How to Apply Family Visa in Sharjah Online 2026

Quick answer

Apply for a family visa in Sharjah online through the GDRFA portal (icp.gov.ae) or Amer centres. You need a valid residence visa, minimum AED 4,000 monthly salary, Ejari tenancy contract, and Emirates ID. Processing takes 2–5 working days once all documents are uploaded.

Who can sponsor family members in Sharjah?

Only UAE residents on a valid residence visa with a minimum salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) can sponsor spouses and children. Parents over 60 may also be sponsored in limited cases. Sharjah follows the same federal rules as the rest of the UAE, so the process is identical to Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

Documents you need before you start

• Valid passport for each family member
• Medical fitness certificate from an approved Sharjah centre
• Emirates ID (if already issued)
• Marriage certificate attested by UAE embassy and MOFA
• Birth certificates for children, similarly attested
• Salary certificate or bank statements for the last three months
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) registered in your name
• Passport photos (white background, 4.5 × 3.5 cm)

Step-by-step: how to apply family visa in Sharjah online

Step 1 – Create an ICP account

Visit icp.gov.ae and register with your Emirates ID or passport number. Verify your mobile number with an OTP sent by GDRFA.

Step 2 – Choose the correct service

From the dashboard select “Residence Visa Services” → “Family Residence Visa” → “New Application”. Sharjah residents use the same federal portal; no separate Sharjah-only system exists.

Step 3 – Upload documents

Scan each document in colour, under 2 MB, PDF or JPG. The system will flag missing or expired papers before you pay.

Step 4 – Pay the fees

Typical fees (verify current fee with GDRFA): AED 100 for entry permit, AED 300 for medical test, AED 100 for Emirates ID, plus AED 300–500 typing and service charges. Total for spouse and one child usually lands around AED 4,000–5,000 including medicals.

Step 5 – Book medical and biometrics

After payment you receive a PDF with a medical appointment at Al Qassimi or Al Dhaid centres. Children under 15 are exempt from the blood test. Book biometrics at Amer Centre Sharjah or via the ICP app.

Step 6 – Collect Emirates ID and visa stamp

Once medical results are uploaded (usually 24–48 hours), GDRFA issues the visa stamp in your passport and prints the Emirates ID. Collect both at Amer Centre or request courier delivery for AED 30.

Common mistakes expats make

• Submitting non-attested marriage or birth certificates – always get MOFA attestation first.
• Using an old tenancy contract; Ejari must be valid for at least 90 days.
• Forgetting to link the child’s application to the main sponsor’s file, causing rejection.
• Paying at the wrong Amer branch; online payment is mandatory for Sharjah applications.

Processing times and tracking

Entry permit approval: 1–2 working days. Medical + Emirates ID: 3–5 working days. Track status in the ICP app under “My Applications”. If more than seven days pass without update, raise a ticket via the portal or call GDRFA Sharjah on 800-555.

Tips to speed up approval in 2026

• Upload attested documents in one batch; splitting files triggers manual review.
• Book the earliest medical slot at 8 a.m.; afternoon queues at Al Qassimi can exceed two hours.
• Use the ICP mobile app for biometrics booking—desktop slots fill faster.
• If your salary certificate is in Arabic, attach an English translation certified by a legal translator.

Cost comparison: Sharjah vs Dubai vs Abu Dhabi

Fees are federal and identical across emirates. The only difference is medical-centre pricing: Sharjah government centres charge AED 300, while some Dubai private clinics charge AED 750. Choose the cheaper approved centre listed on the ICP portal after payment.

What to do if your application is rejected

Rejections usually cite “incomplete documents” or “salary below threshold”. You have 30 days to appeal via the ICP portal. Attach the missing paper and pay a AED 100 resubmission fee. If salary is the issue, some sponsors add a rent allowance letter from their employer.

Key takeaway

Applying for a family visa in Sharjah online is straightforward once you have attested documents and a valid Ejari. Use the single federal ICP portal, budget AED 4,000–5,000 per dependant, and track everything through the mobile app to avoid delays.