How do I get a family visa in UAE?
To get a UAE family visa, follow these steps:
- Ensure you meet sponsorship eligibility (e.g., valid UAE residence visa, minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation in Dubai).
- Gather required documents: attested marriage certificate, birth certificate, passport copies, tenancy contract, and medical insurance.
- Apply for an entry permit via GDRFA, ICP, or typing centers if family members are outside the UAE.
- Convert the entry permit to a residence visa within 60 days through ICA Smart Services or Amer Service Centers.
- Complete medical fitness tests and Emirates ID registration.
- Pay fees (e.g., AED 488.9–1,138.9 for Tasheera, AED 250–450 for Emirates ID).
This process applies to Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, and other emirates, with slight variations.
How To Get a Family Visa in UAE – Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
For many expatriates, the dream is to bring their loved ones to the UAE. Whether you are establishing a business in Dubai, managing a Company in the UAE free zone, or simply residing in Abu Dhabi, a UAE family visa allows you to have your family with you. In 2025, the process has been made easier than ever with services like ICA Smart Services, GDRFA, and Amer Service Centers. However, it can still feel daunting to navigate through the family visa UAE requirements. What documents are necessary? What is the family visa in UAE cost? Is it possible to apply without a tenancy agreement?
What Is a UAE Family Visa?
A UAE family visa, also known as a family residency visa, is an immigration document that enables expatriates who hold a valid UAE residence visa to live in the UAE with their dependents. It is meant for family sponsorship and allows one to bring in spouses, children, parents, and even stepchildren to join them. Depending on the duration of the sponsor’s visa, the visa can be either short-term (1 year) or long-term (2 or 3 years).
For real estate investors and golden visa holders, the duration of the visa can go up to 5 and 10 years, respectively, providing additional residency perks.
The immigration system of the UAE is overseen by The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) which ensure compliance with the visa rules. This visa greatly changes the status quo for expatriates establishing a business or working in a free zone since it enhances family reunification while progressing in one’s career.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in UAE?
To sponsor a family in UAE, you need to fulfill certain requirements. Here is the eligibility breakdown, together with the necessary documents.
A. Eligibility for Male Sponsors
- Residence Visa: You should possess a UAE residence visa, which can either be an employment, investor or business setup in Dubai visa.
- Salary Criteria: Minimum salary of AED 4000 or AED 3000 plus a housing allowance if you are in Dubai. Abu Dhabi is higher with AED 5000 or 6000 with no housing.
- Profession: There have been no professionally affiliated restrictions since 2019. Whether you’re a teacher, an engineer or a company formation in Dubai, as long as the salary requirement is met, you qualify. Accommodation Proof: Along with supporting bills from DEWA, one may also provide a tenancy contract like Ejari in Dubai or title deeds for owning property.
B. Eligibility for Female Sponsors
- Residence Visa: UAE Laws require women to possess a valid residence visa for employment within UAE jurisdiction.
- Salary Threshold: Women are also paid less than men for the same administrative work (customary in labor law). Therefore, the threshold is above in comparison to men—AED 10,000 monthly or AED 8,000 with accommodation.
- Profession Preference: The more readily qualifying women would be those with teaching or engineering qualifications and medical professionals, i.e., doctors and nurses. Other rewarding professions are allowed, but earning above a certain salary threshold is subject to approval through DRND—thus, professionals from other fields of work are also eligible.
- Restrictions: In regard to sponsorship laws, ICP, where the husband is sponsoring the children, whereby the wife, in the usual scenario, is not allowed to.
C. Special Cases: Property Investors and Golden Visa Holders
- Without restriction on a Property Investor Visa, one could sponsor dependents for as long as the visa is held—5 to 10 years—so long as the marked dependents are unmarried. This is convenient for those established under a business-free zone or company formation in Dubai.
- Sponsoring family members under a golden visa permit extended period of residence—10 years—without frequently renewing requirements, wherein investors enable business opportunities.
- Investors are required to submit bank statements for 3 months, alongside the Memorandum of Association (MOA) with the claim proving the need established with regard to investment funds.
Pro Tip: If you’re a business setup consultant in Dubai, ensure your labour contract or salary certificate clearly states your income to avoid delays.
Who Can You Sponsor for a UAE Family Visa?
Applications for UAE Family Visas allow many dependants depending on their categories, as each one has their conditions.
A. Sponsoring Your Spouse
- Eligibility: You are allowed to sponsor a spouse of either gender. Muslim residents have the privilege of sponsoring up to two wives on the conditions of GDRFA terms.
- Documents: A marriage certificate issued is mandated, which has been attested, issued by MOFA and translated to Arabic if necessary.
- Note: Gay marriages are not accepted; therefore, gay partners cannot be sponsored.
B. Sponsoring Your Kids
- Sons: All unmarried sons can be sponsored up until the age of 25. Students can be sponsored until the age of 21 if they are studying abroad as long as they visit every six months for the sponsorship to remain valid.
- Daughters: Any unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of their age.
- Sons with Determination: There is no age cap for sons deemed special needs.
