Bringing your family to live with you in the UAE is often the final piece in making life here feel like home. Yet when you start searching for how to apply family visa in UAE, you’re hit with conflicting information, old salary rules and half-explained processes.
This guide cuts through that noise.
Drawing on the latest 2025 updates from UAE authorities, you’ll find everything you need to sponsor your spouse, children and parents – from eligibility and salary requirements to documents, fees and real-world timelines.
Whether you’re an employee, investor, freelancer, Green Visa holder or planning a Golden Visa, this page will help you understand your options and decide the fastest, safest way to secure a family residence visa in the UAE.
What is a Family (Dependent) Visa in the UAE?
A family visa – also called a dependent visa – is a UAE residence visa issued to the close family members of a resident sponsor. It allows your family to:
Live with you in the UAE
Enrol children in schools and universities
Access healthcare and insurance
Open bank accounts, get driving licences and use most government services
The visa is typically issued for two or three years, and its validity is linked to the sponsor’s own residence visa (employment, investor, partner, Green Visa, Golden Visa, etc.).
In Dubai, processing is handled by GDRFA Dubai and Amer Centres; in other emirates, through ICP smart services and local immigration offices.
Who Can You Sponsor on a UAE Family Visa in 2025?
According to updated UAE rules, both male and female foreign residents can sponsor specific family members if they meet income and housing criteria.
Eligible family members
You can usually sponsor:
Spouse (husband or wife) – with an attested marriage certificate
Children
Sons: generally up to 25 years old (often extended where they are in full-time higher education)
Daughters:unmarried daughters with no strict upper age limit in many cases
Children with special needs: may be sponsored regardless of age, subject to medical and documentary proof
Parents – under stricter salary, housing and insurance conditions
Stepchildren – with custody documents and NOC from the biological parent
Important: Exact age limits and exceptions can vary slightly by emirate and case officer. Always treat older online sources quoting “18” or “21” as outdated and check the current position before applying.
Minimum Salary & Eligibility Criteria for UAE Family Visa (2025)
The single biggest question is: what is the minimum salary for family visa in UAE?
Base salary requirement
Most up-to-date guidance from official portals and major providers confirms:
AED 4,000 per month, or
AED 3,000 per month + employer-provided accommodation
This base threshold usually covers sponsoring spouse and children.
Higher thresholds for some sponsors
For certain categories, higher minimum salaries often apply:
Female sponsors (employees): frequently AED 10,000 per month or AED 8,000 + accommodation (varies by emirate and profession).
Parents: requirements commonly range from AED 15,000–20,000+ per month plus proof you can support both parents and adequate accommodation.
Extended family (e.g., siblings, grandparents): allowed only in limited, case-by-case scenarios with higher salary and extra documentation.
Accommodation & housing
You must usually show suitable housing in your name:
Valid tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq or equivalent in other emirates) or title deed
Utility bill (DEWA/ADDC/SEWA etc.) in the sponsor’s name
In practice, authorities increasingly reject studio apartments for family sponsorship and expect at least a one-bedroom for spouse/children and two-bedroom when sponsoring parents.
Other basic conditions
You must also have:
A valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID
Clear medical fitness for dependents aged 18+ (HIV and TB screening)
Medical insurance for each dependent (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi; effectively required everywhere in practice)
Documents Required for UAE Family Visa
Exact lists can differ slightly by emirate, but most applications will require the following, based on GDRFA Dubai, ICP and up-to-date 2025 guidance.
