Living and working in Dubai is a dream for many. But it’s even more rewarding when your loved ones are by your side. If you’re planning on sponsoring a family in the UAE, you’ll need to understand the legal steps, costs, and requirements involved in applying for a dependent visa in Dubai.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know—from who you can sponsor, to the exact process, required documents, fees, and renewals.
Understanding the Dependent Visa in Dubai
A dependent visa in Dubai allows residents to bring their immediate family members to live with them in the UAE. This includes spouses, children, and in some cases, parents.
Who Is Considered a Dependent?
- Husband or wife
- Children under 25 years of age (for male children)
- Unmarried daughters of any age
- Parents (with special conditions)
- Stepchildren (with a No Objection Certificate from the biological parent)
The UAE family residence visa ensures your family enjoys similar rights as you, including access to healthcare, schooling, and legal residency.
UAE Family Visa Requirements: What You Need to Sponsor Dependents
Before you start, make sure you meet the UAE family visa requirements to avoid delays.
Eligibility for Sponsors
- Must hold a valid UAE residence visa
- Should have completed Emirates ID and medical tests
- Must meet the minimum salary for family visa in UAE
- Must have suitable accommodation (Ejari registered)
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
Both male and female residents can sponsor family if they meet salary and job category requirements. However, some Free Zones may have additional rules for female sponsors.
Minimum Salary for Family Visa in UAE
The minimum salary for family visa in UAE is a critical factor when applying for dependent sponsorship.
Salary Requirements
- AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with accommodation) for sponsoring wife and children
- AED 20,000 or higher to sponsor parents
- Some Free Zones may require a higher minimum depending on the family size
Salary proof must be shown through your labor contract, salary certificate, or bank statements.
Dubai Dependent Visa Process: Step-by-Step Overview
Let’s walk through the Dubai dependent visa process from start to finish. This process generally takes between 1–3 weeks.
Step 1 – Apply for Entry Permit
The first step is to apply for a family entry permit. This allows your family to enter the UAE legally before the residence visa is issued.
Step 2 – Get Medical Fitness Test (For Adults Only)
All dependents over the age of 18 must take and pass a medical test at an approved government clinic.
Step 3 – Emirates ID and Insurance
Submit biometrics for the Emirates ID application and arrange basic health insurance for each dependent.
Step 4 – Apply for Residency Visa
Once the medical and ID steps are complete, submit the residency visa application to immigration authorities.
Step 5 – Visa Stamping
The final step is getting the visa stamped on the passport, confirming legal residency in Dubai.
Documents Required for UAE Family Visa
To complete the process, you’ll need to submit a specific set of documents. These must be valid and, in some cases, translated into Arabic.
Required Documents
- Passport copies of all dependents
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copy
- Residency visa of the sponsor
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Birth certificates for children (attested)
- Salary certificate or labor contract
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Passport-size photos (white background)
- Health insurance proof
- Medical test reports (for adults)
These documents required for UAE family visa are essential at every stage of the visa process.
Family Visa Cost in Dubai: What to Expect
There’s a range of government fees and additional service charges involved. Here’s a rough breakdown of the family visa cost in Dubai:
Approximate Fees (Per Person)
- Entry permit: AED 500 – 1,000
- Medical test: AED 320 – 700
- Emirates ID: AED 270 – 370 (for 2 years)
- Visa stamping: AED 500 – 1,200
- Insurance: AED 500 – 2,000 (varies by provider)
- Typing & other service fees: AED 200 – 500
Costs can change based on the number of dependents and the visa duration.
How to Sponsor Spouse in UAE: Marriage and More
Wondering how to sponsor spouse in UAE? Here’s what you need to know.
Conditions for Sponsoring Your Spouse
- You must be legally married (with attested marriage certificate)
- You must meet the salary threshold
- Your visa should be valid for at least 3 months
- Your job should be of a recognized professional category
Once the process is approved, your spouse will be eligible for all resident benefits.
UAE Family Residence Visa – Validity and Renewal
A UAE family residence visa is typically valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on your visa type and your employer.
Validity Periods
- Private sector employees: usually 1–2 years
- Government or Free Zone employees: 3 years
- Investor or business owners: Up to 3 years
This visa allows dependents to stay, study, and work (in some cases) in the UAE legally.
Renewal of Family Visa in UAE
The renewal of family visa in UAE must be completed before the visa expiry to avoid fines.
Renewal Process
- Re-do medical tests (for adults)
- Renew Emirates ID and insurance
- Submit tenancy contract and salary documents again
- Pay applicable renewal fees
- Get visa stamped again
You usually get a grace period of 30 days after expiry, but it’s best to renew early to avoid penalties.
Bringing Parents and Stepchildren: What You Need to Know
Sponsoring parents or stepchildren comes with its own set of requirements.
Sponsoring Parents
- Higher salary requirement (usually AED 20,000/month)
- Proof of sole responsibility
- Provide two-bedroom apartment contract
- Yearly renewable visa only
Sponsoring Stepchildren
- Written consent (No Objection Certificate) from the biological parent
- Valid reason for sponsorship
- Required attestation of documents
Special cases are reviewed by immigration and may need additional clearance.
Important Tips for a Smooth Visa Application
Avoid delays and rejections with these simple tips:
Pro Tips
- Double-check your documents before submission
- Use an authorized typing center
- Start the process early, especially during renewal
- Ensure Ejari is under your name
- Consider hiring a PRO or consultant for multiple applications
The sponsoring family in the UAE process is easier when handled with planning and support.
Conclusion
Living apart from your family isn’t easy. But thanks to Dubai’s resident-friendly visa system, you don’t have to. The dependent visa in Dubai allows you to build your life together with your loved ones.
Whether you’re a first-time expat or someone changing your job or visa status, knowing the UAE family visa requirements and following the correct Dubai dependent visa process ensures that your family stays secure, legal, and supported.
Need help navigating the rules? Let a BUSINESS SETUP COMPANY IN DUBAI, UAE guide you. They’ll handle paperwork, approvals, and updates—so you can focus on your family.
FAQs
What is the salary requirement for sponsoring a wife and kids?
You must earn at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with company accommodation.
Can a woman sponsor her husband and children?
Yes, under certain conditions like salary threshold and job category.
Can I sponsor my parents in Dubai?
Yes, but your salary must be AED 20,000+, and other conditions apply.
Is a medical test required for children?
No. Only dependents over 18 years need to pass the medical test.
Can I renew a family visa without new documents?
No. Renewal requires new medical tests, ID, insurance, and updated tenancy proof.
What happens if my dependent visa expires?
There’s a 30-day grace period. After that, overstay fines apply.
Can dependents work in the UAE?
Only if they transfer to a work visa. They cannot work on a dependent visa.
Can I cancel my dependent’s visa anytime?
Yes, through an immigration or typing center, with required documents.
How long does it take to get a dependent visa?
Usually between 7–15 working days depending on approvals and documents.
Do I need insurance for each dependent?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for all dependents in Dubai.