- Documents: Attested birth certificate, issued by MOFA, translated into Arabic.
C. Sponsoring Your Parents
- Eligibility: 20,000 AED per month or 19,000 AED a month and a two-bedroom apartment.
- Conditions: Both parents need to be sponsored unless one parent has deceased. Medical insurance needs to be provided along with a visa deposit which needs to be paid like 2500 AED for each parent.
- Visa Validity: Five years exempt from employment. It could be sponsored for employment post five years, which is renewed every year.
D. Sponsoring Stepchildren and Newborns
- Stepchildren: A no-objection agreement from the custodial parent has to be submitted along with a deposit. The visa is valid for 1 year, renewable but not employment.
- Newborns: When giving birth in the UAE, parents should submit their applications within 120 days to avoid incurring fines.
- Documents: For newborns, an attested birth certificate is required, as well as a no-objection certificate for stepchildren.
Documents Required for a UAE Family Visa
Gathering the right documents is crucial for a smooth visa application. Here’s what you need.
Documents for Property Investor Family Visa
For property investor visa holders (5 or 10 years), the following are required:
1. Sponsor:
- Passport and UAE residence visa copies.
- Emirates ID.
- Last 3 months’ bank statements.
- Memorandum of Association (MOA).
- No-objection certificate (if mother sponsors, attested by a notary public for boys <18, girls <21).
- Proof of mother’s status (residence visa/Emirates ID) if father sponsors.
- Ejari, a title deed, or DEWA bills for accommodation.
- IBAN and file opening number.
2. Dependent:
- Passport copy (valid >6 months).
- Previous residence visa copy (if applicable).
- Attested birth certificate (legalized by MOFA, UAE Embassy, and UAE MOFA, with Arabic translation).
- Consulate letter (if birth certificate unavailable, attested by MOFA, translated to Arabic, starting “This is to confirm”).
- Digital photo (ICP specifications) or 2 white-background photos.
- National ID (for Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan).
- Unmarried undertake letter for sons/daughters over 18.
- Medical test results (for over 18).
- Emirates ID application.
3. Spouse:
- Attested marriage certificate (legalized by MOFA, UAE Embassy, and UAE MOFA, with Arabic translation).
- Consulate letter (if unavailable, as above).
- National ID (for specified countries).
- Additional: Medical insurance (compulsory per GDRFA).
Documents for Abu Dhabi and Dubai Family Visas
A. Abu Dhabi:
- Original passports (sponsor and dependents).
- Attested marriage certificate and birth certificate (Arabic, legalized by MOFA).
- 2 white-background photos per dependent.
- Sponsor’s labor contract and Arabic salary certificate.
- Tenancy contract with Baladiya stamp.
- Health insurance.
B. Dubai:
- Similar to Abu Dhabi, but includes Ejari or title deed and DEWA bills.
- GDRFA visa processes may require a file opening number.
C. Attestation and Translation Requirements
- MOFA Attestation: Marriage and birth certificates must be legalized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of origin, UAE Embassy, and UAE MOFA.
- Translation Services: Non-English/Arabic documents need legal Arabic translation.
- Consulate Letters: If certificates are unavailable, consulate letters must start with “This is to confirm” or “This is to clarify” and be attested.
How to Apply for a UAE Family Visa in 2025?
Applying for a UAE family visa involves clear steps. Here’s how to do it.
Step 1: Obtain an Entry Permit
- Who Needs It: Required if family members are outside the UAE.
- Where to Apply:
- ICA Smart Services or GDRFA Portal (online).
- Amer Service Centers or typing centers (in-person).
- DLD Cube Center for property investor visa holders in Dubai.
- Documents: Passport copies, attested certificates, sponsor’s Emirates ID, and salary certificate.
- Timeline: 3-4 days for initial approval.
Step 2: Convert to a Residence Visa
- Deadline: Within 60 days of entry.
- Process: Submit the residence visa application via ICP, GDRFA, or Customer Happiness Centers.
- Documents: Same as entry permit, plus medical test results and Emirates ID application.
- Note: If family members are already in the UAE, apply for a status change to convert visit/tourist visas.
Step 3: Complete Medical Tests and Emirates ID
- Medical Fitness Test: Mandatory for dependents over 18 at approved centers (e.g., Dubai Health Authority, Emirates Health Services). Tests screen for HIV and tuberculosis.
- Emirates ID: Apply via EIDA with a fee (AED 250–450 based on visa duration).
- Timeline: 1-2 weeks for test results and ID issuance.
Step 4: Application Channels: Online and Offline
- Online:
- UAE Pass for seamless access to ICA Smart Services.
- GDRFA Dubai app (iOS/Android) for Dubai residents.
- Offline:
- Amer Service Centers in Dubai.
- Customer Happiness Centers or typing centers in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah.
- Note: DLD Cube Center is exclusive for property investor visa applications in Dubai.
How Much Does a Family Visa UAE Cost?
The family visa UAE price varies by emirate, visa type, and applicant’s status.
