How to Apply for Family Visa in Sharjah 2026

Quick answer

If your salary meets the minimum threshold, you can sponsor your spouse and children for a family visa in Sharjah through the GDRFA portal or Amer centres. The process takes 4–8 weeks and costs about AED 4,000–6,000 per person including medical, Emirates ID, and stamping fees. Always verify the latest fee with GDRFA.

Who can sponsor family members in Sharjah?

Only UAE residents on a valid residence visa with a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 plus company accommodation) are eligible to sponsor spouses and children. If you work in a free zone, confirm with your free-zone authority that sponsorship rights are included in your visa package.

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

1. Prepare required documents

• Passport copies valid for at least 6 months
• Passport-size photos with white background
• Marriage certificate (attested and translated if needed)
• Birth certificates for children (attested)
• Salary certificate or employment contract from your sponsor
• Tenancy contract (Ejari) showing adequate accommodation
• Medical fitness results from an approved Sharjah centre

2. Get medical fitness and Emirates ID

Book an appointment at Al Qassimi or Al Dhaid Medical Fitness centres. The test covers TB screening, HIV, Hepatitis B & C, and pregnancy for wives. Bring original passport and photocopies. Fees are approximately AED 300–500 per person. After approval, apply for Emirates ID at an Amer centre; the card costs AED 370 for 2 years.

3. Submit the visa application

Log in to the GDRFA portal or visit an Amer centre in Sharjah. Enter sponsor details, upload documents, and pay the visa fee (AED 300–600 depending on duration). Processing normally takes 3–5 working days, after which you receive an entry permit.

4. Enter the UAE and complete stamping

Family members must enter on the entry permit within 60 days. Within 30 days of arrival, complete medical stamping and visa stamping at Amer or GDRFA. The final residence visa is affixed in the passport and linked to the Emirates ID.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an un-attested marriage or birth certificate — GDRFA will reject the application.
• Applying without proof of accommodation — you need at least one bedroom for a couple and an extra room per two children.
• Forgetting to renew your own residence visa first — sponsorship rights are suspended if your visa is expired.
• Choosing a low-cost typing centre that misses required fields — double-check with Amer staff.

Cost breakdown for 2026

Expect the following approximate fees per family member (verify current fee with GDRFA):

• Entry permit: AED 300–600
• Medical fitness test: AED 300–500
• Emirates ID (2 years): AED 370
• Visa stamping: AED 450–650
• Typing and service charges: AED 200–300
• Total per person: AED 1,600–2,500

For a family of four, budget AED 7,000–10,000 including medical and ID costs. If your employer offers family sponsorship benefits, ask HR to cover part of these fees.

Tips for a smooth family visa process

• Start the medical fitness test early — appointments at Al Qassimi can be booked 3–4 weeks ahead.
• Keep digital copies of every attested document on your phone for quick upload.
• If your child turns 18 during the process, apply before their birthday to avoid extra requirements.
• Use the GDRFA mobile app to track application status and receive renewal reminders.

Free-zone vs mainland sponsorship rules

Mainland Sharjah sponsors follow GDRFA rules directly. Free-zone employees (SAIF, Sharjah Publishing City, Hamriyah) must first obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their free-zone authority before GDRFA will accept the application. Some free zones allow full sponsorship rights; others require an additional fee of AED 1,500–3,000 for family visas. Always confirm with your HR or PRO which route applies to you.

After approval: what to do next

Once the family visa is stamped, open a joint bank account, add dependents to your DEWA and Etisalat accounts, and register children in Sharjah schools via the KHDA-approved portal. Renew the family visa every 2–3 years alongside your own residency renewal to avoid penalties of AED 50 per day.

Key takeaway

Applying for a family visa in Sharjah is straightforward once salary, accommodation, and attested documents are in order. Start with medical fitness, use Amer centres for typing and Emirates ID, and track everything through the GDRFA portal. Budget AED 4,000–6,000 per person and allow 4–8 weeks for the full process. Verify current fees with GDRFA before you begin.