How to apply for a Residence Visa for Family in Dubai
The beauty and exoticism of the United Arab Emirates make it one of the most attractive places to move. Modern architecture, rich culture, warm climate, and diverse leisure and work opportunities attract people from all over the world. Every year, more and more people choose the country for their new home, enjoying the magnificent scenery, high standard of living, and limitless opportunities for personal growth and development.
Dubai residence visa for family is a document that allows close relatives and permanent residents to obtain permission for long-term stay in the country.
It is intended for spouses, children (including foster and foster care), parents of citizens and permanent residents, as well as grandparents. At the same time, it is worth remembering that there are their own guidelines about this law. It is better to familiarize yourself with them before submitting a petition.
Requirements for a sponsor to obtain a family visa in the UAE
It is worth remembering that not everyone counts on these conditions. There is a strict list of UAE residence visa requirements for family:
- Citizenship or permanent resident status for sponsors.
- No criminal record or violations.
- A sufficient level of income.
- The opportunity to provide housing.
- Be over the age of 18 and not be mentally ill or addicted to drugs.
- Have medical insurance covering all medical expenses.
Which professions are eligible for a family visa in the UAE?

Not only highly qualified specialists apply for it, but also representatives of various professions that are in demand in the local labor market. These are engineers, IT specialists, medical professionals, teachers, builders, drivers, cooks, waiters, managers, and many others. The main condition is the availability of an offer from a local employer and compliance with all requirements and conditions.
Can a woman sponsor her family members to obtain a family visa to the UAE?
There is no specific rule in the legislation that would regulate gender. It could be a woman. At the same time, she also meets all standard conditions. The process is also similar.
How to issue family visas
Registration begins with the receipt of a sponsorship permit by the main sponsor. Then he or she submits an application along with other necessary documents to the relevant authorities of the country. It is important to note that the process may vary depending on the emirate, so it is recommended to contact official sources or consulates for information.
Family members outside Dubai
If someone lives outside the country, the process of obtaining one is a little more complicated. In this case, the main sponsor applies for a special type for people living abroad. This permit allows family members to come and join the main sponsor. The process may take longer, so it is important to start it in advance.
A family member in Dubai
If your relative is already in the country, the process may be easier, as you apply for reunification. But standard procedures still cannot be avoided. You will also have to comply with the rules and collect documents.
Types of family visas to Dubai

There are various types that allow people to reunite with the main resident. Here are the main types:
- Family: This is the main type that allows you to reunite with your family. The visa is issued for a period of up to 2 years and can be extended.
- UAE residence visa for spouse: It is intended for the spouses of the main resident and gives the right to reside in the country. It issues for up to 5 years.
- For children: If the main resident has children, they get a visa based on kinship. It gives the right to stay until the child reaches a certain age.
- Work: If the main resident has a job, he invites parents to work. It entitles you to work and stay for up to 3 years.
The question remains – can I sponsor my sister in the UAE to obtain a resident visa?
Yes, you can. However, you will need to prove that you are able to provide for her financially and provide her with a place of residence. In addition, your sister must meet the requirements for obtaining a paper, such as no criminal record and the necessary documents.
Documents required for a family visa to the UAE
To obtain a residence visa for parents in the UAE, you need to collect a certain set of documents. Here are the main ones:
- A passport valid for at least 6 months after the expected date of departure.
- A copy of the internal passport.
- Photos of 3×4 cm in size, colored, on a white background, without corners and ovals, the face occupies 70-80% of the photo.
- Confirmation of booking round-trip air tickets.
- A certificate from the place of work indicating the position, length of service, monthly income, and vacation period.
- A bank statement with sufficient funds (about $ 1,000 per person).
- Documents confirming kinship with the inviting party (for example, a birth certificate or a marriage certificate).
- If the invitee has real estate, a copy of the certificate of ownership.
- Copies of visas and stamps on crossing the border for the invitee.
After collecting, they are submitted to the Consulate in the country of residence. It usually takes 2 to 5 business days to review.
How do I apply for a family visa in the UAE?

The main stages are:
- Determine the type: Depending on your purpose of stay, select the appropriate type, for example, for reunification, long-term or short-term stay.
- Collect the necessary documents: Prepare all papers, such as passports, marriage certificates, children’s births, and others.
- Fill out the application: Carefully fill it out, specifying all the required information, including dates about your relatives and the purpose of the visit.
- Contact the embassy: Contact the nearest embassy or consulate in your country. Check the opening hours and requirements on the embassy’s website.
- Make an appointment: Do this online or by phone. But you will not be accepted without an appointment. In addition, it is important to specify the days and hours of work, and show up strictly at the specified time.
- Pay the consular fee: Pay all necessary consular fees, which may vary depending on the type and country of residence.
- Wait for the decision: Wait for the decision on your application. This usually takes from a few business days to several weeks.
- Get a visa: After the application is approved, collect a permission at the embassy. If it is issued in the form of a sticker in your passport, make sure that you follow the instructions for placing it.
- Check in: Upon arrival, check in with the migration service and get a residence permit.
- Follow the rules: During your stay in the country, follow the rules and laws to avoid problems with accommodation.
By following these rules, you will be able to successfully reunite with your parents or children.
Applying for an entry permit
Entry takes place in several stages:
- Obtaining a visa: First, you must contact the embassy or consulate of the destination country with the necessary papers and a form.
- Preparation for the trip: After obtaining, it is necessary to prepare all the necessary documents and things for the trip, as well as plan the route and book tickets.
- Border control: Upon arrival in the country, it is necessary to pass through border control, presenting all documents, if required.
- Registration with the Migration Service: Upon arrival in the country, you must register with the migration service to obtain permission to stay in the country.
Applying for a family visa in the UAE

Additional conditions may arise in the process, which are taken into account:
- Passport validity period: Make sure that your passports are valid and have enough blank pages for entry and exit stamps.
- Photo Requirements: Check if your photos meet the embassy’s requirements for size, format, and lighting.
- Application deadlines: Some embassies require that the application be submitted in advance, so make sure you have enough time to prepare the documents and submit.
- Fees: Specify the amount of fees and the procedure for their payment, as some fees may be higher for some types.
- The need for medical insurance: Check whether medical insurance is required, and purchase the appropriate policy.
- Conditions of stay: Familiarize yourself with the conditions of stay in the country, such as the rules of registration and accommodation, to ensure a comfortable stay.
How much does a family visa in the UAE cost?
The cost depends on several factors, including the type of main sponsor, the number of spouses or parents included in the form, and additional services such as assistance in preparing papers and processing the application. In general, the cost ranges from several thousand dirhams (Emirati rubles) to several tens of thousands of dirhams.
How long is a family visa valid in the UAE?
The permit is issued for a different period depending on whether the main sponsor is a citizen or a resident. If he/she is a citizen, a permission is usually issued for up to 2 years with the possibility of extension for another 2 years. If he or she is a resident, the validity period is up to 10 years with the possibility of extension, provided that the resident continues to meet the requirements for extending his own.
It is important to remember that the conditions and validity periods of a Dubai residence visa for a family may vary, so it is always necessary to check the latest information from official sources. The process is quite standard, but you will have to prepare in advance so that there are no nuances or additional problems. If you have any questions, you can always clarify and only then prepare.
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