If you’re living and working in the UAE, bringing your family along is possible through a UAE family visa. This visa allows residents to sponsor their dependants, but only if specific conditions are met. Understanding the process, requirements, and documents can make sponsorship easier and faster.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members
Any foreign resident with a valid UAE Residence Visa can apply to sponsor their family. Sponsorship depends mainly on income, accommodation, and relationship status.
- Male residents must earn at least AED 4,000 monthly or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
- Female residents can sponsor their family if they earn AED 10,000 monthly or AED 8,000 plus housing.
All dependants above 18 must pass a medical test at a government-approved centre. Tests usually include screenings for HIV and tuberculosis.
Who You Can Sponsor
Male expatriates can sponsor:
- Their wife (Muslim residents may sponsor two wives under specific GDRFA terms)
- Their sons, if under 18 or students under 21
- Their daughters, if unmarried
- Their parents, with proof of income above AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 plus housing, medical insurance, and a refundable deposit per parent
- Stepchildren, with a no-objection certificate from the biological parent
Female expatriates can also sponsor their husband and children if they meet salary and professional conditions. Approval from the relevant authority may be needed for other professions.
Documents Required
To apply for family sponsorship, prepare:
- Completed visa application form (online or typing centre)
- Passports and photos of dependants
- Sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, and residence visa copy
- Marriage or birth certificates (attested)
- Proof of salary and housing (Ejari or tenancy contract)
- Recent utility bill
- Medical clearance certificate (for dependants over 18)
How to Apply
The application process includes two stages:
- Entry Permit:
Apply for your family’s entry permit before they travel to the UAE. You can submit this through:
- The GDRFA website or Amer centres in Dubai
- The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) online portal
- Mobile apps from GDRFA or ICP
- The GDRFA website or Amer centres in Dubai
- Residence Visa:
After arrival, submit the residence visa application at the GDRFA office in your emirate. This converts the entry permit into a valid residence visa.
Visa Duration and Renewal
A UAE Family Visa is issued for one, two, or three years. It remains valid as long as the sponsor’s residence visa is active. If the sponsor’s visa is canceled or expires, dependants’ visas also become invalid. However, dependants get a 30-day grace period to renew or change their status.
Costs Involved
Fees vary by relationship and visa duration. On average:
- Entry permit for dependants: AED 488–1,138
- Medical test: AED 322
- Emirates ID: AED 250–450 (1–3 years)
- Residence visa stamping: AED 259
Extra service fees may apply, depending on the emirate and processing method.
Final Thoughts
Sponsoring family members through a UAE family visa is straightforward once you meet income and documentation requirements. The process ensures dependants can live legally and securely in the UAE under your sponsorship. Always check the latest updates from the GDRFA or ICP to stay compliant with current visa rules.
Need Expert Help?
Let AR Associates handle the paperwork and guide you through every step of the UAE family visa process.
Contact AR Associates today for professional visa and business setup assistance in the UAE.
