Sergey Dimitrov 
09.09.2025 Moving to the UAE is often an important life milestone, and for many expats, the main concern is being able to live close to their families. A Family Sponsorship Visa gives you the right to officially bring your loved ones over, grant them legal living status, and provide them with access to healthcare, education, and other services. It is a great step towards a stable, comfortable life and confidence in the future in your new home.
Why Apply for a Family Sponsorship Visa in Dubai?
Getting a visa to sponsor your family in Dubai is a great opportunity to create comfortable conditions for living and working while staying in a close family circle. This type of visa gives you a chance to officially bring your spouse, children, and in some cases, your parents, ensuring they have legal residency and access to medical, educational, and other high-class government services.
For many expats, this is not only a matter of convenience. It is also an important step towards stability. When your family is nearby, it is easier to adapt to a new country and get used to the culture and rhythm of life in Dubai. In addition, having a visa for family members simplifies many everyday issues, from opening a bank account to getting a driving licence.
The right to apply for the UAE Family Sponsorship Visa usually depends on the applicant's income level and status. Employers often consider supporting their employees during this process, but, in many cases, the sponsor is responsible for the application. Better understanding the requirements, deadlines, procedure, and all pitfalls in advance will help avoid unnecessary delays and stressful situations.
Thus, a family visa is not just a formality, but a useful tool that makes moving to Dubai a complete and comfortable experience for the whole family.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting a Family Sponsorship Visa
Applying for a Family Sponsorship Visa in the UAE involves several consecutive steps, and understanding each of them will significantly speed up the process. Let's look at them more attentively.
The first step you ought to make sure, that you meet the requirements for a sponsor. Usually, this means having a valid residence visa and a minimum income level set by the authorities. If all conditions are met, a set of necessary documents should be prepared.
Further, you need to submit an application to the responsible authority. In most emirates, this is done through the ICP system, and in Dubai through the GDRFA. After applying, government fees are paid. It directly depends on the number of family members and the validity period of the visa.
The next step is a medical examination for adult family members, including fluorography and tests. At the same time, a request is submitted for an Emirates ID, which requires undergoing a biometric procedure.
Once everything is approved by the responsible authorities and the formalities are done, visa stamps are placed in your family members’ passports, officially confirming their right to live in the UAE. If you stay well-organised, double-check every document, and follow the process step by step, getting a family visa for staying in the UAE can be a smooth and hassle-free process for your close people.
Want to learn more about UAE business setup services?
Eligibility Criteria for Dubai Family Sponsorship Visa
It is important to meet several key conditions, to sponsor family members and bring them to the UAE via Family Sponsorship Visa. First and the main condition is a valid residence visa in the country. It is a must. Also, you ought to have a stable income of at least AED 4,000 or 3,000 and provide accommodation.
Those who wish to sponsor adults (over 18 years of age) will need to undergo a medical examination at an accredited centre and obtain a medical certificate of fitness to live in the UAE. Previously, it was a prerequisite to have a specific profession, but now expats can apply for family visas regardless of their position.
Additionally, in exceptional cases, such as a special decision by the ICP, a mother may be granted the right to sponsor her children
UAE Family Sponsorship Visa: Required Documents
To apply for a family residence visa, you will usually need to submit the following documents:
- Completed application form, online or through an accredited office (typing centre).
- Copies of passports (for the sponsor and all members asking for the visa). Passports must be valid for at least six months.
- Recent photographs, meeting the standards (usually colour photos on a neutral background)
- Proof of family relationship:
- Marriage certificate (for spouses) must be certified by the Embassy and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, and if issued in another language, an officially certified translation into Arabic will be required.
- Birth certificates (for children) ought to also be certified and translated if necessary.
- Proof of residence, rental agreement (Ejari) or proof of ownership, submitted as confirmation of suitable accommodation for the whole family.
- Employment contract or salary certificate to confirm that the sponsor meets the financial requirements.
- Medical insurance. This is a mandatory requirement for people applying for a visa.
- Medical certificate (fitness test). Everyone over the age of 18 must undergo a medical examination at an accredited clinic, including a careful examination for infectious diseases.
Family Sponsorship Visa Cost and Validity
The cost and validity period of a Family Sponsorship Visa in the UAE depend on the emirate, in which the visa is issued and the number of family members. On average, government fees for processing a visa for one person can range from AED 2,500–6,000, including the application fee, medical examination, Emirates ID processing, and typing centre services. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, prices may vary slightly, and additional costs are added for urgent processing.
