Family is what makes the meaning of life. You may be searching for a way to invite them to live with you in the UAE, but first, you need to be prepared with knowledge, like to know the requirements, steps, and UAE family visa cost. In our blog, we will cover all the details regarding the UAE family visa to guarantee a smooth start to family life in the UAE.
What is a Family Visa in Dubai?
With its supportive visa policies, the UAE continues to be a top destination for families worldwide. The UAE family visa is one type of residency visa. This family visa allows expatriates to sponsor their family members to live with them in the UAE. Obtaining a family visa helps families establish a comfortable home in Dubai. Family members with UAE family visas have access to any facility, such as healthcare and education, ensuring all have a good-quality life in UAE.
Dubai Family Visa Requirements
Before obtaining and paying UAE family visa costs, you should know the primary requirements for this type of visa. Check the requirements below to ensure that you meet specific UAE family visa criteria.
1. Minimum Salary Threshold:
As a sponsoring individual in UAE, you must provide documents that prove you earn a minimum monthly salary along with company-provided accommodation.
2. Valid Residency:
Your UAE residency visa must be valid to start the process of obtaining the UAE family visa.
3. Relationship Proof:
You will need some legal documentation, such as marriage or birth certificates, that prove your relationship with the dependents.
4. Accommodation:
To ensure a smooth UAE family visa application, you must provide proof of suitable housing that can be enough for dependents, such as a tenancy contract.
5. Health Insurance:
Provide comprehensive health insurance coverage for family members who will be invited.
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UAE Family Visa Cost in 2025
Inviting your family members requires efficient budget planning. We can summarize the UAE family visa cost in 2025 as follows:
Entry Permit Fee:
UAE family visa costs include an entry permit fee, ranging from AED 1,100 to AED 1,500, depending on the duration.
Medical Fitness Test:
There are additional expenses besides UAE family visa costs, such as medical insurance, which costs approximately AED 300 to AED 500 per individual.
Visa Stamping:
UAE family visa costs include visa stamping when your request gets approved.
Emirates ID:
To live naturally in UAE, your family members will need to get their Emirates ID, which is added to the UAE family visa cost.
Overall, the UAE family visa cost typically amounts to AED 4,000 to AED 7,000 per family member, including all charges.
Abu Dhabi Family Visa Cost
If you are residing in Abu Dhabi, you will need to apply for a family visa at the official UAE visa center in Abu Dhabi. The Abu Dhabi family visa cost is similar to that of Dubai, but you may need to pay for the additional documents that will be required. Generally, the total cost ranges between AED 4,000 and AED 6,000, depending on the visa duration and specific services. As Abu Dhabi family visa costs can be changed, check with the Abu Dhabi immigration authority for up-to-date pricing.
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How to Apply Family Visa in UAE
Applying for a UAE family visa involves several steps:
1. Initial Application:
Submit an application online through the GDRFA or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) portal.
2. Entry Permit:
Obtain an entry permit for family members who are outside the UAE.
3. Medical Test:
Arrange for a medical fitness test for dependents aged 18 and above.
4. Emirates ID Application:
Apply for an Emirates ID for each family member.
5. Visa Stamping:
Submit the passport for visa stamping at the immigration department.
Each step ensures the process complies with UAE immigration laws.
Documents Required for Family Visa in UAE 2025
To streamline the process, ensure you have the following documents ready:
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copy
- Dependent’s passport and recent photographs
- Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
- Salary certificate or labor contract
- Marriage and birth certificates (attested)
- Health insurance proof
These documents must be submitted during the application process to avoid delays or rejections.
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New UAE Family Visa Rules 2025
In 2025, the UAE introduced updates to family visa regulations:
1. Expanded Sponsorship Criteria: Women in certain professions can now sponsor their families. 2. Flexible Requirements: Relaxed salary thresholds for specific job categories. 3. Longer Validity Options: The availability of five-year family visas in specific cases. These changes aim to make the UAE more inclusive for expat families.
What is the Validity Duration for a UAE Family Visa?
The validity of a UAE family visa typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s residency visa. It is crucial to renew the visa before it expires to maintain legal residency in the UAE.
How Long It Takes?
The processing time for a UAE family visa depends on many factors:
- Entry Permit: Issued within 2 to 7 business days.
- Medical Test and Emirates ID: Completed in 3 to 5 business days.
- Visa Stamping: This takes approximately 3 to 5 business days.
Overall, the entire process can take 2 to 3 weeks.
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Who Can You Sponsor for a Family Visa in Dubai?
A UAE family visa allows you to sponsor:
- Spouse
- Children (up to age 18 for sons, unmarried daughters of any age)
- Parents (with additional UAE family visa cost and salary requirements)
Is it Possible for a Woman to Sponsor Her Family Members for a UAE Family Visa?
According to the new rules in the UAE, women can sponsor their families if they meet the necessary requirements. However, they should provide proof of the minimum salary requirement for female sponsors, which is AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation.
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Roofs & Roots: Simplifying Life in the UAE
The process of applying for the UAE family visa can be daunting if you don’t have professional guidance. Roofs & Roots team helps you with UAE family visa assistance to avoid any hassle during the process. We can answer all the inquiries you have in mind through our professional team who has all the knowledge, starting from the required documents to UAE family visa cost.
FAQ
What kinds of family visas are there?
There are short-term and long-term family visas in the UAE, including 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year residency visas. Additionally, a 5-year long-term family visa is available for specific cases, like golden visa holders.
How long can the longest UAE family visa last?
The longest UAE family visa can last for 5 years, typically issued under the long-term residency or golden visa program.
Can a family visa issued by the UAE be renewed?
Yes, UAE family visas can be renewed. Renewal requires updated documentation, including proof of valid residency, Emirates ID, and medical fitness tests for dependents.
How to apply for a 90-day visit visa for family in the UAE?
To apply for a 90-day visit visa, sponsors can use the UAE immigration portal (GDRFA or ICA). Required documents include a passport, proof of residency, and an application fee payment.
What are the types of family visas in Dubai?
Dubai offers various types of family visas, including short-term visas (1-2 years) and long-term visas (3-5 years).
