What documents are required for a UAE family visa?
To apply for a UAE family visa, you need:

• Sponsor’s passport and valid residence visa copies.
• Attested marriage certificate and birth certificate (legalized by MOFA, translated to Arabic).
• Applicant’s passport (valid >6 months) and passport-size photos.
• Proof of accommodation (Ejari, title deed, or tenancy contract with Baladiya stamp).
• Sponsor’s salary certificate or bank statements (for investors).
• Medical insurance and medical fitness test results for applicants over 18.
• Additional documents like no-objection certificate (NOC) for stepchildren or Emirates ID application.

This guide covers everything you need to know about getting a family visa in UAE, including Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, with a focus on property investor visas.

How To Get a UAE Family Visa in 2025: Your Ultimate Guide

Envision residing in the buzzing UAE with your relatives alongside you. A UAE family residency visa enables this fantasy to be a reality for expatriates living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah. Regardless of whether you possess an employment visa, businessman visa, or even a property investor visa, you can easily sponsor your family to join you. In 2025, the UAE visa policy facilitates family sponsorship in UAE with provisions such as the golden visa and no professional constraints. This guide resolves the issues regarding how to apply for a family visa in UAE by detailing the visa requirements, documents needed, costs, and tips to avoid minor issues. Let’s get started!  

What Is a UAE Family Visa and Why Do You Need It?

A UAE family visa is an immigration permit that enables expats possessing a residence visa to invite their relatives to share their living in the UAE. This is issued as a dependent visa which includes spouses, children, and parents under family sponsorship UAE. This visa is available in short term (1 year) or long term (2-3 years) with golden visa options extending up to 5-10 years for property investors.

Through ICP – Federal Authority of Identity Citizenship Customs & Port Security – GDRFA, family visas are processed through the UAE Government portal or typing centers.  

Who Can Apply for a Family Visa in UAE?

Eligibility for Family Sponsorship UAE

To sponsor a family visa in UAE, you must meet these visa eligibility criteria:

• Valid Residence Visa: Hold an employment visa, businessman visa, property investor visa, or golden visa.
• Salary Threshold:
  • Men: Minimum AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
  • Women: Minimum AED 10,000/month or AED 8,000 plus accommodation (lower for engineers, teachers, or medical professionals).
  • Parents Sponsorship: AED 20,000/month with a 2-bedroom flat.
  • Abu Dhabi: AED 5,000 plus accommodation or AED 6,000.
• Accommodation Proof: Provide an Ejari, tenancy contract, or title deed.
• Financial Capacity: Show bank statements or labor contract to prove you can support your family.

Since 2019, profession restrictions have been lifted, so anyone meeting the salary threshold can sponsor, including those involved in business setup in UAE or company formation in Dubai.

Who Can You Sponsor for a UAE Family Visa?

Sponsoring Your Spouse

You can sponsor your spouse (husband or wife) with an attested marriage certificate. Muslim men can sponsor two wives if they meet ICP terms. Same-sex marriages aren’t recognized, so spouse visa options are limited in those cases.

Sponsoring Children and Stepchildren

• Sons: Up to age 25 (or no limit for sons of determination).
• Daughters: No age limit if unmarried.
• Stepchildren: Requires a no-objection certificate from the biological parent and a deposit (AED 2,500/child).
• Newborns: Must apply within 120 days of birth to avoid fines.

For property investor visa holders, children can get visas matching the sponsor’s duration (e.g., 5 or 10 years) if unmarried.

Sponsoring Parents

Sponsoring parents requires:

• AED 20,000/month salary and a 2-bedroom flat.
• Medical insurance for both parents.
• Proof you’re their sole support.
  Parent visas are valid for 1 year, renewable annually.

Which Family Members Can You Sponsor in the UAE?

Can You Sponsor Your Spouse for a Family Visa?

Of course, alongside an attested marriage certificate, you can sponsor your wife or husband. If conditions are met, Muslim men can sponsor up to two wives. There’s no provision for a same-sex marriage, which confines spouse visa options.  

Can You Sponsor Children or Stepchildren?

• Sons: 25 years old (no cap for sons of determination).  
• Daughters: No limit until married.  
• Stepchildren: Requires a no-objection letter from the biological parent and an AED 2,500 deposit.  
• Newborns: Must apply within the first 120 days post birth to avoid fines.  

