Learn UAE Family Visa Benefits, Eligibility and How to Apply?

The UAE family visa allows expatriates like you living in the uae. To sponsor your spouse, children and other dependents to join you in the country. Incase ,you are relocating for work or already a resident having a UAE residence visa for family. It is very important for ensuring that your loved ones can live with you legally. 

In this blog, we will provide all related information about how to apply for a UAE visa for family and what is the eligibility criteria.

What is a UAE Family Visa?

A UAE Family Visa is a residency permit that allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members. With this visa, you can bring your:

• Spouse
• Children (generally below 18 years, with exceptions for unmarried daughters and students)
• Parents (if you meet salary & accommodation criteria)

This visa is often referred to as a Dependent Visa UAE, as dependents are legally tied to the sponsor’s residency visa.

Benefits of a UAE Family Visa

• Legally reside with your family in the UAE.
• Access to healthcare, schools, and other facilities.
• Sponsorship available for domestic workers such as drivers/nannies.
• Dependents can also apply for Emirates ID and other services.

UAE Family Visa Requirements (2026 Update)

General Requirements:

• Valid UAE residence permit of sponsor.
• Minimum salary requirement (as mentioned above).
• Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate, etc.).
• Accommodation contract in sponsor’s name.

Mandatory Documents:

• Passport copies (valid for at least 6 months).
• Passport-sized photographs (white background).
• Medical clearance certificate from approved UAE health centers.
• Marriage certificate (attested).
• Birth certificate(s) for children.
• Employment contract or salary slip.
• Latest utility bill (proof of residence).
• Emirates ID of sponsor.

Medical Test Requirements

All dependents above 18 years must undergo a medical fitness test at government-approved centers. They will be tested for HIV, Tuberculosis, and other communicable diseases. If found unfit, the visa will be rejected.

Validity & Duration of UAE Family Visa

• Normally valid for 2 to 3 years.
  
• For parents, often granted 1-year validity, renewable annually.
  
• Linked to the sponsor’s residence visa validity.

Eligibility for UAE family visa

To be eligible for a family sponsorship visa you need to meet some criteria.

1. Employment criteria: You must be working in the UAE in the public or private sector. As a business owner or an investor it is very important for you to hold a UAE residence visa.
   
2. Minimum salary requirement: You must be earning AED 4000 per month or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation.
3. Eligible family members for sponsorship: For your spouse you need to provide an attested marriage certification. For your kids Sons under 18 or up to 25 years of studying and daughters can be sponsored if unmarried. For your parents you need to provide a security deposit and proof of financial ability to support them.

As a professional you can also sponsor your housemaid or nanny example if you’re a doctor or an engineer.

Step by step guide to apply for a UAE family visa

1. Get entry permit: Before applying for the residence visa for family you need to firstly obtain an entry permit from the general directorate of residence and foreign affairs. The processing time is around one to five days.
   
2. Medical fitness tests: All adult family members around 18 must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved UAE medical centre. Blood test and chest X-ray is mandatory. Medical fitness certificate is compulsory for visa approval.
   
3. Emirates ID application: You must apply for Emirates ID at ICP centres online through the UAE box app.
   
4. Health insurance: Health insurance is mandatory for all residents. You need to purchase a UAE compliant health insurance plan for your dependence.
   
5. UAE family visa stamping: Once the medical test and Emirates ID application is complete you must submit all the documents to the ICP for final visa stamping.

UAE family visa processing time

The UAE family visa processing time varies depending on the type of visa that Vox sponsored or self sponsored. It also depends on the approval speed of documentation verification. Government approvals play a crucial role.  The approval time is around 10 to 15 days.

Common reasons for UAE family visa rejections

Missing paperwork can lead to delays at times. If your sponsor doesn’t meet the salary requirement the application can be denied. Marriage and birth certificates you need to be attested. If you fail the medical fitness test result then it can lead to visa rejection. If you overstay a previous UAE visit visa the application can lead to denial.

UAE family visa cost

The family visa cost depends on the type of visa and the duration. The entry permit is around 500 to 1000 AED. For medical tests you need to pay 300 to 700 AED. Emirates ID costs around 170 to 370 AED. Lastly, for visa stamping you need to pay 500 to 800 AED.

Renewal and Canceling a UAE family visa

• UAE family visa renewal: You need to renew your family visa before expiry to avoid fines. It requires the same documents as the initial applications. The renewal generally costs similar to a new visa application.
  
• UAE family visa cancellation: If you need to cancel your family visa you need to submit a visa cancellation request. It is very important for you to provide a passport and Emirates ID. The cancellation fees is around AED 100 to 300

Conclusion

If you are applying for the UAE family visa make sure all your documents are legalized . Any misinformation will affect the visa application . One need perfect planning with supporting documents to ensure smooth visa processing. Follow the above guide and make sure hassle free application process.