Family Visa Uae

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Why the Family Visa in UAE Matters More Than Ever

Relocating to the UAE isn’t just about business — it’s about building a life. And for many, that starts with securing a family visa UAE. Whether you're moving with a spouse, children, or supporting parents, a valid family sponsorship visa allows your dependents to legally reside in the country with you.

Beyond just peace of mind, holding a family visa means your loved ones can access healthcare, education, and essential government services. It’s also a key step toward establishing long-term stability in Dubai or elsewhere in the UAE.

If you're already holding a freelance visa, investor visa, or a license through mainland or free zone setup, you’ll likely be eligible to sponsor family members. But there are nuances — and getting it wrong can lead to delays or rejections.

We help you navigate every step, ensuring the process is smooth, compliant, and stress-free.

Who Can You Sponsor on a Family Visa?

The UAE family visa system is generous — but not without boundaries. As a resident, you can sponsor:

  • Spouse
  • Children (usually up to 18, or 21 if studying)
  • Parents (with additional criteria)
  • Stepchildren (subject to extra documentation)

The eligibility depends on your monthly income, housing situation, and visa type. For example, if you’re on an employment visa, your salary must meet the minimum threshold (often AED 4,000–5,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation).

Those on a freelance or investor visa may be assessed slightly differently, often needing to show lease agreements, medical insurance, and stable income.

There are also gender-based rules: men can sponsor spouses and children more easily; women may need special approval depending on profession and income level. We’ll advise based on your specific profile — and ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Family Visa UAE Requirements: What You’ll Need

The family visa UAE requirements are largely consistent, but the details matter. You’ll typically need:

  • Valid UAE residency visa for the sponsor
  • Proof of relationship (marriage or birth certificates, attested)
  • Salary certificate or company license
  • Emirates ID and tenancy contract (Ejari)
  • Latest utility bill
  • Passport copies of all applicants
  • Recent photos (white background)
  • Health insurance (mandatory in most Emirates)

Depending on whether you’re in Dubai or another emirate, additional documents may be requested — especially for sponsoring parents or adult dependents. The list also varies slightly for Dubai employment visa holders compared to investors or freelancers.

We handle the full document check before anything is submitted — and help with translations, attestations, and application forms so there are no last-minute hiccups.

What’s the Cost of a Family Visa in Dubai?

Let’s talk numbers. The family visa cost in Dubai depends on several variables:

  • Visa duration (1, 2, or 3 years)
  • Number of dependents
  • Medical and Emirates ID fees
  • Typing and file processing costs
  • Insurance (mandatory for each applicant)

For a 2-year family visa, you’re typically looking at AED 3,000–5,000 per person, all in. This includes government charges, application fees, and basic insurance.

That said, the 2 years family visa price in Dubai can vary — and that’s where things get tricky. Choosing a reputable typing centre or working with a trusted PRO partner ensures you don’t overpay or get hit with hidden costs.

We offer full transparency upfront. If you’re bundling a visa setup with a business license or a freelance structure, we’ll also negotiate preferred rates on your behalf.

Dubai Family Visa Requirements for Spouses and Children

To sponsor your spouse and children in Dubai, the key factors are income, housing, and legal proof of relationship.

For the Dubai family visa requirements, here’s what typically applies:

  • AED 4,000–AED 5,000 minimum salary
  • Ejari tenancy contract (under your name)
  • Legalised marriage certificate (attested in UAE)
  • Passports and photos of spouse and children
  • Completed application through DubaiNow or a service centre
  • Valid Emirates ID for the sponsor

Children under 18 are typically straightforward. Sons over 18 must be students to remain eligible, and daughters are usually covered until marriage. Stepchildren can be included with a No Objection Certificate from the biological parent.

Working with a PRO service helps here — they’ll handle all the paperwork and chase up DED or immigration if anything gets stuck.

How to Renew Your Family Visa — Without Stress

The family visa doesn’t renew itself — and you’ll want to avoid overstays at all costs. We usually remind clients three months before expiry.

The Dubai trade license renewal process often runs in parallel if your visa is linked to a company. Make sure both are aligned to avoid issues with Emirates ID or immigration clearance.

Here’s what we handle during renewals:

  • Emirates ID re-issuance
  • Medical test booking and follow-up
  • Renewal of tenancy or utility bills
  • Insurance policy renewal
  • Submission to GDRFA or relevant authority

The process is smoothest when you're still holding valid residence. If your visa lapses, fines apply, and you may need to exit and re-enter.

Need help syncing your license renewal and family visas? We’ve got your back.

Can You Apply for a Family Visa Online?

Yes — partially. You can now begin the application for your Dubai family visa online via the ICA portal, GDRFA site, or smart government apps like DubaiNow.

But some steps (like medical exams and Emirates ID biometrics) must still be done in person. You'll also need to physically submit your passport for stamping once the visa is approved.

We typically combine the online and in-person elements. Our government liaison team books your appointments, collects your documents, and updates you at each stage — so you don’t waste time in queues.

Final Thoughts: A Smoother Path to Living Together in the UAE

The family visa UAE process can feel like a maze — but when handled right, it becomes a smooth and even empowering step.

It shows your commitment to building a home here, not just running a business. And with the right structure — be it freelance, investor, or mainland — you can sponsor your loved ones, legally and confidently.

We’ll guide you through every form, fingerprint, and file. You focus on the family. We’ll handle the rest.