If you’re living in the UAE and want your spouse, kids or parents to join you, the family visa is the way to go. It sounds more complicated than it is – you just need to know who can sponsor, what papers to gather, and how much it will cost. Below is a quick, no‑fluff walk‑through that gets you from start to finish.
Only a few types of residents are allowed to sponsor family members. The most common sponsors are:
Make sure your job contract and salary slip are up‑to‑date – the authorities will check them before approving the visa.
Gathering the right paperwork saves you trips to the immigration office. Here’s the core list:
All documents that aren’t in Arabic or English need a certified translation and attestation from the UAE embassy in the issuing country.
1. Log in online. Use the GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (Abu Dhabi) website to start an entry permit request. Choose “Family Visa” and fill in the sponsor’s details.
2. Upload documents. Scan every paper clearly; blurry files cause delays.
3. Pay the fees. The total cost includes the entry permit (around AED 1,000), medical test (≈ AED 300 per person), Emirates ID (≈ AED 200), and the residence visa stamp (≈ AED 1,500). Prices can vary by emirate.
4. Medical test. Book a slot at an approved clinic. The results are sent directly to the immigration system.
5. Visa stamping. Once the entry permit is approved, you’ll get a QR code. Take it, your passport, and the sponsor’s ID to the typing center for stamping.
6. Emirates ID. After the stamp, apply for the Emirates ID. It arrives in about 7‑10 days.
• Double‑check salary proofs – a missing salary slip is a fast track to rejection.
• Keep passports valid for at least six months. An expired passport will halt the process.
• Schedule medical tests early. Labs can get backed up, especially during peak travel seasons.
• If you’re sponsoring parents, remember the income threshold is higher – plan your finances accordingly.
• Use the official online portals; third‑party agents often charge extra and can make mistakes.
Once the visa is stamped, your family members can enter the UAE within 60 days. After they arrive, they must undergo a 30‑day health insurance purchase (mandatory for all residents). Their Emirates ID will be activated, and they’ll be ready to work, study, or simply enjoy life in the Emirates.
That’s it – the UAE family visa isn’t a mystery. Follow the steps, keep your paperwork tidy, and you’ll have your loved ones here in no time.
Getting a UAE family visa means following clear rules—like minimum salary, document legalization, and insurance. The whole process can cost AED 2,500–4,500 per person and takes roughly 7–14 days. All steps, from medical tests to Emirates ID and visa stamping, are now centrally managed through approved centers or official online platforms.
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