Common documents (all dependents)
Passport copies of sponsor and dependents (minimum 6 months’ validity)
Recent passport-sized photos (white background) for each dependent
Sponsor’s UAE residence visa and Emirates ID copies
Tenancy contract / Ejari or title deed + latest utility bill
Sponsor’s labour contract or salary certificate
Medical insurance policy for each dependent
Emirates ID application form (after medical)
Completed online application form (via ICP, GDRFA or Amer)
Additional documents for spouse visa (husband or wife)
Marriage certificate, fully attested in:
Country of issue
UAE Embassy abroad
UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
Legal Arabic translation of marriage certificate if issued in another language
Additional documents for children
Birth certificates for each child, fully attested and legally translated into Arabic where needed
For sons above 18 and up to 25: proof of full-time education (university letter, student ID, etc., where requested)
In case of stepchildren: custody documents and NOC from the biological parent
Additional documents for parents
Proof that no other family member can support them in the home country (often a notarised statement)
Proof of higher income threshold (e.g. salary certificate or trade licence + bank statements)
Evidence of bigger accommodation (two-bedroom tenancy contract, etc.)
Refundable security deposit (varies by emirate)
Tip: For documents issued outside the UAE, allow time for attestation and certified translation. Errors or missing stamps are one of the most common reasons for delays.
How to Apply Family Visa in UAE: Step-by-Step (2025)
The core procedure is similar across emirates, though the portals and centres differ slightly. Below is a practical step-by-step path you can follow to sponsor your spouse and children.
Step 1: Confirm your eligibility
Before spending money on attestation or Emirates ID, make sure you:
Meet the minimum salary and accommodation criteria.
Hold a valid residence visa with enough time left (ideally 3–6 months).
Have your employment contract or trade licence and recent salary certificate/bank statements ready.
Attest marriage and birth certificates in the issuing country
Legalise them at the UAE Embassy there
Attest again at UAE MOFA, then arrange legal Arabic translations by approved translators
If you’re outside the UAE, you can start this process before travelling, which often saves weeks.
Step 3: Apply for an entry permit
If your family is outside the UAE, you must first apply for an entry permit (sometimes called an e-visa):
In Dubai: via the GDRFA Dubai online portal or an Amer Centre.
In other emirates: via the ICP smart services website/app or an authorised typing centre.
Upload the required documents, pay the government fees and wait for approval. Once issued, send the entry permits to your family so they can travel.
If your family is already in the UAE on a visit or tourist visa, you can usually apply for status change from inside the country instead of exiting and re-entering.
Step 4: Status change (if applicable)
For dependents already in the UAE, you’ll need to:
Submit a status change application through GDRFA/ICP
Pay the status change fee (often around AED 750, though this varies)
This step converts the entry permit into an in-country residency application without your family having to leave the UAE.
Step 5: Medical fitness test (18+)
Any dependent 18 or above must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved government health centre:
Blood tests (HIV) and chest X-ray (TB)
Results typically in 1–2 working days
A “not fit” result leads to visa rejection and, in many cases, exit requirements, so it is essential to be upfront about medical history.
Step 6: Emirates ID application and biometrics
Next, submit the Emirates ID application for each dependent:
In Dubai, via GDRFA / Amer or ICP app
Attach passport, entry permit, photo and medical fitness certificate
Book biometrics appointment (fingerprints and photo) where required
Step 7: Visa stamping / e-visa issuance
Once medical and Emirates ID are cleared:
Submit the residence visa application through the relevant portal.
Pay residence visa fees and Emirates ID fees.
The visa is now typically issued as an electronic residence permit and linked to the passport; some emirates may still physically stamp the passport.
Processing times for the full journey (entry permit to residence visa) typically range from 5–15 working days, depending on emirate, service speed and whether any documents need correction.
60-day rule: Once your family enters the UAE on an entry permit, you generally have up to 60 days to complete the full residence process before fines apply.
How to Apply Parents’ Visa in UAE
Sponsoring parents is possible but more demanding.
Key points based on recent 2025 guidance:
You usually must sponsor both parents together, unless one is deceased or medically unable to travel.
Expect higher salary requirements, often AED 15,000–20,000+ per month, depending on emirate.
You’ll normally need a two-bedroom tenancy in your name.
A refundable deposit and comprehensive medical insurance for each parent are standard.
