How to Apply for a UAE Dependent Visa in 2025: Step-by-Step Guide

Thinking of bringing your family to the UAE?  

Whether you're settling in as an entrepreneur or professional, sponsoring your loved ones through a UAE dependent visa ensures they can live, study, or even work (if eligible) while based in the Emirates.

At Meydan Free Zone, we simplify this journey.  

If you’re already licensed with us or plan to set up your business, our team can help you navigate the dependent visa process with clarity and speed.

What Is a UAE Dependent Visa?

A UAE dependent visa allows residents to legally sponsor immediate family members—such as spouses, children, and parents—to live in the country. This is typically issued for 1–2 years and can be renewed as long as the sponsor maintains valid residency and meets the eligibility criteria.

You can sponsor:

• Spouse (must present an attested marriage certificate)
• Children (Sons up to age 25, daughters of any age if unmarried)
• Parents (subject to higher salary requirements and deposit conditions)

Key Requirements:

• A valid UAE residency visa (investor or employment)
• Minimum monthly salary: (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation for spouse and children, AED 20,000 (or more) to sponsor both parents)
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) in the sponsor’s name
• Attested birth and marriage certificates
• Health insurance for each dependent
• Medical fitness test for dependents aged 18+

What to Know Before You Apply

Before you begin the process, it’s important to assess two key areas:

1. Your Eligibility as a Sponsor
   Make sure your visa type allows sponsorship, your income meets the minimum threshold, and your documents (like Ejari and salary proof) are current and valid.
2. Your Dependent’s Status
   Is your family member currently inside or outside the UAE? This will determine whether a status change is needed and how your timeline is managed.

A well-prepared file reduces processing time and the likelihood of rejection. With Meydan Free Zone’s mResidency service, you can avoid delays and ensure all your paperwork is in order before you apply.

Step-by-Step Application Process

1. Gather Required Documents

Prepare the following:

• Valid passport copies (yours and your dependents’)
• Sponsor’s Emirates ID and residency visa
• Attested relationship documents (marriage/birth certificates)
• Salary certificate or proof of income
• Tenancy contract (Ejari)
• Passport-size photos

2. Apply for Entry Permit

Submit through a registered typing centre, the GDRFA portal (Dubai), or ICA (other emirates).

3. Entry into UAE or Status Change

• If dependents are outside the UAE: they enter using the entry permit.
• If already in UAE: apply for a status change from visit to residency.

4. Medical Examination

Required for dependents aged 18 or older. Conducted at government-approved centres.

5. Emirates ID Application

Submit biometric data and documents. Required for visa issuance.

6. Visa Stamping

Final step: residence visa is stamped in the passport via GDRFA.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many applications are delayed or rejected due to preventable errors. Here’s what to look out for:

• Unattested Documents: Marriage and birth certificates must be attested in both the home country and the UAE. Missing this step causes delays or rejections.
• Expired or Incomplete Ejari: Your tenancy contract must be active, valid, and in your name.
• Salary Proof Issues: A simple pay slip won’t work. You’ll need a stamped salary certificate or bank statement showing your income clearly meets the requirement.
• Wrong Visa Assumptions: You must hold a valid UAE residency visa. Visit visas or cancelled visas don’t qualify.
• Missed Medical Step: Dependents aged 18+ must complete the medical fitness test before visa stamping.
• Incorrect Application Channels: Submitting through the wrong emirate (e.g., applying via ICA when your visa is Dubai-based) can result in errors and require re-application.
• Using Unlicensed Typing Centres: Inaccurate data entry is one of the top causes of delays. Always verify your service provider.

Avoid these issues by getting professional support at the start of your process. Meydan Free Zone’s visa consultants help ensure every document and requirement is fulfilled accurately.

In Conclusion

Reuniting with your loved ones in the UAE is entirely possible—as long as the process is handled correctly.

With accurate documents, proper guidance, and support from a licensed provider like Meydan Free Zone, you can complete your dependent visa process smoothly and confidently.

Whether you're sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents, Meydan Free Zone’s visa support team ensures your application is handled with care, speed, and compliance.

FAQs

1. Who can I sponsor on a UAE dependent visa?​

You can sponsor your spouse, children (sons up to age 25; unmarried daughters of any age), and parents (subject to salary and deposit conditions).

2. What is the minimum salary to sponsor family in the UAE?​

To sponsor a spouse and children, you need a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. To sponsor parents, you typically need AED 20,000+.

3. Can I sponsor my family if I’m on an investor visa from a free zone?​

Yes. Meydan Free Zone investor visa holders are eligible to sponsor dependents if they meet the income and accommodation requirements.

4. How long does the UAE dependent visa process take?​

The process usually takes 1 to 4 weeks, depending on document readiness, medical test timelines, and Emirates ID processing.

5. Do I need health insurance to sponsor a dependent?​

Yes. Health insurance is mandatory for each dependent and must be valid for the entire duration of the visa.

6. What documents are required for a UAE family visa?​

You’ll need your Emirates ID, passport copies, tenancy contract (Ejari), salary certificate, and attested marriage or birth certificates.

7. Can I sponsor my parents and spouse at the same time?​

Yes, but each category has its own requirements. Sponsoring both parents requires higher income and a refundable security deposit.

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