Ultimate Guide to Getting a Family Visa in UAE (2025 Update)

It is one of the most rewarding choices to bring your family to live with you in the UAE, and the UAE government has made it easier over the years to sponsor dependents under the Family visa in UAE scheme. It is a residence permit that allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members to live, work and study in the UAE. Since regular updates in law are made, it is vital to remain knowledgeable and compliant about all existing legislations.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Visa in UAE

You need to meet some conditions to sponsor your family according to UAE immigration policy:

Sponsor’s Eligibility

• Earn a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
• Proof of employment and lawful residency in UAE.
• Emirates ID and valid residence visa.

Eligible Dependents

• Spouse (must present attested marriage certificate).
• Children under the age of 18 (or 21 if pursuing studies and unmarried).
• Parents, under special accommodation and financial circumstances.

Family Visa Rules for Expats in Different Emirates

If you are planning to sponsor your family members to the UAE, consider that each Emirate has somewhat different procedures and policies for family visa application. Following is a brief summary of how the application process works in different Emirates:

• Dubai: Applied at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
• Abu Dhabi & Other Emirates: Dealt with by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
• Free Zone Residents: Must submit a salary certificate and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their respective free zone authority.

Family Visa for Parents and Parents-in-law

Sponsoring parents or in-laws on a family visa in the UAE involves stricter requirements than sponsoring other dependents. The sponsor should have a minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000 and, generally, both parents should be sponsored together, unless there is a justifiable reason for sponsoring only one of them. Additionally, sponsoring medical insurance that covers the parents fully and demonstrating the availability of independent living space are also the requirements of required approval for issuance of the visa.

Documents Required to Apply for a Family Visa

Accuracy and completeness of documents lie at the heart of a successful application:

Required from the Sponsor:

• Emirates ID and passport copy.
• Labour contract or salary certificate.
• Current tenancy agreement (Ejari).

Required for the Sponsor Members:

• Passport photocopies and passport-sized photos.
• Sworn birth and marriage certificates.
• Medical fitness certificates (for dependents aged 18 years and above).
• Attestation Guidelines

All non-UAE documents must be attested by the issuing country’s authorities and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC).

Step-by-Step Guideline to Apply for Family Visa in UAE

Applying for a family visa in the UAE is a simple process if you follow the right steps. You can visit an authorized typing center or easily apply online through the GDRFA or ICP smart services:

1. Obtain entry permit (if the family is outside the country).
2. Medical check-up at certified clinic.
3. Apply for Emirates ID through the ICP portal.
4. Apply for visa stamping to the immigration department.
5. Obtain residency sticker on the dependent’s passport.

Family Visa Costs and Government Fees

Before applying for a family visa, it is important to be aware of the associated costs and government fees so that you can plan your budget accordingly. Here is an overview of the financial aspects involved:

Additional typing center charges may apply.

Validity and Renewal of Family Visa

The validity of the UAE family visa is typically 1, 2 or 3 years depending on the employment status and sponsor visa type. The visa can be renewed within 30 days prior to expiry, thus ensuring that families have uninterrupted continuous residency. To renew the family visa, the sponsor must make sure that all the conditions are met, including taking a fresh medical fitness test for dependents (if required) and getting a new Emirates ID. Additionally, new pieces of evidence such as a valid tenancy contract (Ejari) and evidence of sufficient salary must be presented to support the application.

Common Reasons for Visa Rejection

Following are the common reasons for family visa rejection in the UAE, presented in bullet form:

• Inconsistent or insufficient documents, such as differing names or incorrect birthdates.
• Failing to produce valid and authentic documents, like an outdated contract of employment or unregistered tenancy (Ejari).
• Medical fitness test failure, especially due to communicable diseases such as tuberculosis or HIV.
• Inability to produce the minimum salary approved by UAE immigration authorities.
• Outdated or non-gazette tenancy agreement, which is required to confirm accommodation.
• No proper translation and MOFAIC/embassy attestation of foreign documents.
• Incorrect entry of information on application forms or immigration databases.

Being very careful with these areas significantly enhances the chances of your family visa approval.

Tips for a Smooth Family Visa Application

To make the UAE family visa application process seamless and trouble-free, paying attention to a few sensible tips can save you from rejection or delays. First, carefully review all your documents for typos, discrepancies or omissions names, dates and spellings must match on all documents. Make sure to use a credible typing center or service agency that has adequate knowledge about UAE immigration processes to help prepare and submit your application properly. Renewing your labor card and tenancy contract (Ejari) well in advance of your application or renewal date is crucial as well because old documents will automatically lead to rejection. Lastly, keep all your documents properly attested and in place, and be cognizant of the latest rules and regulations to be able to comply at every step.

How Long Does It Take to Get a Family Visa in UAE?

The process of a family visa in UAE typically takes between 7 to 13 working days overall. It starts with the entry permit, which is typically granted within 2 to 5 working days. This is followed by medical examination and Emirates ID application, which both take about 3 to 5 working days. Finally, the passport is stamped with the residency visa between 1 to 3 days. Express facilities for those who need faster processing are also provided for an additional fee.

Conclusion

Sponsoring your relatives under the Family visa in UAE not only tightens your bond but also improves your lifestyle in the Emirates. With proper documentation and assistance, the experience is easy and fulfilling. Always remain informed about the current regulations and opt for professional services for a hassle-free experience.
Stay updated with the latest UAE visa rules and residency news—visit WikiHow for regularly updated and comprehensive information straight from trusted sources.

FAQs

1. Can I sponsor my children after divorce?

Yes, if you have legal custody and meet the salary requirement.

2. Is there an age limit for children?

Yes, boys can be sponsored up to age 18 (or 21 if studying); girls until marriage.

3. How long can dependents stay outside UAE?

They can stay up to 180 days; longer absences may lead to visa cancellation.