Dubai continues to be one of the most attractive destinations for expatriates seeking long-term stability, high living standards, and strong career opportunities. For many residents, moving to Dubai is only complete when they can bring their families and build a secure life together in the UAE.
The UAE government has made significant updates to residency regulations, making the Family Visa process more straightforward, flexible, and accessible. Whether you are a salaried employee, investor, or business owner, the family visa system in Dubai allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and—under certain conditions—your parents.
This comprehensive guide explains the requirements, eligibility criteria, costs, documents, validity, and processing time for obtaining a family visa in Dubai in 2025–2026, along with how Twafir can assist you at every step.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in Dubai?
Any UAE resident—whether employed, self-employed, or running a business—can sponsor their dependents as long as they meet the government requirements.
Eligibility Criteria
A resident can sponsor their dependents if they have:
- A valid UAE residency visa
- A minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation
- Proof of family relationship (marriage or birth certificates)
- Adequate housing to support dependents
- Valid Emirates ID and health insurance (mandatory in Dubai)
The rules apply to both men and women, although some categories may require additional approvals.
Who You Can Sponsor Under the Family Visa?
1. Spouse
- A resident can sponsor their legally married spouse.
- Marriage certificate must be attested by the UAE embassy and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. Children
- Daughters: Can be sponsored without age limit, provided they are unmarried.
- Sons: Can be sponsored up to 25 years old (recently increased from 18).
- Sons above 18 must provide proof of education if studying locally or abroad.
- Children with disabilities can be sponsored regardless of age.
3. Parents
Residents can sponsor their parents if:
- They earn a salary of at least AED 20,000 per month.
- They provide proof they are the sole supporter of their parents.
- Both parents must be sponsored together unless one is deceased.
Required Documents for Dubai Family Visa
The UAE government requires several important documents to process family visas. Ensuring accuracy is crucial to avoid delays.
Mandatory Documents
- Passport copies of dependents (minimum 6-month validity)
- Sponsor’s passport and residency visa copy
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Recent passport-size photos of dependents
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Attested birth certificates (for children)
- Ejari (tenancy contract)
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Bank statements (for some cases)
- Health insurance for dependents
- Medical fitness test (for adults 18+)
Twafir manages document preparation, attestation, and translation for a smooth application.
Family Visa Medical Test in Dubai
All dependents aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test, which includes:
- Blood test
- Chest X-ray
The purpose is to screen for communicable diseases. If the dependent passes, the visa process continues.
Twafir provides transparent pricing based on the dependent’s country, age, and visa duration (1, 2, or 5 years).
Processing Time for Family Visa in Dubai
The Dubai family visa process is fast when documents are submitted correctly.
Typical Timeline
- Entry permit: 1–2 working days
- Medical test: Same day or next day
- Emirates ID biometrics: Appointment within 1–3 days
- Residency stamping: 1–3 working days
Total estimated time: 3–7 working days
Urgent applications can be completed faster.
Reasons Family Visa Applications Get Delayed
Although the process is straightforward, applications can be delayed due to:
- Incomplete documentation
- Unattested certificates
- Incorrect tenancy contracts
- Expired sponsor visa
- Insufficient salary
- Mistakes in typing forms
- Missing medical test results
Twafir ensures compliance by reviewing all documentation before submission.
Common Questions About Family Visa in Dubai
1. Can women sponsor their families?
Yes. Women in certain professions or earning above a threshold can sponsor their spouse and children.
2. Do dependents need insurance?
Yes. Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai.
3. Can dependents work?
Dependents can work only if their employer provides them with a work permit and employment visa.
How Twafir Helps You With Family Visa Processing
Twafir simplifies the entire family visa process with a personalized, end-to-end approach.
Our Services Include:
- Eligibility check
- Document checklist and verification
- Attestation and translation
- Typing services
- Entry permit issuance
- Medical test coordination
- Emirates ID biometrics scheduling
- Residency stamping
- Renewal and cancellation assistance
You focus on your family — we handle the government procedures.
Conclusion
Obtaining a family visa in Dubai is a clear, structured process when you meet the requirements and prepare your documents correctly. With updated rules allowing greater flexibility, lower age restrictions for children, and faster processing times, bringing your family to the UAE has never been easier.
For smooth, stress-free processing, Twafir ensures you get complete support from start to finish — so your family can begin their journey in Dubai without delays.
