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.



In the UAE, residents with a valid visa can sponsor their immediate family members, including their spouse, children, and parents, under certain conditions.

  • Fathers and Mothers: Fathers with a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation) can sponsor their wife and children. Mothers can also sponsor their children if they meet specific conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
  • Sponsoring Parents: Residents can sponsor their parents for a year if they can prove they are their sole caretakers and meet financial requirements.
  • Sponsoring Children: Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25, while unmarried daughters have no age restrictions. Children with special needs can also be sponsored without an age limit.

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 sponsor and family members
  • Residence visa copy of the sponsor
  • Emirates ID of the sponsor
  • Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
  • Attested birth certificates (for child sponsorship)
  • Ejari tenancy contract or proof of accommodation
  • Latest salary certificate or employment contract
  • Recent passport-sized photographs of family members
  • Medical fitness certificate for dependents over 18

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:

  • Entry permit: AED 500 – AED 1,000
  • Medical test: AED 300 – AED 500
  • Emirates ID: AED 370 (for a 2-year visa)
  • Visa stamping: AED 500 – AED 1,000

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

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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.

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