The UAE offers Family Visas to residents who wish to bring their families to live with them. Here’s a breakdown of the process, eligibility, required documents, and essential things to know:
Eligibility
Before starting the process, confirm that you meet the requirements to sponsor your family. This includes both employment and financial criteria:
Employed:
- You must be a UAE resident with a valid Residence Visa and Emirates ID.
- Minimum monthly salary: AED 4,000 OR AED 3,000 + company-provided accommodation.
- For female sponsors, requirements are often stricter. A common minimum salary is AED 10,000, and she may be restricted to certain professions (e.g., teacher, doctor, engineer). Approvals are often granted on a case-by-case basis. Sponsoring a husband requires a higher salary and special approval.
- You must have a valid tenancy contract in your name (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi, or municipality-attested in other Emirates).
Self-employed:
- You must be a UAE resident with a valid Residence Visa and Emirates ID.
- You will need to submit your Trade License, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and sometimes a 6-month company bank statement to prove income stability.
- You must have a valid tenancy contract in your name (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi, or municipality-attested in other Emirates).
Note: Eligibility criteria may differ slightly by Emirate. Check the Visa Requirements here for All Emirates.
Documents to Prepare
Employed Sponsor
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original and copy with valid residency visa |
| Emirates ID | Original and copy |
| Passport-size photos | Recent, as per visa photo guidelines |
| Employment contract | Attested copy |
| Salary certificate | Original, stating monthly salary and allowances |
| 3 months’ bank statements | |
| Tenancy contract (Ejari) | Or proof of property ownership |
| Latest DEWA bill | Or equivalent utility bill |
| Passport (for each family member) | Original and copy |
| Passport-size photos (for each family member) | With white background |
| Attested marriage certificate | For spouse |
| Attested birth certificates | For children |
| Medical clearance certificates | For family members above 18 years old |
Self-Employed Sponsor
| Document | Description |
|---|---|
| Passport | Original and copy with valid residency visa |
| Emirates ID | Original and copy |
| Passport-size photos | Recent, as per visa photo guidelines |
| Trade license | Copy of valid trade license |
| Company ownership documents | |
| 6 months’ company bank statements | |
| Tenancy contract (Ejari) | Or proof of property ownership |
| Latest DEWA bill | Or equivalent utility bill |
| Passport (for each family member) | Original and copy |
| Passport-size photos (for each family member) | With white background |
| Attested marriage certificate | For spouse |
| Attested birth certificates | For children |
| Medical clearance certificates | For family members above 18 years old |
Important: All documents not in Arabic must be legally translated into Arabic. Birth and Marriage Certificates must be attested by MoFA in home country, UAE Embassy in home country, and UAE MoFA.
Application Process
Apply for an Entry Permit
The entry permit allows your family members to legally enter the UAE before completing the residence visa process. Submit the application at your nearest registered typing office.
Receive Entry Permit
Once approved, you’ll receive an entry permit for your family members. If your family is already inside the UAE (e.g., on a tourist visa), you will apply for a “Change of Status” instead of an Entry Permit, avoiding the need to exit the country (approx. AED 650 extra cost).
Medical Fitness Test
All family members over the age of 18 must undergo a medical fitness test at approved UAE health centers. This test includes:
- Blood test
- Chest X-ray
Tests ensure the absence of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis. You can choose standard, 48-hour, or 24-hour VIP services for faster results at a higher cost.
Emirates ID Application
Emirates ID is mandatory for every family member. Apply for Emirates ID for all family members at an authorized typing center.
Biometrics Appointment:
Your family members will receive an appointment for biometrics (fingerprinting and photo) at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre.
Apply for Residency
Once the medical test is approved and biometrics and signature are captured at one of the Emirates ID centers, you can proceed with the Residency process at the relevant typing center.
Collect Emirates ID
Emirates ID cards will be delivered to your registered address. You’ll typically receive an SMS or email notification with tracking information. A delivery person may contact you to arrange delivery. Alternatively, you can usually choose to collect the Emirates IDs from a designated typing center.
