Are you living and working in Dubai and want to bring your family to stay with you? The dependent visa in Dubai is the legal pathway that allows you to sponsor your loved ones, spouse, children, or parents to reside with you in the UAE. With evolving regulations, it’s important to stay updated on eligibility, salary thresholds, required documents, and the step-by-step application process.
In 2025, the process has become more streamlined but still requires careful attention to detail. Whether you’re a new resident or renewing your family’s visas, this guide helps you navigate everything you need to know to apply confidently.
From initial documentation to medical fitness exams and Emirates ID issuance, each step plays a critical role in successfully obtaining a dependent visa. Let’s explore how you can bring your family closer and ensure a smooth transition into life together in the UAE.
What Is a Dependent Visa in Dubai?
A dependent visa in Dubai allows a UAE resident with a valid residence visa to sponsor their close family members to legally live in the country. This type of visa is commonly referred to as a family visa.
It is ideal for expatriates who wish to reunite with their loved ones and ensure family stability while working in the UAE.
You can sponsor the following dependents:
- Your spouse, with proof of a legal marriage
- Children: Sons up to the age of 25 and unmarried daughters of any age
- Parents, under specific salary and housing conditions
- Stepchildren, subject to additional documentation and approval
The visa duration typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa and the relationship. Renewal is possible as long as the sponsor continues to meet the eligibility requirements.
This visa offers not only the ability to live in Dubai but also access to health services, education, and in some cases, work permits through company sponsorships. Bringing your family closer strengthens your roots in the UAE and provides stability for all.
Are You Eligible to Sponsor Family Members in Dubai?
To apply for a dependent visa in Dubai, you must first meet specific eligibility criteria. The UAE government has outlined clear financial and legal standards for sponsorship.
You are eligible if:
- You hold a valid UAE residence visa
- You are employed or own a registered business in Dubai
- You meet the minimum salary threshold
The minimum salary requirements include:
- Male sponsors: AED 4,000 monthly or AED 3,000 plus company-provided accommodation
- Female sponsors: AED 10,000 monthly or AED 8,000 with accommodation
For sponsoring parents, the minimum salary may be higher, and proof is required to show that you are their only provider. Additionally, your accommodation must meet certain standards:
- At least a one-bedroom unit for a spouse and children
- A two-bedroom unit if you’re also sponsoring your parents
Medical fitness is essential for all dependents 18 years and older. They must pass health screenings, including tests for communicable diseases.
There is no job title restriction, meaning you can sponsor family members regardless of your profession, as long as you meet the income and housing requirements. Meeting all these requirements ensures your family can legally reside in the UAE without interruptions or legal complications.
What Are the Required Documents for a Dependent Visa Application?
Getting your paperwork in order is crucial when applying for a dependent visa in Dubai. Both the sponsor and the dependents must provide complete documentation to avoid delays or rejections.
Sponsor’s Documents:
- Valid passport copy
- UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID
- Salary certificate (for employees) or trade license (for business owners)
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari) showing suitable housing
- Latest DEWA (utility) bill
- Entry permit request form
Dependents’ Documents:
- Passport copies
- Passport-sized photographs with a white background
- Birth certificates (for children), attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and translated into Arabic
- Marriage certificate (if sponsoring spouse), also attested and translated
- Medical fitness certificate (for dependents aged 18+)
Additional Documentation (if applicable):
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from employer (especially for female sponsors)
- Attested death or divorce certificates (for single-parent sponsors)
- Proof of relationship for stepchildren, along with NOC fromthe biological parent
All documents must be accurately translated into Arabic and attested by relevant authorities. Errors in submission or missing information can delay the visa issuance. Preparing the complete documentation set in advance increases your chances of quick approval and smooth processing.
How Does the Dependent Visa Process Work in 2025?
Applying for a dependent visa in Dubai in 2025 follows a structured process. As a sponsor, you are responsible for managing every step—from gathering documents to final visa stamping. Below is a complete breakdown.
Entry Permit Application
Your first step is applying for an entry permit for each family member. You can do this through authorized typing centres or online through official government portals. This temporary visa allows the family member to enter the UAE for the residency process. The entry permit is valid for 60 days.
Document Submission
Once your dependent is in the UAE, submit all required documents. This includes:
- Emirates ID application
- Medical test forms
- Original passports
- Attested and translated documents
- Entry permit copy
You must apply within the 60-day validity period of the entry permit to avoid fines.
