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🇦🇪family Visa

Family Residence Visa (Citizen Sponsor)

United Arab Emirates

Last updated: December 19, 2025

Duration

1 year (renewable)

Visa Fee

$59-$196

Time

1-2 weeks

Complexity

Medium

About this Visa

This visa lets a UAE citizen bring their immediate family to live in the United Arab Emirates. It is designed for husbands, wives, children, and parents of Emirati nationals. It gives family members a legal residence permit. You can live, study, and open bank accounts in the UAE. Wives of UAE citizens can eventually apply for UAE citizenship after 7 to 10 years. This visa often has lower income requirements than visas sponsored by foreign residents.

Key Benefits

  • Live legally in the UAE
  • Apply for UAE citizenship (foreign wives only)
  • Study at UAE schools and universities
  • Work in the UAE (with a work permit)
  • Open personal bank accounts
  • Access healthcare services
  • Sponsor sons up to age 25
  • Sponsor unmarried daughters of any age

Eligibility & Requirements

Eligibility Criteria

  • Sponsor must be a UAE citizen
  • You must be a legal spouse, child, or parent
  • Sons must be under 25 (unless disabled)
  • Daughters must be unmarried (no age limit)
  • Must pass a medical health test
  • Must not have a serious criminal record
  • Parents must be sponsored together (unless one is deceased)

Financial Requirement

Sponsor must earn at least $1,100 (AED 4,000) per month. Sponsoring parents usually requires higher income.

Documents

  • Attested Marriage CertificateProof of marriage for spouses, attested by MOFA
  • Attested Birth CertificatesProof of relationship for children or parents
  • Sponsor's Salary CertificateOfficial proof of sponsor's monthly income
  • Passport CopiesValid passport copies for all family members
  • Sponsor's Emirates IDCopy of the sponsor's valid national ID card
  • Medical Fitness TestRequired health screening results for applicants over 18
  • Health Insurance PolicyValid medical insurance coverage
  • Tenancy ContractEjari or registered contract proving housing

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. Visa requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Please verify all information with official government sources and consult a qualified immigration attorney before making decisions.