Bring Your Family to the UAE
Dubai is one of the world’s top destinations for expatriates, and the Family Visa (Dependent Visa) ensures that residents can live with their loved ones. Any UAE resident holding a valid employment or investor visa can sponsor their immediate family members, provided certain income and accommodation criteria are met.
Who can sponsor a Family Visa?
Husbands sponsoring wives & children
Wives sponsoring husbands (allowed if meeting salary and profession requirements)
Parents sponsoring children
Children sponsoring parents (with higher salary thresholds)
According to UAE residency rules:
The minimum salary requirement is AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 + accommodation.
Medical fitness tests are mandatory for dependents aged 18+.
Required Documents
Sponsor’s passport, visa, and Emirates ID
Dependents’ passports and photos
Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate - attested)
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or accommodation proof
Salary certificate / labour contract or investor licence
Medical fitness certificate (for dependents 18+)
Step-by-Step Process
- Eligibility check : Verify salary, accommodation, and relationship documents.
- Entry permit issuance : For dependents abroad, an eVisa is issued.
- Status change : Convert to residence visa inside the UAE.
- Medical fitness test : Required for adults (18+).
- Emirates ID application : Biometric data captured with ICP.
- Visa stamping : Final residence visa issued (2–3 years, depending on sponsor’s visa type).
Validity & Renewals
Aligned with sponsor's visa - Dependent visas are linked to the sponsor’s visa validity (usually 2-3 years).
Renewals - Must be renewed before expiry; dependents must undergo medical testing again if 18+.
Grace period - After cancellation/expiry, dependents generally have 30 days to renew or exit, though exact grace is shown in their ICP record.
Benefits of a Family Visa in Dubai
Legal residency for spouse, children, and dependents
Access to healthcare, education, banking, and utilities
Stability and long-term settlement in Dubai
Pathway for children’s schooling and higher education in the UAE
How Consultycs Helps
Ensure documents are correctly attested and compliant
Handle entry permits, status changes, and medical testing
Align dependent visa renewals with sponsor’s residency to avoid lapses
Provide ongoing support for amendments (new dependents, renewals, cancellations)
Frequently Asked Questions
AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation.
Yes, women can sponsor husbands and children if they meet the required salary and profession criteria.
Typically 2–3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa.
Yes, but this requires higher income levels and additional conditions.
Yes, dependents aged 18+ must pass a medical fitness exam.
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