What is a UAE Family Visa?
A UAE family visa (residence visa for dependents) lets an eligible resident or investor sponsor immediate family members to live in the UAE. Once issued, your family members can open bank accounts, obtain Emirates ID, access healthcare, enroll in schools, and legally reside in the UAE.
Who You Can Sponsor (Spouse, Children, Parents)
Spouse
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Marriage certificate attested in home country + UAE MOFA attestation.
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Name matching across passport, certificate, and IDs (if not, include an affidavit/name declaration).
Children
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Typically sons up to a certain age if studying (provide proof), and daughters until marriage.
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Birth certificates attested and translated if required.
Parents
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Possible with higher income and additional requirements (e.g., medical insurance, minimum tenancy).
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Usually sponsored both parents together unless one is deceased (death certificate attested).
Tip: Keep consistent names and dates across all documents to avoid delays.
Family Visa UAE Cost (Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Other Emirates)
Costs vary by emirate, sponsor category (employee vs. investor), inside/outside-country status, and urgency. A realistic planning range:
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Entry Permit & Change Status: ~AED 800 – 1,500
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Medical Test (per adult): ~AED 300 – 800 (standard vs. VIP)
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Emirates ID (per person): ~AED 370 – 1,000 (1–3 years)
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Visa Stamping / Residence Issuance: ~AED 500 – 1,200
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File Opening / Service Fees (if using an agent): varies
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Insurance (mandatory for some emirates): plan-dependent
Dubai examples people search for:
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Family visa cost in Dubai
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2 years family visa price in Dubai
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Family visa renewal charges in Dubai
Abu Dhabi examples people search for:
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Abu Dhabi family visa cost
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Family visa cost in Abu Dhabi
Pro move for your service page: show transparent package tiers (Basic, Fast-Track, VIP) with all inclusions so users can compare easily.
Minimum Salary for Family Visa in UAE
The minimum income requirement depends on who you’re sponsoring and the emirate:
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Spouse/Children: commonly cited thresholds start around AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + accommodation).
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Parents: usually higher income + larger home/tenancy and comprehensive insurance.
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Investors/Business Owners: show company documents + income proof.
Always check current rules before applying; thresholds and acceptable proofs can change. If your salary is close to the limit, include allowances (housing, transport) and employment certificate to strengthen the file.
UAE Family Visa Requirements & Documents
For the Sponsor
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Passport copy + valid UAE residence visa page
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Emirates ID (front & back)
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Labor contract / salary certificate (or investor docs)
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Tenancy contract / Ejari / Tawtheeq
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Latest utility bill (some emirates)
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IBAN / bank statement (as requested)
For Dependents
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Passport copies + photos (white background)
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Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
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Attested birth certificates (for children)
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Medical insurance (as required by emirate)
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Medical fitness test (adults)
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Additional: legalized translations where applicable
Keep attestations in order: Home Country → UAE Embassy → MOFA (UAE). If your documents are not in English/Arabic, add a legal translation.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Family Visa in UAE
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Check Eligibility & Salary
Ensure your contract, salary certificate, and tenancy meet the threshold. -
Collect & Attest Documents
Marriage/birth certificates attested; prepare passport copies, photos, insurance. -
Apply for Entry Permit
Inside or outside country. If inside, do status change after permit. -
Medical Fitness (Adults)
Book medical test; VIP options speed up results. -
Emirates ID Biometrics
Submit fingerprints; choose 1, 2, or 3-year validity as available. -
Insurance (If required)
Purchase plan per emirate requirements. -
Residence Visa Stamping / e-Visa Issuance
Finalize payment and receive residence issuance/stamp.
Typical timeline (well-prepared file): 5–15 working days depending on emirate and speed options.
Processing Time, Validity & Renewal
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Validity: commonly 2 or 3 years (check emirate).
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Renewal Window: start 30–60 days before expiry to avoid fines.
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Overstay/Grace: grace policies can change—renew on time to avoid penalties.
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Change in Sponsor Job/Salary: update records (Ejari/Tawtheeq, salary certificate) before renewal.
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Upgrades: consider longer validity at renewal for convenience.
Family Visa Without Tenancy Contract—Is It Possible?
Searchers ask: “Family visa UAE without tenancy contract”
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Most emirates require a valid tenancy (Ejari/Tawtheeq) in the sponsor’s name.
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If company-provided accommodation, submit accommodation letter and relevant proof.
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For exceptions (e.g., shared tenancy), additional documents may be requested.
Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, Ajman—Key Differences
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Dubai: Ejari required; wide range of typing centers & VIP medical options.
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Abu Dhabi: Tawtheeq tenancy; health insurance typically mandatory.
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Sharjah/Ajman/UAQ/RAK/Fujairah: requirements are similar but fees, insurance rules and processing desks differ slightly.
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Parents Sponsorship: expect stricter income & housing proof across all emirates.
Pro tip: If time is critical, ask for fast-track or VIP medical and priority stamping where available.
FAQs (People Also Ask)
Q1: What is the family visa processing time in UAE?
Usually 5–15 working days with complete documents; VIP services can be faster.
Q2: What are the family visa requirements in Dubai?
Sponsor passport/visa/Emirates ID, salary certificate, Ejari, attested marriage/birth certs, photos, insurance, medical test (adults), and applicable fees.
Q3: How much is the family visa cost in Dubai?
Expect a bundle range covering entry permit, status change, medical, Emirates ID, stamping, and service fees. Provide a clear package on your site (e.g., Basic, Fast-Track, VIP) so users can compare.
Q4: What is the minimum salary for a family visa in UAE?
Commonly cited figures begin around AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation for spouse/children; higher for parents. Check current rules for your emirate.
Q5: Can I hold or temporarily freeze a family visa in Dubai?
Some situations allow on-hold/status hold with proper justification and fees. It’s case-specific—confirm at the time of request.
Q6: Can I apply online for a UAE family visa?
Most emirates offer online initiation via approved portals/typing centers, but biometrics and medical must be done in person.
Q7: What if my tenancy is not in my name?
Provide company accommodation letters or addenda. Some emirates may still require tenancy in sponsor’s name.
Q8: What are the renewal charges for a family visa in Dubai?
Similar components as first-time (medical for adults, Emirates ID, stamping, insurance). Start early to avoid fines.
Need Fast Family Visa Support in Dubai/UAE?
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