
Dubai Family Visa in 2025
Bringing your loved ones to Dubai? Navigating the Dubai family visa process can seem complex, but our comprehensive guide for 2025 simplifies everything. Whether you’re looking to sponsor your spouse, children, or parents, we provide up-to-date information on eligibility, required documents for Dubai family visa, the application steps, and associated Dubai family visa cost. Let us help you understand the requirements and successfully bring your family to Dubai.
Key Highlights:
- Minimum Salary: Generally, a minimum salary is required to sponsor family in Dubai. Learn More
- Essential Documents: Key documents include your passport, your family’s passports, and a valid marriage certificate (if applicable).
- Processing Time: The family visa processing time Dubai can vary, but we’ll give you an estimated timeline.

Dubai Family Visa Eligibility: Sponsoring Your Loved Ones
Understanding who you can sponsor under a Dubai family visa is the first crucial step. The eligibility criteria depend on your relationship to the individuals you wish to bring to Dubai.
Bringing Your Partner to Dubai: Sponsoring Your Spouse
If you are a resident of Dubai, you can typically sponsor your wife. For male expatriate residents, the process is generally straightforward, provided you meet the minimum salary requirements. Female expatriate residents may also sponsor husband in Dubai under specific conditions determined by the GDRFA Dubai (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai). A valid marriage certificate, often requiring attestation, is a fundamental document required for Dubai family visa when sponsoring a spouse.
Sponsoring Your Children: Requirements and Age Limits
Residents can sponsor children to live with them in Dubai. For sons, there is usually an age limit for children family visa Dubai (typically under 18 or 21, subject to regulations). Unmarried daughters can generally be sponsored regardless of age. You will need to provide their birth certificates (semantic) as part of the Dubai family visa requirements.
Bringing Your Parents to Dubai: Eligibility and Conditions
Sponsoring parents Dubai has specific eligibility criteria, including meeting a higher minimum salary for family visa Dubai and potentially providing proof of their dependency (an affidavit of dependency – semantic keyword). The GDRFA (semantic) sets the regulations for sponsoring parents visa Dubai requirements.
It’s important to note that the ability to sponsor family is tied to your residency status and meeting the specific requirements set forth by the immigration authorities in Dubai. This often includes having a valid residence permit
Essential Documents Required for Your Dubai Family Visa Application
Gathering the correct documents required for Dubai family visa is a critical step in ensuring a smooth application process. The specific documents may vary slightly depending on the family member you are sponsoring, but here is a comprehensive list of commonly required paperwork:
Bulleted List of Documents:
-
- Sponsor’s Original Passport and Visa Copy: Ensure your passport and residence visa are valid.
- Sponsored Person’s Original Passport Copy: The passport of the individual you are sponsoring must also have sufficient validity.
- Passport-sized Photographs: Recent photographs of both the sponsor and the sponsored family member(s).
- Original Marriage Certificate (if sponsoring a spouse): This marriage certificate often needs to be attested by the relevant authorities in your home country and possibly the MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation) in the UAE. Use the keyword
marriage certificate attestation Dubai family visa
naturally when elaborating on this. - Original Birth Certificate(s) of Children (if sponsoring children): The birth certificate ( of each child being sponsored may also require attestation.
- Sponsor’s Original Salary Certificate: This document confirms your monthly income and is crucial for meeting the minimum salary for family visa Dubai .
- Copy of the Sponsor’s Employment Contract or Labor Contract (if applicable): This provides further proof of your employment. Use
labor contract
. - Original Tenancy Contract (Ejari): This serves as proof of your registered accommodation in Dubai. Use
tenancy contract
andEjari
. - Recent Electricity and Water Bill (DEWA): This can be used as additional proof of residence. Use
DEWA
. - Medical Fitness Certificate of the Sponsored Person(s): All sponsored individuals will need to undergo a medical test at a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approved center.
- Copy of the Sponsor’s Emirates ID: Your national identification card in the UAE. Use
Emirates ID
. - Affidavit of Dependency (if sponsoring parents): As mentioned earlier, this legal document may be required to prove your parents’ reliance on you. Use
affidavit of dependency
. - No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the wife’s sponsor (in specific cases): This might be required if the wife is already under a different sponsor in the UAE. Use
NOC
.
