Family Visa UAE – Complete Guide for 2025

A family visa lets holders of employment visas in the UAE invite their immediate family members to live with them legally. This covers spouses, children, and, in some cases, even parents. Think of it as giving the chance for your loved ones to experience life in one of the best countries in the world. It is no secret that the country boasts a high standard of living. It offers great health and educational services, as well as a fast-growing economy. To facilitate the reunification of families, the government ensures that skilled professionals and workers enjoy an optimal personal life, in parallel with their busy working life. Here, we will discuss some important factors of the family visa UAE.

Benefits of Family Sponsorship

Having the chance to have a family member waiting for you after a long tiring day instead of a phone call is something very special. Family sponsorship is not only a simple sponsorship system in the UAE, it is a more optimal situation. The presence of family allows to improve mental well-being, encourages better work-life balance, and boosts productivity.

Like any other business organization, employees with family living in the UAE tend to be more loyal and stable with the organization. The government of UAE understands this which is why rthey have made the family visa application process easier than before.

Family Visa UAE: Eligibility Requirements 

Over the last years, the policy regarding family sponsorship has been relaxed. It now makes it relatively straightforward. Broadly speaking, about the family visa UAE:

• A foreign company employee holding a residency visa for the United Arab Emirates can sponsor his immediate family members.

• Both men and women have the right to sponsor their families if they meet the minimum income and occupation criteria.

• Holders of a residence permit as self-employed or business owners may also sponsor.

• Sponsors must possess either a current employment contract or a current business license. 

• Couples must provide a validated marriage certificate, and relationships with children are to be confirmed through birth certificates.  

 Minimum Salary Requirements for Family Visa UAE

As of 2025, the minimum required salary to begin sponsoring family members to the UAE is:  

AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 with accommodations being paid for by the employer.  

To sponsor parents, the salary threshold is usually around AED 20,000 per month plus evidence of appropriate accommodation.  

Generally, for women sponsors, those seeking to sponsor family members may have some altered requirements. Certain professions, like teachers, engineers, and healthcare workers, may have a higher chance of approval regardless of being in the lower salary range.  

Types of Family Visas Available

1 Year, 2 Year, and 5 Year Visas

These permits are issued on the basis of the duration of the family member’s residence.

 1-Year Visa: Commonly offered to some groups, like students or dependents sponsored by women.   

 2-Year Visa: Issued predominantly to employees of the private sector.  

 3-Year Visa: Usually provided to public sector employees or freezone workers.

5-Year Visa: Issued only under certain criteria, such as having a Golden Visa or being a long-term investor.

Required Documents for Family Visa Application

When applying for a family visa UAE, having all your documents ready is crucial to avoid delays. Here’s the essential checklist for sponsors:

• Passport copy (clear and valid for at least six months).
  
• Valid UAE residence visa copy.
  
• UAE Emirates ID copy.
  
• Salary certificate from your employer or latest salary slip.
  
• Tenancy contract registered through Ejari or approved housing lease.
  
• Recent utility bill (to confirm address).
  
• Medical insurance policy (mandatory in most Emirates).
  
• Marriage certificate (attested by UAE authorities if issued outside the country).
  
• Birth certificates for children (also attested if issued abroad).
  
• Passport-size photos of family members (white background).

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Family Visa

Applying for a family visa can seem complicated, but it’s straightforward once broken down:

1. Entry Permit Application:
   
   • Apply online via the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) for Abu Dhabi and other Emirates, or through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) for Dubai.
     
   • Entry permit approval usually takes 2-5 working days.
     
2. Medical Fitness Test:
   
   • Family members over 18 must undergo a medical test (blood test and chest X-ray) at an approved center.
     
3. Emirates ID Application:
   
   • Submit biometric details at the Emirates ID Authority once the medical results are received.
     
4. Health Insurance:
   
   • Mandatory for the visa stamping process. Choose a plan that covers basic healthcare at a minimum.
     
5. Visa Stamping on Passport:
   
   • Submit passports for final visa stamping at ICA/GDRFA centers.
     

Common Family Visa UAE Rejection Reasons

Salary Mismatch

The most common reason for family visa rejection stems from not meeting the prescribed salary limit. It is possible to have your job title accepted, but your application still gets denied if your official salary certificate does not meet the requirement.

Tip: Make certain that your employer issues current and properly formatted salary certificates.

Documentation Errors

Another grave oversight stems from providing incomplete or improperly attested documents. One example is:

• Unattested marriage and birth certificates.
• A name misspelt in one document and not in other documents.
• Documents not in English are lacking translation.

Conclusion

Obtaining a family visa UAE is not a mere formality and paperwork, but it is an endeavor towards assuring a bright, secure, and happy future for him and his family. The government of the UAE provides myriad options welcoming working professionals, business owners, and Golden Visa holders to enable and encourage their families to live and grow alongside them. Each year, processes become easier, quicker, and more streamlined. By following the guidelines, submitting the necessary paperwork, and meeting all the requirements, you can achieve it.

FAQs

How much salary is needed for a family visa in UAE 2025?

You usually require a minimum wage of  4,000 AED or 3,000 AED with a company sponsored accommodation in order to as an immediate family member.

Can I sponsor my parents under a family visa UAE?

Yes, however, you will need to meet stricter income criteria (approximately AED 20,000) and demonstrate that you are their exclusive financial provider, along with mandatory health insurance.

How long does it take to get a family visa UAE?

Timescales are flexible however, they are usually between 5 to 10 working days depending on how complete the documents are and the Emirate.

Can relatives work on a family visa?  

Family visa holders wishing to work lawfully in the UAE must apply for a separate work permit.  

What will happen if I experience a decrease in salary after I sponsor my family?  

If your salary falls below the mandated threshold, subsequent renewals of family visas may be impacted. Nevertheless, currently valid visas generally remain active until the renewal date.