Holders of some investor visas, like the property investor visa, see their children get these visas, provided they’re unmarried, for the same length as the sponsor (10 years).  

Is It Possible to Sponsor Parents in the UAE?

Yes, but the criteria are stricter:  

• Salary of AED 20,000/month plus a 2-bedroom flat.  
• Medical insurance for the two parents.  
• Documents proving you are their sole dependents.  

Visa for parents is issued for 1 year and renewable.

What Documents Are Required for a UAE Family Visa?

To apply for a UAE family visa, gather these documents:

• Sponsor’s Documents:
  • Passport and residence visa copies.
  • Emirates ID.
  • Salary certificate (Arabic, from employer) or bank statements (for investors).
  • Labor contract (private sector) or Memorandum of Association (investors).
  • Tenancy contract (with Baladiya stamp), Ejari, or title deed.
  • DEWA bills.
  • IBAN number and file opening number.
• Applicant’s Documents:
  • Passport (valid >6 months).
  • Passport-size photo (white background, per ICP specs).
  • Medical test results (for those over 18).
  • Emirates ID application.
  • Medical insurance.
• Relationship Proof:
  • Marriage certificate (attested by MOFA, translated to Arabic).
  • Birth certificate (attested by MOFA, translated to Arabic).
  • Consulate letter (if certificates are unavailable, starting with “This is to confirm”).
  • No-objection certificate (for stepchildren).
  • National ID (for Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan applicants).

A. Documents for Property Investor Family Visa

For property investor visa holders in Dubai or Abu Dhabi, add:

• Unmarried undertake letter for children over 18 (signed online).
• Proof of mother’s status (if father sponsors).
• Title deed or Memorandum of Association to verify investor status.
  These ensure dependents get 5 or 10-year visas matching the sponsor’s golden visa.

B. Document Attestation Process

Attestation is key to avoid rejections:

• Get documents legalized by the MOFA and UAE Embassy in the country of origin.
• Legalize again with UAE MOFA.
• Translate to Arabic by a certified translator.
  For example, John, a Sharjah expat, faced delays because his birth certificate lacked Arabic translation. Always double-check attestation requirements.

C. What Extra Documents Are Needed for Property Investor Family Visa?

• Copies of Abstract of Title or Memorandum of Association with document voicing sponsor’s status
• Unmarried undertake instructive for children over 18 (statement made online)
• These justify assumptions about 10 or 5-year golden visa duration

D. How Does Document Attestation Work?

• Attestation solves the problem of delays.
• Legalize documents in writing and MOFA in the Embassy of UAE in the country of certification documents.
• Re-legalization with MOFA of the UAE.
• Certified translation into Arabic from an accredited Arabic translation service.

As an example, Omar in Abu Dhabi was turned down because his birth certificate wasn’t translated. Remember to check attestation procedures.

How Do You Apply for a UAE Family Visa Step-by-Step?

Follow these steps to get a UAE family visa in 2025:

1. Apply for Entry Permit: If the family is outside the UAE, use ICP, GDRFA, or typing centers.
2. Enter UAE: Family must arrive within 60 days.
3. Status Change (if inside UAE): Convert visit visas to residence visas at the Amer Service Center or typing centers.
4. Medical Test: Over-18 applicants need a medical fitness test at centers like Dubai Health Authority.
5. Submit Residence Visa Application: Use GDRFA, ICP, or DLD Cube Center (for investors).
6. Apply for Emirates ID: Required for all family members.
7. Complete Visa Stamping: Finalize within 60 days.

How to Apply in Dubai Using GDRFA or DLD Cube Center?

• Apply online via the GDRFA Portal or UAE Pass.
• Property investors use DLD Cube Center (online submissions).
• Processing: 3-4 days for approval, up to 3.5 weeks total.

How to Apply in Abu Dhabi Through Typing Centers?

• Visit typing centers or the Naturalization and Expatriate Affairs Department.
• Submit documents and pay fees (varies by speed).
• Get a pink visa for entry or status change.

How to Apply in Sharjah via Amer Service Center?

• Use Amer Service Center or UAE Pass.
• Follow ICP guidelines, similar to Dubai.

How Much Does a UAE Family Visa Cost in 2025?