Family Visa UAE Price Breakdown
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Sponsor Registration File | 268.9 | One-time fee |
| Tasheera (Outside UAE) | 488.9 | Wife/children |
| Tasheera (Inside UAE) | 1,138.9 | Wife/children |
| Tasheera (Parents) | 488.9 | Inside UAE |
| Medical Test | 322.5 | Per person over 18 |
| Emirates ID (1 Year) | 250 | Per person |
| Emirates ID (2 Years) | 350 | Per person |
| Emirates ID (3 Years) | 450 | Per person |
| Visa Deposit (Parents) | 2,500 | Per parent |
| Knowledge Dirham | 10 | If inside UAE |
| Innovation Dirham | 10 | If inside UAE |
| Fee Inside UAE | 500 | Additional charge |
- 2 Years Family Visa Price in Dubai: Approx. AED 5,353.25 (renewal, over 18) or AED 7,032.25 (new, over 18).
- Abu Dhabi: Similar fees, with Baladiya stamp costs for tenancy contracts.
- Sharjah: Slightly lower fees at typing centers.
Additional Costs for Property Investors
- 5-Year Visa: AED 4,018.50–5,154.25 (new, under/over 18).
- 10-Year Visa: AED 5,018.50–6,054.25 (new, under/over 18).
- Attestation Costs: Vary by country (e.g., MOFA attestation, embassy fees).
Pro Tip: Budget for overstay fines (AED 50/day) if your family overstays a visit visa before converting to a residence visa.
Family Visa UAE Without Tenancy Contract: Is It Possible?
Yes, a family visa UAE without tenancy contract is possible if you:
- Own property and provide a title deed.
- Use DEWA bills to prove accommodation.
- Get approval from ICP or GDRFA for alternative proof (e.g., employer-provided housing).
Pro Tip: For business setup in freezone owners, a title deed from a property investor visa can replace Ejari, saving time.
Common Challenges and How to Avoid Them
Here are common pitfalls and how to tackle them.
A. Incomplete Applications
- Issue: Missing or unattested documents (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate) cause rejections.
- Solution: Double-check MOFA attestation and legal Arabic translation. Use PRO services for accuracy.
B. Medical Test Failures
- Issue: Failing medical fitness tests (e.g., for HIV, tuberculosis) may require immediate departure.
- Solution: Visit approved centers like the Disease Prevention & Screening Center and ensure health compliance.
C. Overstay Fines and Travel Bans
- Issue: Overstaying visit visas incurs AED 50/day fines and potential travel bans.
- Solution: Check visa status via ICA Smart Services or GDRFA Portal and renew before the grace period ends (30 days for residence visas, 6 months for dependents).
Pro Tips for a Smooth Family Visa Application
- Use UAE Pass: Streamline online applications via ICA Smart Services for faster processing.
- Hire PRO Services: For business setup in UAE owners, PRO services handle document attestation and visa stamping.
- Plan for Timelines: UAE spouse visa processing time is 3-4 days for initial approval, up to 3.5 weeks total. Budget accordingly.
- Check Visa Status Regularly: Use ICA Smart Services or GDRFA Portal to avoid overstay fines.
- Secure Medical Insurance: Opt for DHA Basic Insurance or Comprehensive Insurance to meet GDRFA requirements.
- Understand Grace Periods: Residence visa holders get a 30-day grace period; dependents get 6 months post-cancellation.
- Leverage Business Setup: If you’re a business setup consultant in Dubai, use your Memorandum of Association to prove financial capacity.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What are the documents required for a UAE family visa?
You need passport copies, attested marriage certificate, birth certificate, tenancy contract, salary certificate, medical insurance, and Emirates ID application. For property investor visas, add bank statements and MOA.
Q2. How much is the 2 years family visa price in Dubai?
It ranges from AED 4,653.25 (renewal, under 18) to AED 7,032.25 (new, over 18), including Tasheera, medical test, and Emirates ID fees.
Q3. Can I get a family visa in the UAE without a tenancy contract?
Yes, use a title deed, DEWA bills, or employer-provided housing proof with ICP approval.
Q4. What is the UAE spouse visa processing time?
Initial approval takes 3-4 days, with the full process up to 3.5 weeks.
Q5. Can I sponsor my parents with a UAE family visa?
Yes, if you earn AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 plus a two-bedroom accommodation, with medical insurance and a visa deposit.
Q6. How do I check my UAE family visa status?
Use ICA Smart Services or GDRFA Portal with your passport number, or call ICP at 600-522-222.
Conclusion: Reunite with Your Family in UAE
Getting a UAE family visa in 2025 is easier than ever, whether you’re in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. By meeting family visa UAE requirements, gathering attested documents, and using platforms like UAE Pass or Amer Service Centers, you can bring your loved ones to enjoy the UAE’s vibrant lifestyle. For business setup in Dubai owners or property investor visa holders, the process offers long-term residency benefits, making family reunification seamless.
Start today by checking your eligibility and preparing your marriage certificate, birth certificate, and tenancy contract. With the right steps, you’ll soon be sharing the UAE’s opportunities with your family. Need help? Contact ICP or GDRFA for guidance, and let’s make family sponsorship a reality!
