Business Insights
Simran Khanna
Jan 28, 2026
family visa costs in Dubai : Step-by-step breakdown
family visa costs in Dubai : Step-by-step breakdown
Table of Content
Table of Content
Table of Content
Topic Summary
Topic Summary
Who Can Apply and What It Costs
Any UAE resident meeting the salary threshold can sponsor their family. The article clarifies eligibility for spouse, children, and parents and sets expectations on who can apply and when cost obligations start.
Mandatory Documents That Impact Your Budget
Attested marriage and birth certificates, tenancy contract, Emirates ID, and medical tests are not optional. Each document has a direct or indirect cost that founders must factor into the total budget.
The Core Visa Cost Structure
The main family visa cost in Dubai is split into three parts: entry permit, medical + Emirates ID, and dependent visa stamping. Together, these form the base cost of the full application.
Hidden and Add-On Costs Founders Often Miss
Attestation, translation, insurance, Ejari, and courier charges can significantly change the final amount. The article highlights these so founders can avoid underestimating the real spend.
Timelines, Packages, and Cost Predictability
Processing usually takes 3–10 working days, but using a Free Zone package simplifies both timelines and budgeting. The guide shows how founders can get a predictable, all-in cost instead of fragmented payments.
For founders establishing their presence in the UAE, relocating their family to the country is frequently a primary consideration. Understanding the family visa cost in Dubai and the full application journey helps you plan both financially and operationally. This guide offers a clear, founder‑friendly breakdown so you can navigate the process with confidence.
Who Can Sponsor a Family in Dubai
The eligibility requirements are consistent regardless of whether one is applying for a family visa in Dubai, a spouse visa, or any dependent visa in the UAE. Founders with active businesses in the UAE typically meet these requirements with ease. The application is simple, yet it necessitates multiple steps and documentation. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone facilitates the process with expert guidance and extensive visa assistance, allowing families to reside, work, and prosper collectively.
Category | Summary |
Eligibility to Sponsor | Any UAE resident with a valid visa can sponsor their family if they meet the income threshold of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation. This rule applies to anyone applying for a family visa in Dubai. Profession is no longer a factor. |
General Conditions | If the father qualifies, he must be the sponsor. Visa validity can be up to three years. Sponsors have 60 days after dependents arrive to complete the application for a family visa in the UAE. |
Spouse Sponsorship Documents | Marriage certificates must be attested and translated into Arabic. This is mandatory when securing a spouse visa in the UAE. |
Special Spouse Cases | Muslim men may sponsor two wives if they meet the financial and regulatory criteria, and related approvals. |
Sponsoring Children | Unmarried daughters of any age and sons up to 18 years old or 21 if enrolled in full-time education are eligible for sponsorship. Stepchildren require GDRFA approval. |
Sponsoring Parents | Possible with proof of income, subject to immigration guidelines. This is often considered when planning long-term arrangements for a family residence visa in Dubai. |
Female Sponsors | Women earning AED 8,000 or AED 10,000 with accommodation can sponsor their families if employed in approved professions. |
Key UAE family visa requirements
To apply for a family visa, you will need:
Valid Emirates ID
UAE residency
Minimum salary threshold
Ejari or tenancy contract
MOFA-attested marriage certificate
MOFA-attested birth certificates for children
Medical fitness test for adults
Step-by-Step Application Process
If you are exploring how to apply for a family visa in the UAE, the process typically includes:
Entry permit issuance
Medical fitness test
Emirates ID biometrics
eVisa processing
Residency activation
Detailed Breakdown of Family Visa Cost in Dubai
The family visa cost in Dubai varies depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the country, the visa duration and the age of dependents. Founders can expect the following fees with the Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone:
Fee Category | Estimated Cost (AED) |
Entry Permit | 850 |
Medical Test & Emirates ID | 2.250 |
Dependent Visa | 6,000 |
A package for the dependent visa is available with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone. This service includes end-to-end application handling, coordinating with government processes, scheduling medical and Emirates ID appointments (where applicable), eVisa processing and submission. The price depends on the dependent’s age, visa duration, and whether the application is processed. The final costs are confirmed before submission.
Additional Costs to Consider
When calculating the full family visa cost in Dubai, founders should also factor in:
Attestation fees
Translation fees
Ejari registration
Medical insurance
Courier services
These additional items ensure a smooth and compliant application.
Processing Timelines
The residence visa processing time in Dubai usually ranges between 3 and 10 working days. Offshore applications may take slightly longer due to entry permit issuance.
Understanding the family visa cost in Dubai and the steps involved helps founders plan their personal and professional journey with clarity. For entrepreneurs establishing their companies with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone, the process becomes even more streamlined. The Free Zone not only supports founders with investor and partner visas but also assists with the full visa journey for their dependents, ensuring families can relocate with confidence.
Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone offers several founder‑centric tools and services that simplify the experience:
Name Check Facility: Instantly verify the availability of your preferred company name.
Cost Calculator: Estimate your setup and operational expenses with transparent, real‑time figures.
Beyond Hub: A curated set of value-added services designed to support founders beyond licensing, including corporate tax and VAT registration, VIP medical services, bookkeeping, and more.
Approved Activities List: Explore the full list of business activities available for company formation.
For founders seeking a predictable, well‑supported path to securing visas for themselves and their families, Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone provides a transparent, efficient and founder‑friendly environment.
FAQs
1. Can a wife work while sponsored on a husband’s visa in the UAE?
Yes, she can. A wife is allowed to work, but she must obtain a valid work permit from her employer before starting any professional activity. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone often guides founders on how this step fits into their wider residency and business planning.
2. How does the husband visa in the UAE process differ from a wife visa?
The process is almost identical. The documentation, fees, and steps required for a husband's visa in the UAE mirror those for a wife's visa, with only minor variations depending on income thresholds and supporting documents. Founders typically find both pathways straightforward once eligibility is confirmed.
3. What is the Muhrem visa, and is it officially recognised?
Some founders ask about the muhrem visa, but it is not an official UAE visa category. It is a cultural term rather than a formal immigration status. Only legally attested relationships receive recognition from UAE authorities for family sponsorship.
4. What documents are required for a family visa application in Dubai?
The required documents typically include passport copies, recent photographs, attested marriage or birth certificates, Emirates ID, a tenant contract, and salary proof. These documents help verify eligibility and ensure compliance with UAE regulations. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone supports founders by guiding them through document preparation and ensuring all paperwork aligns with government standards, reducing the risk of delays.
5. What are the documents required for a wife visa in Dubai?
You will need an attested marriage certificate, your spouse’s passport copy, an Emirates ID, a salary certificate, and a rental contract. Additional attestations may be required depending on the specific case. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone assists founders by providing clarity on attestation requirements.
6. How long does a spouse visa in the UAE take to process?
Processing usually takes 3 to 10 working days, depending on whether the applicant is inside or outside the UAE and how quickly documents are submitted. Founders registered with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone benefit from a streamlined process, as the Free Zone team coordinates closely with government channels to ensure faster, more predictable timelines.
7. What are the fees for renewing a spouse visa in Dubai?
Renewal fees generally depend on the medical tests and the Emirates ID. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone helps founders stay ahead of renewal deadlines by offering reminders and support through its customer service team, ensuring dependants maintain uninterrupted residency.
8. What is the typical family visa cost in Dubai for a full application?
A complete application depends on the medical tests, Emirates ID fees, eVisa application, and optional services. Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone simplifies the processes by offering transparent cost breakdowns, packaged options with access to approved service providers, and hands-on support throughout the application journey.
Start Your Business with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
Start Your Business with Dubai South Business Hub Free Zone
