If you are living and working in Dubai, bringing your family to the UAE is one of the most important steps you will take. Whether you want to sponsor your spouse, your children, or your parents on a residence or visit visa, the process involves strict document requirements, medical checks, and coordination with UAE immigration authorities.
At Bluemoon Attestation, we have been handling family and visit visa applications in Dubai for over 10 years. This guide covers everything you need to know — the types of visas available, who qualifies, what documents you need, how long it takes, and how much it costs in 2026.
What Is a UAE Family Visa?
A UAE family visa — officially called a UAE Family Residence Visa — allows a resident living in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE to sponsor their immediate family members to live with them. The person applying on behalf of their family is called the sponsor.
Family visas are typically valid for 2 years and are renewable. They allow the sponsored family member to legally live, travel in and out of, and access healthcare and education in the UAE.
Types of Family & Visit Visas in Dubai
1. Spouse Visa (Wife/Husband Visa Dubai)
The most common family visa. A UAE resident can sponsor their legally married spouse to join them in Dubai. The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement and provide proof of accommodation.
2. Child Visa Dubai
UAE residents can sponsor their children under the age of 18. In some cases, unmarried daughters over 18 and sons in full-time education can also be sponsored. Children require a birth certificate attested for UAE use.
3. Parent Visa Dubai
You can sponsor your parents to live in the UAE if you meet the income threshold. Parents can be sponsored on either a 1-year or 2-year residence visa. This requires proof of relationship (attested birth certificate) and adequate accommodation.
4. Visit Visa Dubai (Short Stay)
A visit visa is ideal if you want your family to visit for a short period — typically 30, 60, or 90 days. It is not a residence visa and cannot be converted in most cases. Commonly used to bring parents or siblings for a holiday or a special occasion.
5. Long-Term Visit Visa
A 6-month or 1-year visit visa available for family members who want to stay longer without applying for full residence.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in Dubai?
To sponsor your family in the UAE, you must:
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa
- Be employed with a labour contract or be a business owner with a valid trade licence
- Meet the minimum salary requirement — currently AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation provided by employer for spouse and children sponsorship
- For parent sponsorship, the minimum salary is generally AED 20,000/month or more (subject to GDRFA assessment)
- Have accommodation that meets UAE size standards (a valid tenancy contract / Ejari)
Documents Required for Family Visa in Dubai 2026
The exact documents vary by visa type, but the standard list includes:
For Sponsor:
- Copy of passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Copy of UAE residence visa
- Emirates ID copy
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Bank statements (3–6 months)
- Valid tenancy contract / Ejari (proof of accommodation)
- Passport-sized photographs
For Sponsored Family Member (Spouse):
- Original passport + copy
- Attested marriage certificate (attested for UAE use — this is critical)
- Medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved centre
- Passport-sized photographs
For Sponsored Child:
- Original passport + copy
- Attested birth certificate
- Medical fitness certificate (for children above certain age)
- Passport-sized photographs
- School enrolment letter (if applicable)
For Sponsored Parents:
- Original passport + copy
- Attested birth certificate of sponsor (to prove relationship)
- Medical fitness certificate
- Passport-sized photographs
⚠️ Important: Marriage certificates and birth certificates from outside the UAE must be fully attested before submission. Bluemoon Attestation handles the complete attestation process — from home country authentication to MOFA attestation in Dubai.
Why Certificate Attestation Is Critical for Family Visa
This is one of the most common reasons family visa applications are rejected or delayed. Your marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other personal documents issued outside the UAE are not automatically accepted by UAE immigration authorities.
They must go through a full attestation chain:
- Notary attestation in the issuing country
- Government authentication (Home Ministry / State Department)
- UAE Embassy attestation in the home country
- MOFA (Ministry of Foreign Affairs) attestation in the UAE
Bluemoon Attestation manages this entire process for you. We work directly with embassies, MOFA, and official departments to get your documents authenticated accurately and quickly — so your family visa application is not delayed for document issues.
How to Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai — Step by Step
Step 1: Check Eligibility Confirm you meet the salary and accommodation requirements for the type of visa you need.
