Living in Dubai and the UAE offers many benefits, from tax-free income to first-class living conditions. But for many expats, family takes centre stage and the opportunity to bring them to Dubai is invaluable. With a family visa, you can legally bring your loved ones to live in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and give them access to important services such as education and healthcare.
The most important facts at a glance
- A family visa in Dubai allows expats to bring their close relatives legally and benefit from services such as education and healthcare.
- Requirements for the application include a minimum salary of AED 15,000 (1x partner + 1x child) or AED 20,000 (1x partner + 2x children) plus accommodation as well as notarised and translated documents.
- There are different types of family visas, including a 2-year visa and the 10-year Golden visa. These offer different flexibility and lengths of stay.
- Family members with a valid visa may stay outside the UAE for up to 6 months without the visa losing its validity.
- The total cost per person for a family visa is around AED 8,000, depending on typing and health fees.
- Future reforms could make income limits and procedures more flexible to support more expats and their families.
What is a Family Visa for Dubai?
The family visa allows foreigners living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to sponsor their family members - including married partners, children and parents - to reside together in Dubai. The procedure has been simplified in recent years, particularly with the removal of occupational restrictions, which has increased accessibility for many expats. This guide is based on the latest regulations applicable in 2025 and takes into account specific requirements for Dubai.
Advantages of a Family Visa in Dubai
A family visa in Dubai offers numerous benefits that make life for expatriates and their dependants in the United Arab Emirates much easier and richer. From professional opportunities to education and healthcare, this visa creates a comprehensive package of benefits that allow families to live a comfortable and fulfilling life in this dynamic city.
- Work permit: Married couples who have a family visa can apply for a work permit. Once they have found a job, they are legally allowed to work in Dubai, which creates additional income opportunities.
- Education: With a family visa, your children can stay in Dubai schools or universities visit. The city offers a high standard of education through renowned international schools and universities.
- Healthcare: Your family members will have access to advanced healthcare services in Dubai. Both private and government hospitals offer excellent healthcare services. Medical carethat makes your family life safer.
- Long-term options: The family visa allows for long-term stays, including the 2-year visa and the 10-year Goldene visa. These options offer stability and extended rights for residents to live in Dubai.
- Flexibility during stays: With a family visa, family members can stay outside the UAE for up to 6 months without the visa being cancelled. This flexibility is important for travelling or exceptional circumstances.
- Economic advantages: The tax-free income in Dubai and the opportunity to have your family close to you are decisive advantages of a family visa. Digitalised procedures in particular minimise the time and additional costs involved in the application process.
Requirements for a Family Visa in Dubai and the UAE
In order to obtain a family visa, specific requirements must be met, ranging from sponsorship criteria to documentation requirements.
Income and other criteria
To sponsor a family visa, you must fulfil certain financial and professional requirements:
- Minimum income: Earn at least AED 15,000 (1x partner + 1x child) or AED 20,000 (1x partner + 2x children) plus accommodation. For parent sponsorship: At least AED 20,000 per month or AED 19,000 plus two-bedroom accommodation.
- Professional qualification: Your suitability depends primarily on your income and work stability, not on specific professions. However, certain professions such as engineers, teachers, doctors and managers may be favoured.
- Housing standards: Your Living space must fulfil the minimum standards for family accommodation & Property in Dubai fulfil. Corresponding proof is required.
- Health insurance: A valid Health insurance is compulsory for all family members.
Do you fulfil All requirementsThe electronic system in Dubai makes it easier to apply for your family visa. It is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities for the latest requirements, as these may change.
Who can apply for a family visa?
A family visa in Dubai can be applied for by expats working or living in the UAE. The following categories are eligible:
- SpouseIf you are working in Dubai or have a valid residence ticket, you can sponsor your partner. Male expatriates with a minimum salary of AED 15,000 (1x partner + 1x child) or AED 20,000 (1x partner + 2x children) plus accommodation can sponsor their spouses. A notable flexibility is that women can also sponsor their husbands under certain conditions. Women with a minimum salary of AED 15,000 (1x partner + 1x child) or AED 20,000 (1x partner + 2x children) plus accommodation are also eligible to sponsor their husbands.
- ChildrenYour children under the age of 25 or disabled children can also obtain a visa. This also applies to adopted children. Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25, while there is no age limit for unmarried daughters. Children with disabilities can obtain a permanent residence permit regardless of age.
- Stepchildren: You can also sponsor stepchildren, but additional conditions apply. Written consent from the biological parent is required and a deposit of AED 5,000 per child must be paid. The visa for stepchildren is initially issued for one year and can be extended annually.
- ParentsIn exceptional cases, you can sponsor your parents if you fulfil specific requirements such as a higher income. In addition, a deposit of AED 2,500 per parent must be paid and the parents must have a Health insurance available.
