Dubai is not just a city of skyscrapers and luxury; it’s a hub of opportunity for professionals and entrepreneurs worldwide. Offering a dynamic lifestyle, state-of-the-art infrastructure, and a cosmopolitan community, it’s no surprise that Dubai is home to a staggering expatriate population.
As of 2023, expatriates make up approximately 88.52% of the total population of the United Arab Emirates, with around 9 million non-nationals calling it home (Global Media Insight). For many of these residents, family plays a central role in their move to Dubai, as they aim to provide their loved ones with the same access to quality healthcare, education, and a secure environment that the UAE offers.
Understanding the family visa process is crucial if you’re planning to bring your spouse, children, or even parents to Dubai.
- How much will it cost?
- What are the requirements?
- And what steps should you take to ensure a smooth application?
This guide will answer these questions and walk you through the essentials of family visa costs in Dubai for 2025, helping you make informed decisions.
Let’s dive in!
An Overview of Family Visa Eligibility in Dubai
Sponsoring your family in Dubai comes with specific eligibility criteria that every expatriate should know. The UAE government has set clear guidelines to ensure the process is straightforward, provided you meet the stipulated requirements.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
- Spouse: As a sponsor, you must provide an attested marriage certificate (translated into Arabic if necessary). This document ensures the legal legitimacy of your relationship.
Children:
- Daughters: Only unmarried daughters are eligible for sponsorship.
- Sons: Sons are eligible for sponsorship until they turn 18. If they pursue higher education, the sponsorship can be extended up to 21 years, provided they are enrolled in a recognised institution in the UAE or abroad and visit the UAE at least once every six months.
- Parents: Expats can sponsor their parents if they meet certain income and documentation criteria. Sponsors must provide proof that they are the primary caregivers and secure medical insurance for their parents.
- Stepchildren: Sponsorship is possible for stepchildren, but it requires a no-objection certificate from the child’s biological parent and an annual deposit as per local regulations.
Financial Requirements
Sponsors are required to meet a minimum monthly income threshold set by the relevant authorities. While this figure varies depending on the emirate, ensuring a steady income above the stipulated limit is a critical part of the process.
Additional Considerations
The UAE prioritises compliance and documentation. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that all documents—such as birth certificates, academic records, and financial statements—are translated and attested. Missing any of these steps could delay the application process.
Which Occupations Are Eligible for Family Visa Sponsorship in the UAE?
In the UAE, the eligibility for a family visa in Dubai is determined by income and job stability rather than being restricted to specific occupations. However, certain professions are favoured due to their stability and income levels. These typically include:
- Doctors, Engineers, and Healthcare Professionals
- Teachers and Academics
- IT Specialists
- Managers and Administrative Professionals
- Engineers across various disciplines
- Finance and accounting professionals
While job titles are a factor, the most important family visa requirements in Dubai focus on the sponsor’s ability to match the minimum salary threshold and provide suitable accommodation for their family members. This ensures that the sponsored family can be supported properly while living in the UAE.
But what about the associated family visa cost in Dubai? Keep scrolling!
Costs of Sponsoring Your Family in the UAE
Sponsoring your family in the UAE involves several steps, each with associated fees. Here’s a breakdown of the typical costs, helping you better understand the family visa price in Dubai:
- Sponsorship File Opening: AED 380
This fee is required to open a sponsorship file with the relevant authorities, marking the first step in the process.
- Entry Permit: AED 450
This permit allows your family members to enter the UAE legally to initiate their residency visa application.
- Visa Status Change: AED 661
If your family members are already in the UAE on a visit or tourist visa, you must pay this fee to change their visa status to residency.
- Medical Tests: Approximately AED 310
Medical screenings are mandatory for residency visa applicants to ensure compliance with UAE health standards.
- Emirates ID:
- AED 255 (1-year validity)
- AED 366 (2-year validity)
The Emirates ID is an essential document required for residents to access government services, banking, and other facilities in the UAE.
- Health Insurance: Starts from AED 450 per month
Health insurance is compulsory for all UAE residents. Basic plans begin at AED 450 per month, with the costs varying depending on coverage and provider.
Documents Required to Sponsor Your Wife and Children in the UAE
To sponsor your wife and children in the UAE, you will need to submit the below documents:
- Online application (via the UAE’s online portal or registered typing office)
- Passport copies of the spouse and children
- Passport-size photographs of spouse and children
- Medical clearance certificate for family members over 18
- Sponsor’s employment contract or company contract (in English and Arabic)
- Bank statement for the last three months (with salary transactions)
- Attested marriage certificate (from home country and MOFA)
- Tenancy contract (attested)
- Recent utility bill (electricity, water, etc.)
SPC Free Zone: The Smart Choice for Securing Your Family Visa
Navigating the family sponsorship process in the UAE can be complex, with multiple steps, required documentation, and varying costs. To ensure a seamless experience, you may consider seeking the professional assistance of business setup advisors, such as those at SPC Free Zone.
At SPC Free Zone, we understand the intricacies of UAE residency laws and regulations, and we are here to guide you through the sponsorship process. Whether you are sponsoring your spouse, children, or even your parents, our team of expert business setup advisors can simplify each application step.
As a business-friendly environment offering 100% foreign ownership and zero paid-up capital, our team supports entrepreneurs in establishing their businesses and dealing with residency matters related to their families. Our offerings include more than 2000+ commercial activities, and you can even apply for a dual-licensing option that enables you to operate both on the mainland and within the free zone under the same license.
Let us help you focus on growing your business while we handle the complexities of family sponsorship in the UAE.