Medical Test (For Dependents 18+)
Dependents who are 18 or older must take a medical fitness test at government-approved centres.
The tests usually include:
- HIV screening
- Tuberculosis screening (Chest X-ray)
- Hepatitis tests (for certain nationalities)
Dependents diagnosed with communicable diseases may be denied residency.
Emirates ID and Residency Stamping
After passing the medical, proceed to apply for an Emirates ID, which includes fingerprinting. Then, submit the passport for residency stamping. This finalizes the process, and your family member becomes a legal UAE resident.
Government Portals and Typing Centres
You can complete these procedures through:
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship)
- GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)
- Registered Amer centres or other typing offices
Make sure to double-check forms and fees before submission. Approval timelines range between 5 to 15 working days depending on documentation and case specifics. Staying on track with each step helps avoid fines, delays, or resubmissions.
How Long Is a Dependent Visa Valid in the UAE?
The validity of a dependent visa in Dubai depends on the type of relationship and the sponsor’s visa duration. Most dependent visas are issued for one to three years, aligned with the sponsor’s residence visa.
Here’s how validity typically works:
- Spouse and children: 1 to 3 years, depending on sponsor’s contract and housing
- Parents: 1 year, renewable annually
- Stepchildren: 1 year, renewable under special conditions
- Newborns: Must be sponsored within 120 days of birth to avoid penalties
Renewal of the dependent visa must follow the same procedures as a new application. This includes updated documents, medical fitness tests for those 18 and older, and Emirates ID renewal.
If your employment contract or residence visa changes, you’ll also need to update your family’s dependent visa. There is a 6-month grace period after cancellation or expiry of the visa during which dependents must either renew or exit the country. Maintaining valid dependent visas ensures uninterrupted access to health services, education, and legal stay in the UAE for your family.
What Are the Costs and Fees for a Dependent Visa in Dubai?
Applying for a dependent visa in Dubai involves several mandatory expenses, which may vary depending on whether you’re filing a new application, renewing an existing one, or adjusting status from inside the UAE.
Typically, the total cost ranges between AED 3,500 to AED 5,500, based on the visa duration, the applicant’s status, and your chosen service provider.
Here’s an updated breakdown of the common fees:
| Service | Approximate Fee (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 500 to 1,200 |
| Medical Fitness Test (18+) | 250 to 350 |
| Emirates ID | 250 to 400 |
| Visa Stamping | 500 to 700 |
| Basic Health Insurance | 600 to 800+ (annually) |
| Typing/Service Center Fees | 100 to 200 |
Additional costs may apply for status changes, renewals, or late applications. If you’re applying through a typing centre or agency, bundled services might be offered for convenience but could carry premium charges. Health insurance is mandatory in certain Emirates like Dubai and Abu Dhabi, and must be provided before the visa is issued.
To avoid unexpected expenses, always confirm current rates with the immigration office or your service provider. Staying informed will help you prepare financially and avoid penalties or processing delays.
What Housing and Medical Requirements Do You Need to Meet?
When applying for a dependent visa in Dubai, your accommodation and the medical fitness of your dependents play a crucial role in determining the success of the application.
To sponsor family members, your housing must meet minimum standards:
- A one-bedroom apartment is required for sponsoring a spouse and children
- A two-bedroom apartment is required if you plan to sponsor both parents or parents-in-law
- Tenancy contracts must be registered under Ejari and in your name
These housing requirements confirm that your accommodation is suitable for family living in line with UAE standards. Medical fitness is a mandatory requirement for all dependents aged 18 and above.
The examination must be done at government-approved medical centers and includes:
- Blood tests to detect infectious diseases such as HIV
- Chest X-rays for tuberculosis screening
- Evaluation for hepatitis and other communicable conditions (case-specific)
Those found medically unfit will not be granted a residence visa, except in special circumstances like dormant tuberculosis, where a one-year conditional visa may be approved with medical follow-ups.
Ensuring compliance with these requirements shows that you can provide a safe, healthy, and stable living environment for your family. It also prevents unnecessary delays during the approval process.
Can Women Sponsor Their Families in Dubai?
Yes, women can now sponsor their family members in Dubai, but they must meet specific criteria. The dependent visa Dubai rules in 2025 have evolved to allow more inclusivity, yet there are still conditions based on occupation and income.
