Family Visa UAE

A family visa, also referred to as a dependent visa, is a residence visa that allows UAE residents to sponsor eligible family members to live in the country. The sponsor must meet minimum income and accommodation requirements set by the immigration authorities.

The visa is typically valid for the same duration as the sponsor's own residence visa. It covers spouses, children (subject to age rules), and in some cases parents, each with slightly different eligibility criteria and documentation requirements.

• Employed residents earning at or above the minimum salary threshold set by current regulations (or a lower threshold with employer-provided accommodation)
• Business owners and investors with a valid company and residence visa
• Golden Visa holders who have expanded family sponsorship rights, including children of any age and parents
• Freelancers with documented income at or above the qualifying threshold
• Women who can sponsor their husband and children, subject to meeting the same income and documentation requirements
• Residents who meet the applicable criteria may also sponsor parents, though parent sponsorship follows separate rules

Step 1: Verify your eligibility. Confirm that you meet the minimum salary or income requirement, have suitable accommodation, and hold a valid UAE residence visa.

Step 2: Prepare and attest your documents. Gather all required documents and ensure they are properly attested and translated where required.

Step 3: Apply for an entry permit. Submit the sponsorship application to GDRFA. If approved, an entry permit is issued for the family member.

Step 4: Family member enters the UAE and completes medical fitness test. The sponsored family member enters on the entry permit and undergoes a medical fitness test.

Step 5: Emirates ID registration and visa stamping. After the medical test, the family member completes Emirates ID registration and the residence visa is stamped.

Eligibility requirements:

• Minimum monthly salary at or above the threshold defined by current regulations
• Valid UAE residence visa for the sponsor
• Suitable accommodation verified through a tenancy contract

Required documents:

• Sponsor's passport copy and residence visa copy
• Sponsor's Emirates ID copy
• Salary certificate from employer
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
• Attested birth certificate (for children)
• Tenancy contract (Ejari registered in Dubai)
• Passport copies and photographs for each family member
• Health insurance for each sponsored family member

Special rules: Sons may be sponsored up to a higher age limit under current regulations. Daughters may be sponsored regardless of age if unmarried. Newborns must have a residence visa applied for within the timeframe defined by current regulations.

Minimum salary is the most common eligibility barrier. The income threshold is the first thing to check. If your salary or documented income falls below the requirement, the application will not be accepted.

Women can sponsor family members. Female residents who meet the income and documentation requirements can sponsor their husband and children. The eligibility criteria are the same as for male sponsors.

Parent sponsorship has separate rules. The income requirements are typically higher, the visa duration may be shorter, and additional documentation is needed.

Newborn visa deadlines matter. If a baby is born in the UAE, the residence visa application must be submitted within the timeframe defined by current regulations. Late applications may incur fines.