What is a Family Visa UAE
A family visa UAE is an immigration document for families moving to the United Arab Emirates. It is also a family residency visa that permits members of a resident’s family to remain and work inside the UAE. Family members, including spouses, children, and parents, of the principal visa holder are eligible for the renewable visa.
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Family Visa UAE Rules & Requirements
In the UAE, residents with a valid visa can sponsor their immediate family members, including their spouse, children, and parents, under certain conditions.
- Fathers and Mothers: Fathers with a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation) can sponsor their wife and children. Mothers can also sponsor their children if they meet specific conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
- Sponsoring Parents: Residents can sponsor their parents for a year if they can prove they are their sole caretakers and meet financial requirements.
- Sponsoring Children: Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25, while unmarried daughters have no age restrictions. Children with special needs can also be sponsored without an age limit.
Moreover, The professional nature of the sponsor’s job no longer affects eligibility for a family visa. Fathers residing in the UAE can sponsor their children, whereas mothers are not permitted to do so under these rules.
Click Here to get your step-by-step guide for Family Sponsorship in UAE
How to Apply Family Visa in UAE
You will need to go through a relatively simple procedure to apply for family visas either online or by visiting the embassy in person. If your family is already here in the UAE, you will have to apply for a change of status. If your family is outside the UAE, follow these steps:
- Get an entry permit:
- Collect the required documents – you will find them illustrated below
- Apply:
- After collecting these various documents, you are ready to submit the application. A family visit visa is applied through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or any Emirates.
UAE approves sponsoring family members with fewer restrictions now. The process is straightforward and simple. You can apply for the entry permit through the following online channels:
- ICA portal
- GDRFA website – Family Visa Dubai
- TAMM website – Family Visa Abu Dhabi
- ICP App
- Dubai Now App
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Document Required for Family Visa in UAE 2025
You can apply for a family visa UAE online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. The online application process is simple and convenient, and you can track the status of your application online. The documents required for the application are listed below as mentioned in the residence visa for family members requirements governmental website.
- Passport copies of the sponsor and family members
- Residence visa copy of the sponsor
- Emirates ID of the sponsor
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
- Attested birth certificates (for child sponsorship)
- Ejari tenancy contract or proof of accommodation
- Latest salary certificate or employment contract
- Recent passport-sized photographs of family members
- Medical fitness certificate for dependents over 18
UAE Family Visa Fees 2025
The family visa UAE price varies depending on the emirate and the type of visa. According to the Dubai government website, the fees for a family visa in Dubai are as follows:
- Entry permit: AED 500 – AED 1,000
- Medical test: AED 300 – AED 500
- Emirates ID: AED 370 (for a 2-year visa)
- Visa stamping: AED 500 – AED 1,000
Meanwhile for the duration of the extension and which emirate is involved. The rates are subject to change and may vary slightly depending on the technological advances adopted by the UAE. However, The total renewal rates for a UAE family visa are as follows:
| Insurance | 2-year | 3-year |
| With Insurance | AED 4022 | AED 4222 |
| Without Insurance | AED 2450 | AED 2450 |
Family Visa Cost in the UAE
Family visa expenses in the UAE depend on several factors, including how long the visa is valid, where you’re applying from, and whether health insurance is included. On average, costs range from AED 4,500 to AED 6,500 per person, but can vary.
Typical family visa expenses
| Item | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Entry permit | 500 – 1,000 |
| Medical examination | 300 – 500 |
| Emirates ID | 250 – 450 |
| Visa stamping | 500 – 1,000 |
| Health insurance | 1,500 – 3,000 per person |
| Sponsor file & Tasheera | 268 – 1,138 |
Example of total costs
| Scenario | Approx. Total (AED) |
| 2-year visa inside Dubai (no insurance) | ~3,500 |
| 2-year visa inside Dubai (with insurance) | ~5,300 |
| 2-year visa outside Dubai (no insurance) | ~2,200 |
| 2-year visa outside Dubai (with insurance) | ~4,000 |
A few things to keep in mind:
- Prices can shift based on nationality, service provider fees, and any required document attestations.
- Health insurance is mandatory, adding to overall costs.
- Always double-check with licensed visa consultants or UAE government portals for the latest fees
UAE Family Visa Validity and Renewal Process
A UAE family residence visa is typically issued for one or two years, depending on the duration of the sponsor’s residency visa. Once the visa expires, dependents are granted a 30-day grace period to renew their visa or adjust their residency status without incurring fines.
Renewal can be done through:
- ICP Smart Services portal – for all emirates except Dubai
- GDRFA Dubai portal – for residents in Dubai
It’s crucial to renew the visa before the grace period ends. Overstaying beyond the allowed time results in a fine of AED 125 for the first day, with additional charges for each subsequent day.
Family Visa Status Check
Staying updated on your UAE family visa status is key to avoiding fines and ensuring timely renewals. Here’s how to check it online or offline, whether you’re in Dubai or another emirate.
How can I check my UAE family visa status?
Use the GDRFA Dubai website or DubaiNow app for Dubai visas, and the ICP portal for other emirates.
Can I track my family visa offline?
Yes. Call ICP at 600-522-222 or Dubai’s Amer at 800-5111.
Why is it important to check my family visa status?
To avoid overstay fines, plan renewals, and ensure all documents meet UAE requirements.
Key Takeaways
- A UAE family visa allows residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases, parents.
- Sponsors must meet minimum salary requirements and provide all required documents.
- Visas are typically valid for 1 to 3 years and linked to the sponsor’s residency.
- Medical tests are mandatory for dependents aged 18 and above.
- To avoid fines or cancellation, it’s essential to renew the visa before it expires.
- Proper planning ensures families can stay together and enjoy life in the UAE with peace of mind.
FAQs
Family visas come in three main types. 1-year, a 2-year, and a 3-year visa. All of them are linked to the sponsor’s job contract.
The longest family visa is a 5-year visa for UAE citizens to bring their family members with foreign passports.
Yes. Sponsors can renew the family visa for their loved ones for 30 extra days by merely paying fees.
Yes, If you are a spouse, parent, or child of a UAE citizen and you hold a foreign passport.
To apply for a 90-day visit visa for a family member or friend in the UAE, you need to submit certain documents. These include a recent, colored passport-size photo of the friend or relative, and evidence of kinship, such as a marriage or birth certificate, if you are sponsoring a family member.
UAE residents with valid residence visas can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents if they meet the income and accommodation criteria.
Documents generally include a valid passport, Emirates ID, salary certificate, tenancy contract, medical fitness test, marriage or birth certificate (attested), and recent photographs.
The processing time for a UAE family visa usually takes between 3 to 7 working days, depending on the emirate and completeness of documents.
If a family visa expires, you must renew it within the grace period to avoid fines or cancellation of dependent residence status.
They are the same in purpose, allowing residents to bring family but terminology may vary; both refer to residence visas sponsored by family members.
In conclusion, the family visa process in UAE can be done smoothly and conveniently. Sponsors must meet the eligibility criteria and fulfill the required documents. They can bring their direct family members to join them in the UAE. Visit our Property Finder blog to explore more UAE-related topics, such as Maid Visa and Freelance Visa in Dubai.