Documents required for families in the UAE
Applying for a family visa in Dubai requires careful preparation and compilation of various documents. Here is a comprehensive list of the required documents:
Personal identification:
- Passports: originals and copies of the passports of all family members, valid for at least six months
- Current passport photos with white background
- Copy of your residence visa as a sponsor
- Your Emirates ID as a sponsor
Proof of relationship:
- Marriage certificate: triple notarised copy translated into Arabic, certified by MOFA.
- Birth Certificates: triple notarised and translated copies for your children, certified by MOFA.
Financial evidence:
- Your current proof of salary as a sponsor (will be prepared by Dubai-auswandern)
- Your employment contract or proof of employment
- Your bank statements for the last three months
Proof of accommodation:
- Officially confirmed tenancy agreement (Ejari) or proof of ownership
- Current electricity bill (DEWA)
- Proof of sufficient living space according to the standards of the Dubai Municipality
Additional documents:
- Proof of health insurance for all your family members
- Medical certificate for family members over 18 years of age
- School certificates for your school-age children
- Completed visa application form
Special requirements:
- For your parents: Affidavit from the consulate and additional proof of relationship such as birth certificates
- For stepchildren: written consent from the biological parent and possibly a deposit
- UAE Pass MUST be active (App)
Please note that all foreign-language documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified translator. It is recommended that you check with the relevant authorities or a specialised service provider for the latest requirements, as these may change.
Types of family visas in Dubai
In Dubai, there are different types of family visas that allow you to legally bring and support family members. Here is an overview of the most common visas:
| Visa type | Minimum income | Special features | Extension |
| 1-year visa | 15,000 AED (1x partner + 1x child) or 20,000 AED (1x partner + 2x children) | Short-term option, suitable for temporary stays | Possible annually |
| 2-year visa | 15,000 AED (1x partner + 1x child) or 20,000 AED (1x partner + 2x children) | Medium-term stability, stricter document review | Possible every 2 years |
| 3-year visa | 15,000 AED (1x partner + 1x child) or 20,000 AED (1x partner + 2x children) | Long-term planning, less frequent renewals | Possible every 3 years |
| 10-year visa (Golden Visa) | Investment of AED 2 million or special qualifications | Long-term residence options, more flexibility for stays abroad, special health insurance packages | Renewable after 10 years |
Additional requirements for all visa types in the UAE:
- Suitable living space
- Health insurance for all family members
- Required documents: Passports, employment contract/trade licence, marriage certificate, birth certificates of children, medical certificate
Excursus on the subject of Golden visas in the UAE:
The Golden Visa is a long-term residence visa that allows foreign professionals to live, work or study in the UAE while enjoying exclusive benefits:
→ So you can work here too.
You have the option of sponsoring your family members - including spouses and children, regardless of their age.
→ You can easily bring your family along and sponsor them.
You can spend longer than the usual six months outside the UAE without your residence visa becoming invalid.
→ Unlike all other residence permits, you do not have to enter the country every 6 months to keep the visa active.
Please note that the exact requirements and conditions may change. It is advisable to obtain the latest information from the relevant authorities in Dubai.
Steps to apply for a Family Visa Dubai
Applying for a family visa to Dubai involves several important steps, including submission of documents, medical examinations, payment of fees and obtaining an Emirates ID.
1. apply for an entry permit:
- Apply online via the GDRFA Dubai website or at an Amer Centre for an entry permit for your family members outside the UAE.
- The entry permit is valid for 60 days.
2. entry into the UAE:
- Your family members must enter the country within the period of validity of the entry permit.
3. prepare documents:
- Collect all the necessary documents: passports, birth and marriage certificates, proof of income.
- Marriage certificate (must be notarised in the country of origin and confirmed by MOFA)
- Birth certificate (notarised in the country of origin and confirmed by MOFA)
- EJARI
- Clearly scanned copy of the passport
- Photo (taken in the photo studio)
- Salary certificate (prepared by Dubai-auswandern)
- UAE Pass MUST be active (this is an app)
4. apply for a residence visa:
- Apply for a residence visa online or at an Amer Centre within 60 days of arrival.
5. medical examination:
- Family members aged 18 and over must complete a medical fitness test at an authorised health centre.
- The test includes blood tests, lung x-rays and testing for diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.
6. apply for an Emirates ID:
- After approval of the residence visa, apply for the Emirates ID for each family member.
- Visit the ICA website or an accredited typing centre for the application form.
- Biometric data (fingerprints, photos) are recorded in a service centre.
- Cost: around AED 370 per person.
Processing time and costs:
- The entire procedure usually takes 5 to 10 working days.
- Total cost for a 2-year visa: around AED 8000 per person, plus fees for medical examinations and Emirates ID.
