UAE Family Visa: How to Sponsor Your Dependants

Thinking about bringing your family to live with you in the UAE?

The UAE’s family visa system makes it possible for expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members and build a stable life together. Whether you are looking to bring your spouse, children, or parents, understanding the eligibility requirements, application steps, and costs involved is essential.

In this guide, we cover everything you need to know about the UAE family visa — from who can sponsor and be sponsored, how to apply, updated costs for 2025, important rules to follow, and how Virtuzone can help you secure your family’s future in the Emirates.

What is a Family Visa in the UAE?

A Family Visa is a type of UAE residence visa that allows expatriate residents to sponsor their immediate family members to live in the United Arab Emirates. In practical terms, if you are living and working in the UAE, you can bring your spouse, children, and even your parents to join you by securing them UAE residence visas under your sponsorship. Both employers and employees with valid residence visas are eligible to sponsor their families, as long as certain conditions are met. This family visa system reflects the UAE’s commitment to family reunification, making it easier for expat families to stay together.

In the past, only people in specific professions could sponsor family visas, but today the key requirement is income, not job title. If you earn above a set monthly salary (detailed below), you can sponsor your family members regardless of your occupation. Once approved, a family visa grants your dependents the right to reside in the UAE legally, obtain an Emirates ID, and access services like education, healthcare, and banking in the country.

Who is Eligible For a Family Visa in the UAE?

Sponsor (Resident) Eligibility:

To sponsor your family, you must:

• Hold a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.

• Provide proof of a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (USD 1,090), or AED 3,000 (USD 816) with employer-provided accommodation. Submit your salary certificate from your employer and a copy of your employment contract, or your trade licence for business owners/self-employed individuals.
  

• Provide proof of suitable accommodation in the UAE with a registered tenancy contract (housing lease) in your name.

• Both male and female expats can sponsor their families if they meet the salary rule. Female sponsors may sometimes need extra approval, such as a no-objection letter.

Important Note:

If you are a UAE citizen (Emirati national), you do not need a residence visa to sponsor family members. UAE citizens sponsor their relatives through special citizen sponsorship rules handled by immigration authorities (such as GDRFA or ICP), not through the regular expatriate residence visa process. Different requirements may apply depending on the family relationship.

If you are a UAE resident (non-citizen living in the UAE on a residence visa), you must meet the standard eligibility criteria above— including minimum salary, valid residence visa, Emirates ID, and accommodation — to sponsor your family members.

Dependent (Family Member) Eligibility:

You can sponsor the following immediate family members under a UAE family visa:

Spouse

• You can sponsor your husband or wife. You must submit an attested marriage certificate (in Arabic or translated into Arabic).

• Muslim residents may sponsor two wives, but only under strict conditions and with special approval.

• If a wife sponsors her husband, some emirates may require a higher salary or special permission — check the latest rules with ICP/GDRFA.

Children

• Unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of age.

• Sons can be sponsored up to 25 years old. After age 18, sons must usually provide proof of dependency (e.g. university enrolment). Sons with special needs (children of determination) can be sponsored beyond 25 with no age limit.

• Medical fitness tests are mandatory for all dependent children over 18 years old (testing for HIV, tuberculosis, etc.).

• Newborns born in the UAE must be sponsored within 120 days of birth to avoid fines.

Other Relatives

• You cannot sponsor other relatives (such as siblings or cousins) under standard family visa rules.

• Exceptions are extremely limited and require special humanitarian approval or proof of legal guardianship.

Parents

• In most cases, you must sponsor both parents together (unless one has passed away or you can obtain a divorce certificate).

• You must provide proof that you are their sole supporter (no other caregivers available).

• A higher income is generally required — around AED 20,000 (USD 5,400) or more per month is often expected.

• A two-bedroom accommodation must usually be shown to house both parents.

• You must pay a refundable deposit for each parent as required by immigration authorities.

• Medical insurance for each parent is mandatory and must be renewed annually.

• Parent visas are issued for one year at a time and must be renewed every year.

