| Quick Answer: To sponsor family members in the UAE in 2026, you need a valid UAE residence visa and a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation). Women sponsoring families require a minimum of AED 10,000 (or AED 8,000 with accommodation). Parents sponsorship requires AED 20,000 minimum salary. Required documents include attested marriage/birth certificates, passport copies, Emirates ID, tenancy contract (Ejari), salary certificate, and health insurance. Apply through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates). |
Introduction
The UAE Family Visa (also known as the Dependent Visa) enables expatriates to reunite with loved ones, fostering a sense of security and belonging for families in 2026. This comprehensive guide covers all requirements, including salary thresholds, documents, and procedures, to help your family smoothly integrate into life in the UAE.
The UAE government has progressively reformed family visa regulations since 2019, eliminating profession-based restrictions and expanding sponsorship options through the Golden Visa and Green Visa programs. These changes reflect the country’s commitment to attracting global talent while supporting family unity for expatriate residents.
What is a UAE Family Visa?
A UAE Family Visa is a residence permit enabling expatriates to sponsor immediate family members to live, study, and access healthcare services in the UAE. The visa is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) in other emirates.
The visa validity typically ranges from 1 to 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s employment status and visa type. Family members under this visa can legally reside in the UAE, enroll in schools and universities, access healthcare facilities, open bank accounts, and obtain UAE driving licenses.
Sponsor Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor family members in the UAE, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria established by UAE immigration authorities.
Basic Eligibility Criteria
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa with at least 6 months of validity remaining.
- Possess a valid Emirates ID.
- Meet minimum salary requirements (varies by relationship and sponsor gender)
- Have suitable accommodation with a valid tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Provide valid health insurance for dependents (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
Since 2019, profession-based restrictions have been eliminated. Any foreign worker meeting salary thresholds can sponsor family members regardless of job title or professional category.
Minimum Salary Requirements
Salary thresholds vary by sponsor gender and the relationship being sponsored. The following table outlines current requirements for 2026:
| Sponsor Category | Minimum Salary | With Accommodation |
| Male sponsoring spouse/children | AED 4,000/month | AED 3,000/month |
| Female sponsoring spouse/children | AED 10,000/month | AED 8,000/month |
| Sponsoring parents | AED 20,000/month | N/A |
Who Can Be Sponsored
Spouse
- Legal spouse with attested marriage certificate
- Muslim men may sponsor up to two wives (subject to conditions)
- Women can sponsor husbands if meeting a higher salary threshold (AED 10,000+)
Children
- Sons: Up to age 25 (increased from 18 under 2022 reforms)
- Sons over 25: Can remain if enrolled in higher education (annual proof required)
- Daughters: No age limit if unmarried
- Children with special needs: No age limit
- Newborns: Must apply within 120 days of birth
- Adopted children: With legal documentation
Parents
- Requires AED 20,000 minimum monthly salary
- Both parents must typically be sponsored together (unless divorced or one deceased)
- Refundable deposit of AED 2,500-3,000 per parent required
- Mandatory health insurance for both parents
- Accommodation must have a separate room for parents
Required Documents
Sponsor Documents
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Emirates ID copy
- Salary certificate (issued within 1 month) or labor contract
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or property ownership proof
- IBAN for banking
Dependent Documents
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Recent passport-sized photos (white background, taken within 3 months)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) – attested by MOFA and translated to Arabic
- Birth certificates (for children) – attested by MOFA and translated to Arabic
- Health insurance certificate
- Medical fitness certificate (for dependents 18+ after arriving in the UAE)
Exceptional Cases – Mother Sponsoring Children
- Father’s No Objection Certificate (NOC) notarized by the Dubai Court
- OR Father’s death certificate (if deceased)
- OR Court certificate stating the mother has sole custody
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Verify Eligibility
Confirm salary meets requirements, accommodation is adequate, and all documents are valid and properly attested.
Step 2: Apply for Entry Permit
If family members are outside the UAE, apply for an entry permit through the GDRFA Dubai portal, the ICP portal, or an authorized Amer typing center. The entry permit is valid for 60 days.
Step 3: Enter the UAE
Family members enter the UAE with an entry permit. The sponsor has 60 days from the entry date to complete the residence visa application.
Step 4: Complete Medical Fitness Test
Dependents aged 18 and above must complete a medical examination at a government-approved health center. Tests include screening for HIV and tuberculosis. Results available within 1-2 working days.
Step 5: Apply for an Emirates ID
Apply through the ICP portal or the Amer Center. Submit a medical fitness certificate, passport, and sponsorship documents—biometric data capture required.
Step 6: Visa Stamping
Submit all documents (entry permit, Emirates ID application, and medical results) through the GDRFA Dubai portal or the Amer center. Stamped visa sent electronically to the applicant’s email.
Visa Fees and Costs
The following table provides estimated costs for a UAE family visa application in 2026. Fees may vary by emirate and processing speed.
