Family Visa
How to Apply for a Dubai Family Residence Visa — 2026 Guide
Eligibility, documents, medical insurance, costs and the full step-by-step process to sponsor your spouse, children or parents in Dubai.
10 min read 20 February 2026 Family Visa
Reviewed by: Attestation Specialist, Benchmark·Updated 20 February 2026
If you are living and working in Dubai and want your spouse, children or parents to join you, you must apply for a family residence visa.
Although the process is structured, delays often occur due to incomplete documentation, missing attestations, lack of medical insurance or misunderstood eligibility rules. This 2026 guide explains everything you need.
Quick overview
| Factor | Details |
|---|---|
| Visa Type | Residence (Family) Visa |
| Validity | Up to 2 years |
| Sponsor | UAE resident |
| Governing Authority | ICP & GDRFA |
| Mandatory Attestation | Marriage & Birth Certificates |
| Medical Insurance | Required for dependents |
| Processing Time | 5–10 working days after documents are ready |
Who is eligible to sponsor
- Minimum salary AED 4,000 — or AED 3,000 plus accommodation
- Valid UAE residency visa
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Attested birth certificate (for children)
- Higher income threshold and medical justification (for parents)
Documents required
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and passport
- Sponsor's salary certificate or labour contract
- Ejari (tenancy contract)
- Attested marriage certificate (from issuing country, UAE-legalised)
- Attested birth certificate(s)
- Recent passport-size photos of dependents
- Medical insurance for each dependent
Step-by-step process
- Get your marriage and birth certificates attested
- Apply for an entry permit via GDRFA or ICP
- Bring dependents to the UAE on the entry permit
- Complete medical fitness test for adult dependents
- Apply for Emirates ID
- Stamp the residence visa on each passport
Common reasons for delay
- Marriage or birth certificate not attested by MOFA UAE
- Name spelling mismatches between passport and certificate
- Missing medical insurance for dependents
- Salary or tenancy contract not in the sponsor's name
Ready to proceed?
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