For a more in-depth look at sponsoring your parents in the UAE, see our article: ‘How to Sponsor Your Parents in the UAE‘.

How to Become Eligible For a Family Visa (If You’re Not Currently Eligible)

Improve Your Income or Job Status

Income is the key criterion. Increasing your salary through a promotion, a job change, or negotiating a housing allowance can help you qualify. For example, if your salary is slightly below AED 4,000 (USD 1,090), securing employer-provided accommodation may help you meet the AED 3,000 (USD 816) plus the housing requirement.

Obtain a UAE Residence Visa Through Business

You must hold a valid UAE residence visa to sponsor your family. If you are currently on a tourist, visit, or dependent visa, you will need to transition to an employment visa or an investor/partner visa. One option is to start your own business in the UAE to become the holder of an investor or partner visa. Virtuzone, as a specialist in business setup, has helped many entrepreneurs establish companies in the UAE, not only securing their own residence visas but also paving the way to sponsor family members. By setting up a company (even a small one) with Virtuzone’s guidance, you can obtain your residency and then become eligible to sponsor your spouse and children.

Alternatively, if you meet certain investment or professional criteria, you may be eligible to apply for the UAE’s Golden Visa, which offers long-term residency for five or ten years and allows you to sponsor your family with even greater flexibility. Virtuzone can assist you in evaluating whether you qualify for the Golden Visa and handle the application process on your behalf.

Seek Professional Advice

Immigration rules can change, and special nuances apply, particularly for female sponsors or complex cases. Virtuzone offers free consultations where you can discuss your situation and receive expert advice on how to meet the requirements for family sponsorship under the latest UAE regulations.

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How to Apply for a Family Visa in the UAE

Bringing your family to the UAE involves a structured process. Here’s a clear step-by-step guide:

1. Prepare the Required Documents

Gather all necessary documents for both the sponsor and family members:

• Residency visa application form (via ICP/GDRFA portals or licensed typing centres).

• Passport copies and passport photos of each family member.

• Sponsor’s documents: Passport, residence visa page, and Emirates ID.

• Provide proof of relationship, such as an attested marriage certificate (for spouse) or attested birth certificates (for children). Certificates must be attested by your home country’s UAE Embassy/consulate and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then translated into Arabic if needed.

• Provide proof of employment with a salary certificate and labour contract, or for business owners, attach your trade licence and proof of income.

• Accommodation proof: Registered tenancy contract (e.g., Ejari in Dubai)

• Medical insurance: Mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for all residents (required for visa stamping)

Tip: Ensure all documents are valid and names match exactly. Any non-Arabic documents must be officially translated into Arabic.

2. Apply for an Entry Permit

Apply for an entry permit (e-visa) for each family member if they are outside the UAE.

• Submit through the ICP e-channel (Abu Dhabi/other emirates) or the GDRFA (Dubai) portals, or use Amer centres in Dubai.

• Pay the applicable government fees (entry permit and file opening if it’s your first sponsorship).

• Once approved, the entry permit is usually issued within a few days.

3. Family Member Enters UAE (or Status Change)

• If you’re applying from abroad, your family member enters the UAE using the issued entry permit.

• If already in the UAE on a visit visa, your family members need to apply for in-country status change (paying a ~AED 750 adjustment fee) to convert their visit visa to a residence permit without exiting.

You typically have 60 days from the dependent’s entry into the UAE to complete the visa process.

4. Undergo Medical Fitness Test

All sponsored family members aged 18 or older must pass a medical fitness test at an authorised health centre (e.g., DHA in Dubai, SEHA in Abu Dhabi).

• Tests include a blood test (for diseases like HIV) and a chest X-ray (for tuberculosis).

• Results are generally available within 24–48 hours.

• If a dormant TB scar is found, a one-year conditional certificate may be issued requiring follow-up.

Passing the medical exam is mandatory to proceed.

5. Emirates ID Application and Visa Stamping

• Apply for Emirates ID (which should be initiated during the entry permit stage in many cases.)

