How Can I Get Family Visa in UAE 2026

Quick answer

If you hold a valid UAE residence visa and earn at least AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus company accommodation), you can sponsor your spouse and children under 18. The process runs through ICP or GDRFA and takes 2–4 weeks once documents are complete.

Who qualifies to sponsor family members?

Only residents on employment, investor, or long-term golden visas can sponsor dependents. Freelance or remote-worker visas (e.g., Dubai Remote Work Visa) do not allow family sponsorship unless converted to a regular residence visa first. Minimum salary rules apply across all emirates.

Current salary and accommodation rules

• Minimum monthly salary: AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing.
• Proof: stamped employment contract or salary certificate from MOHRE.
• Accommodation proof: tenancy contract (Ejari) showing enough space—minimum 200 sq ft per extra person is recommended.

Step-by-step: how to get a family visa in the UAE

Step 1 – Confirm eligibility

Log into the ICP portal or visit an Amer centre with your Emirates ID and passport. Ask for a sponsorship eligibility letter. If your salary meets the threshold, the system will issue the letter instantly.

Step 2 – Prepare documents

• Your passport, visa copy and Emirates ID
• Spouse’s passport and 4 photos (white background)
• Marriage certificate attested by the UAE embassy in the home country and then by MOFA
• Children’s birth certificates (same attestation chain)
• Medical fitness certificates from DHA- or MOH-approved centres
• Emirates ID application forms and insurance policy

Step 3 – Medical test and Emirates ID

Book a medical fitness test at an approved centre (AED 300–500). Results feed straight into the ICP system. Once cleared, apply for Emirates IDs for each family member (AED 100 each).

Step 4 – Entry permit and stamping

Apply for an entry permit for your family (AED 300–1,000 depending on emirate). They must enter the UAE within 60 days. After entry, change status to residence visa within 30 days. The final visa stamp costs AED 300–600 per person.

Step 5 – Insurance and final activation

Every sponsored family member needs valid health insurance. Dubai mandates a minimum cover of AED 150,000; Abu Dhabi requires Thiqa or equivalent. Upload the policy to ICP to activate the visas.

Common mistakes expats make

• Skipping MOFA attestation – documents are rejected at the medical centre.
• Using an old tenancy contract that lists only the sponsor.
• Assuming freelance visas qualify – they don’t unless converted.
• Forgetting that children over 18 need separate student or employment visas.

Cost breakdown (2026 rates)

Always verify current fees on the ICP website or at Amer centres, as charges can change without notice.

Tips to speed up approval

• Submit attested documents in one bundle – incomplete files are delayed 7–10 days.
• Use the ICP app to book medical and Emirates ID appointments back-to-back.
• Choose a typing centre near your Amer branch; they often pre-check files for free.
• If your spouse holds a degree, consider applying for a work permit at the same time to avoid future gaps.

Family visa rules by emirate

Dubai & Abu Dhabi follow the federal salary rule strictly. Sharjah and Ajman are slightly more flexible with accommodation proofs, but medical and insurance standards remain the same. Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah sometimes waive minimum salary for property investors holding Golden Visas.

Key takeaway

Start with your salary certificate and Ejari, get documents attested early, and use the ICP portal to track every stage. Families who prepare paperwork in advance usually receive visas within three weeks and avoid extra courier or re-attestation fees.