Can I Get Family Visa in Abu Dhabi 2026

Quick answer

Yes. If you are an Abu Dhabi resident holding a valid residence visa, you can sponsor your spouse and children for family visas provided you meet the salary threshold and other ICP rules. The process is handled through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and usually takes 5–10 working days once documents are complete.

Who can sponsor family in Abu Dhabi?

Only residents with a valid Abu Dhabi residence visa can apply. Tourists and short-stay visitors cannot sponsor family. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old and hold one of the following visa types:

• Employment visa issued by a mainland or free-zone company in Abu Dhabi
• Investor / partner visa for business owners
• Property investor visa (AED 2 million property purchase)
• Golden Visa holders

Minimum salary requirement in 2026

ICP rules require a minimum basic salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation allowance of AED 1,000). Free-zone employees must also show company trade licence and tenancy contract. Always verify the current threshold on the ICP website before applying.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a family visa in Abu Dhabi

Step 1 – Check eligibility and salary certificate

Request an official salary certificate from your employer on company letterhead, stamped and signed. It must state your position, start date, and exact basic salary.

Step 2 – Medical fitness test

Book a medical fitness test for each family member at an Abu Dhabi DHA-approved centre (SEHA or private clinics). Cost is approximately AED 300–500 per person. Results are uploaded directly to the ICP system.

Step 3 – Emirates ID and medical insurance

Apply for an Emirates ID (AED 100 for 2 years) and obtain valid health insurance covering the UAE. Insurance can be purchased from DHA-licensed providers; minimum cover is AED 150,000.

Step 4 – Submit the ICP application

Log into the ICP smart services portal or visit an Amer centre in Abu Dhabi. Upload: passport copies, photos, salary certificate, tenancy contract (Ejari), medical results, and insurance. Pay the visa fee (AED 300–600 per person for 2 years) plus typing and service charges.

Step 5 – Biometrics and visa stamping

After approval, complete biometrics at an ICP centre. The family residence visa is then stamped in the passport and the Emirates ID is issued. Total timeline: 5–10 days.

Documents checklist for spouse and children

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Passport-size photos with white background
• Marriage certificate (attested and translated if not in English/Arabic)
• Birth certificates for children (attested)
• Medical fitness test results
• Health insurance policy
• Sponsor’s salary certificate and employment contract
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) or property title deed
• Emirates ID copy of sponsor

Common mistakes that delay approval

• Salary certificate not stamped by the company or missing letterhead
• Marriage or birth certificates not attested by the UAE embassy in the home country
• Medical test done at a non-approved centre
• Insurance policy not covering Abu Dhabi or below minimum sum insured
• Submitting application before the sponsor’s own residence visa is renewed

Cost breakdown (approximate, 2026)

Entry permit: AED 300–500 per person
Medical fitness: AED 300–500 per person
Emirates ID: AED 100 (2 years)
Health insurance: AED 1,200–3,000 per adult annually
Visa stamping & typing: AED 200–400 per person
Service fees (Amer/ICP): AED 100–200 per application
Total per family member: AED 2,000–4,000 for 2 years. Verify current fee with ICP.

Family visa vs Golden Visa for families

A standard family visa is tied to the sponsor’s employment and must be cancelled if the sponsor leaves the UAE. The Golden Visa offers 10-year residency independent of employment but requires AED 2 million property investment or exceptional talent criteria. Most families start with a standard visa and upgrade later.

Key takeaway

Abu Dhabi family visas are straightforward once you meet the AED 4,000 salary rule and gather attested documents. Start with your employer’s salary certificate, book medical tests early, and double-check attestation requirements to avoid costly delays.