A Family Visa Services (also called a dependent visa or sponsorship visa) allows a UAE resident to bring their spouse, children, or parents to live with them legally in Dubai. It's one of the most common — and most emotionally significant — visa categories in the UAE, letting families reunite and build a life together in the Emirates rather than living apart while one member works abroad.
The process is managed jointly by two authorities:
Any UAE resident holding a valid residence visa can potentially sponsor family members — you don't need to be a UAE national. This includes:
Under current rules, a sponsor can bring the following family members to Dubai:
Salary thresholds differ depending on the sponsor's gender and the relationship to the person being sponsored. Authorities assess the basic salary stated on your attested employment contract — not your total salary package including allowances.
| Sponsor & Relationship | Minimum Monthly Salary |
|---|---|
| Male sponsor — spouse & children | AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + employer-provided accommodation) |
| Female sponsor — husband & children | AED 10,000 (or AED 8,000 + employer-provided accommodation) |
| Either sponsor — parents (standard ICP route) | Approx. AED 20,000 |
| Either sponsor — parents (GDRFA humanitarian route via Amer centres) | Approx. AED 10,000 |
| Second- or third-degree relatives | AED 8,000 |
| Friends | AED 15,000 |
| Golden Visa holders | No minimum salary requirement |
Important: "Accommodation provided by employer" must be formally certified by your employer — simply receiving a housing allowance in your salary package does not automatically qualify.
If your salary doesn't meet the residence visa threshold, a 90-day multi-entry family visit visa is often a practical alternative, allowing family members — especially parents — to visit multiple times a year without repeated new applications.
Verify your salary meets the threshold and gather your attested employment contract.
Marriage and birth certificates must be fully attested, including MOFA, before submission.
Apply through GDRFA or ICP to allow family members to travel to Dubai.
Dependents 18+ need a medical fitness test at a DHA-approved center.
Biometric data is captured and submitted through ICP.
Mandatory health insurance must be arranged for each dependent.
Once cleared, the residence visa is stamped into the dependent's passport.
The physical Emirates ID card is delivered, completing the process.
Total costs vary based on the number of dependents, visa duration, and whether you handle the process yourself or use a service provider. As a general guide:
| Cost Component | Approximate Range |
|---|---|
| Entry permit | AED 500–1,100 |
| Status change / visa stamping | AED 500–750 |
| Medical fitness test | AED 300–700 |
| Emirates ID | AED 100–300 |
| Mandatory health insurance | AED 600–2,000+ per person, depending on coverage |
| Document attestation (per document) | AED 150–2,000, depending on document type |
| Total per dependent (2-year visa) | Approximately AED 4,500–6,500 |
Spouse and children's residence visas are typically issued with 2-year validity, while parent visas are issued for 1 year, renewable annually.
Family visa applications involve attestation chains, salary documentation, medical scheduling, and multiple government portals. We support families through the entire journey:
From certificate attestation to full visa processing support, Green Line Attestation Services is here to make your family's move to Dubai simple, accurate, and stress-free.
Note: Salary thresholds, fees, and eligibility rules are set by UAE immigration authorities and may be revised periodically. This guide reflects current information as of 2026 and should be confirmed against official GDRFA/ICP sources for time-sensitive applications.
Office Address in Abu dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, UAE
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