UAE Family Visa | Sponsorship & Required Documents
byShethana Jul 07, 2025 4 MIN READ
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The family visa system in the UAE allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate families to establish a stable life together. Whether bringing in your spouse, kids, or parents, it is important to know the eligibility, application procedure, and associated time and cost requirements. This article covers everything about the UAE family visa, starting with who can sponsor whom, the application procedure, new costs for 2025, major rules to abide by, and finally, how Arnifi can help you & your family’s future in the Emirates.
Anyone holding a valid UAE residence visa, whether employed or an investor, can sponsor immediate family members, provided they meet key eligibility criteria:
Salary requirement: At least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 + accommodation
Medical fitness: Dependents aged 18+ must pass UAE medical tests.
2. UAE Citizens
UAE nationals can sponsor their spouse, children, and parents on a 5-year visa, no minimum salary or employment needed.
3. Women With Work Permits
Females with a valid UAE work permit can now sponsor their husbands and children. They must meet standard residency and financial prerequisites.
Who Qualifies as a Dependent?
Spouse
Husband or wife: Sponsor must show an attested marriage certificate translated into Arabic if needed
Polygamous cases: Muslim expatriates may sponsor up to two wives under ICP conditions
Children
Sons: Up to age 18; extended to 21 if studying (or up to 25 per some sources)
Unmarried daughters: At any age, no upper limit
Newborns: Must be sponsored within 120 days of birth to avoid fines
Stepchildren: Require a notarized NOC from the biological parent and deposit per child
Parents
Sponsor must support both parents together, unless one parent is deceased/divorced, supply proof accordingly
Financial threshold is often higher (e.g., AED 20,000/month or AED 19,000 + accommodation)
Sponsor must pay a security deposit per parent and provide medical insurance.
How To Sponsor?
Check Eligibility Valid residence visa, income threshold, and accommodation proof. For parents or stepchildren, additional financial/insurance conditions apply.
Gather Documents
Sponsor’s passport, visa, and Emirates ID copy
The dependent’s passport and photos
Attested marriage or birth certificate
Employment contract or salary certificate
Tenancy contract or accommodation proof
Medical insurance for all dependents
Medical fitness certificates for those aged 18+
Apply for Entry Permit (UPPER) Submit the entry permit through the GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA portals before dependents arrive.
Entry to UAE & Application Submission Once dependents arrive on entry permits, apply for a residence visa at the GDRFA/DLD/Amer center
Undergo Medical Fitness, Emirates ID & Biometrics Required for those aged 18+, and dependents will need to do fingerprinting and photos at ICP-approved centers.
Visa Stamping The sponsor pays the required government fees and finalizes stamping in passports.
Collect Emirates ID Cards Complete the process with Emirates ID issuance.
Visa Validity and Renewal
Validity: Family visas usually mirror the sponsor’s visa – 1, 2, or 3 years. In some cases, longer (5 years for UAE nationals)
Grace period: Sponsors have 60 days to apply after dependents arrive; if cancelled or expired, dependents receive 30 days to renew or exit
Renewal: Similar process, including medical fitness, insurance, and fee renewal.
Exceptional Scenarios
Golden Visa Holders
Can a sponsor’s dependents similarly start with the online DLD system? Yes, once they are in town, you register your intent with the DLD office to add them as a dependent, and that will kick off … biographies & biometrics”
Sponsor’s Visa Cancellation
If your visa is cancelled (e.g., job loss), family visas tied to yours are cancelled too, dependents must leave the UAE or transfer sponsorship within 30 days.
Important Notes
Ensure all documents (marriage, birth certificates) are attested by UAE authorities, critical for approval
Get comprehensive medical insurance before applying
Apply for entry permits before arrival; delays could lead to fines
Track income thresholds as they’re revised periodically, always confirm with ICP or GDRFA
Be aware of grace periods to avoid penalties.
In Summary
Sponsor
Who They Can Sponsor
Key Requirements
Expat resident
Spouse, children (sons up to 21, unmarried daughters any age), stepchildren, parents
Valid passport; sponsors on a 5-year visa without a salary threshold
Female workers
Husband, children
Same general requirements
How Can Arnifi Help?
The sponsorship process involves providing correct documentation, securing entry permits, fulfilling medical and biometric requirements, and final stamp & renewal steps. While policy shifts can occur, the UAE government’s ICP and GDRFA portals remain the authoritative sources. Our experts at Arnifi will walk you through the process and overcome the complexity during the documentation and approvals. Get a free consultation now!
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