How to Apply Family Visa in UAE
Bringing your loved ones to live with you is one of the most rewarding milestones for expats. Whether you recently completed your Business Setup in Dubai or moved to the UAE for a new career opportunity, the Family Visa in UAE allows residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents so families can live together legally and securely.
However, the process, documents, cost, and eligibility requirements can feel overwhelming. This detailed guide explains how to apply family visa in UAE, including requirements, documents, procedures, and family visa UAE price so you can confidently complete the process.
What is a Family Visa in UAE?
A family visa UAE is a residence visa that allows expatriates living in the UAE to sponsor their immediate family members. This includes:
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Spouse
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Children
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Parents (under certain conditions)
Whether you live in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, the process is similar but may have small emirate-specific differences.
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UAE Family Visa Requirements (Eligibility)
Before applying, you must meet the UAE family visa minimum salary and residency criteria.
Sponsor Eligibility
To sponsor family members, you must:
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Hold a valid UAE residence visa
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Have a minimum salary of:
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AED 4,000 OR
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AED 3,000 + accommodation
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This applies across emirates, including Dubai family visa and Abu Dhabi family visa applications.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Under UAE family visa requirements, residents can sponsor:
Spouse
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Legally married husband or wife
Children
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Sons under 25 years
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Unmarried daughters (no age limit)
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Children of determination (special cases)
Parents
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Requires higher income and additional deposit
Family Visa UAE Requirements – Documents Checklist
Many applications get delayed due to missing paperwork. Below is the complete documents required for family visa in UAE.
Sponsor Documents
You must submit:
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Passport copy
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UAE residence visa copy
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Emirates ID copy
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Employment contract or salary certificate
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Tenancy contract (Ejari)
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Latest utility bill
These are standard UAE family visa documents required across Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
Spouse Documents
For family visa for Dubai or Abu Dhabi:
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Passport copy
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Passport-size photos
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Attested marriage certificate
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Medical fitness test (inside UAE)
Children Documents
For documents required for Dubai family visa:
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Passport copy
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Birth certificate (attested)
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Photos
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Emirates ID application
Step-by-Step Family Visa Procedure in UAE
Understanding the Dubai family visa procedure helps avoid delays and rejections.
Step 1 – Entry Permit (If Family Is Outside UAE)
First, apply for an entry permit for your family. This allows them to legally enter the UAE.
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This step typically takes 3–5 working days.
Step 2 – Medical Fitness Test
After arrival, dependents must complete a medical fitness test.
Mandatory for:
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Spouse
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Children above 18
Medical tests check for communicable diseases and are required for UAE family visa approval.
Step 3 – Emirates ID Application
Next, apply for Emirates ID for each family member.
This ID is essential for:
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Banking
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School admissions
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Healthcare
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Government services
Step 4 – Visa Stamping
The final step in how to apply family visa in Dubai is residence visa stamping.
Processing time:
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5–7 working days
Once stamped, your family becomes legal UAE residents.
Family Visa UAE Price – Complete Cost Breakdown
One of the most searched questions is family visa UAE price and family visa UAE cost.
Below is the estimated cost for 2026.
Dubai Family Visa Cost
Approximate expenses per person:
| Service | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit | 500 – 800 |
| Medical Test | 300 – 700 |
| Emirates ID | 370 – 570 |
| Visa Stamping | 500 – 700 |
| Insurance | 800 – 1500 |
Total Family Visa Cost in Dubai:
👉 AED 3,000 – 5,500 per person
This applies to family visa services Dubai and self-applications.
Abu Dhabi Family Visa Cost
For Abu Dhabi family visa:
Total cost per person:
👉 AED 2,800 – 5,000
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Family Visit Visa UAE Price
If your family is visiting temporarily, you need a family visit visa instead of residency.
Dubai Family Tourist Visa Price
Typical costs:
| Visa Type | Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| 30-day visit visa | 350 – 500 |
| 60-day visit visa | 600 – 900 |
| 90-day visit visa | 900 – 1,300 |
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Can You Get Family Visa UAE Without Tenancy Contract?
A trending question is family visa UAE without tenancy contract.
Usually, Ejari tenancy contract is mandatory.
However, exceptions may apply if:
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Employer provides accommodation
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Company issues housing letter
This depends on emirate regulations.
Family Visa Renewal Charges in Dubai
Family visas typically last 2 years.
Renewal Cost
Estimated family visa renewal charges in Dubai:
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Visa renewal: AED 1,200 – 1,800
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Medical test: AED 300 – 700
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Emirates ID renewal: AED 370 – 570
Total renewal: AED 2,000 – 3,000 per person
This covers the family visa renewal process.
How Long Does Family Visa Take?
Typical processing time:
| Stage | Time |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | 3–5 days |
| Medical & ID | 3–4 days |
| Visa stamping | 5–7 days |
Total time: 10–15 working days
Why Use Family Visa Services in Dubai?
Many residents choose family visa services for faster approvals.
Benefits:
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Document verification
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Application tracking
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Faster approvals
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Avoid rejections
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End-to-end support
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UAE vs Saudi Family Visit Visa (Quick Comparison)
People often compare family visit visa Saudi Arabia and UAE.
| Feature | UAE | Saudi Arabia |
|---|---|---|
| Processing speed | Faster | Slower |
| Salary requirement | Lower | Higher |
| Residency conversion | Possible | Limited |
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Final Thoughts
Applying for a Family Visa in UAE is a life-changing step that brings stability and happiness to expat families. While the process involves several steps, understanding the UAE family visa requirements, documents, and family visa UAE price makes the journey smooth and stress-free.
Whether you are applying for a Dubai family visa, Abu Dhabi family visa, or planning a family visit visa UAE, proper preparation ensures quick approval and peace of mind.