UAE Family Visa FAQ
UAE Family Visa — frequently asked questions
Sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents. Clear, up-to-date answers from our team.
Published 6 Jun 2026
Last updated 7 Jun 2026
26 questions
Always go by the date. UAE rules and government fees change over time. We keep earlier answers for reference rather than deleting them, so if two answers seem to differ, the one with the most recent “Updated” date is the current one.
Do I need to visit your office?
No. The whole process is online. Share documents digitally; if any original is required we send a rider to your location.
Are digital copies enough?
In most cases, yes. If any original document is required at any stage, we'll tell you clearly and arrange collection through our rider service.
Can I apply from outside the UAE?
Yes. You can apply via UAE Pass from anywhere. However, some steps may still require the dependent to enter the UAE for visa completion.
What's the maximum age for my son to stay under my sponsorship?
Generally up to 25 years. Beyond that, approval depends on the case and supporting documents.
What's the maximum age for my daughter?
A daughter can remain under parent sponsorship as long as she is unmarried. If she is married, the sponsorship eligibility may change.
Are there exemptions for older children?
Yes. If you can prove the child is fully dependent on the parents, immigration may consider the application even above the normal age limit, subject to approval.
When is the immigration deposit refunded?
Usually after the dependent visa is cancelled. It's not normally processed while the visa is still active.
Can I change jobs while my dependents' visas are active?
In many cases yes, you can hold your dependents' visas during a job change so they don't need to be cancelled immediately.
Is health insurance mandatory?
For some Emirates yes, for visa issuance or renewal. For Dubai, it's generally not requested at the immigration stage. Requirements vary by Emirate.
Can I sponsor children if they study abroad?
Yes. They will need to enter the UAE to complete the visa process, then can travel back to study.
Do children studying abroad need to enter every 6 months?
Normally yes. With valid education documents, an exemption may be granted extending up to one year, subject to approval.
What if my application is rejected?
Visa approval is at immigration's discretion. If rejected, we review the documents, identify the issue, and advise on reapplication. Document inconsistencies can often be corrected before reapplying.
Do certificates need Arabic translation?
English or Arabic documents may not need translation. Other languages usually require legal Arabic translation to avoid delays.
At what age is the medical test required?
18 and above. Children below 18 generally don't require it.
At what age are Emirates ID biometrics needed?
15 and above, especially if not already registered in the system.
Can I choose the nearest medical/biometrics center?
Yes, in most cases — based on availability and your Emirate. Options depend on location, visa type, and appointment slots.
What is the minimum salary to sponsor my family in the UAE?
AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by your employer. This applies regardless of your job title — what matters is the salary shown in your contract or salary certificate.
Can a wife sponsor her husband and children?
Yes, women can sponsor their families if they meet the salary requirement. In practice, Dubai immigration may ask for a higher salary (around AED 10,000) when a wife sponsors her husband, and approval is at GDRFA's discretion. We check your profile first and tell you the realistic position before you start.
How much does a family visa cost in total?
Plan for roughly AED 3,000–5,000 per dependent for a standard residence visa, covering the entry permit or status change, medical test, Emirates ID and stamping. Parent visas cost more because of the deposit and annual renewal. We always share an exact itemised quote before starting.
How long does the family visa process take?
Typically 10–15 working days end to end: entry permit approval in 2–7 working days, then medical test, Emirates ID biometrics and visa stamping. Delays usually come from document issues, which we screen for upfront.
Can I sponsor my parents?
Yes, but the requirements are higher: a salary of around AED 20,000, a two-bedroom or larger home, mandatory health insurance and a refundable deposit of about AED 2,020 per parent. Parent visas are issued for one year and renewed annually, and you generally must sponsor both parents together unless one has passed away or they are divorced (with proof).
What's the grace period if my family's visa expires or is cancelled?
Dependents get a 6-month grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation to obtain a new residence visa or leave the UAE. No daily fines build up within this window.
What is the overstay fine for dependents?
AED 50 per day once the grace period has passed — the UAE unified this rate across visa types in 2026. Fines must be settled before a new visa can be processed or before exit.
How long is a dependent visa valid?
It follows your own residence visa — usually 1, 2 or 3 years — and can never outlast the sponsor's visa. Renewal can start up to 60 days before expiry. Parents' visas are renewed every year regardless of your own visa length.
Which documents do I need to sponsor my wife and children?
Passports, photos, your salary certificate or employment contract, Ejari tenancy contract, attested marriage certificate (for a spouse) and attested birth certificates (for children), plus health insurance depending on the Emirate. Certificates issued abroad must be attested and, if not in Arabic or English, legally translated — we handle both.
Is family sponsorship easier on a Golden Visa?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children with no minimum salary requirement, children can stay under sponsorship without the usual age cut-off, and dependents receive the same long validity as the holder.
Still have a question about UAE Family Visa?
Rules change often. If your situation isn't covered above, our team will give you a clear answer.