Family Visa in Dubai, UAE

The family visa in Dubai, also known as the dependant visa, allows family members of UAE residents to reside and work in Dubai. Many Families living in Dubai often need to reintroduce their UAE family residence visas regularly, as the country does not offer permanent residency to expats. This blog provides the latest updates regarding the renewal fees for UAE family residence visas in 2026.

Since an important portion of the UAE’s population, particularly its workforce, comprises expats, many individuals and their families choose to extend their stay beyond their visa expiry.  

However, overstaying results in penalties, motivating individuals to renew their visas before expiration to avoid penalties. Refreshing a visa typically involves returning to one’s home country, reapplying for the visa, and returning to the UAE after a month.  

What is a Family Visa? 

A family visa in UAE or a Dependent visa allows family members of Dubai to reside and work in Dubai. UAE residents need an immigration document for families moving to the UAE. Family members, including the visa holders’ spouses, parents, and children, are eligible to renew their visas. 

Dubai Family Visa Requirements 

To get a family visa in the UAE as per the 2026 regulations: 

• The sponsor needs a valid residence visa and a minimum monthly salary (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation). 
• Female sponsors require a minimum salary (AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation). 
• Mothers cannot sponsor if the father is present and can sponsor their children. 
• Sponsors must initiate dependents’ residence permits within 60 days of their arrival. 
• Applicants aged 18+ need a UAE medical fitness exam. 
• The sponsor’s wife needs a translated, authenticated marriage certificate. 
• Unmarried daughters of any age can be sponsored. 
• Unmarried sons can be sponsored until age 25. 
• No age limit for sponsoring children with disabilities. 
• Sponsoring parents require a guarantee from the immigration department per parent. 

Sponsor your family in Dubai — get a free eligibility check today.

Family Visa Cost in Dubai

The Dubai Family Visa cost in 2026 generally ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 5,000, excluding mandatory health insurance. For a 2-year Dubai Family Visa, the total cost is typically between AED 4,500 and AED 6,500 (approximately USD 1,225–1,770) per dependent, depending on whether the applicant is applying from inside or outside the UAE, the visa validity, and the selected health insurance plan.

The total cost usually includes the sponsor file registration, entry permit or status change, medical fitness test, Emirates ID, and residency visa issuance. Additional fees may apply based on your specific circumstances and government regulations.

Note: The above costs are approximate and may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, visa duration, health insurance plan, and the latest UAE government regulations.

Need an accurate Dubai Family Visa cost estimate? Shuraa India offers transparent pricing, expert guidance, document verification, and end-to-end visa processing to help you sponsor your family quickly and hassle-free.

Required Documents for Family Visa Dubai- Application 

Below are the required documents for a family visa application:   

• Sponsor’s passport copy
• Sponsor’s valid UAE residence visa copy
• Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
• Passport copy of the family member (minimum 6 months validity)
• Recent passport-size photographs of the dependent (white background)
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship)
• Attested birth certificate (for child sponsorship)
• Attested proof of relationship (for parent sponsorship, if applicable)
• Emirates ID application receipt
• Medical fitness certificate (for dependents aged 18 years and above)
• Valid UAE health insurance policy
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of accommodation, if required
• Salary certificate or labour contract (if applicable)
• Bank statements or proof of income (if requested)
• Entry permit or status change approval (depending on the applicant’s location)

How to Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai?

Applying for a Dubai Family Visa is a simple process once you meet the UAE’s sponsorship requirements. You can apply online through the relevant UAE government portals or seek assistance from a professional visa consultant like Shuraa India for a hassle-free experience.

After confirming your eligibility, follow these steps to complete the application:

1. Check Sponsorship Eligibility: Ensure you meet the UAE’s family sponsorship requirements.
2. Submit the Visa Application: Apply for an entry permit if your family member is outside the UAE or request a status change if they are already in the UAE.
3. Complete the Medical Fitness Test: Family members aged 18 and above must undergo a mandatory medical examination.
4. Apply for an Emirates ID: Complete biometric registration and submit the Emirates ID application.
5. Pay the Applicable Fees: Pay the government fees for visa processing, Emirates ID, and other applicable charges.
6. Receive the Residence Visa: Once approved, the Dubai Family Residence Visa is issued, allowing your family member to legally reside in the UAE.

Need assistance with your Dubai Family Visa? Shuraa India provides end-to-end support, from eligibility assessment to visa approval, ensuring a fast, smooth, and compliant application process.

What is the Validity Duration for a UAE Family Visa?  

