How to Apply Family Visa in UAE
Living and working in the UAE becomes truly meaningful when your family is with you. Learn How to Apply Family Visa in UAE The UAE government allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members under a structured legal framework. However, many residents are still unclear about how to apply family visa in UAE, the eligibility rules, documentation, costs, and latest regulations.
This detailed guide explains how to apply family visa in UAE in a clear, professional, and practical manner, covering every stage of the process from eligibility to visa stamping.
What Is a Family Visa in UAE?
A family visa in the UAE is a residence visa that allows expatriate residents to sponsor their immediate family members to live with them legally in the country. Understanding how to apply family visa in UAE is essential for anyone planning long-term residence, stability, and family life in the Emirates.
Family visas are typically issued for the same duration as the sponsor’s residence visa and can be renewed as long as eligibility conditions continue to be met.
Who Is Eligible to Apply for Family Visa in UAE?
To understand how to apply family visa in UAE, eligibility is the first and most important step.
You can sponsor your family if:
-
You hold a valid UAE residence visa
-
You have a minimum monthly salary that meets UAE requirements
-
You have a legal accommodation registered in your name
-
You work in an approved profession or run a registered business in the UAE
You can sponsor:
-
Your spouse
-
Your children
-
Your parents (under special conditions)
Minimum Salary Requirement for Family Visa in UAE
One of the most common questions related to how to apply family visa in UAE is salary eligibility.
The standard minimum salary requirement is:
-
AED 4,000 per month, or
-
AED 3,000 per month plus employer-provided accommodation
For sponsoring parents, higher income and additional deposits may be required.
Salary requirements can slightly vary based on emirate, profession, and immigration authority updates.
Documents Required to Apply Family Visa in UAE
Proper documentation plays a critical role in how to apply family visa in UAE. Missing or incorrectly attested documents can cause delays or rejection.
Documents Required for Sponsor:
-
Passport copy
-
UAE residence visa copy
-
Emirates ID
-
Salary certificate or labour contract
-
Tenancy contract (Ejari)
-
Recent passport-size photograph
Documents Required for Family Members:
-
Passport copy
-
Passport-size photographs
-
Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
-
Attested birth certificate (for children)
-
Medical insurance (mandatory)
All foreign documents must be attested by the home country and UAE authorities.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Apply Family Visa in UAE
Below is the complete procedure explaining how to apply family visa in UAE from start to finish.
Step 1: Apply for Entry Permit
The first step in how to apply family visa in UAE is applying for an entry permit. This allows your family member to legally enter the UAE or change their status if already inside the country.
Entry permits can be applied through:
-
ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security)
-
GDRFA (for Dubai)
Step 2: Family Member Enters the UAE
Once the entry permit is approved, your family member can:
-
Enter the UAE from abroad, or
-
Change visa status from visit visa to residence visa (inside UAE)
Timing is crucial, as entry permits have a validity period.
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Medical fitness testing is mandatory for adult family members. This step is a legal requirement in how to apply family visa in UAE.
The test usually includes:
-
Blood test
-
Chest X-ray
Children below a certain age are exempt from medical tests.
Step 4: Apply for Emirates ID
After the medical test, you must apply for an Emirates ID for your family member. Emirates ID is essential for:
-
Banking
-
School admissions
-
Healthcare
-
Residency proof
This step is compulsory when learning how to apply family visa in UAE.
Step 5: Visa Stamping on Passport
The final step in how to apply family visa in UAE is residence visa stamping. Once approved, the family member’s passport will be stamped with a UAE residence visa.
This completes the family visa process.
Validity and Renewal of Family Visa in UAE
Family visas are usually issued for:
-
1 year
-
2 years
-
3 years
The validity depends on the sponsor’s visa type. Renewal must be completed before expiry to avoid fines and legal complications.
Understanding renewal timelines is a vital part of how to apply family visa in UAE for long-term residency.
Cost of Applying Family Visa in UAE
The total cost of a family visa varies depending on emirate, visa duration, and services used.
Typical costs include:
-
Entry permit fee
-
Medical fitness test fee
-
Emirates ID fee
-
Visa stamping fee
Using professional assistance can help control costs and avoid repeated applications when dealing with how to apply family visa in UAE.
Sponsoring Parents on a Family Visa in UAE
Sponsoring parents requires additional conditions:
-
Higher minimum salary
-
Proof of being the sole caretaker
-
Refundable deposit
This process involves more documentation and approvals compared to sponsoring spouse or children.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying Family Visa in UAE
When learning how to apply family visa in UAE, avoid these common mistakes:
-
Submitting unattested certificates
-
Missing salary eligibility
-
Incorrect tenancy contract details
-
Delaying medical tests or Emirates ID
-
Overstaying entry permit validity
Avoiding these errors significantly increases approval success.
Why Professional Assistance Helps in Family Visa Applications
The process of how to apply family visa in UAE involves multiple authorities, document attestation, and strict timelines. Professional consultants help by:
-
Reviewing documents for compliance
-
Handling online portals
-
Reducing rejection risks
-
Saving time and effort