Last updated 2026-04-20
Family of UAE resident visa to United Arab Emirates
Dependent visa
Visa overview
Description of the visa, its purpose, conditions, peculiarities of issuance, and guidelines for utilization.
Allows foreign relatives of employers and employees to live in the UAE on the terms of their working relative's visa. First, a foreigner is given an entry visa for 60 days until the requirements for issuing residency are satisfied. The sponsoring person must be a working expatriate with a valid UAE residence visa and a minimum monthly income—typically AED 3,000 + provided accommodation. Higher income requirements may apply. An expatriate cannot sponsor only one parent, except in special cases.
Eligible individuals
The main categories of individuals for whom the visa is intended and who it is best suited for.
Spouse, parent, child
Time frames and cost
The primary characteristics that define the conditions for obtaining and using a visa. These conditions may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the applicant and the decision of the immigration authorities of the country.
All categories
from 2 months to 10 years
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>Obtaining a family reunification residence visa usually begins with an entry permit that allows entry into the UAE and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Upon arrival in the UAE, the applicant must complete the procedure for obtaining a resident visa within 60 days.</p> <p> </p> <p>The family's residence permit visas are linked to the residence permit visa of the sponsoring family member and valid for the same period of time.</p>
from 2 months to 10 years
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>An entry permit entitles the holder to remain in the country for 60 days from entry until the necessary processes for issuing residency have been completed.</p>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Extention is not provided for entry permit. However residence visa is renewable under the same terms as when it was first issued.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>An entry permit is a multiple-entry permit.</p>
from 3 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Issued through the digital channels (GDRFA website or smart application) available 24/7 or when visiting visa service center in the UAE.</p>
AED 200 (~$55)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>The resident sponsor covers all expenses. Payment is made through ICP/GDRFA portals, or in service centers (Amer in Dubai, Tasheel/Typing Center in other emirates). For each dependent family member, a state fee is paid for an entry permit (~AED 100-200) and for issuing a resident visa – approximately AED 100 for each year of the term + service fees.</p> <p> </p> <p>Additionally, a medical check-up and an Emirates ID issue are paid. No deposit required for wife and children. However, when sponsoring parents, a deposit must be paid for each parent (about AED 5,000 per person).</p>
Parental
from 2 months to 1 year
Visa validity period
The period during which the visa remains valid and can be used for entry into the country. The validity period or expiration date is indicated directly on the visa itself.
<p>Obtaining a parental resident visa usually begins with an entry permit that allows entry into the UAE and is valid for 60 days from the date of issue. Upon arrival in the UAE, the applicant must complete the procedure for obtaining a resident visa within 60 days.</p> <p> </p> <p>Parental resident visas are issued for a period of 1 year. If the sponsor's resident visa is canceled or expires, parent visas are also subject to cancellation or transfer to another sponsor.</p>
from 2 months to 1 year
Duration of stay
The maximum duration for which one is permitted to stay in the country continuously from the date of entry.
<p>An entry permit entitles the holder to remain in the country for 60 days from entry until the necessary processes for issuing residency have been completed.</p>
Individually
Extension of stay
The extension of the maximum duration of stay in the country initially permitted by the visa, subject to approval by the immigration authorities. This is typically processed within the country without the need for departure.
<p>Extention is not provided for entry permit. However the residence visa is renewable under the same terms as when it was first issued.</p>
multiple-entry
The ability to enter and exit the country an unlimited number of times, unless otherwise specified, within the visa's validity period.
Number of entries
A parameter specifying the number of times the visa holder can enter the country during its validity period. Visas can be single-entry, multiple-entry, or with a specified number of entries.
<p>An entry permit is a multiple-entry permit.</p>
from 3 days to 5 days
Processing time
The period during which the immigration authorities review the application and make a decision regarding the issuance of the visa. Only business days are counted, excluding weekends and public holidays.