A Family visa in Dubai typically lasts 2 years if renewed promptly before expiry. It’s crucial to note that the validity of these visas hinges on the sponsor’s visa status. If the sponsor’s visa expires or is cancelled, the family visas become invalid. 

However, UAE authorities provide a 30-day grace period for visa renewal. Starting the renewal process within this period is highly recommended to prevent penalties and legal issues. 

Our visa team handles complete family visa sponsorship for Indian residents in UAE — 40,000+ visas processed successfully.

What are the Renewal Fees for the UAE Family Visa?

Before initiating the renewal process, it’s crucial to meet these requirements: 

• Employed residents in the UAE can renew family members’ visas if they meet certain criteria, such as earning a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,500 with company-provided accommodation. 
• Individuals aged 18 and above require a valid medical test report. 
• Emirates ID renewal is necessary before renewing the residence visa. 
• Basic health insurance is mandatory in Dubai, ensuring family members have adequate coverage. 

What is the New Rule for Family Visa in Dubai, UAE?

Here are the 2026 rules for UAE family visas: 

• Employers and employees with valid residence visas and a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation can sponsor their families. 
• Professional nature no longer affects eligibility for a family visa. 
• Fathers in the UAE can sponsor children; mothers cannot. 
• Visa issuance depends on job type and labour contract terms. 
• Sponsors have 60 days to apply for dependents’ visas after arrival. 
• Applicants aged 18+ need a UAE medical fitness test. 
• For wives, an Arabic-translated marriage certificate is required. 
• Certain Muslims can sponsor two wives under specific conditions. 
• Sponsorship for unmarried children up to 18 (or 21 if in education). 
• Stepchildren sponsorship under GDRFA guidelines. 
• Parents sponsored by employees with immigration department guarantees. 
• Women in specific professions with an AED 8,000+ salary plus accommodation can sponsor families. 

Who Can You Sponsor for a Family Visa in Dubai?  

Below is the list of people who you can sponsor for a Family Visa in the UAE: 

• Wife: Male expatriates with a UAE Residence Visa can sponsor their wives. Muslim residents may sponsor up to two wives, subject to GDRFA conditions. 
• Sons: Male expatriates can sponsor sons aged 18 or younger. Sons over 18 must be students under 21 and visit the UAE every six months to maintain their visas. 
• Daughters: Male expatriates can sponsor unmarried daughters. 
• Parents: Male expatriates can sponsor both parents under specific conditions: sponsorship is required unless one parent has passed away, an AED 2,500 deposit per parent is needed, and parents must have medical insurance. The sponsor’s salary should be at least AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 with a two-bedroom accommodation. 
• Stepchildren: Male expatriates can sponsor stepchildren with written consent from the biological parent. The stepchildren’s visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed. 

Is it possible for a woman to sponsor her family members for a UAE family visa? 

A woman can sponsor her family members, but the criteria are stricter compared to men: 

• She can sponsor her husband and children. 
• Her monthly salary with accommodation must be at least AED 10,000, or AED 8,000. 
• She must work as an engineer, teacher, or in a medical-related profession (such as a doctor or nurse). 
• In some cases, approval from the DRND may allow sponsorship even if she does not work in the specified categories. 
• If her husband can sponsor the children, she cannot sponsor them herself; the husband must do the sponsorship. 

Choose Shuraa India for your family visa processing in Dubai

Reorganisation of visa processing is easy with dependable and seasoned PRO service providers. Shuraa India excels at analysing your visa needs and facilitating the smooth acquisition of your family visa in the UAE.  

We at Shuraa make sure of smooth documentation by expertly handling the clearance process at government offices. Our team acts as your primary point of contact for all service requirements. The efficient management of tasks from entry permit processing to visa stamping. Reach out to us now for further information! 

FAQs  

Q1. Is it permissible for my wife to work under my sponsorship on a family visa? 

Yes, it is allowed. The required procedures can be carried out through the “Thasheel” company. 

Q2. Can I get medical insurance after obtaining family visa status for my family or parents? 

Certainly! It is permissible to apply for medical insurance even after receiving the family visa stamp. The family visa sponsor can choose a medical insurance plan from an external insurance provider according to their specific needs.  

Q3. How can I cancel my separated wife’s family visa? 

Cancelling the family visa of your separated wife is a simple procedure. As the sponsor, you are required to submit the following documents: 

• Emirates ID of both the sponsor and the dependent 
• Soft copies of the passport and visa pages 
• Additionally, the sponsor is responsible for covering all applicable processing charges and government fees.