Family Visa Requirements in UAE (2025 Guide for Expats & Residents)
The UAE remains one of the most attractive destinations for expats, and many residents plan to bring their spouse, children, or parents to live with them. To make the process easier, the government has simplified the UAE family visa requirements, making it possible for residents to sponsor their families without complication—provided they meet the official guidelines.
This guide explains who can apply, required documents, salary criteria, medical tests, Emirates ID steps, residency stamping, and more.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in UAE?
Any UAE resident—whether employed, self-employed, or running a business—can sponsor their family members if they meet the minimum salary requirement and have valid residency.
Eligible sponsors include:
- UAE employees (private sector or government)
- Business owners with valid trade license
- Investors or partners
- Freelancers with a UAE freelance visa
Family Members You Can Sponsor
1. Spouse (Husband/Wife)
A resident can sponsor one spouse, and in special conditions, two wives (if approved under Sharia guidelines).
2. Children
You can sponsor:
- Sons up to 18 years
- Sons up to 25 years if they are studying
- Daughters (unmarried) with no age limit
- Newborn babies born in UAE or abroad
3. Parents
Residents can sponsor their parents by meeting a higher salary requirement and getting special approval.
UAE Family Visa Salary Requirements (2025)
The UAE has removed the profession rule—now only salary requirement matters.
Minimum salary to sponsor family members:
- AED 4,000 monthly
- OR AED 3,000 + accommodation provided by employer
For sponsoring parents:
- Minimum AED 10,000–12,000 monthly (varies by emirate)
These conditions apply to all nationalities.
Required Documents for UAE Family Visa
To avoid delays, prepare all documents in advance. You will need:
For Spouse Visa:
- Passport copies (sponsor + spouse)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Sponsor’s valid residency visa
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Salary certificate or labor contract
- Tenancy contract / Ejari
- Recent photographs (passport size)
- Latest 3-month bank statements
For Child Visa:
- Birth certificate (attested)
- Passport copy
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID & visa
- Photographs
- Vaccination card (for some emirates)
- Proof of schooling (for older children)
For Parents Visa:
- Attested birth certificate of sponsor
- Proof of dependency
- Medical insurance
- Higher salary documentation
Steps to Apply for UAE Family Visa (Full Process)
Step 1: Entry Permit Issuance
Apply online through:
- ICP UAE website
- UAE PASS app
- Tasheel / Typing Center
- Amer Center (Dubai)
Processing time: 24–72 hours.
Step 2: Medical Fitness Test
All adults (18+) must pass:
- Blood test
- Chest X-ray
Tests check for:
- Tuberculosis
- HIV
- Hepatitis B
Step 3: Biometrics for Emirates ID
Visit an ICP service center for fingerprint scanning.
Step 4: Health Insurance
Medical insurance is mandatory for all Emirates.
Step 5: Residency Visa Stamping
Residency is stamped digitally on the passport (no physical sticker) and linked to Emirates ID.
Visa duration options:
- 1 year
- 2 years
- 3 or 5 years (for Golden Visa holders sponsoring family)
Cost of UAE Family Visa (Approximate)
Costs vary by emirate, but estimated charges include:
- Entry permit: AED 200–400
- Medical test: AED 300–350
- Emirates ID: AED 200–300
- Visa stamping / residency fees: AED 500–900
- Typing center fee: AED 100–150
For parents’ visa, additional charges may apply.
Reasons UAE Family Visa Gets Rejected
Common causes include:
- Incorrect documents
- Low salary requirement
- Unattested certificates
- Incomplete tenancy / Ejari
- Medical test failure
- Typing errors in the application
Tips to Get Your Family Visa Approved Faster
✔ Keep all certificates attested (Home Country + UAE Embassy + MOFA UAE)
✔ Maintain valid tenancy contract
✔ Ensure your salary certificate matches bank statements
✔ Use UAE PASS for faster digital processing
✔ Apply early—avoid last-minute renewals
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. Can women sponsor their families in UAE?
Yes, women can sponsor husband and children if they meet the salary requirement.
Q2. How long does the UAE family visa take?
Total processing time is 3–10 days, depending on emirate.
Q3. What if the sponsor changes jobs?
You must update your residency information and salary documents before renewal.
Conclusion
Getting a UAE family visa is now easier than ever, thanks to simplified salary-based rules and digital procedures. As long as you meet the income criteria and provide correct documents, your family can legally reside in the UAE with full access to schooling, healthcare, and all government services.
