You work in the UAE. You miss your family each day.
Bolo Asan shares this guide in simple words. It uses plain words only.
Quick Answer: A UAE Family Visa brings close family here. You need a valid residence visa and enough salary.
At a Glance
| Topic | Simple Rule |
|---|---|
| Who can sponsor | A resident with a valid visa |
| Salary | AED 4,000 a month or AED 3,000 with housing |
| Spouse and children | Spouse, sons under 25, unmarried daughters |
| Parents | Mother and father with strict case review |
| Main steps | Sponsor file, entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID |
| Medical test | Members aged 18 and above at approved centres |
| Visa length | Linked to your own residence visa |
| Grace period | 60 days after expiry or cancellation |
Who Can You Bring
A UAE Family Visa covers your spouse. It covers your children too.
Sons qualify under the age of 25. Unmarried daughters qualify at any age.
Children with special needs face no age limit here. Green visa holders sponsor first-degree relatives too.
Who Qualifies First
Your own residence visa must stay valid. Your visa must cover the full process.
Who Can Apply: Residents with a valid visa can apply. Your spouse and children can join you first.
Each member needs a valid passport. Each passport must stay valid for more than six months.
Your Spouse
A UAE Family Visa covers a husband and wife. A wife can sponsor her husband too.
The marriage paper needs UAE foreign ministry certification. GDRFA lists this paper for wife sponsorship.
Sometimes a paper needs an Arabic translation. GDRFA lists translation for marriage papers.
Papers for Your Spouse
Attested birth papers prove each child link. Attested marriage papers prove the spouse link.
Spouse: Your spouse needs an attested marriage certificate. The certificate needs UAE foreign ministry certification.
Keep the original paper safe at home. Show copies first and originals on demand.
Parents Need More Proof
Parents face stricter rules than spouse and children. GDRFA reviews parent cases one by one.
GDRFA lists a parent category for mother and father. The list asks for bank statements and an attested tenancy contract.
No salary figure appears in this guide for parents. Official sources give different figures for parents.
The Salary Test
You need a monthly salary of AED 4,000. A salary of AED 3,000 works with employer housing.
Show a salary certificate or an employment contract. GDRFA lists both papers for salary proof.
Salary Requirement: You need AED 4,000 a month as salary. AED 3,000 a month works with employer housing.
Salary Papers
Government staff show a salary certificate. Private staff show an employment contract.
A husband and wife can combine their salaries. GDRFA lists this route for children cases.
Your sponsor file needs your salary paper too. Bolo Asan suggests you file salary papers early.
Salary Proof Tips
The paper must show salary and housing both. Housing lines matter for the lower test.
Private staff attach the labour contract. Government staff attach the salary certificate.
Ask your employer for a fresh salary paper. Fresh papers avoid counter questions.
Your Home Proof
GDRFA lists an attested lease contract from Ejari. You can also show property ownership instead.
The tenancy contract must suit your family size. GDRFA lists this size rule for parent cases.
Keep your tenancy contract current and valid. An expired contract weakens your file.
Papers to Collect
You need passport copies for each member. You need your own Emirates ID copy too.
You need recent photos with a white background. GDRFA lists this photo rule for renewal.
Required Documents: Keep attested marriage and birth certificates ready. Keep your Ejari contract and salary paper ready.
Photos and ID Cards
Each photo must show a recent coloured image. Each photo needs a white background too.
The sponsor file lists ID cards for all members. Carry your own ID card copy always.
Keep ID copies in your folder as well. Clear copies save repeat visits later.
More Papers
Children need attested birth certificates. GDRFA lists this paper for child cases.
Parents need bank statements for three months. GDRFA lists bank statements for parent cases.
Stepchildren need a no objection paper from the father. GDRFA lists attestation for papers from outside the UAE.
Special Cases
A widowed mother can sponsor her children sometimes. She must act as guarantor and legal custodian.
The mother must stay inside the UAE. Her case needs papers within six months of divorce or death.
A son above 25 shows university papers. GDRFA lists graduation papers for older sons.
The Humanitarian Route
Humanitarian cases get a one-year renewable permit. A committee reviews each case one by one.
Approval needs a guarantee of AED 5,000 per request. The total guarantee stays under AED 15,000.
Humanitarian fees match the standard fee list. GDRFA lists 14 days for this section.
If Salary Falls Short
A husband and wife can combine their salaries. GDRFA lists this combined route for children.
Wife and children cases under AED 4,000 follow a special route. Bank statements and tenancy papers join the file.
Ask the centre about your own salary case. Carry bank statements for three months.
Ask the Centre
Ask the official centre for case help. Centres decide special cases one by one.
Carry all papers to the first visit. One visit beats two visits always.
Do not trust random figures from social media. Trust only the official page for rules.
Check Before You File
Check each passport date before you file. Each passport must stay valid for over six months.
Before You Apply: Check passport dates before you apply. Attest papers early and keep one folder.
You get a notice for missing papers within 30 days. The file ends without the missing papers.
Where You File
Dubai cases go through GDRFA. Other emirates go through ICP.
