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.

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:

1. Entry permit issuance

2. Medical fitness test

3. Emirates ID biometrics

4. eVisa processing

5. 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:

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.