Spouse &
Dependents
Visa
Processing

Let’s get started!

What is the family visa in the UAE?

The family visa in the UAE is a type of residency visa that allows the spouse and dependent children (under the age of 18) of a resident in the UAE to live with them in the country. The family visa is also sometimes referred to as a “dependent visa” or “sponsor visa.”

Types of family visa

1 year family visa

Individuals sponsoring their step children will get a 1 year UAE Resident visa which should be renewed annually.

2 years family visa

Based on the sponsor’s 2 years labour contract 2 years family visa is granted.

Eligibility for family visa

Expatriate residents can sponsor their families to reside in the UAE if they have a valid residence permit/visa.

The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

Male and female family members who are to be sponsored and who have completed the age of 23 need to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centres in the UAE.

Sponsoring your parents

An expatriate employee can sponsor his parents for a year’s stay by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent as stipulated by the respective immigration department.

An expatriate employee cannot sponsor only one of his parents. He needs to sponsor both parents together. He also needs to provide proof that he is their sole support and that there is no one to take care of them back home.

If one of the parents has passed away or if the parents are divorced, related official documents would be needed as justification to sponsor only one of the parents.

To sponsor parents, the employed expatriate resident must earn the minimum salary stipulated and obtain a medical insurance policy for parents with the minimum coverage stipulated for each, to be renewed each year.

Request a Call Back

Documents Required

Application form – either online or through a registered typing office
Passport copies of the wife and children
Photos of the spouse and children
Medical clearance certificate of the spouse and children above 18 years
Copy of the sponsor’s (either spouse) employment contract or company contract
Salary certificate from the employer stating the sponsor’s monthly salary
Attested marriage certificate
Registered tenancy contract

Renewal of family visa

To renew a family visa in the UAE, one must submit an application with all the required documents and fees to the relevant immigration authorities. It is recommended to seek professional guidance and start the renewal process early to avoid any issues or delays.

It is advisable to start the renewal process well before the visa expiry date, as processing times can vary and there may be additional requirements or delays. Late renewal or failure to renew the visa can result in penalties.

Cancellation of family visa

The family’s residence permits are linked to the residence permit of the sponsoring family member. If the sponsoring family member’s visa is cancelled, it requires cancellation of the visas of the dependents.

Dependents are granted a 6-month grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation of their visas to obtain a new residence permit. If the sponsor fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependents, he could be liable to pay a fine.