Bringing your family to the UAE is now more accessible than ever, thanks to updated visa regulations in 2025. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or investor, understanding the latest requirements and procedures is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to help you sponsor your loved ones and establish a stable family life in the Emirates.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
As of 2025, the UAE has streamlined its family visa policies to be more inclusive. Expatriate residents can sponsor the following immediate family members:
- Spouse: A valid, attested marriage certificate is required.
- Children:
- Sons: Up to 25 years old; must be unmarried and, if over 18, enrolled in full-time education.
- Daughters: Unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of age.
- Parents: Both parents must be sponsored together unless one is deceased or legally separated.
- Stepchildren: Permitted with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the biological parent.
Note: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in the UAE and cannot be sponsored.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
The primary requirement for sponsoring family members is meeting the minimum salary threshold:
- Male Sponsors: Minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation.
- Female Sponsors: Minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation, especially in professions like teaching, healthcare, or engineering.
For sponsoring parents, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month and provide a two-bedroom accommodation.
Required Documents
To apply for a family visa, prepare the following documents:
- Sponsor’s Documents:
- Passport copy with valid UAE residence visa.
- Emirates ID.
- Salary certificate or employment contract.
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of accommodation.
- Family Members’ Documents:
- Passport copies (valid for at least six months).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse).
- Attested birth certificates (for children).
- Medical fitness test results (for dependents over 18).
- Health insurance coverage.
Application Process
- Entry Permit Application:
- Apply through the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or the GDRFA portal (gdrfad.gov.ae).
- Submit all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Medical Fitness Test:
- Dependents over 18 must undergo a medical examination at an approved health center.
- Tests typically include screenings for infectious diseases.
- Emirates ID Application:
- Apply for the Emirates ID concurrently with the visa application.
- Biometric data will be collected at authorized centers.
- Visa Stamping:
- Once approved, the residence visa will be stamped electronically.
- The Emirates ID will serve as the primary proof of residency.
Costs Involved
The total cost of obtaining a family visa in the UAE varies depending on several factors. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Entry Permit: AED 500 – AED 1,200
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 350 – AED 700
- Emirates ID (2 years): AED 370 – AED 375
- Visa Stamping: AED 500 – AED 750
- Health Insurance: AED 700 – AED 2,500 annually
- Status Change Fee (if applicable): AED 650 – AED 750
Total Estimated Cost:
- Inside UAE: AED 5,500 – AED 6,500
- Outside UAE: AED 4,500 – AED 5,000
Recent Updates in 2025
The UAE has implemented several changes to its family visa policies in 2025:
- Emirates ID Integration: Residency visa details are now incorporated into the Emirates ID, eliminating the need for passport stamping.
- Extended Sponsorship: Male children can now be sponsored up to 25 years of age, and unmarried daughters have no age limit.
- Flexible Sponsorship for Women: Female expatriates can sponsor their families, provided they meet the salary requirements.
- Online Application Process: Most visa procedures can now be completed online, streamlining the application process.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your family in the UAE has become more straightforward with the updated regulations in 2025. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the outlined procedures, you can ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones to join you in the Emirates. For personalized assistance and to navigate the process efficiently, consider consulting with visa experts or authorized typing centers.
For further assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact Arab Asset Consulting. Our team is dedicated to helping you bring your family closer and build a fulfilling life in the UAE.
Bringing your family to the UAE is now more accessible than ever, thanks to updated visa regulations in 2025. Whether you’re a professional, entrepreneur, or investor, understanding the latest requirements and procedures is crucial. This comprehensive guide provides all the necessary information to help you sponsor your loved ones and establish a stable family life in the Emirates.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
As of 2025, the UAE has streamlined its family visa policies to be more inclusive. Expatriate residents can sponsor the following immediate family members:
- Spouse: A valid, attested marriage certificate is required.
- Children:
- Sons: Up to 25 years old; must be unmarried and, if over 18, enrolled in full-time education.
- Daughters: Unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of age.
- Parents: Both parents must be sponsored together unless one is deceased or legally separated.
- Stepchildren: Permitted with a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the biological parent.
Note: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in the UAE and cannot be sponsored.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsors
The primary requirement for sponsoring family members is meeting the minimum salary threshold:
- Male Sponsors: Minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation.
- Female Sponsors: Minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation, especially in professions like teaching, healthcare, or engineering.
For sponsoring parents, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month and provide a two-bedroom accommodation.
Required Documents
To apply for a family visa, prepare the following documents:
- Sponsor’s Documents:
- Passport copy with valid UAE residence visa.
- Emirates ID.
- Salary certificate or employment contract.
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of accommodation.
- Family Members’ Documents:
- Passport copies (valid for at least six months).
- Passport-sized photographs.
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouse).
- Attested birth certificates (for children).
- Medical fitness test results (for dependents over 18).
- Health insurance coverage.
Application Process
- Entry Permit Application:
- Apply through the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or the GDRFA portal (gdrfad.gov.ae).
- Submit all required documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Medical Fitness Test:
- Dependents over 18 must undergo a medical examination at an approved health center.
- Tests typically include screenings for infectious diseases.
- Emirates ID Application:
- Apply for the Emirates ID concurrently with the visa application.
- Biometric data will be collected at authorized centers.
- Visa Stamping:
- Once approved, the residence visa will be stamped electronically.
- The Emirates ID will serve as the primary proof of residency.
Costs Involved
The total cost of obtaining a family visa in the UAE varies depending on several factors. Here’s an approximate breakdown:
- Entry Permit: AED 500 – AED 1,200
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 350 – AED 700
- Emirates ID (2 years): AED 370 – AED 375
- Visa Stamping: AED 500 – AED 750
- Health Insurance: AED 700 – AED 2,500 annually
- Status Change Fee (if applicable): AED 650 – AED 750
Total Estimated Cost:
- Inside UAE: AED 5,500 – AED 6,500
- Outside UAE: AED 4,500 – AED 5,000
Recent Updates in 2025
The UAE has implemented several changes to its family visa policies in 2025:
- Emirates ID Integration: Residency visa details are now incorporated into the Emirates ID, eliminating the need for passport stamping.
- Extended Sponsorship: Male children can now be sponsored up to 25 years of age, and unmarried daughters have no age limit.
- Flexible Sponsorship for Women: Female expatriates can sponsor their families, provided they meet the salary requirements.
- Online Application Process: Most visa procedures can now be completed online, streamlining the application process.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your family in the UAE has become more straightforward with the updated regulations in 2025. By meeting the eligibility criteria and following the outlined procedures, you can ensure a smooth transition for your loved ones to join you in the Emirates. For personalized assistance and to navigate the process efficiently, consider consulting with visa experts or authorized typing centers.
For further assistance or inquiries, feel free to contact Arab Asset Consulting. Our team is dedicated to helping you bring your family closer and build a fulfilling life in the UAE.
