Thinking about bringing your loved ones to the UAE? If so, understanding how to apply for Family Visa in UAE is your essential first step. Whether you’re relocating for work or embarking on a new adventure, making sure your family can join you is crucial.
The UAE is not just a land of opportunities; it’s a country that stands out globally for its political and economic stability. Ranked 25th in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 by the World Economic Forum, the UAE is a prime destination for both living and tourism. Its soft policies have even earned it the number-one spot in the Passport Index! Add to that the UAE’s status as one of the top 10 donor states in official development aid (ODA) and its reputation for tolerance, and it’s easy to see why over 200 nationalities choose to live, work, study, and explore here.
Residents enjoy a unique blend of civil rights and the freedom to practice their religion, making the UAE a truly welcoming place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the UAE family visa process step by step, covering everything from requirements to costs so you can bring your family here with confidence.
In a Hurry to Know: How to Apply for UAE Family Visa? Follow these steps:
- Verify Eligibility by confirming salary and marital status meet UAE rules.
- Collect Documents (Passports, marriage certificate, and proof of income).
- Submit Application via GDRFA, Amer centers, or mobile apps.
- Complete Medical Tests of family members over 18.
- Get Residence Visa at the relevant emirate GDRFA office.
Read on to know about requirements, cost and more!
Family Visa Requirements in UAE
Before applying for a UAE family visa, it’s essential to understand the requirements for a family visa in the UAE.
For Male Expatriates:
- Minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation.
For Female Expatriates:
- Minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000, or AED 8,000 plus accommodation.
Understanding UAE Family Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for a family visa in UAE, certain criteria must be met:
- Medical Fitness: All family members over 18 years old must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center in the UAE. This includes tests for HIV and Tuberculosis.
- Marital Status: The UAE does not recognize same-sex marriages, so you cannot sponsor a spouse if you are in a same-sex relationship.
- No Specific Professions Required: As of 2019, any foreign worker who meets the salary requirements can sponsor their family members. There are no specific professions required for sponsoring family in UAE.
Now you know the UAE family visa requirements and you are eligible for it as well lets get to know more about documents required for UAE family visa process.
Essential UAE Family Visa Documents
When applying for a UAE family visa, you will need to gather the following documents:
- Passport-sized Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos, taken within the last three months, printed on high-quality paper, with a white background.
- Marriage Certificate: If sponsoring a spouse, you’ll need a marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
- Proof of Income: Provide a salary certificate if employed in the private sector, or a memorandum of agreement if you’re an investor or partner.
- Additional Documents: You may also need copies of your passport (with at least six months validity), visa, Emirates ID, birth certificates, Ejari, DEWA bills, IBAN number, and an opening file number. Proof of accommodation in UAE, medical clearance certificates for family members over 18, and a completed UAE Visa Application Form are also required.
Step-by-Step UAE Family Visa Procedure
Before your family members arrive in the UAE, you’ll need to apply for their entry permit. Here’s how you can do it:
- Apply Online or In-Person: Submit the application at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) either online or through a licensed typing center. In Dubai, you can also apply through Amer centers.
- Use Mobile Apps: You can also use mobile apps like ICA’s eChannel, GDRFA website, TAMM for Abu Dhabi, or Dubai Now App.
Once you get your UAE visa for family members, you can then apply for their residence visa at the GDRFA office of the relevant emirate.
Residence Visa for a UAE Citizen’s Spouse, Parent, or Child
If you are a UAE citizen with a foreign spouse, parent, or child, they can obtain a UAE residence visa for up to 5 years without needing to work in the UAE. In cases of a foreign widow or divorced woman who is the mother of a UAE citizen, the oldest child can sponsor the residence visa.
