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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: May 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeVisas✓ Verified May 2026

UAE Dependent Visa: Full Fees and Documents Required in 2026

Sponsor a spouse, child or parent on a UAE dependent visa in 2026. See exact ICP fees, attestation steps and documents required before you apply.

·6 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
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Photo by ZQ Lee on Unsplash

Who Can Sponsor Dependents in 2026

Only UAE residents holding a valid residence visa can sponsor family. Your monthly salary must be at least AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 plus company accommodation) to sponsor a spouse and children. Parents require a minimum salary of AED 20,000 and proof they need care.

Documents Required for Each Family Member

Every applicant needs a passport valid for at least six months, four photos, Emirates ID application and a medical fitness test from an approved centre. Additional papers differ by relationship.

  • Spouse: marriage certificate attested by MOFA UAE and your home country embassy.
  • Children under 18: birth certificate attested by MOFA UAE and your embassy. Children over 18 must be unmarried and studying full time; add proof of enrolment.
  • Parents: your birth certificate, their passports, proof of relationship and a medical report showing they require assistance. All documents need MOFA attestation.

Attestation and MOFA Steps

Start with home-country notarisation, then legalisation at the UAE embassy in your country. On arrival in the UAE, complete MOFA attestation (AED 150 per document) before submitting to ICP. Parents require an additional medical fitness report from DHA or DOH.

ICP Visa Fees in 2026

Entry permit: AED 300. Change of status (if inside UAE): AED 850. Emirates ID: AED 370 for two years. Medical test and Emirates ID typing together cost AED 750. Insurance is mandatory; expect AED 700-1,200 per person for a one-year policy.

ApplicantEntry PermitEmirates IDMedical + Typing
SpouseAED 300AED 370AED 750
Child (under 18)AED 300AED 370AED 750
ParentAED 300AED 370AED 750

Visa stamping inside the UAE adds AED 1,000. Total for a spouse is roughly AED 2,720; each child costs the same. Parents cost AED 3,220 including the extra medical report.

Application Process with ICP

1. Sponsor creates an application on the ICP portal or app and uploads attested documents.
2. Pay the entry permit fee; ICP issues the permit within 2-4 working days.
3. Dependents enter the UAE or complete change of status inside the country.
4. Book medical test and Emirates ID biometrics at an ICP centre.
5. Collect the stamped visa and Emirates ID card after 5-7 days.

Renewal and Validity

Dependent visas are tied to the sponsor’s residence visa. Renew at the same time, paying the same fees again. Children turning 18 must either switch to a student or employment visa or leave the UAE.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does a UAE dependent visa take in 2026?

From submission to stamped visa: 10-14 working days if all attested documents are ready.

Can I sponsor my parents on a dependent visa?

Yes, if your salary is AED 20,000 or more and you provide proof they need care plus MOFA-attested documents.

What happens when my child turns 18?

They must apply for a student or work visa, or leave the UAE; the dependent visa ends at 18.

Is medical insurance required for dependents?

Yes. Minimum cover is AED 150,000; budget AED 700-1,200 per person per year.

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