• For visa stamping, submit the medical fitness certificate, Emirates ID application proof, and passport, and pay the final visa fees. The visa will be stamped electronically or physically, depending on the emirate.

Visa validity generally matches the sponsor’s visa:

• Two years for most employment visas

• Three years for free zone or investor visas

• One year for parents’ visas

6. Collect Your Family Visas

After these steps, your family member becomes an official UAE resident! They can collect their Emirates ID once issued (typically within a week or more) and settle into life in the Emirates.

As the sponsor, you are fully responsible for renewals, status updates, and cancellations if your dependents leave the UAE.

Family Visa Costs

The cost to sponsor a family member in the UAE includes several government fees. Typical costs per person (as of 2025) are:

Estimated Total:

• Outside UAE: AED 3,500 – 5,000.

• Inside UAE (with status change): AED 4,500 – 6,500.

Note: Costs may vary based on emirate and service provider.

Additional Costs:

Health Insurance:

• Dependents (per person): AED 700 – 2,500 annually.
• Parents (above 60 years): AED 2,500 – 5,000+ annually.

Parent Visa Deposit:

• Refundable deposit per parent: AED 2,500 – 5,000.

Document Attestation & Translation:

• Attestation (per document): AED 150 – 2,000.
• Translation (per document): AED 50 – 200.

Service Provider Fees:

• Optional typing or facilitation services: AED 200 – 500+.

Get Your Family Visa Today and Start Your New Life

Obtaining a family visa in the UAE is a straightforward process if you meet the requirements and follow the proper steps. The UAE’s family visa policies are designed to be accommodating, allowing expatriates to build a stable family life in the country. By ensuring you have the necessary income, documents, and understanding of the procedure, you can sponsor your spouse, children, or parents with relative ease and bring them into your new life in the Emirates.

However, navigating visa applications can sometimes feel daunting, especially if you’re new to the UAE or your situation has special nuances. Our mission at Virtuzone is to manage it all for you. As a leading company in business setup and visa facilitation, we not only help entrepreneurs start their companies in the UAE but also provide end-to-end visa services for you and your family.

Our experts handle the paperwork, liaise with immigration authorities on your behalf, and ensure all requirements are met, saving you time and effort. If you’re unsure about your eligibility or the application process, contact us today to book your free consultation!

FAQs 

How Long Does the Visa Application Process Take?

The family visa processing in the UAE usually takes around 2-4 weeks. However, it is important to note that this timeframe can vary depending on a number of factors. For instance, the number of applications being processed at the time and the completeness of the supporting documentation all impact the turnaround time for family visas.

What Happens If My Family Member Stays Outside the UAE For More Than 6 Months?

If a dependent stays outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days, their residence visa is automatically cancelled. Special exemptions (such as for students abroad) require prior approval.

Can My Spouse Work in the UAE on a Family Visa?

Yes, your spouse can work in the UAE whilst on a family visa, but they must obtain a work permit first. While they can stay on your sponsorship, the employer must arrange a labour card. Certain professions (e.g., healthcare, law, education) require additional qualifications and attestations.

Can I Sponsor My Brother or Sister?

If you are a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, you may be able to sponsor your brother or sister for a residency visa. However, there are a few things to know. First, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid UAE passport. Second, proof of employment must be provided, with a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000. Finally, you must have a copy of your birth certificate and your brother or sister’s passport. If you meet all of these requirements, you can begin the sponsorship process by filling out an online application form.

How Do I Renew My UAE Family Visa?

If you’re looking to renew your UAE family visa, there are a few things you’ll need to do. First, you’ll need to gather all of the required documents, which include your passport, a recent photo, and your visa application form. You’ll also need to pay the visa application fee.

Once you have all of the required documents and fees, you can submit your application online. To do that, you’ll want to log into the e-services portal on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once you have logged in, you will need to select ‘Visa Services’ and then ‘Residence Visa’.

Next, you will need to select the option for ‘Dependent Visa’ and then click on the ‘Renew’ button. Then, you’ll schedule a new biometrics appointment, and then you and your family will have your new visas!