Costs vary by emirate and visa type:

• Sponsor Registration File: AED 268.90.
• Tasheera (Wife/Children):
  • Outside UAE: AED 488.90.
  • Inside UAE: AED 1,138.90.
• Parents (Inside UAE): AED 488.90.
• Medical Test: AED 322.50.
• Emirates ID:
  • 1 Year: AED 250.
  • 2 Years: AED 350.
  • 3 Years: AED 450.
• Property Investor Visa (Dubai):
  • New Dependent (>18, 2-year visa): AED 7,032.25.
  • New Dependent (<18, 10-year visa): AED 5,018.50.
• Additional Fees:
  • Knowledge Dirham: AED 10.
  • Innovation Dirham: AED 10.
  • Inside UAE Fee: AED 500.
  • Overstay Fines: AED 50/day.

For example, sponsoring a child in Abu Dhabi might cost AED 2,000 total, including medical insurance and visa stamping.

How Long Is a UAE Family Visa Valid For?

• Short-Term Family Visa: 1 year.
• Long-Term Family Visa: 2-3 years (aligned with sponsor’s visa).
• Golden Visa (Investors): 5 or 10 years.
• Parents Visa: 1 year, renewable.

A 30-day grace period applies post-expiry. If the sponsor’s residence visa is canceled, dependents’ visas are void, with a 6-month window to get a new permit.

What Are Common Challenges in UAE Visa Applications?

1. Missing Attestation: Unattested or untranslated marriage certificates lead to rejections. Verify with MOFA.
2. Medical Test Issues: Failing tests (e.g., for TB) requires leaving the UAE. Use approved centers like Emirates Health Services.
3. Overstay Fines: AED 50/day post-grace period. Check visa status on ICA Smart Services.
4. Consulate Letter Errors: Letters must include both parents’ names and specific phrasing.

For example, Layla in Dubai used a PRO service to fix her consulate letter and avoid delays.

What Are Pro Tips for a Hassle-Free Family Visa Process?

• Use Business Setup Consultants: If you’re starting a business setup in Dubai or business setup in UAE, business setup consultants in Dubai can guide you on family sponsorship UAE. They often handle company formation in Dubai and visa processes, ensuring compliance with ICP rules.
• Leverage Freezone Benefits: A business setup in freezone offers perks like investor visas, making it easier to meet salary thresholds for family visas.
• Check Visa Status Online: Use ICA Smart Services or GDRFA Portal to track visa status check and avoid overstay fines.
• Get Medical Insurance Early: Secure DHA Basic Insurance or Comprehensive Insurance before applying to speed up the process.
• Plan for Attestation Costs: Budget AED 500-1,000 for MOFA attestation and translations to avoid surprises.
• Apply Early for Newborns: Start the newborn visa process within 120 days to avoid penalties.

FAQs About UAE Family Visas?

Q1. What’s the UAE spouse visa processing time?

Initial approval takes 3-4 days; full processing is up to 3.5 weeks, including visa stamping.

Q2. Who can you sponsor in the UAE?

Your spouse, children (sons up to 25, unmarried daughters), parents, stepchildren, and newborns.

Q3. Which jobs qualify for a family visa in UAE?

All jobs qualify if you meet the salary threshold (e.g., AED 4,000 for men) since 2019.

Q4. How to check UAE family visa status?

Use ICA Smart Services or the GDRFA Portal with your passport number.

Q5. Can you sponsor a stepchild with a 10-year family visa?

Yes, with a no-objection certificate and deposit.

Q6. What happens if you overstay a family visa?

You’ll pay AED 50/day fines and risk travel bans. Renew within the 30-day grace period.

Q7. Can you apply for a family visa from outside the UAE?

Yes, start with an entry permit via ICP or GDRFA, then convert to a residence visa within 60 days.

Conclusion

A UAE family visa in 2025 is your ticket to living with loved ones in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or Sharjah. From preparing attested documents to applying through GDRFA, ICP, or DLD Cube Center, this guide makes family sponsorship in the UAE simple. Whether you’re a property investor or an employee, meeting family visa requirements and avoiding pitfalls ensures success. Use UAE Pass or PRO services to speed things up and enjoy UAE residency with your family. Start today and make the UAE your family’s home!