Family Visa UAE: Complete Guide to Sponsoring Your Family
Al Qalam Typing Center in Sharjah handles the complete family visa application process in the UAE — from document preparation and typing to submission through GDRFA. Whether you are sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents, our team processes your application correctly and efficiently so your family can join you in the UAE without unnecessary delays.
What Is a Family Visa in the UAE?
A UAE family visa (also called a family residence visa or dependent visa) allows UAE residents to sponsor eligible family members to live with them in the country. The resident sponsor must meet minimum salary requirements set by the UAE government, hold a valid residence visa, and provide suitable accommodation.
Family visas are issued under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and are tied to the sponsor’s residence status. When the sponsor’s visa is renewed or cancelled, the dependents’ visas must be updated accordingly.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in the UAE?
To sponsor a family visa, you must:
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa
- Meet the minimum salary requirement (varies by emirate and relationship — typically AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation for spouse sponsorship)
- Have a signed tenancy contract (Ejari registered) for accommodation in the UAE
- Hold a valid Emirates ID
Note: Salary thresholds are set by the issuing emirate. Sharjah GDRFA requirements may differ slightly from Dubai GDRFA. Our team will confirm the exact threshold for your situation when you visit.
Types of Family Visas in the UAE
Spouse Visa (Husband or Wife)
The most common family visa type. Both husbands and wives can sponsor their spouses. The marriage certificate must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). A husband can sponsor his wife if he meets the minimum salary threshold. A wife can sponsor her husband in certain professional categories.
Children’s Visa
Children under 18 can be sponsored on a family visa. Sons aged 18–21 who are full-time students may also be sponsored with proof of enrollment. Daughters of any age who are unmarried can be sponsored regardless of age in most cases. Birth certificates must be MOFA-attested.
Parents’ Visa
Parents can be sponsored on a family visa if the sponsor earns above the required threshold (typically AED 20,000+ per month for parents, though this varies). Parents’ visas are typically valid for one year and require annual renewal. A letter of support and financial proof is required.
Documents Required for Family Visa UAE
Sponsor Documents
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Emirates ID copy (both sides)
- Valid UAE residence visa copy
- Salary certificate or employment contract (showing monthly income)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari-registered) or property title deed
- 3–6 months bank statement (for parents or if salary certificate is unavailable)
Dependent Documents
- Passport copy (all pages, valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photo (white background, recent)
- Relationship proof (MOFA-attested marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other relevant document)
- Medical fitness certificate (required for dependents above a certain age — our team will advise)
Important: All foreign documents (marriage certificates, birth certificates) must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) before submission. Al Qalam handles MOFA attestation as part of the family visa package.
Step-by-Step Family Visa Application Process
- Document preparation — Gather all sponsor and dependent documents. Have foreign documents MOFA-attested.
- Visit Al Qalam — Bring all originals and copies. Our team checks completeness on the spot.
- Application typing and submission — We type and submit the application to GDRFA electronically.
- Entry permit issued — GDRFA issues an entry permit (if the dependent is outside the UAE) within 2–5 working days.
- Dependent arrives and completes medical — Medical fitness test required within UAE after arrival.
- Residence visa stamping — After medical clearance, Emirates ID biometrics, and Emirates ID application are done.
- Family visa complete — Residence visa stamped in passport. Valid for 2–3 years depending on sponsor’s visa validity.
Family Visa Fees in the UAE (2026)
Family visa fees vary by visa duration, the number of dependents, and whether the application is new or a renewal. Government fees are set by GDRFA and may change. Al Qalam’s service fee is charged separately for typing, coordination, and follow-up.
Contact us for a complete fee breakdown based on your specific family situation — nationality, number of dependents, and current sponsor visa status all affect the final cost.
Processing Time for Family Visa
- Entry permit: 2–5 working days after submission
- Medical fitness test: 1–2 days after arrival
- Residence visa stamping: 3–7 working days after medical clearance
- Emirates ID delivery: 7–15 working days after biometrics
Urgent processing is available through GDRFA for an additional government fee. Ask our team about fast-track options if your dependent has an urgent travel deadline.
Why Choose Al Qalam for Your Family Visa Application
- Government-approved — Licensed typing center since 2014
- Complete package — We handle typing, MOFA attestation, submission, follow-up, and Emirates ID in one place
- No rejected applications — Document checklist verified before submission
- Open 7 days — 9 AM to 11 PM including Fridays
- Multi-lingual support — English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, Bangla
- Pay with Tabby — Split payments into 4 interest-free instalments
Frequently Asked Questions — Family Visa UAE
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family visa in the UAE?
For Sharjah, the minimum salary to sponsor a wife and children is typically AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 + accommodation provided by the employer. To sponsor parents, a higher income threshold applies. Requirements are set by GDRFA and may be updated — our team will confirm the current threshold at the time of your application.
Does a wife need MOFA attestation for a marriage certificate?
Yes. The marriage certificate must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) before it is accepted by GDRFA. Al Qalam provides MOFA attestation services and can handle this as part of your family visa package.
Can I sponsor my parents on a family visa?
Yes, but the salary and documentation requirements are stricter than for spouse/children sponsorship. Visit our office with your current documents and we will confirm eligibility based on your income and sponsor visa status.
How long is a UAE family visa valid?
Family visas are typically valid for 2–3 years, tied to the sponsor’s residence visa expiry. When the sponsor’s visa is renewed, the dependent’s visa must also be renewed. Al Qalam sends renewal reminders to clients and handles renewals efficiently.
Can my dependent work in the UAE on a family visa?
A family visa does not grant work rights. The dependent must obtain a separate work permit from an employer or apply for a freelance visa to work legally in the UAE. We can assist with this transition when needed.
Related Services
- Document Attestation UAE — MOFA attestation for marriage and birth certificates
- Emirates ID Renewal — Required for all residents after visa stamping
- Residence Visa Sharjah — Employment and investor visa services
- Visit Visa Sharjah — For guests visiting before a family visa is ready
Start your family visa application today: Call 06 520 0939 or WhatsApp 055 608 8726. Walk-ins welcome 7 days a week, 9 AM – 11 PM.