What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family in Ras Al Khaimah?

You need at least AED 4,000 monthly plus accommodation, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing.

How long does a Ras Al Khaimah family visa take in 2026?

Expect 4–6 weeks from medical test to stamped visas if all documents are attested and correct.

Can I sponsor my parents on a family visa in RAK?

Only spouses and children qualify; parents require a separate “parental sponsorship” visa under stricter rules.

Do children need Emirates ID for a family visa?

Yes, all applicants over 15 must hold a valid Emirates ID; under-15s pay a reduced fee but still need registration.

Is medical insurance mandatory for family visas in Ras Al Khaimah?

Yes, each family member must show valid health insurance of at least AED 150,000 coverage before stamping.

How to Apply for a Family Visa in Ras Al Khaimah 2026

a cluttered desk with papers and a stethoscope

Quick answer

If your salary meets the minimum threshold, you can sponsor your spouse and children for a family visa in Ras Al Khaimah by completing medical fitness, Emirates ID, and stamping at the GDRFA-Ras Al Khaimah centre. The full process usually takes 4–6 weeks and costs AED 4,500–6,500 for a spouse plus two children.

Who can sponsor family members in Ras Al Khaimah?

Only UAE residents on a valid employment, investor, or property visa can sponsor spouses and children. Your monthly salary must be at least AED 4,000 plus accommodation, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by the employer. Property owners in RAK with a minimum AED 750,000 freehold unit may also qualify.

Step-by-step: how to apply for a family visa in Ras Al Khaimah

1. Confirm your eligibility

Log into the GDRFA-Ras Al Khaimah portal or visit their Al Qurm office with your Emirates ID and salary certificate. Ask for a “family visa eligibility check” to avoid wasted medical fees.

2. Prepare the documents

Passport copies valid six months or more
Passport photos (white background, 4.5 × 3.5 cm)
Marriage certificate attested by your home country’s UAE embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Birth certificates for children, similarly attested
Salary certificate or contract stamped by MOHRE
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or employer accommodation letter
Medical fitness results for each applicant

3. Medical fitness test

Book an appointment at Al Qurm Medical Fitness Centre or Al Hamra Medical Centre. Blood tests, X-ray and HIV screening cost AED 300 per person. Results are uploaded directly to the GDRFA system within 48 hours.

4. Emirates ID application

Once medical results are in, apply for Emirates ID at Amer Centre Ras Al Khaimah or online via ICP. The fee is AED 370 for a five-year ID. Children under 15 pay AED 270.

5. Visa stamping and entry permit

Submit all documents to GDRFA-Ras Al Khaimah. An entry permit is issued within 2–3 working days (AED 1,170 for spouse, AED 570 per child). Family members must enter the UAE within 60 days, then convert the permit to a residence visa.

6. Final stamping and medical insurance

After entry, return to GDRFA within 30 days for visa stamping (AED 1,170 spouse, AED 570 child). You must also show valid health insurance covering each family member, minimum AED 150,000 policy.

Common mistakes to avoid

Submitting unattested marriage or birth certificates—always complete MOFA and embassy attestation first.
Using an old tenancy contract; Ejari must be valid for at least 90 days at submission.
Forgetting to update your salary certificate after a job change; MOHRE records must match your current contract.
Assuming tourist visa status is enough; you need a valid residence visa to sponsor.

Cost breakdown for a family of four (2026)

Medical fitness (4 people)	AED 1,200
Emirates ID (4 people)	AED 1,380
Entry permits	AED 2,310
Visa stamping	AED 2,310
Insurance (annual estimate)	AED 4,800
Total	AED 12,000

Prices can vary; verify current fee with GDRFA-Ras Al Khaimah before payment.

Timeline and tracking

From eligibility check to stamped visas, allow 30–45 days. Track each step on the GDRFA app using the application number sent by SMS. If any document is rejected, you have 60 days to resubmit without paying new entry-permit fees.

Ras Al Khaimah vs Dubai and Abu Dhabi

RAK fees are 10–15 % lower than Dubai and processing is often faster due to lower volume. However, attestation must still go through the federal MOFA system, so paperwork requirements are identical across all emirates.

Tips for a smooth family visa application

Book medical appointments early in the week; weekends fill up quickly.
Keep colour scans of every document on your phone for Amer Centre self-service kiosks.
If your child turns 18 before visa stamping, they must apply for their own residence visa under the “student” or “unemployed” category.
Renew visas together; GDRFA offers a 20 % discount on group renewals every three years.

Key takeaway

Applying for a family visa in Ras Al Khaimah is straightforward once you have attested documents and meet the salary threshold. Start with the eligibility check at GDRFA-Ras Al Khaimah, budget AED 12,000 for a family of four, and track every stage on the GDRFA app to stay within the 60-day entry window.