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United Arab Emirates flagUAE Family Sponsorship Residence Visa

Category: Family · Processing time: 2-6 weeks

Editorially reviewedLast updated 2026-05-17Reviewed by MigrantIQ Editorial TeamOfficial visa portal ↗

Review due soon

3 min readCommunity feedback: open

AI-assisted. Parts of this page may be drafted with AI and editor-reviewed. Always confirm rules, fees, and hours on official government sources before you act. How we use AI · Editorial standards

Apply through official authority

Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP)

Always submit applications through the official source. Last verified 2026-05-07.

Apply on official site →

Visa type

Family

Processing time

2-6 weeks

Fees

EmiratesId: AED 100/year

Validity

Confirm on official source

Stay duration

Confirm on official source

Entry type

Confirm single/multiple entry rules

Insurance

Confirm if required

Bookmark

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Overview

This visa allows a UAE resident to sponsor their spouse, children, and parents for long-term residence, with specific salary and accommodation requirements.

  • Leads to permanent residency: No
  • Requires job offer: No
  • Language required: No
  • Minimum education: Not specified

Estimated Costs

  • - EmiratesId: AED 100/year
  • - ResidenceVisa: AED 250-500
  • - SponsorshipFee: AED 100

Required Documents

  • - Sponsor's salary certificate (AED 4,000+ or AED 3,000+ with accommodation)
  • - Marriage / birth certificate (attested)
  • - Tenancy contract
  • - Sponsor's residence visa copy
  • - Medical fitness certificate for adults

Application Steps

  1. Sponsor applies for entry permit on family's behalf
  2. Family enters UAE on permit
  3. Adults complete medical fitness test
  4. Apply for residence visa stamping and Emirates ID
  5. Receive Emirates ID

Always confirm the latest steps and forms on the official portal: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) →

Travel Insurance Requirement

  • Mandatory: Confirm with official source
  • Minimum coverage: Confirm current coverage rules
  • Valid regions: Confirm accepted regions
  • Approved providers: Use providers accepted by the official authority

Embassy, Consulate & Appointments

Embassy, consulate, jurisdiction, and appointment details vary by applicant location. Confirm the correct office before booking travel or paying fees.

Open appointment or official portal →

Browse foreign embassies in United Arab Emirates (MigrantIQ directory) →

Directory listings are for planning only — not legal advice. Confirm jurisdiction and appointment rules on the official portal.

Application checklist

Track your Family Residence Visa preparation

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Benefits & What This Visa Allows

  • - Live with sponsoring resident
  • - Schooling for children
  • - Spouse may seek own work permit

Trust & safety

Before you pay or submit documents

Use the official portal for applications and payments. Be careful with agents who guarantee approval, ask for personal-account transfers, or pressure you to send originals before a written contract.

Official portal →

Relevant laws

  • Immigration Status and Overstay Rules

    Immigration · Severity: Critical

    In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), understanding your immigration status and overstay rules is important for anyone residing or visiting. Your right to stay in the UAE depends on the type of visa, residence permit, or…

  • Tax Residency and Income Reporting

    Tax · Severity: High

    Tax residency in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is determined by the duration of your stay in the country. If you live in the UAE for a specific period, work locally, or register as a resident, you may become subject…

  • Housing Contract and Deposit Rules

    Housing · Severity: Medium

    In the United Arab Emirates, rental agreements must be in writing to be legally enforceable. This includes essential details such as the rental amount, payment terms, and duration of the lease. The contract should also…

Active scam alerts

  • In the United Arab Emirates, newcomers sometimes hit scams related to document translation, notarisation, and apostille services. Some agents exploit the lack of familiarity with local regulations and charge excessive…

  • In the United Arab Emirates, tourists, first-time travelers, workers, and students may encounter scams involving fake airport or border fees. Scammers impersonate airport staff, immigration officers, or travel agents,…

  • In the United Arab Emirates, a common scam involves fraudsters posing as educational institutions or scholarship providers. These scammers target students, parents, and scholarship applicants by offering fake admission…

  • Scammers in the United Arab Emirates exploit the housing market by advertising fake apartment listings targeting newcomers, students, families, and remote workers. They often create convincing listings with attractive…

Quick Eligibility Check

Use this self-check for Family Residence Visa. It does not replace official legal assessment.

Result: Likely eligible baseline

Helpful partner links

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Sponsored or partner placement when a matching partner is active.

Common Rejection Reasons

  • - Incomplete or inconsistent documents
  • - Insufficient financial evidence
  • - Unclear purpose of visit or weak ties to home country
  • - Missing translations, signatures, appointment confirmations, or required forms

Application Tips

  • - Start with the official checklist before paying any third party.
  • - Keep bank statements, employment letters, travel plans, and accommodation details consistent.
  • - Book appointments early and keep copies of every submitted form, receipt, and confirmation.
  • - Do not use agents who guarantee approval or request payment to personal accounts.

Sources & References

Use these references for verification. Official government and appointment portals override summary guidance on MigrantIQ.

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Frequently Asked Questions

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You will usually need: Valid passport, Residence visa of the sponsor, Marriage certificate (attested), Birth certificates of children (if applicable), Emirates ID of the sponsor, Proof of inc

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