Make sure you meet the requirements, including minimum income, housing and health insurance for all family members.
Please note that the process may have deviations and delays under these conditions:
- Mother is not married, divorced or separated (in this case, an NOC from the father and the divorce or separation document are required; documents must be notarised).
- Documents are not notarised.
- Waiting for EJARI or no EJARI available.
How long does the entire process take with Dubai-auswandern?
- 5-7 working days = For families with all documents fully legalised by the German side (3 stamps), have the original documents and travel to Dubai with the children. (Can be accelerated by us if the documents are sent by courier)
- 2-3 working days = You are already in Dubai with the children, but only have international documents without German legalisations.
Extension and renewal of the family visa
A family visa in Dubai can be extended or renewed if the requirements are still met. This includes a valid residential visa, a minimum income of AED 15,000 (1x partner + 1x child) or AED 20,000 (1x partner + 2x children) plus accommodation and proof of adequate accommodation. Additional documents such as health and police reports remain required. Start the process of extension or renewal at least one month before your existing family visa expires. Make sure that all necessary steps are completed in time:
- Medical tests: Your family members must undergo a health test.
- Emirates ID renewal: Renew your Emirates ID according to the new validity requirements.
- Submission to the GDRFA: Submit all documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Visa stamping: Have the visa stamped in their passports after approval.
- Fees
The costs for the extension are similar to those of the original application process and depend on the chosen period of validity. Additional costs such as express fees or attestation costs may apply.
Common challenges and solutions
Applying for a family visa in Dubai involves several requirements that can often lead to obstacles. However, with careful preparation, these can be overcome effectively.
- Document problems:
Missing or incomplete documents often lead to delays. Passports, birth certificates, marriage certificates, proof of income and medical reports are required. The problem often lies in the fact that these are not properly translated or officially certified. Make sure that all documents are available, professionally translated and notarised by a competent authority. Use the official website of the General Directorate for Residency Affairs (GDRFA) to obtain current requirements. - Changes in the income situation:
A family visa requires a minimum income of the sponsor. The amount to be proven is AED 15,000 (1x partner + 1x child) or AED 20,000 (1x partner + 2x children) plus accommodation. Difficulties arise if the sponsor's income falls below this threshold. Make sure you update your salary statement and submit additional documentary evidence, such as support allowances from your employer. A salary increase or additional employment with authorisation may also be helpful. - Sponsorship issues: The sponsorship of family members is subject to specific conditions. Spouses, children and, in exceptional cases, parents can be sponsored. Stricter approval criteria apply to extended family members or stepchildren. Before applying, check whether your employment status and income fulfil the sponsorship requirements. For stepchildren or other family members, you can apply for additional authorisations from the GDRFA and seek legal advice to facilitate the process.
Important notes and tips:
Please note that the residence visas of your family members are directly linked to your visa. If your visa is cancelled, your family members' visas must also be cancelled or renewed within a grace period of six months. In addition to the regular fees, deposits may be required for certain family members.
Be aware of the penalties for visa overstays, which can be AED 100 per day plus additional fees. Keep up to date with recent changes in visa regulations as these are regularly adjusted to simplify the process for expats. For example, occupational restrictions have been lifted and the age limit for sponsorship of sons has been extended.
Current changes and future prospects
Since 2023, the requirements for family visas in Dubai have changed significantly, offering expats new opportunities. The current and future regulations are summarised here.
New regulations for 2025
The introduction of further reforms in 2025 could make it easier to apply for family visas. Greater flexibility in income limits and expanded eligible categories for applicants are planned. Professional requirements could be adapted to allow more self-employed and freelancers access.
In addition to the already mandatory health insurance, it could become compulsory to provide proof of minimum cover amounts to cover healthcare costs. Electronic procedures to shorten processing times, similar to those already used for visa extensions, are also being discussed.
Possible future developments
Further digital optimisation of the visa application process is expected to take place in the coming years. This includes the integration of biometric data in real time in order to check applications more efficiently and issue visas more quickly.
In addition to technological development, the introduction of new visa types and extended residence periods could be implemented. For example, a family visa with a validity of 5 years could be introduced for long-term resident expats, whereby income and housing criteria must be adapted to cover larger families.
In the long term, these changes should further increase Dubai's attractiveness for international professionals and their families and set new standards for residence visas.
Conclusion
A family visa in Dubai offers you and your loved ones an excellent opportunity to enjoy life in the UAE and benefit from its many advantages. With clear requirements and a digitalised process, the application process is made efficient and accessible.
Whether for short or long-term stays, the family visa creates stability and makes it easier to live together in one of the most dynamic countries in the world. Prepare well, fulfil the requirements and take advantage of the opportunities Dubai offers you and your family.