The process follows similar steps (entry permit → status change → medical → Emirates ID → visa stamping) but with more scrutiny over documents and financial capacity.
Because rules for parents can vary and change frequently, many residents choose to work with a professional PRO and visa partner such as First Elite Global to avoid costly rejections.
UAE Family Visa Cost in 2025: Typical Breakdown
Costs vary by emirate, duration (two or three years), whether the dependent is inside or outside the UAE, and whether you use normal or express processing. However, recent Dubai-focused breakdowns provide realistic ranges:
For a standard Dubai family residence visa (spouse/child):
Cost Component
Approximate Range (AED)
Entry permit / residence visa fees
2,500 – 3,500
Status change (if already in UAE)
~750
Medical fitness test (18+)
500 – 700
Emirates ID (2-year validity)
~370
Typing / service centre / courier
150 – 400+
Health insurance (per person, annual)
800 – 2,500+ (varies)
Note: These figures exclude attestation, translation, and MOFA fees for foreign documents, which can add several hundred to a few thousand dirhams, especially for multiple certificates.
Because tariffs change, always cross-check current fees on:
The GDRFA Dubai portal
The ICP smart services platform
Official health authority and Emirates ID fee tables
Can a Spouse or Dependent Work on a Family Visa in UAE?
Yes – spouses and adult children on a dependent visa can legally work in the UAE, but only if they have a valid work permit issued by MOHRE or the relevant free zone authority.
Key points:
The dependant visa itself does not grant the right to work.
The employer applies for a work permit for the dependent (sponsored by you).
In many cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the family sponsor is requested.
Once the work permit is approved, the dependent can work under their existing family residence visa, which often reduces visa costs for the employer.
This applies equally to questions such as:
Can wife work on husband visa in UAE? – Yes, with a work permit.
Can husband work on wife visa in UAE? – Yes, with a work permit.
Can spouse work on dependent visa in UAE? – Yes, provided the work permit is issued.
Cancelling, Holding or Freezing a UAE Family Visa
Life happens – you change jobs, move emirates, or your family travels long-term. In these situations, you may need to cancel, hold, or effectively freeze a family visa.
Cancelling family or spouse visa
According to GDRFA and other official guidance:
The sponsor (or authorised PRO) submits a cancellation application through GDRFA/ICP or Amer.
You provide the sponsored person’s passport and Emirates ID plus your own.
Applicable cancellation fees are paid; the visa is then cancelled electronically.
After cancellation or expiry, dependents typically have a grace period of around 60 days to exit the UAE or obtain a new residence visa.
Holding / freezing a family visa
GDRFA Dubai provides a “hold” service in specific scenarios – usually where the family member’s visa remains valid but the sponsor is changing employer and needs time to process the new visa without cancelling the dependent’s visa:
A cancellation form and offer letter from the new company are required.
The dependent’s residence must have at least 3 months’ validity.
A refundable deposit (e.g. AED 2,500) and additional fees apply.
The hold period usually cannot exceed 60 days.
Because these processes are time-sensitive and penalties for overstaying can accumulate quickly, it’s wise to take professional guidance, especially if multiple dependents are involved.
Green Visa and Golden Visa: Alternative Routes to Sponsor Family
Recent reforms have introduced long-term visas that can change how you sponsor family:
Green Visa (5-year self-sponsored)
For skilled professionals and some investors.
Allows you to self-sponsor (no employer needed) for up to five years.
Enables you to sponsor first-degree relatives, often with more flexible rules around job changes.
Golden Visa (5- or 10-year)
For investors, entrepreneurs, highly skilled professionals and certain other categories.
Holders can sponsor spouses and children of any age, with broader flexibility and longer validity.
If you qualify, Golden or Green Visa pathways can offer more stability for your family than standard employment visas – something First Elite Global can assess as part of a wider immigration and business-planning consultation.
