Family Visas in Dubai

What is a family Visa?

A family visa in the UAE allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members—spouse, children, and parents—to live in the country. It requires meeting income and housing criteria, and the visa duration typically ranges from 1 to 3 years.

Why Move to Dubai with Your Family?

Dubai offers more than just skyscrapers and luxury shopping. It’s a family-friendly destination with top-tier schools, safe neighborhoods, and endless entertainment options like theme parks and beaches. Bringing your spouse, children, or even parents allows you to share this dynamic experience while building a stable life together.

The city’s multicultural environment makes it easy for families to adapt. With communities from every corner of the world, your loved ones can find familiarity and connection. Plus, the absence of personal income tax means more financial flexibility to enjoy what Dubai has to offer.

Understanding the Family Visa Process in Dubai

A residence permit for family members in Dubai allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate relatives—spouses, children, and sometimes parents—to live legally in the UAE. This visa ties your family’s residency to your own, ensuring they can access essential services like healthcare and education. It’s a straightforward process, but it requires meeting specific criteria and preparing the right documents.

The validity of this permit typically aligns with your own residency, often lasting two years before renewal is needed. Recent updates have made the system more flexible, with digital applications and relaxed rules, making it easier than ever to reunite with your loved ones.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring Family Members

To sponsor your family, you must hold a valid UAE residence visa yourself, typically through employment or investment. The UAE government sets a minimum salary threshold to ensure sponsors can support their dependents. For most, this means earning at least AED 4,000 monthly, or AED 3,000 if your employer provides accommodation.

Your profession no longer restricts your ability to sponsor, a change from older rules that limited this privilege to certain job titles. However, you’ll need to prove you have adequate housing—usually a registered tenancy contract (Ejari)—to accommodate your family comfortably.

Who Can You Sponsor?

• Spouse: Both husbands and wives can sponsor their partners, provided they meet the income requirements.
• Children: Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 (or beyond if they have special needs), while daughters can be sponsored until they marry, with no age limit.
• Parents: Sponsoring parents is possible but comes with stricter conditions, like a higher salary threshold (around AED 19,000) and proof they rely on you for support.

Newborns born in the UAE must have their residency applied for within 120 days to avoid penalties. Stepchildren can also be sponsored, though additional documentation, like a no-objection certificate from the biological parent, may be required.

2-Year Family Visa Prices in Dubai

The expenses for bringing your family to Dubai vary depending on several factors, such as the number of dependents, their location during the application, and optional services like express processing. The 2-year family visa prices in Dubai typically range between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000 per person. Here’s a breakdown of what to expect:

Key Cost Components

• Entry Permit: AED 200–500, depending on whether your family is inside or outside the UAE.
• Visa Stamping: AED 500–700 per person to affix the residency to their passport.
• Medical Tests: AED 300–800 per adult over 18, required at approved centers.
• Emirates ID: AED 370 for two years.
• Health Insurance: AED 700–3,000 annually per person, mandatory in Dubai.
• Status Change Fee: AED 640 if your family is already in Dubai on a visit visa.

Additional costs might include document attestation (e.g., marriage or birth certificates) and translation fees, which can add AED 100–300 per document. Opting for premium health insurance or faster processing can also increase the total.

Factors Affecting the Family Visa Prices in Dubai

• Location: Applying from within Dubai incurs the status change fee, while applications from abroad skip this.
• Service Speed: Express options at typing centers or the GDRFA can bump up costs by AED 100–200.
• Family Size: Each member requires their own set of fees, so a larger family means a higher total.

Planning ahead can help manage these expenses. Starting early and avoiding last-minute rush fees keeps the process affordable.

Step-by-Step Application Process for UAE Family Visa

Securing a residence permit for your family involves several stages, but with the right preparation, it’s manageable. Here’s how to navigate it:

Step 1: Gather Required Documents

You’ll need a mix of personal and legal paperwork to prove your eligibility and relationships. Missing or incorrect documents can delay approval, so double-check everything.

• Sponsor’s passport and residence visa copies.
• Family members’ passport copies (valid for at least six months).
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouses) or birth certificates (for children).
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) in your name.
• Salary certificate or labor contract showing your income.
• Passport-sized photos for each applicant.

For documents issued outside the UAE, attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin, followed by Arabic translation, may be necessary.

Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit

If your family is outside the UAE, start with an entry permit to allow them into the country. Submit your application online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal or through an authorized typing center. This permit costs around AED 200–500 and is valid for 60 days.

Step 3: Medical Fitness Tests

Once your family arrives (or if they’re already in Dubai), anyone over 18 must undergo medical screening for conditions like HIV and tuberculosis. Tests are conducted at government-approved clinics, and results are typically available within a few days.

Step 4: Emirates ID and Visa Stamping

After passing medical checks, apply for an Emirates ID for each family member (AED 370 for two years). Then, submit all documents to the GDRFA for visa stamping, which finalizes their residency. This step takes about 5–10 business days.

Step 5: Purchase Health Insurance

Dubai mandates health insurance for all residents. Choose a plan that fits your budget and needs—basic coverage starts at AED 700 annually, while comprehensive plans can reach AED 3,000. This ensures your family has access to quality healthcare.

Renewal and Cancellation Process

Residency permits in Dubai typically last two years, matching the sponsor’s visa duration. Renewal follows a similar process to the initial application, with costs mirroring the 2-year family visa prices in Dubai—around AED 4,000–6,000 per person. Start the renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid fines.

To cancel a visa, submit a request through the GDRFA, signed by both you and the family member. This is common when a dependent leaves the UAE permanently or if your sponsorship ends (e.g., job loss). Dependents get a six-month grace period post-cancellation to secure a new visa if needed.

Tips for a Smooth Application Experience

Preparation is key to avoiding hiccups. Here are practical pointers to streamline the process:

• Start Early: Begin gathering documents and applying at least two months before your family plans to move.
• Verify Documents: Ensure all certificates are attested and translated as required—errors here are a common delay culprit.
• Budget Wisely: Factor in all costs, including optional fees, to avoid surprises.
• Stay Updated: UAE visa rules can shift, so check the GDRFA website or consult experts like Bizinvestfirm for the latest info.

Using a professional service can also catch potential issues before they escalate, making the journey to family reunion smoother.

Benefits of Living in Dubai as a Family

Once your loved ones join you, Dubai’s advantages shine through. International schools offer excellent education for kids, while adults enjoy a robust job market and entrepreneurial opportunities. The city’s safety—low crime rates and strict laws—provides peace of mind.

Healthcare is another perk, with modern facilities accessible via mandatory insurance. Family-friendly activities, from desert safaris to indoor skiing, keep everyone entertained year-round. Plus, the tax-free income stretches your earnings further.

New Family Visa rule in UAE in 2025