A UAE family visa allows residents to bring their family members to live with them, making it one of the most valued benefits for expatriates working in the country. With this visa, residents can sponsor their spouse, children, and even parents, enabling families to stay together and enjoy the opportunities the UAE offers.
Since the visa is linked to the sponsor’s employment status and income, understanding the eligibility criteria, costs, required documents, and application process is essential for a smooth approval. If you are planning to invest in property while living with your family, you may also want to learn how foreigners can invest in Dubai real estate.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
As a UAE resident, you can sponsor the following family members:
- Sponsoring a spouse requires an attested marriage certificate.
- Unmarried children can be sponsored without age restrictions. Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25 if they are students. Daughters can be sponsored regardless of age if they are unmarried.
- Both parents can be sponsored, provided the sponsor meets specific financial criteria.
- Stepchildren can be sponsored with a no-objection certificate from the biological parent and a deposit fee for each child.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship
To sponsor your family members, you must meet the following conditions:
| Salary Requirement | Male expatriates in the UAE can sponsor their family members on a Family Visa, with a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month. Female expatriates with minimum salary of AED 10,000 per month, or AED 8,000 per month. To sponsor both parents, the sponsor must earn a minimum monthly salary around AED 20,000 |
| Medical Fitness | Family members aged 18 and above must undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers in the UAE. |
| Accommodation | Adequate housing must be available for the family members. Provide proof of a two-bedroom apartment for sponsoring both parents. |
| Proof of Relationship | Legal documents such as marriage certificate, no objection certificate from the employer, and birth certificate must be attested and translated into Arabic. |
| Deposit | Pay a deposit of AED 3,000 per parent as a guarantee. There isn’t typically a mandatory deposit fee required for sponsoring other family members; however, other costs will apply. |
Documents Required for Sponsorship
The following documents are typically required:
- Application form (online or through a registered typing office)
- Passport copies of the sponsor and family members
- Passport-sized photos of family members
- Medical clearance certificate for family members above 18
- Sponsor’s employment contract or company contract
- Salary certificate from the employer
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Birth certificates for children or other dependents
- Proof of accommodation (registered tenancy contract)
UAE Family Visa Costs and Fees
The cost of a UAE family visa depends on the emirate and visa type.
Typical fees include:
- Sponsorship file opening: ~AED 380
- Entry permit: ~AED 450
- Medical test: ~AED 310 per person
- Emirates ID (1 year): AED 255
- Basic health insurance: Starting from AED 450 per month
Overall, expect AED 1,000–1,500 per person. Fees vary by emirate, visa duration, and insurance provider. If you are considering long-term residency or property investment, check what an affection plan in Dubai is and why it matters before making your decision.
Step-by-Step UAE Family Visa Application Process
- Entry Permit Application: Submit the family visa application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
- Medical Fitness Test: Dependents aged 18 and above must complete medical testing at an approved UAE health center.
- Emirates ID Application: Apply for an Emirates ID for each sponsored family member.
- Visa Stamping: Once all requirements are met, the residence visa will be stamped in the family member’s passport.
UAE Family Visa Validity and Renewal Process
The family visa is usually valid for one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type.
Renewal steps:
- Provide updated documents and pay renewal fees
- Complete any required medical tests
- Submit the renewal application online or in person
Failure to renew before expiry incurs a fine of AED 25 per day and can lead to visa cancellation.
Reuniting with Family in the UAE
Visa applications can be stressful, especially with increasing rejection rates. Working with trusted visa service providers ensures a smoother process. The experts at Zee Real Estate guide clients through every step, helping them secure the right UAE family visa without unnecessary delays.
If you are planning to combine family relocation with investment, our team can also advise you on how to generate profit from off-plan property in Dubai for long-term financial stability.