Common Mistakes When Applying for a UAE Family Visa
From our experience supporting families and business owners, these are the issues that most often cause rejections or delays:
Relying on old salary or age rules found in blogs from several years ago
Assuming allowances, commissions or bonuses count towards minimum salary, when only basic salary is accepted in practice
Submitting unregistered or expired tenancy contracts
Using studio accommodation for family sponsorship when authorities insist on at least one bedroom
Missing the 60-day deadline after entry permit issuance or visa expiry
Incomplete attestation or non-Arabic translations of relationship documents
Underestimating time for medical, Emirates ID and insurance
How First Elite Global Helps You Sponsor Your Family
Applying for a family visa is more than a formality – it’s about securing your family’s legal status, schooling, healthcare and long-term plans in the UAE.
First Elite Global provides an end-to-end solution, handling the complexity so you don’t have to:
Eligibility review: We assess your salary, visa type and accommodation against up-to-date rules for spouse, children and parents.
Document strategy: Clear checklists for attestation, translations (arranged through our trusted partners), and any special approvals.
Application handling: Preparation and submission through GDRFA, Amer, ICP and health centres, plus real-time follow-up.
Family visa planning: Advice on whether employment, investor, Green or Golden Visa gives your family the most secure position.
Ongoing support: Renewals, cancellations, holds and adding new dependents (newborns, stepchildren, elderly parents).
If you want a friction-free, compliant family visa without queuing at multiple government counters, simply contact our team and we’ll map out your personalised route.
Ready to bring your family to the UAE? Contact First Elite Global today for a confidential assessment of your situation and a clear action plan to sponsor your spouse, children and parents.
Quick Checklist: How to Take Family Visa in UAE
Use this as a one-page reminder before you start:
Check your salary and accommodation meet current thresholds.
Ensure your residence visa and Emirates ID are valid.
Attest and translate marriage and birth certificates.
Prepare passport copies, photos, tenancy contract and salary documents.
Apply for entry permits (or status change if family is already in UAE).
Book and complete medical fitness tests (18+).
Submit Emirates ID applications and biometrics.
Finalise residence visa stamping/e-visa through GDRFA or ICP.
Arrange health insurance and keep track of expiry dates for timely renewals.
FAQ: UAE Family Visa 2025
1. What is family visa in UAE?
A UAE family visa is a residence permit for close relatives (spouse, children, parents and sometimes stepchildren) of a resident sponsor, allowing them to live legally in the UAE, access healthcare, education and services, and stay for the duration of the visa (usually two or three years).
2. What is the minimum salary for family visa in UAE?
Most residents need a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation, to sponsor a spouse and children. Higher thresholds typically apply for female sponsors and for sponsoring parents (often AED 15,000–20,000+).
3. How much does a UAE family visa cost?
For Dubai, recent 2025 estimates show around AED 2,500–3,500 in core visa fees per dependent, plus AED 500–700 for medical tests, ~AED 370 for Emirates ID (two-year validity), potential status change fees (~AED 750) and health insurance from around AED 800+ per person per year, depending on coverage.
4. How to apply wife or husband visa in UAE?
To sponsor your spouse:
Confirm you meet salary and housing criteria.
Attest and translate your marriage certificate.
Apply for an entry permit via GDRFA/ICP or status change if they are already in the UAE.
Complete medical, Emirates ID and residence visa stamping within the 60-day window.
5. Can you work on spouse or dependent visa in UAE?
Yes – a spouse or adult child on a dependent visa can work only after their employer obtains a work permit from MOHRE or the free zone authority. They then work under their existing family visa; they cannot work legally without this permit.
6. How to cancel family visa in UAE?
The sponsor must submit a cancellation application through GDRFA/ICP or an Amer Centre, provide the dependent’s passport and Emirates ID, pay the relevant fee and receive confirmation of cancellation. Dependents usually have a 60-day grace period after cancellation or expiry to exit or obtain a new residence visa.
