If you are living and working in the UAE, bringing your family with you is often a top priority. A family visa allows your spouse and children to live legally in the country, access healthcare and enroll in schools.
In this guide, we cover the eligibility requirements, costs, required documents, application procedures and processing timelines to help you sponsor your spouse and children smoothly and without stress.
What is a Family Visa in the UAE?
A family visa is an official permit that allows UAE residents to sponsor their immediate family members. This is different from a tourist visa as it gives your loved ones legal residency and the right to live, work and study in the UAE.
Who qualifies as dependents?
- Spouse: Legally married partner
- Children: Sons up to 25 years old and unmarried daughters of any age
The family visa is valid only as long as your residency visa is valid. If your visa is for two years, your family’s visas will usually be the same duration and need to be renewed at the same time.
Family Visa Cost in UAE (2026)
Family visa cost in the UAE ranges from AED 3000 to 7000 per dependent. The cost varies depending on the emirate, age of the dependent, and whether the dependent is inside or outside the UAE. Costs include the visa, medical test, Emirates ID, and other fees. Costs may vary slightly between emirates. Sharjah is often cheaper than Dubai.
Family Visa Cost for Spouse
Sponsoring a spouse starts from AED 3000 – AED 5,000 including all fees.
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Entry Permit / Change of Status | 500 – 1,200 | Depends if spouse is inside or outside UAE |
| Medical Fitness Test | 320 – 500 | Mandatory for adults |
| Emirates ID | 270 – 370 | Valid for 2 years |
| Visa Stamping / Issuance | 500 | Administrative fee |
| Health Insurance (Basic) | 800+ | Required in most emirates |
Family Visa Cost for Children
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
| Entry Permit / Change of Status | 500 – 1,150 | Same as spouse |
| Medical Fitness Test | Exempt for <18 | Required for children 18+ |
| Emirates ID | 270 – 370 | Valid for 2 years |
| Health Insurance (Basic) | 800+ | Mandatory in most emirates |
Other costs to consider:
- Attestation fees: Marriage or birth certificates (~AED 160 per document)
- Typing center fees: AED 100 – 300 (for submitting applications via Amer or Tasheel)
Documents Required for Family Visa
Accurate document preparation is one of the most important aspects of a successful family visa application. Documents must meet UAE specifications, be attested where required, and in some cases translated into Arabic.
For Spouse:
- Passport copies (sponsor and spouse, valid 6+ months)
- Attested marriage certificate (translated into Arabic if needed)
- Sponsor’s salary certificate or labor contract
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari or equivalent)
- Latest utility bill (DEWA, SEWA, etc.)
For Children:
- Attested birth certificate
- Passport copies
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Health insurance certificate (mandatory before visa stamping)
Family Visa Eligibility Criteria in the UAE
To sponsor your family, you must meet financial and legal thresholds.
Key requirements:
- Sponsor must be 21+ years old
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (without accommodation) or AED 3,000/month (with employer-provided accommodation)
- Must provide a registered tenancy contract and proof of enough space
Salary is now more important than the job title. Skilled workers, female residents, and business owners can sponsor families if they meet financial requirements.
Application Process
You can apply online through the GDRFA portal or at Amer/Tasheel centers.
Steps:
- Prepare all required documents
- Submit the online application or visit GDRFA/center
- Pay visa fees
- Complete medical tests (for adults and children above 18)
- Apply for Emirates ID
- Receive entry permit and finalize visa stamping
Family Visa Timeline
The family visa usually takes 2–6 weeks from application to final stamping. Medical tests and Emirates ID biometrics may add 5–10 days. Processing times vary by emirate and document readiness. Preparing attested documents in advance can save weeks.
Common Reasons for Family Visa Rejection
Even with complete documents, mistakes can lead to rejection:
- Salary certificate not meeting requirements
- Missing MOFA attestation on marriage or birth certificates
- No health insurance proof
- Typographical errors in passport names or numbers
- Previous visa issues or unpaid fines
Why Helen and Sons for Family Visa Processing
Getting a family visa in the UAE is straightforward if you meet eligibility criteria and have all required documents. Costs vary depending on spouse or children, emirate, and visa duration.
Choosing Helen and Sons ensures accuracy, speed, and compliance with the latest government rules, minimizing delays and errors. Our expert consultants guide you at every step, offering personalized solutions tailored to your family’s needs.
