Quick Summary
A Family Visa UAE allows residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and in some cases parents, to live with them in the UAE. In 2026, the main requirements include a valid residence visa, a minimum salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation), attested relationship documents, suitable housing, and health insurance. The average Family Visa UAE cost ranges from AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person, depending on visa duration, medical tests, and insurance.
Let’s be honest — talking about Family Visa UAE feels a bit like assembling IKEA furniture without instructions. You think you know what you’re doing. Then suddenly there are more pieces, more jargon, and you’re not even sure if that screw goes in sideways. But breathe. By the time you finish this guide, you’ll know precisely what the UAE expects from you and your visa suitcase of dreams.
Getting a family visa isn’t just about wanting to live with your loved ones (although that’s the best part). It’s about jumping through the right hoops, with the proper documents, and — yes — budgeting for the associated family visa UAE price. Think of it like a long-distance relationship where paperwork replaces romance. But hey, it works.
🧭 What Is a Family Visa in the UAE?
In plain language: if you have a valid UAE residence visa and you want to bring your spouse, children (and sometimes parents), you’re applying for a Family Visa UAE — also known officially as a Family Residence Visa. It doesn’t just let them visit — it lets them live with you.
Depending on the emirate (Dubai vs Abu Dhabi vs others), the nitty-gritty rules and salary thresholds can vary, but the basic concept remains the same: you sponsor your family members as dependents.
📋 UAE Family Visa Requirements
Satisfying the UAE family visa requirements is a mix of common sense and bureaucracy. Here’s what’s typically expected:
✅ 1. Sponsor’s Residency Status
You must hold a valid UAE residence visa (work, investor, etc.). No visa = no family visa sponsorship.
✅ 2. Minimum Salary Threshold
This is where it gets real:
- AED 4,000 per month minimum salary, or
- AED 3,000 per month + company-provided accommodation
These thresholds are the baseline. Some emirates may require higher amounts for parents or extended family sponsorships.
✅ 3. Proof of Relationship
Marriage certificates for spouses, birth certificates for kids. Attestation from your home country and the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs is usually required.
✅ 4. Suitable Housing
Imagine calling a shoebox “family-friendly” — that’s not going to cut it. You’ll need a valid tenancy contract registered with platforms like Ejari (in Dubai) or the equivalent in other emirates.
✅ 5. Health Insurance
Yes, even your in-laws need coverage. Most emirates make comprehensive health insurance mandatory for your dependents.
💰 Family Visa UAE Price & Cost Breakdown
Let’s talk numbers — in a way that doesn’t make you want to cry into your keyboard.
There isn’t one fixed family visa UAE cost because the total depends on things like visa validity (1, 2, or 3 years), medical tests, Emirates IDs, and whether you bought insurance. But here’s an honest estimate:
🔹 Typical Cost Range
- Entry permit & paperwork: AED 500–1,200 (approx.)
- Visa stamping & residence fees: AED 500–1,000+
- Medical tests: AED 250–700 per person
- Emirates ID: ~AED 270–400 per person (depending on visa length)
- Health insurance: ~AED 600–2,500+ (annual, per person)
So a realistic family visa UAE price is roughly AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person, maybe more if you go long-term or include insurance and attestation.
Some asset-rich folks even go for long-term Golden Visas, where the dependent cost structures are different — but that’s a whole guide in itself.
📑 Documents Required for Family Visa UAE
When applying for a Family Visa in the UAE, immigration authorities review documents for two people: the sponsor and the dependent. Mixing these up is one of the most common reasons applications get delayed, so let’s separate them properly.
🧑💼 Documents Required from the Sponsor
The sponsor is a UAE resident bringing their family. Immigration uses these documents to confirm eligibility, income stability, and legal residency.
You will typically need:
- Valid passport copy of the sponsor
- Valid UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID (front and back)
- Salary certificate (issued by employer) or labour contract
- Recent bank statements (usually last 3–6 months, if requested)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai or equivalent in other emirates)
- Health insurance policy (in some emirates, mandatory for dependents)
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
Immigration mainly checks whether you meet the UAE family visa requirements, especially salary and housing. If these don’t align, the rest of the documents won’t even be reviewed — harsh, but true.