Family Visa Cost UAE
The cost of a UAE family visa depends on the type of visa and associated service fees. Here’s a breakdown:
| Fee Type | Cost per Person (AED) |
|---|---|
| Sponsor Registration File | AED 268.9 |
| Tasheera (Wife/Children Outside the UAE) | AED 488.9 |
| Tasheera (Wife/Children Inside the UAE) | AED 1,138.90 |
| Tasheera (Parents Inside the UAE) | AED 488.9 |
| Normal Medical Test | AED 322.5 |
| Emirates ID (1 Year) | AED 250 |
| Emirates ID (2 Years) | AED 350 |
| Emirates ID (3 Years) | AED 450 |
| Transfer of New Residence to a Passport | AED 259.9 |
Sponsoring Family in UAE
Expatriate residents can sponsor their families if they have a valid residence permit/visa. The minimum salary requirements must be met, and family members over 18 must pass a medical fitness test.
Sponsoring Your Wife and Children
Before sponsoring your family, you must meet the above criteria. Other than that the following are the requirements regarding sponsoring your family:
- Sponsoring a Wife and Children: An expatriate resident can sponsor a wife and children if a valid marriage certificate is provided.
- Sponsoring Two Wives: A Muslim resident may sponsor two wives under strict conditions.
- Sponsoring Daughters: Daughters can be sponsored if they are unmarried.
- Sponsoring Sons: Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25, with no age restriction for sons of determination.
- Sponsoring Newborns: A residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of birth for babies born in the UAE.
- Sponsoring Stepchildren: This requires a deposit for each child and a no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Visas are valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Documents Required for Sponsiring Family in UAE
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Application Form | Either online or through a registered typing office. |
| Passport Copies | Copies of the wife’s and children’s passports. |
| Photos | Recent passport-sized photos of the wife and children. |
| Medical Clearance Certificate | Required for the wife and children above 18 years. |
| Employment/Company Contract | A copy of the husband’s employment contract or company contract. |
| Salary Certificate | Issued by the employer, stating the husband’s monthly salary. |
| Attested Marriage Certificate | A marriage certificate that has been duly attested. |
| Registered Tenancy Contract | A contract showing the husband’s registered place of residence. |
Sponsoring Your Parents in the UAE
To sponsor your parents, you’ll need to:
- Provide proof that you are their sole support and have no one to care for them back home.
- Meet the minimum salary requirements and obtain a medical insurance policy for your parents.
- Pay a deposit as a guarantee for each parent.
Well, now you know everything there is to know about how to apply for family visa in UAE. However, it is advisable to refer to experts in such cases, as they can make the UAE family visa process really easy.
Contact Bestax for Expert Guidance
Navigating the UAE family visa process can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it can be straightforward. For personalized assistance with your UAE family visa application, feel free to contact the experts at Bestax. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
Quick FAQs on How to Apply for UAE Family Visa
What are the requirements for a UAE family visa in 2025?
Expatriates need a AED 5,000/month salary. Family members over 18 must pass medical tests for HIV, TB, hepatitis B/C, and syphilis (AED 320–350).
How much does a family visa cost in Dubai in 2025?
Costs range from AED 1,500–3,500/person, including entry permits (AED 500–1,200), medical tests (AED 320–350), and Emirates ID (AED 270–470).
How long does it take to process a family visa?
5–10 days for 90% of online applications via UAEICP or GDRFA Smart Channels.
What documents are needed for a UAE family visa?
Passport copies, attested marriage/birth certificates, salary certificate, Ejari/DEWA bills (Dubai), and medical clearances for members over 18.
Can I apply for UAE family visa online in 2025?
Yes, via UAEICP, GDRFA’s Smart Channels, or apps like Dubai Now/TAMM, processing 90% of applications digitally.
How do I renew a UAE family visa?
Submit renewals online or at GDRFA before expiry, with updated medical tests and fees (AED 1,500–3,500/person).
Can I sponsor parents or extended family?
Yes, with AED 5,000/month salary, proof of sole support, medical insurance (AED 5,000–10,000/year), and deposits (AED 2,000–5,000/parent)
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
