Let’s cut to it—yes, they can. But like most things in the UAE, there’s a little more to the story than just a simple yes or no.
So if you’re sitting there, wondering whether your spouse, kids, or even your parents can hop on board your shiny new Golden Visa, you’re not alone. It’s a common question… and the answer matters. Especially when family ties are strong, and moving alone just isn’t on the cards.
Let’s unravel the details.
What’s the Golden Visa, again?
You’ve probably heard it a dozen times by now, but here’s the gist: the UAE’s Golden Visa is a long-term residency scheme designed to attract skilled professionals, investors, and other high-value residents. It lets you live, work, study, open bank accounts, set up a business—you name it—without the usual visa renewals every couple of years.
It’s valid for 10 years. No local sponsor needed. And yes, it’s renewable.
But here’s the part that gets people talking: you can sponsor your immediate family under this visa.
Now let’s break that down…
Can you sponsor your spouse and kids?
Absolutely. This is where the Golden Visa really shines.
If you’re granted the visa, your spouse and children can be sponsored under the same duration—no separate employment needed, no strings attached. They get the same 10-year validity, same perks, same everything. That’s a big win for families who want long-term stability.
The UAE government’s own portals confirm this—and the rules are actually better than most people expect. There’s no age limit for children under the Golden Visa. That means even adult sons over 25 or married daughters can be sponsored as part of the family residency. Yes, really. Unlike standard residency visas (which cut off sons at 18 or 21), Golden Visa holders can keep their grown kids under the same visa umbrella.
The official stance? Spouses, sons, and daughters—regardless of their age—are all eligible. And here’s another quiet perk: families aren’t bound by the six-month UAE residency rule. So if your kid is studying abroad or just needs a break, they won’t lose their visa status by being away too long.
Sounds simple. Because, in this case, it actually is.
What about parents?
This is where things get… a little more nuanced.
As of 2025, yes—Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents, but not automatically. There are specific requirements:
- You’ll need to provide proof of sole sponsorship. Meaning, you’re the only one financially responsible for them.
- Medical insurance for both parents is a must.
- And you’ll likely have to submit documents proving the relationship and support requirement.
It’s doable—but not as automatic as spouse and children. Worth the effort if your parents live with you or you want to bring them here long-term.
Still… this flexibility alone makes the UAE one of the more family-forward places in the region when it comes to residency options.
Is there a catch?
Not a catch, per se. But a few things to keep in mind:
- Your Golden Visa has to be active and valid. No expired visa, no dependent renewals.
- All dependents must enter the country within the allowed timeframe after the visa is issued.
- Health insurance is a must—for everyone. There’s no skipping this one.
In short, once you’ve got your own Golden Visa, your family’s path becomes much easier. Not zero hurdles, but definitely fewer.
A surprising number of Golden Visa applications get held up—not because people don’t qualify, but because of avoidable missteps. If you’re curious, here’s a quick rundown of common mistakes people make when applying—worth skimming before you start the paperwork.
Can you bring your family even if they’re abroad?
Yes. Once you have your Golden Visa, you can initiate dependent visa processes from within the UAE. They’ll just need to enter the UAE within a certain time window to complete the residency stamping.
This staggered entry is a huge relief for families relocating in phases.
And hey… no more frantic renewals every couple of years. That peace of mind? Priceless.
What if you’re divorced or widowed?
Here’s something not many talk about. The UAE now allows widows and divorced women to sponsor their children—on a one-year visa that can be extended.
But Golden Visa holders? You’ve got a longer leash. The system recognizes family complexity. The point is: it’s not one-size-fits-all. There’s room for special cases.
Why does this matter so much?
Because uprooting your life is hard. Doing it without your family? Almost impossible.
The UAE government seems to get this. Which is why they’ve made the Golden Visa more than just a privilege for an individual. It’s a path for families to build a life here—together.
If you’re a parent of university-aged children, or an adult child with dependent parents, the Golden Visa might just be the most practical solution on the table right now.
It’s not just about business. Or investment. It’s about home.
How Golden Visa UAE helps
Let’s be honest. Sorting through the paperwork, eligibility rules, application windows, medical tests… it gets overwhelming.
That’s where we come in.
Golden Visa UAE has helped over 2,500 clients successfully secure long-term residency—and we’ve seen every curveball this process can throw. Whether you’re sponsoring your teenage son, your retired parents, or your whole family at once, we can make it smoother.
From documentation to approvals, we handle the heavy lifting. You focus on the life you’re building here.
TL;DR? Here’s the quick breakdown:
- Spouse and children – Fully eligible under your Golden Visa
- Sons and daughters – No age cap; even adult children can be sponsored
- Parents – Can be included too, with proof of financial support and health insurance
- No minimum stay – Your dependents don’t have to live in the UAE full-time
- Same 10-year validity – All sponsored family members get the full term, just like you
Now you know.
It’s not just a visa. It’s a family plan.
And if you’re wondering where to begin, start here—with us. Because doing it alone is an option. But doing it with experts? Way less stressful.
Golden Visa UAE. Real people. Real results.
Let’s get your family sorted.
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