A medical examination for adults usually costs between 300 and 700 dirhams, depending on the type of test and the speed of receiving the results. An Emirates ID for residents valid for 2–3 years costs between 200 and 370 dirhams per person. However, certifying documents outside the UAE and translating them into Arabic can increase the total budget by several hundred or even thousands of dirhams.
As for the validity period, visas for spouses and children are usually given for 2 years if the sponsor is a private sector employee, and for 3 years if they work in the public sector or free economic zones. Parents are usually issued a 1-year visa with the possibility of extension.
Understanding the structure of expenses and visa validity periods will help you plan your budget in advance and avoid unexpected costs when renewing.
Renewal and Cancellation of a Family Sponsorship Visa
The renewal and cancellation of Family Sponsorship Visas in the UAE are governed by strict and clear procedures.
Renewal should be initiated 30–60 days before the visa expiration date. To do this, the sponsor must submit an application through the ICP or GDRFA (in Dubai), undergo a medical examination for adult family members, renew the Emirates ID, and also pay government fees. If the renewal is not completed on time, a penalty will be charged for each day of delay.
If a visa is voluntarily cancelled, for example, after moving or terminating the sponsor's work contract, the status of family members becomes invalid. They must either leave the country or change their visa category. Similarly, when a visa expires without renewal, it is automatically considered invalid.
In both cases, a grace period is granted, usually 30 days from the date of cancellation or expiry of the visa. During this time, you can apply for a new visa or leave the UAE without penalties. After the grace period expires, penalties are charged for each day of delay. That’s why it is important to act quickly.
Timely renewal guarantees the family's continuous legal status, and correct cancellation ensures that there will be no problems when re-entering the country or applying for a new residence permit.
Who Should Apply for a Family Sponsorship Visa?
Applying for a Family Sponsorship Visa is worthwhile for those who plan to live and work in the UAE and want their family to be legally present. This is relevant for residents with a valid work or investment visa who have a stable income sufficient to cover living expenses and meet the established requirements (usually from 4,000 dirhams or 3,000 if accommodation is provided by the employer).
Most often, the visa is issued for spouses, children, and in some cases, parents. This step is especially important for those who intend to settle in the country for a long time, provide their children with access to local or international schools, and their family with access to medical care and other services.
For entrepreneurs and professionals whose work involves a long stay in the UAE, a family visa becomes a key element of a comfortable and stable life.
Conclusion
The UAE Family Sponsorship Visa is an opportunity to live in Dubai with your loved relatives and loved ones. It gives you a lucky chance to provide them with legal status, access to education, healthcare and other important services. It allows you to create a stable family environment without sacrificing career or business opportunities.
Dubai attracts people with its high standard of living, developed infrastructure, safety, and cultural diversity, making it a convenient place to work, and raise children. A flexible taxation system and broad prospects for professional growth enhance the emirate's appeal to expats.
Although the visa application process may seem complicated due to the interaction with various government agencies, with the support of experienced specialists, it becomes quick and predictable. Expert assistance minimises the risk of errors, saves time and eliminates unnecessary stress.
If you are ready to take the next step to get the opportunity to live with your family in Dubai, start preparing your documents today, and the path to relocation will be much easier.
Can I apply for a Family Sponsorship Visa without visiting the UAE?
Yes, you can apply for the visa remotely at the beginning steps of registration. The sponsor can complete the paperwork within the country. However, to finish the application process, family members must travel to the UAE to undergo a medical examination, provide biometric data and obtain an Emirates ID. The visa cannot be activated without their physical presence.
How much does a Family Sponsorship Visa cost?
On average, the cost per person varies between AED 2,500 and AED 6,000. This amount includes government fees, a medical examination, an Emirates ID and typing centre services. There is an additional charge for the certification and translation of documents, which can significantly increase the budget.
How long is a Family Sponsorship Visa valid?
The validity period is usually two years for private sector employees and three years for civil servants and free zone employees. Parents are most often issued a one-year visa with the possibility of renewal under the same conditions.
Can I work in the UAE with a Family Sponsorship Visa?
Yes, but only after obtaining a separate work permit from MoHRE. A family visa entitles you to live in the country, but it does not replace a work visa or work permit.
What documents are required to renew a Family Sponsorship Visa?
You will need your passport, Emirates ID, recent photographs, a valid rental or property agreement, proof of income, a medical examination (for family members under 18 years), and also medical insurance. Everything is submitted through the ICP or GDRFA, depending on the emirate.
Can I sponsor family members with a Family Sponsorship Visa?
