UAE Dependent Visa | 2026 Eligibility, Process & Spouse Work Rules

If you’re living and working in the UAE, bringing your family with you is usually the next big step. That’s where the UAE-dependent visa comes in. Whether you want to sponsor your spouse, children, or even parents, the process is structured and straightforward. The main objective is to understand the eligibility rules, the required documents, and how the online system works. This article will help you understand the eligibility, requirements, and how to apply for a visa in the UAE.

What Is a UAE Dependent Visa?

A UAE dependent visa allows a UAE resident to sponsor immediate family members so they can live in the country under their residency.

Typically, this includes:

• Spouse
• Children
• Parents (under specific conditions)

The visa is linked to the sponsor’s residency. As long as the sponsor’s visa remains valid, the dependents can continue residing in the UAE.

Who Can Sponsor a UAE Dependent Visa?

To apply for a UAE dependent visa, the sponsor must:

• Hold a valid UAE residence visa
• Meet the minimum salary requirement (usually starting from AED 4,000 ~ 5,000, depending on accommodation status)
• Have valid accommodation registered in their name (Ejari or tenancy contract)

Both men and women can sponsor their families, provided they meet the income criteria.

Children Eligibility

• Sons can generally be sponsored until the age of 25
• Daughters can be sponsored if unmarried
• Children of determination may receive extended support
• Newborns must be sponsored within a specific timeframe after birth

For parents, higher salary requirements apply, along with mandatory medical insurance. This is where it can get a bit complex. Our experts at Arnifi review your situation, explain exactly what applies to you, and then handle the application process with clarity and precision.

How to Apply for a UAE Dependent Visa?

Here’s the step-by-step process for applying for a UAE dependent visa:

Step 1: Entry Permit Application

The sponsor first applies for an entry permit for the dependent

Step 2: Status Change

If the dependent is already inside the UAE, their status must be changed from a visit visa to a residence visa

Step 3: Medical Fitness Test

Applicants aged 18 and above must complete a medical test at an approved centre

Step 4: Emirates ID Application

Biometrics and Emirates ID registration are required

Step 5: Visa Stamping

Once approved, the residence visa is stamped in the passport (or digitally issued)

Required Documents

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
• Passport copies of the sponsor and the dependent
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Attested birth certificate (for children)
• Tenancy contract (Ejari)
• Salary certificate or labour contract
• Passport-size photographs

Missing attestations are one of the most common reasons for delays, so this part matters.

Can a Dependent Visa Be Applied for Through an Online Process?

Yes. The UAE dependent visa process can largely be initiated online.

Applications can be submitted through:

• The ICP portal (for most emirates)
• The GDRFA portal (for Dubai residents)

Most of the paperwork, approvals, and fee payments happen digitally. However, medical testing and biometric registration still require physical presence. Many residents also use authorized typing centres or visa consultants to avoid documentation errors. The system is digital, but accuracy is what speeds things up.

Can a Spouse Work on a Dependent Visa in UAE?

This is one of the most searched questions about the UAE dependent visa.

Yes, a spouse can work while holding a dependent visa.

Here’s how it works:

• The spouse remains under the sponsor’s residency
• The employer applies for a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
• There is no need to cancel the dependent visa

This setup is common because it reduces visa costs. The residency stays linked to the sponsor, while the employer handles employment authorization. It’s a practical solution for many families.

Factors Influencing the Cost of UAE Dependent Visa

The cost of a UAE dependent visa depends on:

• Emirate of application
• Inside or outside UAE processing
• Visa duration (2-year or 3-year validity)
• Medical and Emirates ID fees

On average, the total cost can range between AED 3,000 ~ AED 6,000 per dependent, depending on circumstances. Costs may vary, so it’s always best to check the latest fee structure before applying.

Why do UAE-dependent visa applications get rejected?

While approvals are common, rejections happen due to:

• Not meeting minimum salary requirements
• Improperly attested documents
• Passport validity is less than six months
• Errors in tenancy contract details
• Incomplete medical clearance

Most issues are documentation-related and preventable.

FAQs

1. What is the minimum salary required for a UAE dependent visa?

Typically, a minimum salary of AED 4,000–5,000 is required, depending on whether accommodation is provided. The requirement may vary slightly by emirate.

2. How long does it take to process a UAE dependent visa?

The process usually takes 7 to 15 working days, depending on document readiness and medical test scheduling.

3. Can I apply for a UAE dependent visa if my family is already inside the country?

Yes, A status change process allows you to convert a visit visa to a residence visa without the dependent exiting the UAE.

4. Can parents be sponsored under a UAE dependent visa?

Yes, but higher income requirements apply, and medical insurance coverage is mandatory.

5. Can a spouse work on a UAE dependent visa without changing residency?

Yes, the employer must obtain a work permit, but the spouse can continue holding the dependent residence visa.

Conclusion

The UAE dependent visa system is structured, efficient, and increasingly digital. As long as salary requirements are met and documents are properly attested, the process is straightforward.

Understanding how to apply, whether it can be done online, and whether a spouse can work under this visa helps families plan with clarity. With the right preparation, sponsoring your loved ones becomes less complicated than most people expect.