2-Year Family Visa UAE Cost 2026 | Complete Fees for Dubai & Abu Dhabi

Key Facts: The UAE allows residents to sponsor family members if they earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Eligible dependents include sons up to age 25, unmarried daughters at any age, and children with special needs regardless of age. Dependents aged 18+ must pass a medical fitness test.

A 2-year family visa involves several charges: entry permit, status change (if the dependent is already in the UAE), medical fitness, Emirates ID, residence issuance, health insurance, document attestation, and service-centre fees. Core government fees include IICP charges AED 100 for the application, a yearly residence fee, and a AED 100 smart-service fee, bringing the base fee to AED 400 for a two-year residence, and AED 500 status adjustment; GDRFA Dubai lists AED 200 residence permit, AED 10 knowledge, AED 10 innovation, AED 20 delivery, and AED 500 in-country processing where applicable. Emirates ID costs AED 100 per year. Entry permits are typically around AED 365 for applicants outside the UAE and AED 1,035 for those inside. Final costs vary by emirate, age, insurance, medical needs, and service options.

2-Year Family Visa UAE Cost at a Glance

2-Year Family Visa Cost Calculator

Use this formula to estimate the total:

Total family visa cost = Entry permit + Status change (if inside UAE) + Medical test (if age 18+) + Emirates ID + Residence issuance + Health insurance + Document attestation/translation +

Amer or typing charges

For a child below 18, remove the medical-test amount. For a dependent already inside the UAE, add the status-change or in-country processing charge.

What Is Included in the 2-Year Family Visa Cost?

• Government Fees: Government charges usually include the entry permit, residence issuance, application fees, smart-service charges, and delivery fees.
• Medical Fitness Cost: Dependents aged 18 or above must complete and pass a medical fitness test at an approved centre.
• Emirates ID Cost: ICP lists AED 100 per year of residence for a resident Emirates ID. For a two-year visa, the core card fee is therefore AED 200, before any service or delivery charges.
• Entry Permit Cost: An entry permit may be required for a dependent outside the UAE. The cost varies by emirate and application channel.
• Visa Issuance Cost: Residence issuance covers the residence permit after the entry permit, medical test, and Emirates ID stages are complete.
• Health Insurance Cost: Health insurance is a separate cost and can vary widely depending on age, medical history, insurer, benefit level, and emirate requirements.
• Document Attestation and Translation Cost: Marriage and birth certificates may need attestation and legal translation before being accepted for family sponsorship.
• Amer, Typing, and Service Charges: Amer centres, typing centres, consultants, courier services, translation offices, and express channels may charge separately from government fees.

2-Year Family Visa Cost in Dubai

2-Year Family Visa Cost in Abu Dhabi

2-Year Family Visa Cost by Family Member

• Spouse: Entry permit or status change, medical test (18+), Emirates ID, residence visa, insurance, and an attested marriage certificate.
• Child Under 18: No UAE medical test; birth certificate attestation and insurance are still required.
• Adult Child: May need a medical test, Emirates ID, insurance, and proof of eligibility, depending on age and status.
• Parents: May have higher insurance costs and require additional financial or accommodation documents.
• Stepchildren: May require additional consent or no-objection documents from the biological parent.

New Family Visa vs Renewal Cost

Family Visa Cost if Dependent Is Inside UAE

• Status Change Fee: A dependent already inside the UAE may need a status adjustment instead of a new entry permit. ICP lists an AED 500 status-adjustment charge.
• Tourist Visa to Residence Visa: If the dependent entered on a tourist or visit visa, the sponsor should apply before it expires. A tourist visa does not automatically convert to a residence visa.
• Cost Example: For a spouse inside the UAE, budget for status adjustment, medical fitness, Emirates ID, residence issuance, insurance, document costs, and service-centre charges.

Family Visa Cost if Dependent Is Outside UAE

• Entry Permit: The sponsor normally begins by applying for an entry permit.
• Entry Into UAE: The dependent enters the UAE using the approved entry permit.
• Residence Issuance: After arrival, complete the medical fitness test if applicable, Emirates ID, insurance, and residence issuance.
• Cost Example: For a spouse outside the UAE, budget for the entry permit, medical fitness, Emirates ID, residence issuance, insurance, attestation, and service fees. The in-country status-change fee may not apply.

Who Can Sponsor Family in UAE?

A resident employee, investor, or business owner with a valid UAE residence visa may sponsor eligible family members.

• Salary Requirement: The sponsor generally needs a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
• Accommodation Requirement: The sponsor may need a registered tenancy contract or proof of suitable accommodation.
• Spouse: A resident may sponsor their spouse, subject to relationship documents and other requirements.
• Children: Residents may sponsor unmarried daughters and sons under 25. Children with special needs may be sponsored regardless of age.
• Parents: Parent sponsorship has additional conditions and should be checked with ICP or GDRFA before applying.

Female Sponsors

Female residents may sponsor family members if they meet applicable income, residence, and documentation requirements.