Amer centres accept the same file in Dubai. The GDRFA pages list Amer centre steps.
You can file online through the smart system. The system asks for UAE Pass or a username.
File From Home
Digital channels run 24 hours a day. The addition service page lists this timing.
Where to Apply: Apply through GDRFA if you live in Dubai. Apply through ICP in other emirates.
Open your sponsor file through GDRFA first. Then apply for an entry permit next.
Two Routes, One Rule
Dubai and other emirates share the salary rule. The federal page lists one salary rule for all.
Dubai files go through GDRFA channels. Other emirates file through ICP channels.
Amer centres serve Dubai files in person. Online filing works for both routes.
Your Sponsor File
First-time sponsors open a sponsor file. The file opening fee is AED 200 plus VAT.
Knowledge and Innovation charges add AED 10 each. The page lists both charges plainly.
GDRFA lists 48 hours for this service. File early for a smooth start.
Sponsor File Papers
The sponsor file needs passport copies for all. Sponsor and sponsored passports both join the file.
- Sponsor passport copy
- Sponsored passport copy
- ID cards for sponsor and members
- Salary paper from employer
- Attested marriage or birth papers
- Attested Ejari contract
First-time sponsors open this file once. The file then covers each family member.
Steps in Order
Follow the steps in the same order. Each step needs the step before it.
- Open a sponsor file in your name.
- Apply for an entry permit for each member.
- Bring your family to the UAE on the permit.
- Book a medical test for each adult member.
- Apply for an Emirates ID for each member.
- Get the residence permit issued for each member.
Family Already Here
Family inside the UAE follows a different path. GDRFA lists an inside country fee for them.
The rest of the steps stay the same. Medical tests and Emirates ID still apply.
A child born in the UAE joins through addition. The addition service needs a birth certificate.
A Few Smart Moves
Keep scans of all papers in one folder. Label each scan with the person name.
Tip: Scan all papers and save them in one folder. Clear scans prevent repeat visits to the centre.
Keep originals ready for centre checks too. Show originals only when staff ask for them.
Dates You Must Not Miss
Renew before your visa expiry date arrives. A late file can bring a fine.
GDRFA gives 60 days of grace after expiry. The same grace follows cancellation too.
Use the grace days to renew on time. Do not let the grace days pass unused.
Do Not Wait
Start renewal one week early. Early renewal avoids last day rush.
Deadline: Renew before the expiry date arrives. The grace period runs for 60 days.
Mark each date on your calendar. Set phone reminders for each date.
Before You Travel
Do not book flights before approval. Flight tickets do not speed approval.
Wait for the entry permit first. Travel dates follow permit approval.
Plan travel only after permit approval. Early bookings risk date changes.
What You Pay
UAE Family Visa fees differ by emirate. Dubai follows GDRFA fees for most services.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Sponsor file opening in Dubai | AED 200 plus 5 percent VAT plus AED 10 plus AED 10 |
| Family residence renewal in Dubai | AED 200 plus AED 10 plus AED 10 |
| Inside country fee | AED 500 |
| Delivery of documents | AED 20 |
| Extra year beyond two years | AED 100 per year |
Check the official page on the day you pay. Fees change from time to time.
Before You Pay
Check the fee on the official page first. Fees differ by case and channel.
VAT applies to the sponsor file fee. The page lists VAT at 5 percent.
Ask the centre about extra service charges. Do not pay any agent outside the centre.
Keep Your Receipts
Bolo Asan suggests you keep all receipts safe. Receipts also prove your payments in disputes.
Fees: Dubai fees differ from other emirates. Check the official page before you pay.
Pay only through official channels for safety. Keep the real receipt from the centre.
How Long Each Step Takes
GDRFA lists 48 hours for the sponsor file service. GDRFA lists 48 hours for the family renewal service too.
Other steps show their own time on the official page. Check the service page before you plan travel.
Processing Time: The sponsor file takes 48 hours on GDRFA. Family renewal takes 48 hours too.
Track Your File
The centre sends SMS and email updates. Each update follows one step of your file.
You get a notice for each missing paper. You get 30 days to attach it.
Approval reaches you by email as well. Keep your email address correct on the form.
If Tracking Fails
Visit the centre with your papers in hand. Ask staff about your file status there.
How to Check: Watch SMS and email updates for your file. Visit the centre if tracking shows an error.
Keep your phone number correct on the form. Wrong contact details delay your updates.
Keep Your Phone Ready
Keep your phone number current on file. Updates reach you through SMS alerts.
Keep your email address current too. Approval news arrives by email.
Check SMS and email folders each week. Missed updates delay your response.
After Approval
The centre sends SMS updates too. Keep your phone switched on always.
Delivery of papers costs AED 20 extra. The renewal page lists this delivery fee.
Keep residence and ID records together always. You need them again at renewal time.
Common Delays
Paper gaps delay your file fast. Attach them within 30 days of notice.
Check photo size before you file. Use recent photos for each member.
Check name spellings across all papers. Match names on each paper exactly.
The Medical Test
Family members aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness test. Approved health centres in the UAE run the test.
