What is the minimum salary to sponsor a spouse in Abu Dhabi?

AED 4,000 basic salary or AED 3,000 plus company-provided accommodation verified by Ejari.

Can I sponsor my parents on a family residence visa?

Yes, if you earn at least AED 20,000 monthly and they are over 60; a separate application and extra fees apply.

How long is the family residence visa valid?

Usually two years, aligned with your own employment visa; it can be renewed 30 days before expiry.

Do children need a separate medical test?

Yes, every applicant over the age of 18 must complete the DHA medical fitness test; under-18s are exempt.

Can I apply while my family is outside the UAE?

Yes. You first obtain an entry permit, then your family enters and converts status inside the country.

How to Apply for Family Residence Visa in Abu Dhabi 2026

a cluttered desk with papers and a stethoscope

Quick answer

If you hold a valid UAE residence visa sponsored by an Abu Dhabi employer or free-zone company and earn at least AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation), you can sponsor your spouse and children. The process is handled online via ICP.gov.ae or the GDRFA Abu Dhabi app; most families finish within 4–6 weeks and pay roughly AED 4,670 per person for a two-year visa that includes Emirates ID and medical fitness test.

Who can sponsor family members in Abu Dhabi?

Only residents sponsored by a mainland company, government entity, or qualifying free zone (ADGM, Masdar, Twofour54, etc.) may bring family. Your salary must meet the threshold above, or you must own property worth at least AED 1 million. Part-time and domestic-worker visas do not qualify.

Who counts as “family”?

Legally married spouse of the opposite sex.
Sons under 18 (or up to 25 if full-time students, verified by KHDA or equivalent).
Daughters of any age if unmarried.
Parents over 60, subject to a separate application and higher salary requirement.

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

Step 1 – Verify eligibility and salary certificate

Ask your HR department for an updated salary certificate on company letterhead showing basic + allowances, attested by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) if requested. If you work in a free zone, obtain the equivalent attestation from the free-zone authority.

Step 2 – Open an ICP or GDRFA account

Visit ICP.gov.ae, create a new “Sponsor” account with Emirates ID and mobile number, then add each family member as a “Beneficiary.” Alternatively, download the GDRFA Abu Dhabi mobile app for the same workflow.

Step 3 – Book medical fitness and Emirates ID

Log in, select “Medical Fitness Test,” and choose any Abu Dhabi DHA-approved centre (SEHA or private). Cost: AED 300–500. After the blood test and X-ray you receive a digital pass certificate valid 60 days.

Step 4 – Pay visa fees and insurance

Inside the same portal pay: Entry permit AED 300, change status AED 650, residence stamp AED 300, Emirates ID AED 370 (two years), and mandatory health insurance minimum AED 800. Total per person ≈ AED 4,670. Pay by card; receipts download instantly.

Step 5 – Biometrics and visa stamping

Book an Amer centre or ICP typing centre appointment for biometrics. Bring original passport, one photo (white background, 4.5 × 3.5 cm), and medical result. After submission you receive the residence visa page in your passport and the digital Emirates ID card by courier within 5–7 days.

Documents checklist (original + one copy each)

Valid passport with six months validity.
Passport photos meeting ICAO standards.
Marriage certificate attested by UAE embassy and MOFA.
Birth certificates for children, similarly attested.
Salary certificate + MOHRE attestation.
Tenancy contract (Ejari) or property title in sponsor’s name.
Medical fitness certificate.
Health insurance policy valid in UAE.

Common mistakes expats make

Using an un-attested marriage certificate; ICP rejects the file and refunds take 15 days.
Forgetting to link children’s student visas to the new residence visa, causing KHDA issues later.
Choosing a health-insurance plan below DHA minimum cover, leading to rejected claims.
Booking medical tests in Dubai; Abu Dhabi sponsors must use DHA Abu Dhabi centres or risk delays.

Processing times and realistic timelines 2026

Entry permit: 1–2 working days. Medical test: same day results. Emirates ID delivery: 5–7 days. Total from submission to visa stamp: 14–30 days if documents are complete. Peak periods (June–August) may add one week.

Costs at a glance

Item	Fee (AED)
Entry permit	300
Change of status	650
Residence stamp (2 yrs)	300
Emirates ID (2 yrs)	370
Medical fitness	300–500
Health insurance (min 2 yrs)	800+
Typing & admin	200–300
Total per person	≈ 4,670

After approval: what to do next

Register children in schools within 30 days; present stamped visa and Emirates ID to KHDA-approved institutions. Activate DEWA, Etisalat, and banking services with the new visa. Update your driver’s licence at RTA within 60 days to avoid fines.

Key takeaway

Applying for a family residence visa in Abu Dhabi is straightforward once salary and attestation requirements are met. Start with the ICP online portal, budget around AED 4,670 per person, and double-check every document is MOFA-attested to avoid costly re-submissions. With the right paperwork, your family can be legally settled in Abu Dhabi within a month.