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 350 – 1,150 |
| Medical Fitness Test | 250 – 500 |
| Emirates ID (2-year) | 270 – 370 |
| Visa Stamping | 500 – 1,200 |
| Health Insurance (annual) | 700 – 3,000 |
| Typing Center/Admin Fees | 100 – 300 |
| Total Estimated Cost (per person) | 3,500 – 7,000 |
Note: Parent sponsorship requires an additional deposit of AED 2,500-3,000 per parent (refundable).
Golden Visa Family Sponsorship
The UAE Golden Visa provides 10-year renewable residency with enhanced family sponsorship benefits. Golden Visa holders enjoy expanded privileges not available under standard family visas.
Golden Visa Family Benefits
- Sponsor spouse, children of any age, and parents
- No minimum salary requirement for family sponsorship
- No age restrictions for sons (unlike 25-year limit on standard visas)
- Unlimited domestic helpers sponsorship
- Family members can remain in the country until the visa expires, even if the primary holder passes away.
- No 6-month outside UAE residency requirement
- No financial guarantee required
Golden Visa Eligibility Categories
- Property investors (AED 2 million+ in real estate)
- Business investors (AED 2 million+ capital or AED 250,000+ annual tax)
- Entrepreneurs with approved startups
- Specialized talents (doctors, scientists, engineers, artists)
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Executive directors (AED 50,000+ salary)
Green Visa Family Sponsorship
The UAE Green Visa provides 5-year self-sponsored residency for skilled workers, freelancers, and investors without requiring employer sponsorship.
Green Visa Family Benefits
- Sponsor spouse, children, and first-degree relatives
- Sons can be sponsored up to age 25
- Unmarried daughters sponsored indefinitely
- Parents can be sponsored under certain conditions
- 6-month grace period after visa expiry (vs 30-60 days standard)
- Family visa validity aligns with the primary holder’s 5-year visa
Green Visa Eligibility
- Skilled employees: MOHRE occupational levels 1-3, bachelor’s degree, AED 15,000+ salary
- Freelancers: Valid MOHRE freelance permit, proof of income
- Investors/Partners: Business ownership without employer sponsorship
Processing Time and Validity
| Stage | Processing Time |
| Entry Permit | 2-7 working days |
| Medical Test Results | 1-2 working days |
| Emirates ID | 3-5 working days |
| Visa Stamping | 3-5 working days |
| Total Processing Time | 2-3 weeks |
Visa Validity: Standard family visas are valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s employment contract and visa type. Renewal must be initiated within 30 days before expiry.
Grace Period: Standard visas have a 30-60 day grace period after expiry. Overstaying incurs a AED 50 per day fine.
Outside UAE Stay: Standard visa holders cannot stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months without risking automatic cancellation. Golden Visa holders are exempt from this requirement.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Incomplete or inaccurate documentation (name mismatches, incorrect dates)
- Documents not properly attested by MOFA or translated to Arabic
- Salary below the minimum threshold requirements
- Invalid or expired tenancy contract (Ejari)
- Failed medical fitness test (communicable diseases like HIV or TB)
- Outdated employment contract or salary certificate
- Missing health insurance coverage
- Sponsor’s visa has insufficient remaining validity
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family in the UAE?
Male sponsors need AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 with accommodation). Female sponsors need AED 10,000/month (or AED 8,000 with accommodation). Parent sponsorship requires AED 20,000/month.
Can a woman sponsor her husband in the UAE?
Yes. Women earning AED 10,000/month minimum (or AED 8,000 with employer accommodation) can sponsor their husbands. Additional documentation, including the father’s NOC, may be required when sponsoring children.
What is the maximum age to sponsor a son inthe UAE?
Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 on standard visas. Sons over 25 enrolled in higher education can continue sponsorship with proof of annual enrollment. Golden Visa holders have no age limit for sponsoring sons.
How long does UAE family visa processing take?
Total processing typically takes 2-3 weeks, including entry permit (2-7 days), medical test (1-2 days), Emirates ID (3-5 days), and visa stamping (3-5 days).
What is the total cost of a UAE family visa?
The estimated total cost ranges from AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person, including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, health insurance, and administrative fees.
Can I sponsor my parents on a family visa?
Yes, if you earn at least AED 20,000/month. Both parents must typically be sponsored together. A refundable deposit of AED 2,500-3,000 per parent is required, along with mandatory health insurance and proof of separate accommodation.
Where do I apply for a UAE family visa?
Dubai residents apply through the GDRFA Dubai portal or the Amer centers. Residents in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah apply through ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security).
Is health insurance mandatory for a family visa?
Yes, health insurance is mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi for all residents, including dependents. As of 2025, health insurance requirements have been standardized across all emirates for new visas and renewals.
How long can I stay outside theUAE on a family visa?
Standard family visa holders cannot stay outside the UAE for more than 6 consecutive months without risking automatic visa cancellation. Golden Visa holders are exempt from this requirement and can stay outside the UAE indefinitely.
What documents need MOFA attestation?
Marriage certificates, birth certificates, and educational documents issued outside the UAE must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and translated to Arabic by a certified translator.
Official Sources
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA)
UAE Government Official Portal
https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id
Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Document Attestation
| Disclaimer: Visa requirements, fees, and regulations are subject to change. Always verify current requirements with official UAE government sources before submitting applications. This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Last Updated: January 2026 |
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