The test checks freedom from communicable diseases like HIV and TB. Abu Dhabi screens lung TB with a chest X-ray.
Medical Test: Adults aged 18 and above take this test. Approved centres run the test only.
After the Test
Bolo Asan suggests you keep the result paper safe. A clear result moves your file forward.
Children under 18 skip this test step. The official list asks for tests only above 18.
Renewal cases need a medical test too. The renewal list asks for tests above 18.
Children Above 18
Sons aged 18 and above take the test. Daughters aged 18 and above take it too.
Sons above 25 need study proof sometimes. GDRFA lists study proof for older sons.
Each adult member needs an Emirates ID. The sponsor file lists ID cards for all.
Health Cover
Health insurance is mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai. Other emirates still prepare their own policies.
Read our guide on health insurance for full details. Keep the insurance card with you always.
Insurance: Buy health insurance for each family member. Health insurance is mandatory in Abu Dhabi and Dubai.
How Long It Lasts
Your family permit follows your own permit. Your family cannot outlast your own visa.
Renewal follows your original visa terms. Terms do not change at renewal time.
Renew your own visa on time first. Your family stay depends on your visa.
Renew on Time
Start renewal before the expiry date nears. Do not wait for the last week.
Validity: Your family visa length matches your own visa. Renewal keeps the same original terms.
Bolo Asan suggests early renewal for all members. Renew a family residence under the same terms.
If Your Own Visa Ends
If your own visa ends, UAE Family Visa cases end too. Cancel family visas before you leave the country.
You get the same 60 day grace period after cancellation. Use the grace days to fix status fast.
Important: Your family visa stays tied to your own residence visa. Renew your own visa on time to protect their stay.
Cancel in Order
Sponsor cancellation needs dependent cancellation too. Plan both cancellations in one trip.
Bolo Asan suggests you keep cancellation papers safe. Check the status of each member online.
Use the official renewal page for renewal steps. The page lists fees and grace rules.
After You Cancel
Keep cancellation papers for future files. Future cases ask for old records.
Check each member status after cancellation. Online status shows the final state.
Leave only after all cancellations finish. Clean files ease future applications.
One Family, Step by Step
Ahmed works in Dubai and earns AED 5,000 a month. He wants to sponsor his wife and son.
His son is 10 years old at present. His son skips the medical test due to age.
Example: Ahmed works in Dubai and earns AED 5,000 a month. He attests his marriage paper and files online first.
Ahmed Finishes the File
His wife takes the medical test after arrival. Both get Emirates ID cards after approval.
He keeps one folder for all papers. He labels each scan with a clear name.
Order matters more than speed in this process. Papers first, then online filing, then tests.
Ahmed Renews
Ahmed renews under his original visa terms. His terms stay the same at renewal.
GDRFA lists 48 hours for family renewal. Ahmed files one week before expiry.
His wife takes a medical test again. The renewal list asks for tests above 18.
Renewal Day Papers
Renewal asks for a fresh photo first. The photo must show a white background.
- Recent photo with white background
- Passport copy for the member
- Medical test for members above 18
File renewal before the expiry date nears. Late files risk fines after grace.
Your Last Check
Use this list before you apply. Tick each item with care before you start.
- Valid residence visa and salary proof
- Attested papers with Arabic translation
- Ejari contract for your home
- Passport copies and photos
- Medical booking and insurance plan
Ready to File
Check your passport dates one more time. Check your salary proof date as well.
Checklist: Valid residence visa and salary proof. Attested papers with Arabic translation.
File fresh papers for a smooth check. Bolo Asan suggests one folder for originals.
Rules Can Change
UAE Family Visa rules can change with time. Check the official page for fresh rules.
Frequently Asked Questions
What salary do I need for a UAE Family Visa?
You need AED 4,000 per month as salary. You can qualify with AED 3,000 plus housing.
Can I sponsor my wife and children on a UAE Family Visa?
Yes, you can sponsor your wife and children. Your sons must stay under the age of 25.
Can my wife sponsor me and our children?
Yes, a wife can sponsor in some cases. The rule covers his or her spouse.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE Family Visa?
Yes, but parent rules stay strict for all. GDRFA reviews each parent case alone.
How long does a UAE Family Visa take?
Family renewal takes 48 hours on GDRFA. Other steps show their own time online.
What papers do I need for a UAE Family Visa?
You need attested marriage and birth certificates. You need passport copies and photos for all.
Do children need a medical test for a UAE Family Visa?
Children under 18 skip the medical test fully. Adults aged 18 and above must take it.
How long is a UAE Family Visa valid?
The length matches your own residence visa. Renewal follows your original visa terms.
What happens if I lose my job in the UAE?
Your family visas end with your own visa. You still get 60 days of grace period.
What if a paper is missing from my file?
You get a notice within 30 days. The file ends without the missing paper.
Disclaimer: Bolo Asan shares general information only. Always check the official GDRFA or ICP page before you apply.
Last Updated: 26 October 2026
Ayesha writes practical guides about living in the UAE, including housing, schools, healthcare and everyday services. She turns complex topics into simple steps.