Family Visa UAE Requirements, Cost, and Application Process

Family Visa UAE Requirements, Cost, and Application Process
family in dubai

A family visa UAE is an immigration document for families moving to the United Arab Emirates. It is also a family residency visa that permits members of a resident’s family to remain and work inside the UAE. Family members, including spouses, children, and parents, of the principal visa holder are eligible for the renewable visa.



Under the new UAE family visa rules for 2024, both employers and employees with valid residence visas can sponsor their families if they meet the minimum salary requirement of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
Moreover, The professional nature of the sponsor’s job no longer affects eligibility for a family visa. Fathers residing in the UAE can sponsor their children, whereas mothers are not permitted to do so under these rules.


Click Here to get your step-by-step guide for Family Sponsorship in UAE


You will need to go through a relatively simple procedure to apply for family visas either online or by visiting the embassy in person. If your family is already here in the UAE, you will have to apply for a change of status. If your family is outside the UAE, follow these steps:

  1. Get an entry permit:
  2. Collect the required documents – you will find them illustrated below 
  3. Apply:
    • After collecting these various documents, you are ready to submit the application. A family visit visa is applied through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or any Emirates.

UAE approves sponsoring family members with fewer restrictions now.  The process is straightforward and simple. You can apply for the entry permit through the following online channels:

  • ICA portal
  • GDRFA website – Family Visa Dubai 
  • TAMM website – Family Visa Abu Dhabi
  • ICP App
  • Dubai Now App


You can apply for a family visa UAE online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. The online application process is simple and convenient, and you can track the status of your application online. The documents required for the application are listed below as mentioned in the residence visa for family members requirements governmental website. 

  • Passport copies of the sponsored family member’s (valid for six months)
  • Original 6-month company or personal bank statement of the company – for employer or investor.
  • Original Emirates ID of the sponsor.
  • Coloured copy of the trade licence – for an investor or employer.
  • Insurance copy of the sponsor.
  • A medical certificate of good health for the wife and children who are older than 18.
  • Latest utility bills under the name of the sponsor.
  • The original marriage certificate was attested in the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy, or Consulate in the home country.
  • 4 Passport-size pictures of the spouse and children with a white background.
  • Memorandum & Articles of Association copy of the company – for an investor or employer.

The family visa UAE price varies depending on the emirate and the type of visa. According to the Dubai government website, the fees for a family visa in Dubai are as follows:

  • File opening: AED 200
  • Entry permit: AED 100
  • Residence visa: AED 310
  • Medical fitness test: AED 420
  • Emirates ID: AED 370

Meanwhile for the duration of the extension and which emirate is involved. The rates are subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the technological advances adopted by the UAE. However, The total renewal rates for a UAE family visa are as follows:

Insurance2-year3-year
With InsuranceAED 4022 AED 4222 
Without InsuranceAED 2450 AED 2450 

FAQ

beach in abu dhabi
What kinds of family visas are there?

Family visas come in three main types. 1-year, a 2-year, and a 3-year visa. All of them are linked to the sponsor’s job contract.

How long can the longest UAE family visa last?

The longest family visa is a 5-year visa for UAE citizens to bring their family members with foreign passports.

Can a family visa issued by the UAE be renewed?

Yes. Sponsors can renew the family visa for their loved ones for 30 extra days by merely paying fees.

Can I get a family visa UAE without a tenancy contract anyway?

Yes, If you are a spouse, parent, or child of a UAE citizen and you hold a foreign passport.

How to apply for a 90-day visit visa for family in the UAE?

To apply for a 90-day visit visa for a family member or friend in the UAE, you need to submit certain documents. These include a recent, colored passport-size photo of the friend or relative, and evidence of kinship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, if you are sponsoring a family member.

In conclusion, the family visa process in UAE can be done smoothly and conveniently. Sponsors must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill the required documents. They can bring their direct family members to join them in the UAE. Visit our Property Finder blog to explore more UAE-related topics, such as Maid Visa and Freelance Visa in Dubai.

This entry was posted in Laws.

Share Your Thoughts

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *