The UAE family visa allows residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents to live with them in the country. Whether you’re looking to bring your parents to the UAE, reunite with your spouse, or sponsor your children, the process follows a structured path through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
As of April 2026, the salary threshold for sponsoring a spouse and children remains at AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation). Sponsoring parents requires a higher income — typically AED 20,000 per month in Dubai. This guide covers the eligibility criteria, documents, application process, costs, and renewal steps for every category of family sponsorship in the UAE.
UAE family visa eligibility and conditions
Any UAE resident holding a valid residence visa and Emirates ID can sponsor family members, regardless of job title or profession. The official UAE government portal confirms that profession-based restrictions have been removed — only salary and accommodation thresholds apply.
Who can you sponsor?
- Spouse — husband or wife, with an attested marriage certificate
- Sons — under the age of 25
- Unmarried daughters — no age restriction
- Children of determination (special needs) — no age restriction
- Parents — subject to higher salary requirements and a refundable deposit
- Stepchildren — subject to GDRFA conditions, including a no-objection certificate from the biological parent
Holders of the Green visa are also entitled to sponsor first-degree relatives.
Basic conditions
- The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
- The sponsor must meet the minimum salary requirement for the category of family member being sponsored (see table below).
- A valid tenancy contract (registered through Ejari in Dubai or the relevant system in other emirates) must be provided as proof of accommodation.
- All sponsored family members aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved health centre.
- Sponsored family members must pass a security check.
- Residents get 60 days after their dependents enter the UAE to apply for the residence visa.
Conditions may change from time to time. For the latest updates, check with ICP or GDRFA Dubai.
Salary requirements by sponsor category
| Sponsor Category | Minimum Monthly Salary | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Male or female sponsor (spouse and children) | AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation | Applies regardless of profession |
| Woman sponsoring husband (Abu Dhabi) | AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 + accommodation | Must hold an approved profession (engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse, or medical sector) |
| Woman sponsoring husband (Dubai) | AED 10,000 | May require special permission from GDRFA Dubai |
| Sponsoring 5 family members | AED 10,000 | Total monthly salary required |
| Sponsoring 6+ family members | AED 15,000+ | Director-general reviews applications for 6+ relatives |
| Sponsoring parents (Dubai) | AED 20,000 | Plus refundable deposit and health insurance for each parent |
General documents required
- Original passport of the sponsored family member (with at least 6 months validity)
- Two passport-sized photographs (white background, UAE visa photo criteria)
- Entry permit
- Salary certificate from the sponsor’s employer (issued within 30 days of application)
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse) or birth certificate (for children/parents)
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai)
- Medical fitness certificate (for those aged 18 and above)
- Health insurance card (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
- Emirates ID application receipt
Additional documents may be required depending on the sponsor category. Consult the relevant embassy or GDRFA office for specifics.
How to bring your parents to the UAE
Sponsoring parents is one of the most searched family visa topics for expats in the UAE, and the process involves stricter requirements than sponsoring a spouse or children. Here’s what you need to know to bring your parents to the UAE in 2026.
Eligibility to sponsor parents
Both employers and employees with a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their parents, provided they meet the salary and documentation requirements. The key conditions are:
- Minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month in Dubai (AED 10,000–15,000 in some other emirates — check with the local immigration authority).
- You must sponsor both parents together. If one parent has passed away or is divorced, you’ll need official documents (death certificate or divorce decree) to justify sponsoring only one.
- You must provide proof that your parents rely solely on you for financial support — typically a dependency certificate from your home country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE.
- A refundable security deposit of approximately AED 2,500 per parent must be paid to GDRFA.
- Health insurance is mandatory for each parent.
Documents for parent sponsorship
- Sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, and valid residence visa
- Parents’ passports (minimum 6 months validity)
- Attested birth certificate proving the parent-child relationship
- Dependency certificate from the sponsor’s home country embassy
- Salary certificate and bank statements (3–6 months)
- Registered tenancy contract showing adequate accommodation
- Health insurance policy covering both parents
- Passport-sized photographs (white background)
All foreign documents must be attested and legalised by the UAE embassy in your home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Parent visa validity and renewal
The parent residence visa is issued for one year at a time, regardless of the duration of the sponsor’s own visa. It must be renewed annually, which involves renewing health insurance, repeating the medical fitness test, and resubmitting updated salary and tenancy documents.
Golden Visa holders: sponsor parents for 10 years
Golden Visa holders can sponsor their parents on visas matching the duration of their own Golden Visa — up to 10 years. This is a significant advantage over regular residence visa holders, whose parents receive only one-year visas. Golden Visa parent sponsorship does not require the standard AED 20,000 monthly salary threshold; the primary requirements are a valid Golden Visa, proof of the family relationship, and health insurance for each parent.
Sponsoring your spouse and children
Sponsoring a spouse and children is the most common form of family visa in the UAE. The minimum salary is AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation), and the process applies equally to male and female sponsors at this threshold.
Sponsoring your wife
To sponsor your wife, you need to submit an attested marriage certificate that has been translated into Arabic by a certified translator. The certificate must be legalised by your home country’s authorities and then attested by the UAE embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sponsoring two wives
Muslim residents may be permitted to sponsor two wives, subject to specific terms and conditions set by the relevant GDRFA. Approval is reviewed on a case-by-case basis.
Sponsoring children
- Sons: can be sponsored under the age of 25. No age restriction for sons of determination (those with special needs).
- Daughters: can be sponsored at any age, provided they are unmarried.
- Newborns: a residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of birth for babies born in the UAE to avoid fines.
- Stepchildren: can be sponsored subject to GDRFA conditions, including a refundable deposit per child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their visas are valid for one year, renewable annually.
If a father is residing in the UAE and can sponsor his children, the mother is generally not allowed to sponsor them separately.
Documents required for spouse and children
- UAE visa application form
- Passport copies of the spouse and children
- Passport-sized photographs
- Medical fitness certificate (for those above 18)
- Sponsor’s employment contract or company contract
- Salary certificate from employer
- Attested and legalised marriage certificate
- Registered tenancy contract
Women sponsoring their families
In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit in an approved profession (engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse, or other medical sector roles) and earns at least AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 plus accommodation).
In Dubai, women outside these profession categories may still get approval to sponsor their families if their monthly salary exceeds AED 10,000, with special permission from GDRFA Dubai.
A single mother can also sponsor her child, with documents similar to those required for stepchild sponsorship.
How to apply for the UAE family visa
The family visa process has two stages: first, you apply for an entry permit to bring your family member into the UAE. Once they arrive, you apply for the residence visa (which must be done within 60 days of entry).
Step 1: Apply for an entry permit
You can apply through these channels:
- Online: the ICP Smart Services portal (for residents outside Dubai) or the GDRFA Dubai website
- Mobile apps: the ICA UAE eChannels app (App Store / Google Play) or the GDRFA Dubai app
- In person: Amer service centres in Dubai or registered typing centres in other emirates
Step 2: Apply for the residence visa
After your family member enters the UAE on the entry permit, apply for the residence visa through one of these methods:
Online (website or app)
- Log in to the ICP or GDRFA smart services portal using UAE Pass or your username.
- Select the family residence visa service.
- Fill in the application details and upload the required documents.
- Pay the applicable fees.
GDRFA or Amer service centre (in person)
- Visit the nearest GDRFA Happiness Centre or Amer service centre.
- Take a queue number and wait for your turn.
- Submit your application and supporting documents to the service employee.
- Pay the applicable fees.
Once the application is processed and approved, you’ll receive a notification by SMS and email.
Processing time
The typical processing time for a UAE family residence visa is 2–3 weeks from submission, assuming all documents are complete. The GDRFA submission stage usually takes 3–5 working days, and visa stamping takes an additional 5–7 working days. Processing may take longer during weekends (Friday and Saturday) and public holidays.
UAE family visa costs
The total cost of a UAE family visa ranges from approximately AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person, depending on the emirate and the type of processing. This includes:
| Fee Component | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry permit application | 350–500 |
| Medical fitness test | 300–500 |
| Emirates ID | 370–500 |
| Visa stamping | 500–700 |
| Typing / service centre fee | 100–300 |
| Health insurance (varies by plan) | 700–3,000+ |
| Total estimated cost per person | AED 3,500–7,000 |
For parent sponsorship, add the refundable security deposit of approximately AED 2,500 per parent. Fees are subject to change — check the official UAE visa fees page for the latest numbers.
Validity, renewal, and grace period
The duration of a UAE family residence visa depends on the sponsor type. It is typically issued for one, two, or three years. The expiry date of the dependent’s visa will not exceed that of the sponsor’s visa. Parent visas are always issued for one year, regardless of the sponsor’s visa duration.
Grace period after expiry or cancellation
UAE residents are granted grace periods that can range from 30 days up to 6 months after visa expiry or cancellation, depending on the visa category. The official UAE government portal states that dependents are granted a 6-month grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation to either obtain a new residence permit or leave the country. No fines apply during this grace period. Verify your specific grace period through the ICP or GDRFA portal, as it may vary based on the sponsor’s visa category.
The family members’ residence permits are linked to the sponsor’s visa. If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the dependents’ visas must also be cancelled — but the grace period still applies.
Overstay fines (updated February 2026)
As of 11 February 2026, the UAE has unified overstay fines at a flat AED 50 per day across all emirates, replacing the previous tiered system. This applies to all visa types — tourist, visit, and residence. The fine accrues from the day after the grace period ends.
If overstaying exceeds 30 days beyond the grace period, an exit permit (out-pass) costing approximately AED 250–300 must also be obtained before leaving the country. Overstay fines can be paid online through the ICP Smart Services portal, the GDRFA Dubai website, or the UAE Pass app.
Reentry permit for residents abroad over 6 months
If a UAE resident stays outside the country for more than 180 consecutive days, their residence visa is automatically nullified. However, residents can apply for a reentry permit through ICP, which allows them to return within 30 days of approval. A fine of AED 100 for every 30 days or less spent outside the country applies. Note that this reentry permit service is not available for residents of Dubai.
Note: Golden Visa and Green Visa holders are exempt — they can reenter the UAE at any time, as long as their residency is valid.
How to renew your UAE family visa
Your sponsor must renew your residence visa before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application and can be done online or at an Amer service centre.
Renewal requirements
- A sponsor with a valid residency permit
- Passing a medical fitness test (for those above 18)
- Valid health insurance card (mandatory in Dubai and Abu Dhabi)
- Renewed Emirates ID or an original receipt confirming the renewal application with ICP
- Updated salary certificate and tenancy contract
Additional documents for renewal
For private sector employees: the sponsoring company must also submit a valid trade licence, firm card, and renewed labour card of the sponsored person.
For personal sponsors (family sponsorship): provide the sponsor’s employment or company contract, salary certificate, attested marriage certificate, registered tenancy contract, and a recent utility bill.
How to cancel your UAE family visa
If a family member needs to leave the UAE permanently, their residence visa must be officially cancelled. An individual sponsoring dependents must cancel the dependents’ visas before cancelling their own.
Online cancellation
- Visit the GDRFA Dubai portal or use the GDRFA Dubai app.
- Select the visa cancellation service.
- Upload the required documents: cancellation form signed by the sponsor, original passport of the sponsored person, and original Emirates ID.
- Pay the fees — approximately AED 190 plus Amer centre fees for cancellation inside the UAE, or AED 290 plus service fees for cancellation from outside the country.
- Submit the request.
In-person cancellation
- Visit an Amer service centre.
- Select the visa cancellation service at reception.
- Submit the required documents.
- Pay the fees and submit the application.
You’ll receive an SMS and email with the status of your application. If documents are missing, you have 30 days to attach them — otherwise the application is automatically cancelled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How can I bring my parents to the UAE?
To bring your parents to the UAE, you need a valid residence visa, a minimum monthly salary of AED 20,000 (in Dubai), proof that your parents depend solely on you for financial support, health insurance for both parents, and a refundable security deposit of approximately AED 2,500 per parent. You must sponsor both parents together unless one has passed away or is divorced. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents for up to 10 years without meeting the AED 20,000 salary threshold.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family in the UAE?
The minimum salary to sponsor a spouse and children is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. For sponsoring parents, the requirement is significantly higher — AED 20,000 per month in Dubai (AED 10,000–15,000 in some other emirates). Women sponsoring their husbands typically need AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 plus accommodation).
How long does the UAE family visa take to process?
The typical processing time is 2–3 weeks from submission, assuming all documents are in order. The GDRFA submission stage takes about 3–5 working days, and visa stamping takes 5–7 working days. Delays may occur during weekends and public holidays.
What is the grace period after a UAE family visa expires?
UAE residents are granted grace periods ranging from 30 days up to 6 months after visa expiry or cancellation, depending on the visa category. The official UAE government portal states that dependents are granted a 6-month grace period. No fines apply during this period. After the grace period ends, a unified overstay fine of AED 50 per day applies (as of February 2026). Verify your specific grace period through the ICP or GDRFA portal.
Can a woman sponsor her family in the UAE?
Yes. In Abu Dhabi, women in approved professions (engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse, or medical sector) earning at least AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 plus accommodation) can sponsor their husbands and children. In Dubai, women outside these categories may still get approval if they earn over AED 10,000, with special permission from GDRFA Dubai. A single mother can also sponsor her child.
How much does a UAE family visa cost?
The total cost ranges from approximately AED 3,500 to AED 7,000 per person, covering the entry permit, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, service centre fees, and health insurance. For parent sponsorship, an additional refundable security deposit of about AED 2,500 per parent is required.
Sources
- UAE Government — Residence Visa for Family Members
- UAE Government — General Provisions for the Residence Visa
- UAE Government — Golden Visa
- ICP — Green Residency
- UAE Government — Visa Fees and Fines
- GDRFA Dubai — Official Website
- ICP Smart Services Portal
- Dubai Health Authority — Medical Fitness Centres
- Gulf News — UAE Overstaying Fees Standardised
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
