If you are working in Dubai or any part of the Emirates or planning to start a business in Dubai, having your loved ones by your side becomes an important consideration. The dependent visa in Dubai allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members legally. This means professionals or individuals working or doing business in the UAE can bring their spouse, children, and parents to the UAE, provided specific eligibility conditions are met. As with all immigration procedures, there are specific rules for a Dependent Visa in Dubai. 

In this blog, we break down the requirements, eligibility criteria, and costs associated with applying for a dependent visa in Dubai.  

What is a Dependent Visa in Dubai, and Who is it for?  

The Dependent Visa in Dubai, also known as the Dubai Family Residence Visa, is a residence permit for foreign residents to sponsor their families. The Dependent Residence Visa in Dubai is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and its validity depends on the sponsor’s visa type and the terms of the employment contract.   

Planning to apply for a Dependent Visa in Dubai? Here are some Family Visa in Dubai requirements:   

1. Expatriate residents can only sponsor their families to reside in the UAE if they have a valid residence permit or visa. 

2. Foreign residents can sponsor a Dependent Visa in Dubai only if they have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000, plus accommodation. 

3. Immediate family members, such as spouse partners, children, parents, or stepchildren, can enter the UAE on a dependent visa.   

You can visit the UAE Government’s official website to know more about Dependent Visas in Dubai.  

Documents Required for a Dependent Visa in Dubai  

Here are some of the documents required for a Dependent Visa in Dubai: 

1. The visa application form can be submitted online or through a registered typing centre 

2. A passport copy of the dependent and a valid UAE residence visa of the sponsor 

3. Medical clearance certificate of the dependent  

4. Recent passport-sized photographs of the dependent 

5. Employment contract or company contract of the sponsor  

6. Salary certificate from the employer stating the sponsor’s monthly salary  

7. Health insurance policy copy, where mandated by the emirate 

The immigration authorities may request additional documents depending on the dependent category or the emirate where the application is filed. 

At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, we offer end-to-end support for dependency visa services to entrepreneurs and business owners starting at AED 5,714. You just need to share your Salary certificate, Emirates ID, and/or notarised NOC from the father (if a wife is sponsoring children and the father is in the country). You will receive a Residence Visa, an Emirates ID, and a Medical Certification (if required). To learn more, visit the residency services page. Dependent Visa Dubai Cost Overview  

The Dependent Visa Cost in Dubai varies based on factors such as the emirate, visa validity period, and application method. While exact fees may change, the following provides a realistic estimate of the common expenses involved:   

1. Entry Permit: Typically ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,200.  

2. Medical Fitness Test: Approximately AED 250 to AED 350 for dependents aged 18 and above.  

3. Emirates ID: Usually ranges between AED 250 and AED 400, depending on validity.  

4. Residence Visa Issuance or Stamping: Generally ranges between AED 500 and AED 700. 

5. Typing or Service Centre Fees: Around AED 100 to AED 200 

While additional charges may apply for document attestation, urgent processing, or courier services, our role is to remove the operational burden from your side. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, dependency visas are available from AED 5,714 for entrepreneurs and business owners bringing their family members to the UAE. Once you share your salary certificate and Emirates ID details, our team manages the entire process on your behalf. From documentation to submissions and follow-ups, we handle every step, so you avoid multiple visits, delays, and administrative run-around. The result is a faster, more structured experience that allows you to focus on your business, while we take care of the rest.

How to Apply for a Dependent Residence Visa in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide 

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Residence Visa in Dubai:  

Step 1: Confirm Your Eligibility as a Sponsor 

Before initiating the application, ensure you meet the basic sponsorship requirements. Your UAE residence visa must be valid, your income must meet the prescribed salary threshold, and you must have registered accommodation suitable for dependents. At this stage, also confirm that you can provide all required supporting documents, including employment and housing proof. 

Step 2: Prepare and Verify All Documents 

Once eligibility is confirmed, gather the required documentation. Take time to review each document carefully to ensure it is current, accurate, and complete. Relationship certificates, such as marriage or birth certificates, must be properly attested, and passport copies should meet validity requirements. Photographs should also comply with official specifications to prevent rejection.

Step 3: Apply for an Entry Permit (If the Dependent Is Outside the UAE) 

If your family member is not currently in the UAE, you must apply for an entry permit before proceeding further. This application can be submitted through official immigration platforms such as the GDRFA for Dubai, the ICP Smart Services portal for other Emirates, or through authorised Amer or typing centres. 

Entry permits are generally processed within a few working days, provided all documents are in order. 

Step 4: Complete Medical Fitness Testing (For Eligible Dependents) 

Dependents aged 18 and above are required to undergo a medical fitness examination. This includes standard blood tests and a chest X-ray to screen for communicable diseases. The test must be completed at a government-approved medical centre in the UAE, and results are usually issued within 1 to 2 days. 

Step 5: Submit the Emirates ID Application 

After the entry permit is issued and medical clearance is obtained, the next step is applying for the Emirates ID. This is done through the ICP or authorised service centres. The applicant will need to provide biometric data, including fingerprints and a photograph, along with the passport and entry permit. 

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification document and will be linked directly to the dependent’s residency record. 

Step 6: Apply for the Residence Visa 

Once all prerequisites are completed, the residence visa application can be submitted to the relevant immigration authority, such as the GDRFA in Dubai or the ICP in other Emirates. Applications may be filed online or through authorised centres. 

At this stage, documents are reviewed, fees are paid, and the visa validity period is selected based on eligibility. 

Step 7: Residence Visa Issuance and Finalisation 

Once approved, the dependent’s residence visa is issued. Depending on the emirate and visa type, this may be completed digitally or through passport submission for stamping.

Conclusion 

In the end, understanding the requirements and costs of a dependent visa in Dubai is essential for professionals and business owners who want to build long-term stability in the UAE. Whether you are employed in the Emirates or operating a company, sponsoring your family involves more than just paperwork. It requires meeting defined salary thresholds, securing suitable accommodation, arranging health insurance, and complying with emirate-specific regulations. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

Who can apply for a dependent visa in Dubai?

Any UAE resident with a valid residence visa, such as an employee, investor, or business owner, may sponsor eligible family members, provided salary, housing, and documentation requirements are met. 

What family members can be sponsored under a dependent visa? 

You can sponsor your spouse, children, and your parents. Sponsorship conditions vary based on relationship type, income level, and emirate-specific rules.

How much does a dependent visa in Dubai cost? 

Costs typically range between AED 3,000 and AED 6,000 per dependent, depending on visa duration, emirate, medical testing, Emirates ID fees, and insurance requirements. At Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, dependent visas begin at AED 5,714. 

Is health insurance mandatory for dependent visas? 

Yes. In some Emirates, dependents must have valid health insurance that meets local regulatory standards before a visa is issued or renewed.

How long does it take to process a dependent visa? 

Processing generally takes 5 to 10 working days, assuming documents are complete and medical and Emirates ID procedures are completed without delays.