How to Apply for a Residence Visa in Dubai
Reviewed by: Attestation Specialist, Benchmark·Updated 14 September 2025
Dubai is a hub for expatriates, offering excellent opportunities for families to live and thrive together.
This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the family visa application process in Dubai and highlights the importance of marriage and birth certificate attestation for UAE visa approval.
What is a Dubai family visa?
A family visa in Dubai allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members — spouses, children and parents — to reside legally in the UAE. The residence visa is typically valid for 1 or 2 years.
Eligibility criteria
- Minimum salary of AED 4,000 — or AED 3,000 plus accommodation
- Valid UAE residence visa as the sponsor
- Legally attested marriage certificate to sponsor a spouse
- Attested birth certificates for children
- Additional approvals and proof of relationship for parents
Why attestation matters
Without an attested marriage or birth certificate, GDRFA and ICP cannot process your dependent application. Benchmark prepares the embassy and MOFA stamps so your family visa application is accepted on first submission.
Professional attestation, handled end-to-end.
Send Benchmark a photo of your document — an advisor will reply within one working hour with a fixed quote and exact steps.
