Easy Guide to Getting a Family Visa in Dubai

If you're living in Dubai and want to bring your family here, you're not alone. Many people working in the UAE dream of staying close to their loved ones. Thankfully, the UAE allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members, but the process can be confusing if you're doing it for the first time.

This guide explains how to get a family visa in Dubai. You'll learn who can apply, which documents you need, and how the process works step by step.

What Is a Family Visa?

A family visa allows UAE residents to sponsor close family members to live with them. This means your loved ones can stay in the UAE and access important services like:

• Health care
• School and education
• Banking and financial services

You can sponsor:

• Your husband or wife
• Your children
• Your parents (with additional rules)

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

To sponsor a family member, you must:

• Live in the UAE with a valid residency visa
• Hold an Emirates ID
• Earn a stable monthly income
• Have a rental agreement (Ejari) in your name

Note: In some Dubai cases, Ejari may not be mandatory depending on your nationality.

Both men and women can sponsor family members. In some cases, women may need to provide proof of employment and salary, especially if they are sponsoring children or a husband.

Who Can You Sponsor?

Spouse

• You must be legally married
• A marriage certificate is required (must be in Arabic or translated)
• Muslim men may sponsor up to two wives, but only with official approval and proof of equal treatment

Children

• Daughters: Eligible for sponsorship as long as they are unmarried
• Sons: Can be sponsored up to age 25, and over 18 may require proof of continued education
• Children with disabilities: No age limit

Parents

• You must sponsor both parents unless one is deceased (with a death certificate)
• Must show proof that no one else can care for them
• Required monthly income: AED 10,000
• Must have a two-bedroom home and valid medical insurance for both parents

How to Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai

Step 1: Prepare Your Documents

You'll need:

• Your passport and Emirates ID
• Passports and photos of your family members
• Marriage or birth certificates
• Employment contract or salary letter
• Rental agreement (Ejari)

Make sure all names match exactly. Non-Arabic documents must be translated into Arabic and legally attested.

Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit

This is the first visa step. The entry permit allows your family to enter the UAE for residency processing.

Step 3: Change Visa Status (If Needed)

If your family is in the UAE, you can change their visa status without exiting the country. If they're outside, they can use the entry permit to enter and continue the process.

Step 4: Complete the Medical Test (Age 18+)

• Mandatory for all adults
• Includes screening for infectious diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis
• Results are typically ready within 1 to 2 business days

Step 5: Emirates ID and Visa Stamping

Apply for Emirates ID during the medical testing stage. Submit documents for visa stamping once medical results are clear.

Visa duration varies by situation:

• 2 years for standard employment visa holders
• 2 years for investors
• 1 year for parent sponsorships

Since visas are not permanent, it’s important to understand the family visa renewal process in Dubai

Step 6: Receive the Emirates ID

Once the visa is stamped, your family member receives their Emirates ID. This card proves they are a legal UAE resident.

How Verifast Can Help

Handling visa applications can be overwhelming, especially if it's your first time. Verifast simplifies the process by offering:

• Document preparation and verification
• Arabic translation and certificate attestation
• Booking medical exams and securing insurance
• Typing services for online forms
• Application tracking and updates

Our team stays up to date with UAE immigration rules and ensures your application avoids unnecessary delays.

FAQs

How long does it take to get a family visa?

It usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on document readiness and application type.

What if my family member stays outside the UAE for more than six months?

After six months, reentry requires a return permit. Delays may lead to penalties or visa cancellation.

Can my family member work while on a family visa?

Yes, but they must obtain a valid work permit from their employer.

Can I sponsor my brother or sister?

No. Sponsorship is limited to your spouse, children, or parents.

Final Thoughts

Bringing your family to Dubai is a meaningful step toward building a better future together. While the visa process can seem complex, it becomes manageable when you follow the steps carefully and seek the right help.

If you're unsure where to start, Verifast can walk you through each stage, from document collection to final approval, saving you time and avoiding headaches.