dubai family residency visa 2026 - sponsorship, rules & costs

Dubai Family Residency Visa Guide 2026 – Requirements, Costs & Sponsorship Rules

04-Oct-2025 0 Comments 0 Views

Are you planning to bring your spouse, children, or parents to live with you in Dubai? The Dubai family residency visa is the official permit that allows residents to sponsor their family members and ensure they can live, study, and access healthcare in the UAE. With the new family visa rules in 2026, sponsoring your loved ones in Dubai has become more flexible yet requires a clear understanding of eligibility, costs, and procedures.

What is a Dubai Family Residency Visa?

A Dubai family visa (also called a dependent visa) allows foreign residents in Dubai and the UAE to sponsor their immediate family members. This includes spouses, children, parents, and in some cases, stepchildren or unmarried daughters. The visa is tied to the sponsor’s residence status and must be renewed upon expiry.

Benefits of a Family Visa in Dubai

Holding a family residency visa in Dubai provides several advantages, including:

  • Eligibility to open a bank account in Dubai.

  • Access to personal and home loans from UAE banks.

  • Enrollment of children in private and government schools.

  • Issuance of a UAE driving license.

  • Access to government healthcare and insurance programs.

  • Family members can enjoy long-term residency stability.

Eligibility for Sponsoring Family Members in Dubai

Minimum Salary Requirements for Sponsorship 2026

As of 2026, the minimum salary requirement for sponsoring family members in Dubai is:

  • AED 4,000 per month (without accommodation), or

  • AED 3,000 per month + company-provided accommodation.

Male Resident Sponsorship Rules

Male residents can sponsor:

  • Wife (valid attested marriage certificate required).

  • Children up to age 25 (previously 18, updated in recent years).

  • Unmarried daughters of any age.

  • Stepchildren, provided legal documents and consent letters are submitted.

Female Resident Sponsorship Rules

Female residents can sponsor family members if they earn a high enough salary and work in certain professions (such as healthcare, teaching, or engineering). However, under UAE family visa new rules 2026, more flexibility is allowed for female residents across professions. Women can now sponsor:

  • Husband (attested marriage certificate).

  • Children (conditions similar to male sponsors).

UAE Family Visa Requirements (Documents Checklist)

Applicants must prepare the following documents:

  • Completed UAE family visa application form.

  • Valid passport copies of sponsor and dependents.

  • Passport-sized photos (UAE guidelines).

  • Sponsor’s Emirates ID & residence visa copy.

  • Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship).

  • Attested birth certificates (for children).

  • Medical fitness test results (for applicants over 18).

  • Proof of accommodation (Ejari tenancy contract or company housing letter).

  • Salary certificate or labor contract.

Dubai Family Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)

Entry Permit for Family Visa UAE

If family members are outside the UAE, an entry permit must be obtained before they travel. This is usually valid for 60 days.

Family Visa Stamping Process in Dubai

Once the family member enters Dubai, the residency visa stamping process must be completed at the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs) or authorized typing centers. Biometrics, medical tests, and Emirates ID applications are also processed at this stage.

Who Can You Sponsor in Dubai Under a Family Visa?

Sponsoring Spouse in Dubai

A husband can sponsor his wife and vice versa, provided the marriage certificate is attested.

Sponsoring Children up to Age 25

Parents can sponsor sons up to 25 years old and unmarried daughters without age restrictions.

Sponsoring Unmarried Daughters

Unmarried daughters can remain under family sponsorship regardless of age.

Sponsoring Stepchildren

Stepchildren may be sponsored if a NOC (No Objection Certificate) is obtained from the biological parent and legal documents are provided.

Sponsoring Parents in Dubai

Residents can sponsor their parents if they earn a higher minimum salary (around AED 20,000 or as per updated rules) and provide proof of accommodation and medical insurance.

Dubai Family Visa Cost 2026 & Government Fees

While exact fees vary depending on the type and duration, here is the estimated cost breakdown for 2026:

  • Entry permit: AED 500 – AED 1,000

  • Visa stamping & Emirates ID: AED 1,200 – AED 1,500 per person

  • Medical test (above 18 years): AED 350 – AED 700

  • Parent sponsorship deposit: AED 5,000 (refundable)

Note: Prices may vary depending on the application channel and service center.

Family Visa Validity, Renewal & Grace Period Rules

  • Validity: 1, 2, or 3 years depending on sponsor’s visa.

  • Renewal: Must be done before expiry or during the 30-day grace period.

  • Overstay fines:

    • First 180 days: AED 25/day

    • Next 180 days: AED 50/day

    • Beyond 1 year: AED 100/day

Risks of Applying Without Professional Help

Applying incorrectly can result in rejections, delays, or fines. Common mistakes include incomplete documents, wrong attestation, or missing deadlines for medicals and Emirates ID. Choosing a professional service ensures compliance with GDRFA rules and avoids unnecessary stress.

How We Can Help You Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai

At Dubai E Visa Online, we handle the entire family visa process from entry permits to final stamping. Our services include:

  • Application form completion & review

  • Document verification & attestation guidance

  • Appointment scheduling with GDRFA

  • Emirates ID & medical test assistance

  • Step-by-step updates until visa stamping

👉 Apply now for your Dubai Family Residency Visa through our website and bring your loved ones closer in 2026!

Frequently Asked Questions

Rejections usually occur due to missing documents, attestation issues, or income below the minimum requirement. You can reapply after correcting the issues or seek professional help.

Family visas are typically issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa. Some categories (like investors) may get longer durations.

Yes. Under UAE law, all dependents must be covered by valid health insurance in Dubai before visa stamping can be completed.

No. Sons above 25 must switch to their own residence visa (employment, investor, or student). Unmarried daughters, however, may continue under family sponsorship without an age limit.

Yes. You can apply for an entry permit for family members before they travel. Once they arrive, you must complete the visa stamping within the validity period.

Yes. Divorced or widowed mothers can sponsor children if they provide official custody documents and meet the income and housing criteria.

Dependents under a family visa can work in Dubai, but they must obtain a valid work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) before employment.

Generally, students on a study visa cannot sponsor family members. Sponsorship rights are reserved for residents with valid employment, investor, or freelance visas.

Yes, but additional requirements apply, including an attested custody certificate and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the biological parent.

Yes, freelancers and self-employed residents holding a valid UAE residence permit and meeting the minimum income requirement are eligible to sponsor their families.

Yes, a 30-day grace period applies after expiry. However, fines start accumulating after this period if no renewal or exit is completed.

Yes. In many cases, it is possible to change visa status from visit visa to family visa without exiting the UAE, but additional fees apply.

Parents must apply for the baby’s residency visa within 120 days of birth. Delay beyond this period can result in fines.

Yes. Either parent can sponsor the child, provided the income threshold and accommodation requirements are met. Supporting documents must show legal guardianship and parental consent.

The process is similar, but spouse visas require an attested marriage certificate, while child visas require attested birth certificates and in some cases, proof of custody for stepchildren.

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