<p>Issued through the digital channels (GDRFA website or smart application) available 24/7 or when visiting visa service center in the UAE.</p>
AED 200 (~$55)
Consular fee
A fee levied for the processing and evaluation of an application. This charge is non-refundable under any circumstances. In certain instances, the payment of supplementary fees may be required.
<p>The resident sponsor covers all expenses. Payment is made through ICP/GDRFA portals, or in service centers (Amer in Dubai, Tasheel/Typing Center in other emirates). For each dependent family member, a state fee is paid for an entry permit (~AED 100-200) and for issuing a resident visa – approximately AED 100 for each year of the term + service fees.</p> <p> </p> <p>Additionally, a medical check-up and an Emirates ID issue are paid. No deposit required for wife and children. However, when sponsoring parents, a deposit must be paid for each parent (about AED 5,000 per person).</p>
Documents
A list of documents required for visa application. The exact list depends on the chosen visa type, the purpose of the visit, and the individual conditions of the applicant.
Mandatory
The essential minimum documents required for a visa application, such as a passport or visa application form. These are necessary regardless of the location, method, or conditions of the application.
Passport
A passport or travel document with a minimum validity of 6 months.
Travel medical insurance
Proof of a valid UAE coverage policy for the visa period.
Photograph
The photo must be in color. Size 4.3 x 5.5 cm, on a white background, without shadows and glare.
Supporting
Documents that specify, substantiate, and confirm the purpose of the visit, as well as provide necessary information about the applicant and their future activities in the country.
Employment proof
Copy of sponor's employment contract or company contract.
Proof of financial means
Salary certificate from the employer stating sponsor`s minimum salary of AED 3,000, or AED 10,000 in case of sponsoring parents. Income requirements may be higher depending on the rules of a particular emirate.
Proof of relationship
A marriage certificate, birth certificates if sponsoring parents or children. If one of the parents has passed away or if the parents are divorced, related official documents.
Proof of accommodation
Registered tenancy contract or property title deed. Living space requirements may vary depending on the rules of a particular emirate (for example, the number of rooms).
Additional
Documents required vary depending on individual circumstances, specific visa conditions, the place, and the method of application.
Documents for minor children
Birth certificate, adoption certificate, or guardianship certificate evidencing parental or guardianship rights; certified power of attorney or permission from parents or legal guardians for minors traveling abroad.
*Foreign official documents must be apostilled and legalized in accordance with the regulations of the country whose consular or diplomatic mission they are being submitted to. Additionally, they must be accompanied by a certified translation into the official language of that country or into English, unless otherwise specified by the mission's requirements.
**Prior to submitting the documents, it is strongly advised to verify the specific procedures and requirements with the relevant mission.
Requirements
The minimum criteria that each visa applicant must meet. If these criteria are not met, justifications and convincing evidence of intent to visit the country must be provided.
Clear purposes of the visit and documents confirming them, in accordance with the visa conditions.
Sufficient means to support oneself and their dependents for the duration of their stay in the country.
The applicant does not pose a threat to public order, internal security, public health or international relations of the country.
Insurance policy for the entire period of stay, meeting the minimum mandatory or recommended requirements for the country.
Visa Information
The characteristics of a visa according to its classification by types, categories, and visit purposes. These are selected by the applicant during the application process, typically indicated on the visa application form and reflected in corresponding annotations on the visa itself.
English international
Type of visa
The primary purpose of the visa and the conditions under which it is issued. This typically includes several general categories of visas and/or visit purposes based on the type of activity or reasons for entering the country.
Residence visa
Category
The classification within a visa type that specifies more specific conditions, characteristics of obtaining, and using the visa. Categories may vary in terms of duration, stay conditions, and the rights granted by the visa.
Family of UAE resident visa
Purpose of visit
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Family reunification
Sources
Links to official resources upon which the information presented on the website is based. Information portals of government bodies or diplomatic representations of the country responsible for visa issuance and immigration policy in general.
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