UAE Family Visa 2026 Guide
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Quick Answer: Salary Requirement
To sponsor a family visa in the UAE in 2026, the expat sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 (if accommodation is provided by the employer) or AED 5,000 (if accommodation is not provided). The sponsor must also provide an attested marriage certificate and Ejari (registered tenancy contract) to initiate the process via GDRFA or ICP.
verified_user Eligibility Rules
- Salary: AED 4,000 + accommodation OR AED 5,000 without.
- Profession: Open to all professions, provided salary criteria are met.
- Housing: Valid Ejari (Dubai) or registered tenancy contract with at least 2 bedrooms for families with children.
description Mandatory Documents
6-Step Processing Timeline
File Opening
Creating your sponsor file in the GDRFA/ICP system.
Entry Permit
Applying for the 60-day e-visa for your family to enter the UAE (or status change if already inside).
Status Change
Only if family is already inside the UAE on a visit visa.
Medical Fitness
Mandatory blood test and chest X-ray (for dependents above 18).
Emirates ID & Insurance
Biometrics typing and securing mandatory medical insurance.
Visa Stamping
Final approval. The residency is now digital and linked to the Emirates ID.
Estimated Costs
Dubai Single Dependent (Outside)
| File Opening | AED 260 |
| Entry Permit | AED 500 |
| Medical Test | AED 320 |
| Emirates ID | AED 285 |
| Visa Stamping | AED 500 |
| Gov Fees Total | ~ AED 1,865 |
* Excludes insurance, typing fees, and translation. Status change inside country adds ~AED 650.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a mother sponsor her children in the UAE? add
Yes. A mother can sponsor her children if she meets the salary requirements (usually AED 4000+), holds a valid residency visa, and provides an NOC from the father or proof of sole custody/divorce.
Do I need to attest my marriage certificate? add
Yes. Your marriage certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE, and translated into Arabic.
How long does the family entry permit last? add
The entry permit is valid for 60 days. Once your family enters the UAE, you have 60 days to complete their medical, Emirates ID, and visa stamping process.
Is medical insurance mandatory? add
Yes, in Abu Dhabi and Dubai, health insurance is mandatory for visa issuance and renewal. Other emirates strongly recommend it.
Can I sponsor my stepchild? add
Yes, provided you have an NOC from the biological parent and the relevant attested legal custody documents.
What is the "Change of Status"? add
If your family is already in the UAE on a visit visa, they do not need to exit. We apply for a "Change of Status" to convert their visit visa into a residency entry permit.
Does the family visa have to be renewed every year? add
Family visas are typically issued for 1 or 2 years, depending on the sponsor’s employment contract and visa validity.