Ensure all copies are clear and that all original documents are readily available for submission to the GDRFA Dubai or through authorized channels like Amer Centers . Missing or incorrect documents can lead to delays in your family visa application .
Step-by-Step Guide to the Dubai Family Visa Application Process
The process to apply for a family visa in Dubai involves several key stages. Understanding these steps to get family visa Dubai will help you navigate the application smoothly. While the exact procedures might have minor variations, here’s a general overview:

Obtain an Entry Permit for the Sponsored Family Member:
The first step is usually to apply for an entry permit for your family member. This is typically done through the GDRFA Dubai website or the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) eChannels platform, or sometimes via authorized Amer Centers . You will need to submit the initial documents required for a Dubai family visa at this stage.
Medical Examination:
Once the entry permit is issued and your family member arrives in the UAE, they will need to undergo a medical test for family visa Dubai at a DHA (Dubai Health Authority) approved medical center. The medical fitness certificate is a mandatory requirement.
Apply for Emirates ID:
After passing the medical examination, you will need to apply for the Emirates ID for family visa Dubai for your sponsored family member. This is usually done through the ICA channels.
Visa Stamping:
The final step is to get the visa stamping done on your family member’s passport. This officially grants them residence permit in the UAE under your sponsorship. You will likely need to submit the remaining documents and pay the visa stamping fee Dubai family visa at this stage through the GDRFA or ICA .
The entire Dubai family visa application process can take some time, and it’s crucial to ensure all documents are accurate and submitted correctly to avoid delays. You might want to check the official GDRFA website for the most up-to-date procedures and any potential changes in the family visa application online Dubai process.
Understanding the Costs and Fees for Your Dubai Family Visa
The total Dubai family visa cost involves several components, and understanding these family visa fees Dubai 2025 will help you budget accordingly. Please note that these fees are subject to change by the GDRFA and ICA . Here’s a breakdown of potential expenses:
Breakdown of Potential Costs:
-
- Entry Permit Fee: There is usually a fee associated with obtaining the initial entry permit for your family member.
- Medical Examination Fee: The medical test cost Dubai family visa will depend on the approved DHA medical center.
- Emirates ID Application Fee: Applying for the Emirates ID for family visa Dubai involves a specific fee.
- Visa Stamping Fee: The visa stamping fee Dubai family visa is a significant part of the overall cost.
- Status Change Fee (if applicable): If your family member is already in the UAE on a different visa and needs to change their status, there will be an additional status change fee family visa Dubai.
- Health Insurance Costs: It is mandatory to have valid health insurance for family visa Dubai for your sponsored family members, and the premium will depend on the insurance provider and coverage.
- Administrative Fees: There might be other minor administrative charges associated with the application process through GDRFA or Amer Centers .
While it’s difficult to give an exact total cost family visa Dubai without knowing the specifics of your situation, being aware of these individual fees will help you estimate the overall expense. Always refer to the official GDRFA website or ICA smart services for the most current and accurate family visa fees .
Dubai Family Visa Processing Time: What to Expect
Understanding the family visa processing time Dubai is crucial for planning. The duration can vary depending on several factors, including the completeness of your documents required for Dubai family visa , the efficiency of the GDRFA and ICA , and any potential delays in the medical test or Emirates ID processes.
Generally, the steps to get family visa Dubai each have their own processing timelines:
- Entry Permit Issuance: This initial stage can typically take a few days to a week, depending on the application submission method and any required approvals from the immigration authorities .
- Medical Examination: The results of the medical fitness certificate are usually available within a few days.
- Emirates ID Processing: Applying for and receiving the Emirates ID can take anywhere from a few days to a couple of weeks.
- Visa Stamping: The final visa stamping process can also take a few days once all other requirements are met and fees are paid to the GDRFA or ICA .
