Author: Hanoof Al Naama
Published: January 29, 2025
Updated on: Nov 27, 2025
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.
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.
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.
1. 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.
2. Children
3. 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.
4. 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.
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.
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.
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:
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.
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:
| Fee Type | Cost |
|---|---|
| Sponsorship File Opening | AED 380 |
| Entry Permit | AED 450 |
| Visa Status Change | AED 661 |
| Medical Tests | Approximately AED 310 |
| Emirates ID (1-year validity) | AED 255 |
| Emirates ID (2-year validity) | AED 366 |
| Health Insurance | Starts from AED 450 per month |
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
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.
To sponsor your wife and children in the UAE, you will need to submit the below documents:
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.
Family visa costs in Dubai include:
You can sponsor:
Eligibility is determined by income and job stability rather than specific occupations. Common eligible professions include:
The key requirement is meeting the minimum salary threshold and providing suitable accommodation.
Required documents include:
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