Overview: Family Visa Types in Dubai and the UAE
The UAE offers two primary visa categories for family members of residents:
1. Family Residence Visa — for dependants of UAE residents (spouses, children, parents). Renewable, allows the holder to live in the UAE long-term.
2. Family Visit Visa — for relatives visiting on a short-term basis (30–90 days). Not a path to residency.
Understanding which visa applies to your situation is the first step in calculating your total family visa cost in Dubai.
Detailed Breakdown: Family Visa Cost in Dubai
Costs are set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and may be adjusted periodically. The figures below reflect 2026 fee schedules.
Family Residence Visa Fees
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) |
|—|—|
| Entry permit (e-visa) | 530 |
| Status change (if inside UAE) | 530 |
| Medical fitness test | 320 – 400 |
| Emirates ID (2-year) | 370 |
| Emirates ID (3-year) | 470 |
| Visa stamping | 610 |
| Medical insurance (mandatory, minimum) | 650 – 2,500+ per year |
Total per family member (estimate): AED 2,500 – 5,000+
For a family of four (spouse + 3 children), expect AED 10,000 – 20,000 in first-year costs before insurance.
Dubai Family Visa Fees: Visit Visa
| Visa Type | Cost (AED) |
|—|—|
| 30-day single entry | 300 – 500 |
| 60-day single entry | 500 – 700 |
| 90-day single entry | 800 – 1,200 |
| 30-day multiple entry | 800 – 1,000 |
Visit visas cannot be converted to residence visas from inside the UAE (with limited exceptions).
Factors That Influence Family Visa Cost in Dubai
Sponsor’s Salary Requirement
To sponsor a family residence visa in Dubai, the sponsor (UAE resident employee) must meet minimum salary thresholds:
- Spouse only: minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + furnished accommodation)
- Spouse + children: minimum AED 4,000 – 10,000 depending on number of dependants and employer category
- Parents: higher thresholds apply; parents are harder to sponsor
- Adult (18–40): AED 650–1,200/year
- Adult (40–60): AED 1,200–2,500/year
- Child: AED 550–900/year
- Marriage certificate attestation (MOFA + UAE embassy in home country): AED 500–1,500
- Birth certificate attestation: AED 300–800 per child
- Translation fees (Arabic): AED 150–300 per document
- Typing and PRO service fees: AED 300–500 per application
If the salary threshold is not met, the visa application will be rejected regardless of other factors.
Medical Insurance (Mandatory in Dubai)
Dubai mandates health insurance for all residents, including visa dependants. The sponsor is responsible for providing coverage. Minimum basic plan costs:
Premium plans with private hospital access cost AED 5,000–15,000+ per person annually.
Additional Documentation Fees
Family Visa Cost in Dubai vs. Visit Visa for Family
| | Residence Visa | Visit Visa |
|—|—|—|
| Duration | 2–3 years (renewable) | 30–90 days |
| Renewability | Yes, annual or biennial | No (new visa needed each trip) |
| Work rights | No (separate work permit needed) | No |
| Emirates ID | Required | Not issued |
| Insurance | Mandatory | Recommended |
| Cost per person | AED 2,500–5,000 | AED 300–1,200 |
For family members who visit frequently, a residence visa is more cost-effective long-term despite the higher upfront cost.
Tips to Reduce Family Visa Costs
Efficient Document Preparation
Gather all required documents — passport, marriage certificate, birth certificates — with correct attestations before starting the application. Missing or incorrect documents cause rejections that cost additional fees to refile.
Choosing the Right Visa Type
For parents who visit occasionally (1–2 times per year), a visit visa is more economical. For a spouse who will live in Dubai permanently, invest in the residence visa — the annual cost per year is lower than three visit visas.
Use a Typing Center
Al Qalam Typing handles the entire process — typing applications, medical test bookings, Emirates ID submissions, and GDRFA filings. This eliminates travel to multiple government offices and reduces costly errors.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the family visa cost in Dubai for first-time applicants?
For a spouse + 2 children, expect AED 8,000 – 15,000 total for the first year (visa fees + medical + Emirates ID + insurance). This decreases on renewal as entry permit and status change fees don’t apply.
Are there hidden charges in the family visa application process?
The most overlooked costs are: mandatory medical insurance (often not quoted upfront), document attestation (especially for overseas certificates), and PRO/typing service fees. Always request an all-inclusive quote.
How can visa costs vary based on family size?
Each additional dependent adds AED 2,500–5,000 to the total. Larger families benefit from annual family insurance plans offered by providers like Daman, AXA, and MetLife, which bundle coverage at lower per-person rates.
Apply for Family Residence Visa with Al Qalam Typing
Al Qalam Typing in Sharjah provides complete family visa services — from document attestation and medical test bookings to GDRFA filing and Emirates ID renewal. We serve clients across Sharjah, Dubai, and the Northern Emirates.
Contact us today for a free consultation and personalised cost estimate for your family visa application.