Step 2: Attest Your Documents Send your marriage certificate, birth certificate, or other required personal documents to Bluemoon Attestation. We handle the full attestation for UAE use.
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test The family member being sponsored must undergo a medical test at a UAE-approved HAAD/DHA centre after arriving in Dubai on a visit or tourist visa.
Step 4: Submit Application Submit all documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai) through your PRO or via the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) online portal.
Step 5: Emirates ID Registration Once the visa is approved, the sponsored family member must register for an Emirates ID.
Step 6: Visa Stamping The residence visa is stamped into the passport, completing the process.
Bluemoon Attestation assists with Steps 2 through 6 — handling attestation, PRO services, and all government submissions on your behalf.
Family Visa Dubai Cost 2026 (Approximate)
Costs vary based on visa type, urgency, and the number of documents requiring attestation. Typical cost components include:
- GDRFA / ICP government fees — AED 500 to AED 2,000+ depending on visa type and processing speed
- Medical fitness test — AED 300–500 per person
- Emirates ID fee — AED 100–370
- Document attestation fees — varies by country and document type
- PRO service fees — for document submission and follow-up
Contact Bluemoon Attestation for a free, itemised quote specific to your situation. We provide transparent pricing with no hidden charges.
How Long Does a Family Visa Take in Dubai?
- Standard processing: 5–10 working days after all documents are submitted
- Urgent processing: 2–4 working days (additional fees apply)
- Document attestation: 7–20 working days depending on the issuing country
The most common cause of delays is incomplete or un-attested documents. By using Bluemoon Attestation to prepare your documents in advance, you avoid the most frequent bottlenecks.
Visit Visa Dubai — What You Need to Know
If you want to bring a family member for a short visit rather than full residency, a visit visa is the appropriate option.
- UAE residents can sponsor visit visas for parents, siblings, and other relatives
- Valid for 30, 60, or 90 days (options vary)
- Can be applied for online via ICP or through a typing centre / PRO service
- Requires proof of relationship, sponsor's Emirates ID, and passport copies
Bluemoon Attestation can process your visit visa application quickly and ensure all documents are in order before submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sponsor my wife on a visit visa before converting to a residence visa? Yes. Your spouse can enter on a visit visa while the residence visa application is being processed. However, the medical test must be completed in the UAE.
Q: My marriage certificate is from India — does it need attestation? Yes. An Indian marriage certificate must be attested by a notary, then the State Home Department, then the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India, then the UAE Embassy in India, and finally MOFA in the UAE. Bluemoon Attestation handles this complete chain.
Q: What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family visa in Dubai? Currently AED 4,000/month. If your employer provides accommodation, this threshold can be AED 3,000. For parent sponsorship, the requirement is significantly higher.
Q: Can I sponsor my parents if I have a company visa? Yes, provided you meet the income requirements and hold a valid UAE residence visa under your company.
Q: How many family members can I sponsor? There is no strict legal limit, but each family member requires a separate visa application, and you must demonstrate sufficient income and accommodation capacity for each.
Q: Can unmarried daughters over 18 be sponsored? Yes. UAE allows sponsors to keep unmarried daughters on family visa regardless of age, subject to immigration assessment.
Why Choose Bluemoon Attestation for Your Family Visa in Dubai?
- 10+ years of experience in UAE family visa and immigration services
- One-stop service — attestation, PRO services, medical coordination, visa filing, all under one roof
- Direct coordination with MOFA, GDRFA, and UAE embassies
- Transparent pricing — no hidden fees, free quotes on request
- Door-to-door document collection and delivery available in Dubai
- Multilingual support team familiar with Indian, Pakistani, Filipino, and other expat document requirements
- WhatsApp-based updates — know your application status at every step
Ready to Bring Your Family to Dubai?
Do not let paperwork delays keep your family apart. Bluemoon Attestation makes the entire family visa process simple, fast, and stress-free.
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Get a free quote today — speak to our visa experts within the hour.
Bluemoon Attestation also provides certificate attestation, MOFA attestation, document translation, notary services, PRO services, police clearance, and business setup services across Dubai and the UAE.