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UAE family visa at a glance
| Minimum income | AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | A UAE resident with a valid residence visa |
| Validity | Linked to the sponsor's own residence |
| Authority | ICP, or GDRFA in Dubai |
| Cost | Government fees, medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance for each person |
Who you can sponsor on a UAE family visa
| Family member | Condition |
|---|---|
| Spouse | With an attested marriage certificate |
| Sons | Under 25 |
| Daughters | Unmarried, any age |
| Children with special needs | Any age |
| Parents | A much higher income is needed; in Dubai the standard route asks for about AED 20,000 a month |
Family visa documents required
- Passport copies and photos of each family member
- Attested marriage certificate and attested birth certificates (see document attestation)
- Your salary certificate or employment contract, or company documents if you own the business
- Your tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai)
- Your passport, residence visa and Emirates ID
- Health insurance for each family member
Documents from abroad must go through the full attestation chain, because the UAE does not accept an apostille alone.
How to apply for a UAE family visa
- Attest the marriage and birth certificates.
- Apply for the entry permit, or a change of status if the family is already in the UAE.
- Medical test for family members aged 18 and over.
- Emirates ID biometrics.
- Residence visa issued, valid in line with your own.
Get help with your family visa
Tell us who you want to sponsor and your visa type. We will check the requirements and run the files.
Get Family Visa HelpFamily visa for business owners
If you hold an investor visa through your own company, you sponsor your family the same way. Instead of an employer's salary certificate, you show your income from the business, and the authority may ask for company documents. Holders of a golden visa can also sponsor their family. Our PRO team runs the files. Entityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not immigration advice. Income thresholds, eligible relatives, fees and documents are set by ICP and GDRFA and change from time to time; the figures above were gathered in September 2026. We confirm the current requirements for your case before you apply.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a family visa in the UAE?
AED 4,000 a month, or AED 3,000 a month with accommodation provided.
Who can I sponsor on a UAE family visa?
Your spouse, sons under 25, unmarried daughters of any age, children with special needs, and in many cases your parents.
What salary do I need to sponsor my parents in Dubai?
A much higher income than for a spouse and children. In Dubai the standard route asks for about AED 20,000 a month.
What documents do I need for a UAE family visa?
Passports and photos, an attested marriage certificate, attested birth certificates, your salary certificate or company documents, your tenancy contract, and health insurance.
Can a business owner sponsor family in the UAE?
Yes. If you hold an investor visa through your own company, you sponsor your family the same way, showing your income from the business.
How long is a UAE family visa valid?
It is linked to the sponsor's own residence visa and is renewed with it.
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