The Emirates Family Visa allows foreign residents in the UAE to bring their loved ones to live with them legally. Whether you are working or running a business in the UAE, sponsoring your family is a crucial step toward building a stable life in the Emirates. This comprehensive 2026 guide explains everything you need to know — from eligibility and required documents to the complete online application process.

Understanding the Emirates Family Visa

A UAE Family Visa grants residence permits to the dependents of expatriates living and working in the country. Once a foreign resident receives a UAE Residence Visa, they must apply for a family visa within 60 days to bring their spouse, children, or parents under their sponsorship.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members in the UAE?

Depending on your residency type and income, you can sponsor specific family members under UAE laws.

Sponsoring Your Wife

A male expatriate can sponsor his wife’s visa. If he is a Muslim and has two wives, he can sponsor both provided he meets GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) requirements.

Sponsoring Your Sons

You can sponsor your sons if they are under 18 years old. Sons above 18 may still be sponsored if they are students under 21 and studying abroad, provided they visit the UAE at least once every six months.

Sponsoring Your Daughters

Fathers can sponsor their unmarried daughters regardless of age. Once a daughter gets married, her father’s sponsorship is no longer valid.

Sponsoring Your Parents

You can sponsor your parents if:

Both are alive (or you provide proof if one has passed away).
You pay a deposit for each parent as a financial guarantee.
You provide valid health insurance for both.
You earn at least AED 20,000 monthly or AED 19,000 with two-bedroom accommodation.

Sponsoring Stepchildren

Stepchildren can be sponsored if the biological parent provides a No Objection Certificate (NOC). These visas are typically valid for one year and renewable upon approval.

Can a Woman Sponsor Her Family in the UAE?

Yes, women can sponsor their families under specific conditions:

She must earn at least AED 10,000 monthly or AED 8,000 with housing.
She must work as an engineer, teacher, or in the medical field (doctor, nurse, pharmacist, etc.).
Women outside these professions may still be eligible if they earn sufficiently and obtain special DRND (Dubai Residency and Naturalization Department) approval.
However, if her husband can sponsor the children, she cannot.

Required Documents for an Emirates Family Visa

To apply for a UAE Family Visa in 2026, prepare the following:

Completed UAE Family Visa application form (online or via typing centre)
Passport copies of both sponsor and family members
Passport-size photographs of dependents
Medical clearance certificate for members over 18
Employment contract or salary certificate of sponsor
Attested marriage certificate
Tenancy contract or Ejari as proof of accommodation
Latest utility bill (DEWA, SEWA, etc.)
Health insurance proof (if required)

Emirates Family Visa Eligibility Criteria 2026

In 2026, UAE authorities continue to simplify family visa procedures while ensuring compliance. Key eligibility points include:

Valid Emirates ID and residence permit of sponsor
Adequate salary threshold as per UAE law
Suitable accommodation meeting family housing standards
Clean criminal and health record of dependents

How to Apply for an Emirates Family Visa

Step 1: Apply for Entry Permit

Before your family can enter the UAE, apply for an entry permit via:

GDRFA typing centres or Amer Centres (for Dubai)
ICA Smart Services eChannel (for other emirates)
GDRFA or ICA mobile apps available on Android and iOS

Step 2: Submit Family Visa Application

Once the family arrives in the UAE, apply for their residence visa through the GDRFA portal or typing centre within 60 days of arrival.

Step 3: Medical and Biometrics

Dependents over 18 must undergo a medical fitness test and fingerprinting at an approved health centre.

Step 4: Residence Visa Stamping

Once approved, the visa will be stamped on the dependent’s passport, granting them official residence status in the UAE.

How to Apply for an Emirates Visa Online

Applying online is the easiest and most reliable way to obtain your Emirates Family Visa:

Visit Emirates Visa.
Select your citizenship and living country.
Click on “Apply Emirates Visa.”
Choose the visa type based on your requirement.
Fill in personal details and upload all necessary documents.
Click on “Submit and Proceed to Payment.”
Complete the payment process securely.
Receive updates and notifications at every stage until visa approval.
Check application progress anytime via the “Check Emirates Visa Status” section.

Why Apply Through Emirates Visa

Applying through Emirates Visa ensures a smooth, fast, and reliable experience:

✅ 100% visa approval record
✅ Fast processing (within 3–4 business days)
✅ Weekend operations (Fridays & Saturdays included)
✅ Instant email notifications for every update
✅ No need for an external sponsor — we act as your visa sponsor
✅ 24×7 live customer support (call, email, and chat)
✅ Assistance with documentation and reapplications

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Applying for UAE Family Visa

Submitting expired passports or incorrect photos
Not meeting the minimum salary requirement
Uploading unverified or non-attested marriage certificates
Missing the 60-day post-residency application deadline
Not renewing family visas before expiration

Avoiding these errors ensures faster approvals and prevents fines or rejection.

Final Thoughts

The Emirates Family Visa 2026 provides expatriates the opportunity to live together with their loved ones in the UAE legally and comfortably. By following the correct process and applying through Emirates Visa, you ensure a hassle-free, fast, and reliable visa experience.

👉 Apply Emirates Visa Now — Fast, Reliable, and 100% Online Processing.

Emirates Family Visa 2026: Complete Guide to Sponsorship, Documents & Application Process