Here’s what female sponsors need:
- A minimum salary of AED 10,000, or AED 8,000 with accommodation
- A valid UAE residence visa
- A suitable registered tenancy contract
However, not all occupations qualify. Women are primarily eligible if they work in specific fields such as:
- Teaching
- Healthcare (nurses, doctors, pharmacists)
- Engineering
In these cases, approval may also require a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the employer and additional approval from immigration authorities.
Female sponsors must also present:
- Proof of marriage for spouse sponsorship
- Proof of parenthood for sponsoring children
- Legal documents attested and translated if applicable
For single mothers, sponsoring children is possible but typically requires additional documentation, such as divorce or death certificates of the other parent and a signed no-objection letter.
Although there are more hoops to jump through compared to male sponsors, women who meet the required qualifications and income levels can successfully bring their family to live in the UAE.
What Happens If You Don’t Apply on Time or Cancel a Visa?
Missing deadlines or failing to cancel a dependent visa correctly can lead to serious consequences. If your family member enters the UAE on an entry permit, you must apply for their residence visa within 60 days of their arrival. Failing to do so results in fines and potential legal issues.
Similarly, for newborns born in the UAE, you must apply for their dependent visa within 120 days of birth. Delays can result in daily overstay fines. When your employment ends or your residence visa is cancelled, your family’s dependent visas also need to be cancelled or transferred.
Failure to cancel dependent visas may cause:
- Overstay fines
- Legal complications for future visa applications
- Difficulties with Emirates ID deactivation or service access
Dependents are usually granted a 6-month grace period after visa cancellation or expiry, during which they can apply for a new visa or exit the UAE.
If you’re transferring jobs or leaving the country permanently, it’s your responsibility to manage all sponsorship changes on time. Always notify immigration authorities and provide proper documentation during any changes in visa status to avoid unnecessary penalties.
Can You Work on a Dependent Visa in the UAE?
While a dependent visa in Dubai allows your family member to legally live in the UAE, it doesn’t automatically grant permission to work. However, it is possible to work under certain conditions.
Dependents are allowed to work if they receive a valid job offer from a UAE-registered company. In this case, the employer must apply for a work permit and potentially transfer the visa under their sponsorship. Alternatively, the dependent can continue under family sponsorship while obtaining a labour card.
Important points to note:
- No one can work without an approved labour permit
- Working without permission is illegal and can lead to deportation or fines
- Some professions may require additional licensing or qualifications
Students who are dependents may also apply for part-time work permits, subject to age and employer requirements. Employers typically prefer sponsoring the employee themselves.
But some jobs, especially part-time or freelance roles, may accommodate dependents if the proper paperwork is completed. Before accepting any job, ensure all legal processes are followed to remain compliant with UAE labour laws.
Conclusion
Securing a dependent visa in Dubai in 2025 is a structured yet achievable process if you meet the criteria and stay organized. Whether you’re sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents, understanding the requirements, documentation, timelines, and procedures is key to a smooth experience.
From salary thresholds and housing expectations to medical tests and legal documentation, every step matters. Delays, missed deadlines, or errors in paperwork can disrupt your family’s stay and incur unwanted penalties.
However, with the right preparation and attention to detail, you can bring your loved ones closer and enjoy life together in one of the safest and most prosperous cities in the world.
This guide ensures that you understand the current legal framework, helping you make informed decisions about family sponsorship. Always consult updated official resources or immigration offices to align with any regulatory changes in the UAE.
FAQs
How long does it take to get a dependent visa in Dubai?
It usually takes 10 to 15 working days from application to approval, depending on your documentation.
Can I sponsor only one of my parents?
You can, but you must provide official documents like a death or divorce certificate to justify it.
What happens if my dependent fails the medical test?
They will not be granted a visa unless the condition is deemed non-contagious or treatable under special permissions.
Can I apply for a dependent visa online?
Yes, you can apply through official government portals or authorized typing centres.
Is health insurance mandatory for dependents?
Yes, especially for parents. Some Emirates also require insurance for all dependents before visa issuance.
Can a dependent visa be converted into a work visa?
Yes, but the employer must initiate the process and sponsor the individual for a work permit.
What is the grace period after a dependent visa expires?
Dependents are granted a 6-month grace period to renew the visa or exit the country legally.
