Dubai Family Visa Cost in 2026: Sponsor Spouse, Children and Parents
A full guide to sponsoring your spouse, children and parents on a UAE residence visa, including exact 2026 costs, minimum salary rules and timelines.
A UAE resident can sponsor family members once minimum salary and documentation requirements are met. In 2026 each dependent visa costs between AED 2,500 and AED 5,500 end-to-end. Here is the complete breakdown.
Who can sponsor family in the UAE
- UAE residents with a valid 2-year or 3-year employment visa.
- Business owners on their investor or partner visa.
- Golden Visa holders (lower sponsorship barriers).
- Property investors above AED 1 million (with sponsorship-ready visa).
Minimum salary requirement
Standard sponsorship requires:
- Spouse and children: salary of AED 4,000 per month plus accommodation, or AED 5,000 all-inclusive.
- Parents: salary of AED 20,000 per month, plus accommodation that fits parents, and a medical deposit for each parent.
- Golden Visa holders: no salary requirement for any family members.
Spouse visa cost
- Entry permit: AED 1,100
- Status change (inside UAE): AED 650
- Medical fitness test: AED 320 to AED 500
- Emirates ID: AED 370 (2 years)
- Visa stamping: AED 650
- Medical insurance: AED 700 to AED 2,000 depending on cover
Total: AED 3,790 to AED 5,170 per 2-year cycle.
Child visa cost
- Entry permit: AED 1,100
- Status change: AED 650
- Medical fitness test (children above 18 only): AED 320
- Emirates ID: AED 370
- Visa stamping: AED 650
- Medical insurance: AED 500 to AED 1,500 per child
Total per child: AED 3,270 to AED 4,590 per 2-year cycle. Children under 18 do not need medical fitness tests.
Parent visa cost
- Entry permit: AED 1,100
- Status change: AED 650
- Medical fitness test: AED 500
- Emirates ID: AED 370
- Visa stamping: AED 650
- Medical insurance (older age bands): AED 3,000 to AED 10,000 depending on age and health
- Refundable deposit: AED 2,500 to AED 5,000 per parent
Total per parent: AED 8,770 to AED 18,270 for 1-year or 2-year visa, excluding the refundable deposit.
Documents required
- Sponsor's passport, Emirates ID and residence visa
- Sponsor's employment contract or trade licence
- Salary certificate (recent, attested by employer)
- Dependent's passport (6 months validity)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse), attested
- Birth certificate (for children), attested
- Ejari / tenancy contract showing suitable accommodation
- DEWA bill in sponsor's name
- Medical insurance for each dependent
Timeline
Entry permit issues in 3 to 7 working days. Full visa stamping with medical, Emirates ID and visa stamp completes in 10 to 20 working days once dependent is in the UAE.
Golden Visa family sponsorship, how it differs
Golden Visa holders sponsor family on the same 10-year term without salary thresholds. Spouse, unmarried children (any age) and parents all qualify. See our Golden Visa guide.
Common reasons applications get rejected
- Salary below AED 4,000 for spouse/children or AED 20,000 for parents.
- No attested marriage or birth certificate from home country.
- Accommodation too small for family size (studio apartment usually blocks parent sponsorship).
- Medical insurance not meeting the mandatory minimum cover.
- Expired or soon-expiring sponsor visa (must have 6+ months validity).
Pair your UAE residence with family sponsorship within the first 3 months of your own visa. Rules get stricter mid-cycle and amendments cost extra. If you qualify for Golden Visa, apply there first for lower family-sponsorship barriers.
Breeo handles family visa paperwork alongside company setup. See our PRO services or Golden Visa service. For eligibility advice talk to our team.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum salary to sponsor family in Dubai?
AED 4,000 plus accommodation (or AED 5,000 all-inclusive) to sponsor spouse and children. AED 20,000 to sponsor parents. Golden Visa holders are exempt from salary thresholds.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE residence visa?
Yes if your monthly salary is AED 20,000 or more, you have suitable accommodation and you cover a medical deposit. Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents without salary thresholds.
How much does a Dubai family visa cost?
Spouse visa AED 3,790 to AED 5,170. Child visa AED 3,270 to AED 4,590 per child. Parent visa AED 8,770 to AED 18,270 depending on age-based medical insurance cost.
How long is a family visa valid?
Family visas are usually issued for 2 years, matching the sponsor's residence term. Parent visas can be issued for 1 or 2 years. Golden Visa dependents get the full 10-year term.
Can my children work in the UAE on a family visa?
Children aged 18 and above can work in the UAE on a dependent visa after obtaining a work permit through their employer, without needing a separate employment visa.