steps
- Conclusion: Planning Your Family's Move
Introduction: Reuniting Your Family in the Gulf
One of the most important concerns for expatriates working in GCC countries is the ability to bring their families to join them. Family sponsorship—the legal process of obtaining residence visas for your spouse and children—is available in all Gulf nations, though requirements and processes vary by country.
This comprehensive guide walks you through everything you need to know about sponsoring your family in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Oman, from eligibility requirements to the step-by-step application process.
General Eligibility Requirements
Who Can Be Sponsored
Across GCC countries, you can typically sponsor:
- Spouse: Legally married husband or wife
- Children: Sons until age 18-25 (varies by country), daughters until marriage
- Parents: In some countries with additional requirements
- Domestic helpers: Housemaids, nannies, drivers
Basic Requirements for Sponsors
- Valid residence visa: Your own visa must be active
- Minimum salary: Varies by country (typically $1,000-2,500/month)
- Adequate accommodation: Suitable housing for family size
- Approved profession: Some countries restrict sponsorship to certain job categories
- Clean record: No serious legal issues
Country-Specific Requirements
United Arab Emirates
Salary Requirements:
- AED 4,000/month (approximately $1,090) OR
- AED 3,000 + provided accommodation
- Golden Visa holders: No minimum salary requirement
Other Requirements:
- Valid Emirates ID
- Tenancy contract (Ejari registered in Dubai)
- Medical fitness test for dependents upon arrival
- Health insurance mandatory
Children Age Limits:
- Sons: Up to 18 years (can extend to 25 if studying)
- Daughters: Until marriage
- Children with disabilities: No age limit
Saudi Arabia
Salary Requirements:
- Generally SAR 2,500-4,000/month depending on profession
- Premium residency holders have relaxed requirements
Profession Restrictions:
- Only certain professions eligible for family sponsorship
- Technical, professional, and managerial roles typically qualify
- Check Absher platform for current eligible professions
Other Requirements:
- Adequate accommodation
- Valid Iqama with sufficient validity
- Medical test for dependents
Qatar
Salary Requirements:
- QAR 10,000/month (approximately $2,750) for family visa
- Lower thresholds for certain professions
Other Requirements:
- Valid QID
- Tenancy contract showing adequate accommodation
- NOC from employer (in some cases)
- Medical clearance for dependents
Kuwait
Salary Requirements:
- KWD 450/month (approximately $1,470)
- Higher requirements for certain categories
Other Requirements:
- 10 months minimum in Kuwait before applying
- Suitable accommodation
- Medical fitness for dependents
Bahrain
Salary Requirements:
- BHD 400/month (approximately $1,060) minimum
- Some categories have higher requirements
Other Requirements:
- Valid residence permit
- Adequate accommodation
- Health insurance for dependents
Oman
Salary Requirements:
- OMR 600/month (approximately $1,560) generally
- Higher for certain visa categories
Other Requirements:
- Valid residence card
- Approved profession
- Suitable family accommodation
Required Documents
Documents from Sponsor
- Valid passport copy
- Residence visa copy
- National ID (Emirates ID, Iqama, QID, etc.)
- Salary certificate from employer
- Tenancy contract/accommodation proof
- Bank statements (sometimes)
- NOC from employer (if required)
Documents for Dependents
- Spouse: Marriage certificate (attested)
- Children: Birth certificates (attested)
- Passport copies with 6+ months validity
- Passport-sized photographs
- Educational certificates for adult children (if applicable)
- Medical records/vaccination certificates
Attestation Requirements
Documents typically need attestation chain:
- Notarization in home country
- Authentication by home country foreign ministry
- Attestation by GCC embassy in home country
- Further attestation by ministry in GCC country (sometimes)
Application Process Step-by-Step
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
- Check salary and profession requirements
- Ensure your visa has sufficient validity
- Confirm accommodation meets requirements
Step 2: Gather and Attest Documents
- Collect all required certificates
- Complete attestation process (start early—can take weeks)
- Translate documents if required
Step 3: Submit Application
- UAE: Through GDRFA website or app, or typing centers
- Saudi Arabia: Absher platform online
- Qatar: Ministry of Interior or Metrash app
- Kuwait: Ministry of Interior or PRO services
- Bahrain: LMRA and NPRA portals
- Oman: Royal Oman Police or e-services
Step 4: Pay Fees
- Application processing fees
- Entry permit fees
- Medical test fees (paid upon arrival)
Step 5: Entry Permit Issuance
- Receive entry permit (valid 60 days typically)
- Family can travel to GCC country
Step 6: Post-Arrival Processing
- Medical fitness test for dependents
- Biometrics and ID registration
- Residence visa stamping
- Health insurance registration
Costs and Fees
Typical Fee Ranges
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Entry permit application | $100-300 per person |
| Residence visa | $200-500 per person |
| Medical test | $50-150 per person |
| ID card | $50-150 per person |
| Document attestation | $50-200 per document |
| Typing/service fees | $20-100 per application |
Total per dependent: Approximately $500-1,500 depending on country and services used
Timeline Expectations
Document Preparation
- Attestation: 2-6 weeks (start before arrival if possible)
- Translation: 1-3 days
Application Processing
- Entry permit: 3-10 business days
- Post-arrival processing: 2-4 weeks
- ID card issuance: 1-3 weeks
Total Timeline
From starting document preparation to family having residence visa: 1-3 months typically.
Common Challenges and Solutions
Salary Below Threshold
Solutions:
- Request salary certificate including allowances
- Ask employer about allowance restructuring
- Wait for salary increase before applying
Document Attestation Issues
Solutions:
- Use professional document clearing services
- Start attestation process early
- Keep multiple certified copies
Profession Not Eligible
Solutions:
- Check if profession title can be updated with employer
- Some countries allow appeals with additional documentation
- Consider employer who can provide eligible designation
After Arrival: Next Steps
Immediate Priorities
- Complete medical tests within validity period of entry permit
- Register for health insurance
- Apply for dependent ID cards
- Register children for school
- Open bank accounts if needed
- Obtain driving licenses if applicable
Ongoing Responsibilities
- Renew residence visas before expiry
- Keep health insurance active
- Update employer if family status changes
- Maintain salary above minimum threshold
Conclusion: Planning Your Family's Move
Bringing your family to join you in the Gulf is achievable with proper planning and preparation. While the process involves bureaucracy and costs, the reward of having your loved ones with you makes the effort worthwhile.
Key success factors:
- Verify eligibility before starting the process
- Start document attestation early—it takes time
- Use professional services if unfamiliar with procedures
- Budget for all fees including unexpected costs
- Keep copies of all submitted documents
- Follow up regularly on application status
- Plan for school enrollment and housing before arrival
With proper preparation, your family can join you in the Gulf and begin building a new chapter of life together in your host country.