Important Update (as of 2024): The UAE government has discontinued the practice of stamping residency visas in passports. Instead, the Emirates ID now serves as the sole proof of residency status.
This guide simplifies the process. For specific situations, consult legal advisors or government representatives.
Things to Remember
- Eligibility Criteria: Carefully review the salary and accommodation requirements based on your employment status and gender, as these are critical.
- Document Accuracy: Ensure all documents are accurate, up-to-date, and properly attested and translated as required. Incomplete or incorrect documents are the most common cause of delays.
- Processing Times: While this guide outlines the steps, actual processing times can vary based on the Emirate, volume of applications, and individual circumstances.
- Medical Fitness Test: Mandatory for all family members over 18. Plan for this step as it can influence the overall timeline.
- Entry Permit vs. Change of Status: Understand the difference based on whether your family is entering the UAE or already inside on another visa.
- Emirates ID is Key: The Emirates ID is now the primary document for residency, replacing the visa stamp in the passport.
- Health Insurance: Mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi before the visa can be finalized. Highly recommended in other Emirates.
Important Information
Employment Criteria:
The sponsor must be employed in the UAE and hold a valid residence visa. A minimum salary is required, which may vary. For male sponsors, AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with company accommodation is standard. Female sponsors generally face higher salary requirements (e.g., AED 10,000) and may have profession-specific restrictions.
Self-Employment Criteria:
Self-employed individuals or investors can sponsor family, but must demonstrate financial stability through business documents like a trade license, MOA, and bank statements (often 6 months).
Documents Required:
A comprehensive list includes passports, Emirates IDs, photos, attested marriage/birth certificates, employment/company contracts, salary certificates, bank statements, and tenancy contracts (Ejari/Tawtheeq).
Fees:
Costs include application fees, entry permit fees (or change of status fees), medical test fees, Emirates ID fees, and mandatory health insurance premiums. Costs vary per person and service speed.
Health Tests:
Compulsory for applicants over 18, checking for communicable diseases (HIV, TB). Results are typically available within a few days, with faster options at higher costs.
FAQs
Q: What are the minimum salary requirements to sponsor a family?
A: For male sponsors, it’s typically AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 if company accommodation is provided. For female sponsors, it’s usually higher, around AED 10,000, and may depend on profession and special approvals.
Q: Do I need a tenancy contract for Dubai if I am self-employed?
A: Yes, regardless of your employment status (employed or self-employed), you must have a valid tenancy contract registered under your name. In Dubai, this is your Ejari. In Abu Dhabi, it’s Tawtheeq, and other Emirates require a municipality-attested contract.
Q: What documents are needed for the family visa application?
A: Key documents include sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, employment/company documents, salary certificate, bank statements, tenancy contract, and for family members: their passports, photos, attested marriage certificate (for spouse), attested birth certificates (for children), and medical clearance certificates (for those over 18). All non-Arabic documents must be translated.
Q: How long does the visa processing take?
A: The entire process can take from 5-10 working days, though it varies by Emirate, efficiency of document submission, and any unforeseen delays. The Emirates ID itself typically takes 5-7 working days after residency approval.
Q: What is the cost of the entry permit?
A: The entry permit typically costs around AED 400-500. If your family is already in the UAE and you apply for a “Change of Status” to convert their visit visa to a residence visa, an additional fee of approximately AED 650 applies.
Q: What medical tests are required for family members?
A: Family members over 18 must undergo a medical fitness test at government-approved centers, which includes a blood test (for HIV) and a chest X-ray (for tuberculosis). These tests ensure they are free from communicable diseases.
Disclaimer: This guide provides general information based on current regulations as of mid-2025. Rules, fees, and requirements are subject to change without notice. Always verify with official sources like the GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other Emirates) websites, or consult with an authorized service centre or legal advisor before starting your application.
