Navigating the Application of Family Visa in the UAE: A Complete Guide to Sponsorship in Dubai
May 17, 2024
September 23, 2025
August 14, 2024
September 23, 2025
Topic Summary
1. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship
To sponsor family members for a visa in Dubai, the sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence permit and meet minimum salary requirements, typically set at AED 4,000 to AED 10,000 per month depending on the sponsor’s employment status and free zone regulations. Proof of accommodation and employment may also be required to demonstrate the sponsor’s capability to support the dependents.
2. Required Documentation
Applicants must prepare essential documents including the sponsor’s passport and residency visa copies, marriage certificate attested by UAE authorities for spouses, birth certificates attested for children, passport copies of family members, recent passport-sized photographs, and tenancy contract or proof of accommodation. All documents not originally in Arabic or English must be officially translated and attested.
3. Application Process
The application process involves submitting documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or respective free zone authorities such as Meydan Free Zone. After initial screening, medical fitness tests for family members above the age of 18 are mandatory, followed by the issuance of Emirates ID cards and residency visas after successful visa stamping.
4. Timeframe and Costs
The processing time for a family visa typically ranges from 2 to 4 weeks, subject to document verification and medical testing. Costs vary based on the number of dependents and visa duration but generally include visa fees, medical examination charges, Emirates ID fees, and entry permit fees. Meydan Free Zone offers streamlined services to reduce processing times and simplify paperwork.
5. Renewal and Residency Conditions
Family visas are usually valid for one to three years and must be renewed prior to expiry to maintain legal residency status. Sponsors must continue to meet the financial criteria, and employment conditions of the primary visa holder are periodically reviewed.
The UAE continues to attract professionals and entrepreneurs from around the world, and many choose to bring their families with them. Whether you are relocating for business or establishing a long-term life in Dubai, securing a family visa in the UAE is a crucial part of the process.
While the application is straightforward, it involves several steps and documentation. Meydan Free Zone streamlines the process, providing expert guidance and comprehensive visa support to enable families to live, work, and thrive together.
Family Visa UAE: Things to Consider
The UAE has updated its Family Visa Rules 2025 to streamline access and increase flexibility for expatriates. Here's what you need to know:
How to Apply for a Family Visa in the UAE
Wondering how to apply for a family visa in Dubai? The application can be done online or in person, and requirements may differ based on the sponsor category.
- Documents Required for UAE Family Visa
The required documents and conditions may vary depending on the types of sponsorship:- Sponsors original or photocopy passport/visa
- Sponsors original Emirates ID
- Applicants photo with a white background
- Applicants original or photocopy passport
- Salary certificate (if working for a free zone company)
- Three months bank statement and memorandum of agreement (if an investor or partner)
- Labor contract (if working in the private sector)
- Attested marriage certificate (if sponsoring a spouse)
- Attested birth certificate (if sponsoring children)
- Ejari (if renting) or title deed (if owning a house)
- DEWA bills or electricity bills of the applying emirate
- IBAN number
- Opening file number
- Medical result
- EIDA application
- Family medical insurance
- The Application Process for Family Visa in the UAE
Once you’ve collected the documents, follow this process:- Access the UAE immigration portal or visit a registered typing centre.
- Complete the visa application form.
- Upload or submit all documents.
- Pay the relevant family visa cost in the UAE (varies by category, duration, and service type).
- Complete medical fitness tests (applicants over 18).
- Wait for government processing and approval.
Once approved, the visa is issued electronically or as a stamp in the passport, depending on the emirate.
- Submission and Processing
Typically, the family visa processing time in the UAE takes 2–5 working days, depending on the completeness of documents and the sponsor’s profile. Meydan Free Zone expedites this process through its integrated government service support. - Issuing UAE Family Visa
After submission, you will be notified of the approval of your family visa. The family visa processing time may depend on the type of sponsorship. The visa will be issued electronically or as a physical stamp on the passport, depending on the specific procedures followed by the UAE immigration authorities.
Family Visa Cost in the UAE
The cost of a family visa in the UAE varies based on several factors, including the applicant's location, visa duration, type of insurance required, and whether you choose the standard or express service. It is always advised to check the actual price before applying.
Meydan Free Zone helps you navigate the visa processing process, which can be a daunting task otherwise. Meydan simplifies the documentation process and handles all government clearances.
Bringing Your Family to the UAE Made Simple
With updated rules and streamlined services, getting a Dubai residence visa for family members is more accessible than ever. From eligibility and documents to medicals and fees, every step can be managed smoothly, with the right support.
Meydan Free Zone provides a seamless pathway for sponsoring spouses and children in the UAE, offering expert visa handling, digital application services, and tailored packages that streamline the process, reduce costs, and minimise complexity.
FAQs
1. Who can sponsor a family visa in the UAE?
Employers and employees with a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their families. The sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
2. Can women sponsor their family in UAE?
Yes. Women holding a UAE residence visa can sponsor their families if they earn at least AED 8,000 (or AED 10,000 with accommodation) and work in approved professions such as engineering, teaching, nursing, or healthcare.
3. What documents are required for a UAE family visa?
Key documents include the sponsor's Emirates ID, passport copies, salary certificate, labour contract, attested marriage and birth certificates, Ejari (tenancy contract), DEWA bill, IBAN, and family medical insurance.
4. What is the processing time for a family visa in the UAE?
Once submitted, family visa applications typically take a few working days to process, depending on the emirate and type of sponsorship. Meydan Free Zone helps streamline this process for faster approvals.
5. Is a medical fitness test required for a family visa in UAE?
Yes. All applicants above 18 years must undergo and pass a medical fitness test at approved UAE health centres.
6. How long is a UAE family visa valid?
Family visas in the UAE are generally valid for up to 3 years, depending on the sponsor's visa and job contract.
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