👨👩👧 Documents Required from Dependents
Dependents are the family members being sponsored — spouse, children, or parents. Their documents focus on identity, relationship proof, and medical eligibility.
Each dependent will generally require:
- Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Passport-size photograph (white background)
- Entry permit (issued after initial approval)
- Medical fitness test report (mandatory for adults 18+)
- Emirates ID application form
- Health insurance policy (mandatory in most emirates)
👨👩👧 Relationship-Specific Documents
- For Sponsoring a Spouse: An original, officially attested marriage certificate, translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator.
- For Sponsoring Children: Original, officially attested birth certificates for each child, translated into Arabic.
- For sons over the age of 25, a certificate of enrollment in a university or higher educational institution (attested if from abroad) is needed to extend their visa.
- For daughters (regardless of age), the sponsor might need to sign an undertaking letter in Arabic confirming she is unmarried and residing with the family.
- For Sponsoring Parents: Additional requirements usually apply, including:
- Proof that you are their sole support and no one can care for them in their home country.
- A higher salary threshold (often AED 20,000 in Dubai).
- A refundable security deposit of approximately AED 2,500 per parent.
- Recent bank statements (e.g., last three months).
🛠️ Step-by-Step: How the Process Works
Here’s the simplified roadmap:
- Prepare all documents (don’t skip attestation steps).
- Apply for an entry permit for your dependents.
- Medical testing if required (usually for 18+).
- Emirates ID processing (mandatory).
- Visa stamping in passports.
- Collect IDs and visas — welcome home, family!
Processing time usually ranges from 2 to 3 weeks, give or take delays at the typing center or immigration office.
🧠 Tricky Bits & Tips from Someone Who Reads Fine Print
- Accommodation counts — but only if it’s registered and matches the Emirates ID address.
- Kids aging out: Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 (if enrolled in education). Daughters have more flexibility sometimes.
- Parents’ sponsorship is possible, but they demand higher salaries and guarantees.
- UAE authorities actively run after scammers offering “magic visa deals.” Only go through official channels.
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these, and you’ll save yourself tears and taxi fare:
❌ Submitting expired passports
❌ Forgetting attestation
❌ Not matching names exactly
❌ Ignoring housing proofs
❌ Skipping health insurance
Trust me — immigration officials do notice. And they love precision.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can I apply for a Family Visa UAE on a freelance or self-employed visa?
Yes, you can — provided your residence visa allows family sponsorship and you meet the minimum income threshold. Freelancers and self-employed residents are often asked for additional proof of income, such as bank statements, trade licenses, or freelance permits.
How long is a Family Visa UAE valid?
A Family Visa UAE is typically issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on:
- The sponsor’s visa validity
- The emirate of issuance
Dependents’ visas cannot exceed the sponsor’s visa duration and must be renewed together.
Can dependents work in the UAE on a family visa?
Yes — but not automatically. Dependents sponsored under a Family Visa UAE must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) before starting employment.
The family visa allows residency, while the MOHRE approval grants the legal right to work.
Is there a grace period if a family visa expires?
Yes, there is a grace period after a UAE family visa expires or is canceled. The standard grace period is generally 60 days, but it can be extended up to 6 months (180 days) depending on the type of sponsor’s visa (e.g., Golden or Green Visa holder).
What happens if my salary drops after my family visa is approved?
Once approved, immigration authorities do not continuously monitor salary changes. However, salary eligibility is rechecked at renewal time.
If your income no longer meets the UAE family visa requirements, renewal may be delayed or rejected
Can I sponsor stepchildren or adopted children?
Yes, but approval is handled case by case. Immigration may require:
- Legal custody or adoption documents
- A No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the biological parent (if applicable)
- Attested legal proof of guardianship
These conditions are assessed by ICP UAE and local immigration authorities during application review.
Conclusion
If you’re planning for a Family Visa UAE in 2026, start early, double-check every form, and don’t be afraid to ask questions — a small oversight today can become a big headache tomorrow. The UAE’s immigration system is robust and evolving, but with the right documents and preparation, you can welcome your loved ones to your life in the Emirates.
And if you want continually updated guides on visas, immigration, travel, and other useful insights, keep checking back with us at Get Visa Info — we’ve got your back every step of the way.
Note: “Visa rules can change by emirate and sponsor category, so always cross-check with official UAE immigration portals or authorized typing centers.”