Therefore, the total estimated time to get family visa Dubai can range from a few weeks to a couple of months. It’s advisable to start the process well in advance of your family member’s intended arrival and to regularly check the status of your application through the official ICA smart services or GDRFA website. Keep in mind that unforeseen circumstances or peak application periods can sometimes affect these timelines.
Key Requirement: The Minimum Salary for Sponsoring Your Family
A significant factor in the Dubai family visa requirements is meeting the stipulated minimum salary to be eligible to sponsor family in Dubai . This requirement is set by the GDRFA and ensures that sponsors can financially support their dependents.
Currently, the general salary requirement to sponsor family in Dubai for male expatriate residents is typically a minimum monthly income of AED 4000+ AED. This threshold ensures that sponsors can adequately provide for their spouse and children .
For female sponsor family visa Dubai salary , the regulations might have specific conditions. It’s essential to verify the latest rules from the official GDRFA website or through authorized channels like Amer Centers as these requirements can be subject to change.
In some specific cases, there might be exceptions or alternative options to the minimum salary for family visa Dubai , such as providing a bank guarantee . However, these are usually assessed on a case-by-case basis by the immigration authorities .
Always ensure you have the most current information regarding the salary requirements before proceeding with your family visa application .
Renewing or Cancelling Your Family Visa in Dubai
Once your family members have obtained their residence permit under your sponsorship, it’s crucial to understand the processes for renew family visa Dubai and, if necessary, cancel family visa Dubai .
The Dubai Family Visa Renewal Process
The process to renew family visa Dubai typically involves a similar set of steps as the initial application, including a medical fitness test (if required), Emirates ID renewal, and the submission of updated documents . You will usually need to apply for renewal through the ICA smart services portal or the GDRFA website before the current visa expires to avoid penalties. There are also family visa renewal cost Dubai implications to consider.
How to Cancel a Dubai Family Visa
If your sponsored family member needs to leave Dubai permanently or their sponsorship ends, you will need to officially cancel family visa Dubai . This process usually involves submitting a cancellation request to the GDRFA and providing the necessary documents , such as the sponsored person’s passport and Emirates ID. Understanding the family visa cancellation process Dubai is important to ensure it’s done correctly.
Keeping abreast of the latest regulations from the immigration authorities regarding visa renewal and cancellation is essential for all residents sponsoring their families in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions About the Dubai Family Visa
Here are some common questions people have regarding the Dubai family visa process:
Q: What is the minimum salary for family visa Dubai right now?
A: Currently, the general salary requirement to sponsor family in Dubai for male expatriate residents is AED 4000. Please verify the latest requirements on the GDRFA website .
Q: How long does family visa take Dubai to process?
A: The total processing time for Dubai family visa can vary, typically ranging from a few weeks to a couple of months, depending on the efficiency of the GDRFA and the completion of all steps, including the medical test and Emirates ID application.
Q: What are the key documents required for Dubai family visa application?
A: Essential documents include your passport and visa copy, your family’s passports, marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates of children, salary certificate, tenancy contract (Ejari ), and medical fitness certificates.
Can a female sponsor family visa Dubai for her husband?
A: Yes, female expatriate residents can sponsor husband in Dubai under specific conditions set by the GDRFA . It’s advisable to check the latest regulations on the official website or through Amer Centers .
What is the cost of family visa in Dubai?
A: The Dubai family visa cost involves various fees, including the entry permit fee, medical test fee, Emirates ID fee, visa stamping fee, and potentially health insurance costs. The total cost can vary.
What is the age limit for children family visa Dubai?
A: The typical age limit for sponsoring sons is usually under 18 or 21, subject to the current regulations. Unmarried daughters can generally be sponsored regardless of age.
How do I renew family visa Dubai?
A: To renew your family visa in Dubai , you’ll typically use the ICA smart services portal or the GDRFA website before the current visa expires. You’ll need updated documents and may need another medical test.
Q: How can I cancel family visa Dubai?
A: To cancel a family visa in Dubai , the sponsor usually needs to submit a cancellation request to the GDRFA along with the sponsored person’s passport and Emirates ID.If you have further questions about the family visa Dubai process, feel free to consult the official GDRFA or ICA websites or contact an authorized visa service provider.