UAE Family Visa Age Requirements

• Sons: Sons can generally be sponsored until age 25. Students above 25 may qualify in certain circumstances with supporting education documents.
• Unmarried Daughters: Unmarried daughters may be sponsored regardless of age.
• Children With Special Needs: Children with special needs may be sponsored regardless of age.
• Medical Test Age: Dependents aged 18 or above must undergo and pass a medical fitness screening.

Documents Required

Sponsor Documents

• Passport copy
• Valid UAE residence visa
• Emirates ID
• Employment contract or company documents
• Salary certificate
• Tenancy contract or housing proof

Spouse Documents

• Passport copy
• Photograph
• Attested marriage certificate
• Medical fitness certificate, if aged 18+
• Health insurance

Child Documents

• Passport copy
• Photograph
• Attested birth certificate
• Medical fitness certificate, if aged 18+
• Health insurance

Parent Documents

• Passport copy
• Photograph
• Proof of relationship
• Insurance documents
• Additional financial or accommodation evidence, where required

Marriage and Birth Certificate Attestation

• Home Country: The document is usually authenticated by the relevant authority in the country where it was issued.
• UAE Embassy: The UAE Embassy or Consulate in the issuing country may need to attest the document.
• MOFA UAE: After arriving in the UAE, the document may need attestation from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
• Translation: If the document is not in Arabic or English, a legal Arabic translation may be required. Always check the latest requirements with the relevant authority.

How to Apply for a 2-Year Family Visa

Step 1: Open Family File: The sponsor starts or updates the family file through ICP or GDRFA Dubai.

Step 2: Apply for Entry Permit: Apply for an entry permit if the dependent is outside the UAE.

Step 3: Status Change if Inside UAE: Apply for status adjustment if the dependent is already inside the UAE and the route requires it.

Step 4: Medical Fitness: Complete the medical test for dependents aged 18+.

Step 5: Emirates ID: Submit the Emirates ID application and biometrics where required.

Step 6: Residence Issuance: Complete the residence permit application after the requirements are met.

Step 7: Insurance: Arrange valid health insurance as required for the dependent and emirate.

Step 8: Track Application: Track the application through ICP for most emirates or GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-issued residence files.

How Long Does a 2-Year Family Visa Take?

• Normal Processing: A straightforward application may take several working days once all required documents are complete.
• Medical Timeline: Medical fitness timing depends on the emirate and selected service speed.
• Emirates ID Timeline: Emirates ID processing may vary based on biometrics, workload, and document checks.
• Causes of Delay: Common delays include missing attestations, incorrect passport details, salary or tenancy issues, unclear relationship documents, insurance gaps, and incomplete medical or Emirates ID steps.

Common Reasons Family Visa Applications Are Rejected

• Sponsor salary does not meet the requirement
• Attestation is incomplete
• Tenancy details are missing or unsuitable
• Marriage or birth documents do not establish the relationship clearly
• Passport validity is too short
• Insurance is missing or does not meet requirements
• Incorrect application channel or status-change route
• Inconsistent names or dates across documents

How to Reduce Family Visa Costs?

• Apply while the dependent is outside the UAE where practical
• Avoid express medical and service options unless necessary
• Prepare attested documents before applying
• Compare insurance plans and coverage
• Avoid overstay fines by applying early
• Use official ICP, GDRFA, Amer, or approved centres
• Ask for an itemised breakdown before paying a service provider

2-Year Family Visa Cost Examples

2026 UAE Family Visa Rules and Changes

Latest Government Updates

Always check the official ICP or GDRFA Dubai portal before applying because fees, document requirements, and digital-service steps can change.

What Changed

The profession-based sponsorship condition has been replaced by an income requirement. Eligible residents can sponsor family members if they earn at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

What Has Not Changed

Medical fitness for dependents aged 18+, valid relationship documents, suitable accommodation, insurance, and correct immigration processing remain important requirements.

FAQs

1. How much does a 2-year family visa cost in the UAE?

Costs vary by emirate, age, insurance, medical needs, documents, and inside/outside UAE status. Budget for immigration fees, Emirates ID, medical (18+), insurance, and attestation.

2. How much does a family visa cost in Dubai for two years?

Dubai residence issuance starts at AED 200, plus knowledge, innovation, delivery, and possible in-country fees. Medical, Emirates ID, insurance, and service charges are extra.

3. How much does a family visa cost in Abu Dhabi for two years?

ICP core fees: AED 100 application, AED 200 for two residence years, AED 100 smart-service fee. Add medical, Emirates ID, insurance, entry permit, and service charges.

4. Is family visa renewal cheaper than a new family visa?

Often yes, as entry permit and status change are usually not repeated. Medical (18+), Emirates ID, residence renewal, and insurance still apply.

5. Is health insurance included in the family visa cost?

No. Health insurance is a separate cost.

6. Is the medical test included in the family visa cost?

No. Medical fitness is charged separately and required for dependents aged 18+.

7. How much salary is required to sponsor a family visa?

At least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

References:

UAE Official Portal – Residence Visa for Family Members
ICP – Emirates ID Issuance Fees