Everything You Need to Know About Family Visa Sponsorship in the UAE
Brought to you by Alwasl – Your Trusted Partner for UAE Visa Services
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a thriving hub for expatriates seeking better career and lifestyle opportunities. One of the most important concerns for expats living in the UAE is bringing their family along. Fortunately, the UAE government allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members through a Family Visa Sponsorship process.
In this comprehensive guide by Alwasl, we’ll cover everything you need to know — from eligibility and documentation to fees, application steps, and recent updates.
What is a Family Visa in the UAE?
A UAE Family Visa allows expatriate residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents to live with them in the UAE. The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet specific income and accommodation criteria.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
As per the latest UAE regulations:
Male residents earning a minimum salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation, can sponsor their family.
Female residents may sponsor their family under special conditions, usually requiring a higher salary (typically AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation) and approval from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Eligible Family Members:
Spouse
Children (sons up to 25 years, daughters with no age limit if unmarried)
Parents (with additional requirements and deposits)
Required Documents
To apply for a UAE family visa, the sponsor must provide:
Sponsor’s passport copy and residence visa
Family member’s passport copy and recent photos
Salary certificate or labor contract
Tenancy contract or Ejari certificate (accommodation proof)
Marriage certificate (attested)
Birth certificates of children (attested)
Medical fitness test results (for applicants over 18)
Emirates ID application forms
Family Visa Application Process in the UAE
Step-by-step process:
Entry Permit Application
Apply for an entry permit (if the family is outside the UAE).
Medical Testing
Applicants above 18 must undergo and pass a medical fitness test.
Emirates ID Registration
Submit biometric data and register for the Emirates ID.
Visa Stamping
Submit documents for residency visa stamping in the passport.
📌 Processing time: 5 to 10 working days
Validity and Renewal
Family visas are typically issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa. Renewals must be done before the visa expiry to avoid fines.
Family Visa Costs in the UAE (Estimates)
Entry Permit: AED 500 – AED 1,200
Medical Test: AED 300 – AED 500
Emirates ID: AED 370 – AED 1,070 (depending on duration)
Visa Stamping: AED 500 – AED 1,000
Typing & Service Fees: AED 150 – AED 500
✅ At alwasl, we offer complete family visa packages at competitive rates. Contact us for a personalized quote!
Common Challenges and How Alwasl Helps
Document Attestation: We handle end-to-end attestation services.
Typing and Translation: Arabic translation and official typing assistance.
Application Errors: We ensure 100% compliance with GDRFA regulations.
Follow-ups and Approvals: We stay in touch with immigration offices so you don’t have to.
Why Choose Alwasl for Family Visa Services?
✅ Fast & Reliable Processing
✅ Expert Consultation
✅ Affordable Packages
✅ Dedicated Customer Support
✅ Years of Experience in UAE Immigration Services
Final Thoughts
Bringing your loved ones to the UAE can be a smooth and stress-free experience with the right guidance. At Alwasl, we specialize in family visa sponsorship services, helping thousands of residents reunite with their families legally and efficiently.
