Emirates Family Residency Visa 2026: Complete Guide to Requirements, Sponsorship Rules & Application Process

If you’re planning to live in the UAE with your loved ones, you’ll need an Emirates Family Residency Visa. This visa allows residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and even parents to live legally in the country. In 2026, the UAE government continues to simplify family sponsorship rules, making it easier for expatriates to bring their dependents.

This comprehensive guide explains eligibility criteria, required documents, validity periods, renewal processes, and step-by-step application procedures for the Emirates Family Residency Visa.

What Is the Emirates Family Residency Visa?

The Emirates Family Residency Visa permits expatriates holding a valid UAE residence visa to sponsor their family members — including spouse, children, and parents — to reside with them in the Emirates. This visa provides dependents with legal residency status and access to essential services like healthcare, education, and banking.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members in the UAE?

Sponsorship Eligibility for Men

Male expatriate residents can sponsor their wife and children if they meet the minimum monthly salary requirement of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. The sponsor must also hold a valid UAE residence visa.

Sponsorship Eligibility for Women

Female residents can sponsor their husband and children only under specific conditions:

• She must earn at least AED 10,000 per month, or AED 8,000 with accommodation.

• She must hold a valid residence permit and work in a professional field such as education, medicine, or engineering (some exceptions apply).

• Additional approval from UAE immigration authorities may be required.

Emirates Family Visa Salary Requirements 2026

As of 2026, the salary requirement to sponsor family members remains as follows:

• AED 4,000 monthly income (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) for male sponsors.

• AED 10,000 monthly income (or AED 8,000 + accommodation) for female sponsors.

For parent sponsorship, the minimum requirement is AED 20,000 per month or AED 19,000 with a two-bedroom apartment.

Emirates Family Residency Visa Duration and Validity

Family residency visas are typically issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type and employment contract.

• Private-sector employees usually receive a 1 or 2-year visa.

• Government employees and certain professionals may receive a 3-year visa.

• Students over 18 can obtain a one-year visa, renewable annually, until graduation.

Sponsoring Wife and Children in the UAE

Sponsoring Your Wife

A husband can sponsor his wife by submitting a notarized Arabic marriage certificate, attested by the UAE embassy in the country of marriage and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sponsoring Your Children

• Daughters can be sponsored only if unmarried.

• Sons can be sponsored until the age of 18.

• If sons are studying in the UAE or abroad, sponsorship can be extended up to 21 years of age with proof of education.

A student visa is issued for one year at a time, renewable annually upon proof of continued study.

Sponsoring Stepchildren

Stepchildren can be sponsored if:

• The sponsor provides a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the biological parent.

• A security deposit is paid for each child.

• The visa is issued for one year, renewable annually.

Sponsoring Parents in the UAE

Expats can sponsor their parents for one year at a time by submitting proof that they are the sole providers. The sponsor must also:

• Meet the minimum income requirement (AED 20,000/month).

• Provide medical insurance for each parent.

• Pay a security deposit as determined by the immigration department.

Required Documents for Emirates Family Residency Visa

To apply for the Emirates Family Visa, prepare the following:

• Completed visa application (online or through an approved typing center)

• Valid passport copies of family members (minimum 6-month validity)

• Recent passport-size photographs

• Medical clearance certificate for dependents aged 18 and above

• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)

• Attested birth certificates (for children)

• Employment contract and salary certificate from the sponsor’s employer

• Proof of accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract)

• Latest utility bill

• Applicable visa fees

Emirates Family Visa Medical Tests and Health Requirements

All dependents over the age of 18 must undergo medical fitness tests at approved health centers.
Tests include screening for communicable diseases such as HIV, tuberculosis, and hepatitis.
Applicants deemed medically unfit will not be granted residency and must leave the country.

Emirates Family Visa Grace Period and Renewal Rules

When a sponsor’s visa is revoked or expires, dependents’ visas automatically lose validity.
Dependents are allowed a 30-day grace period after expiry to renew or exit the UAE.

Failure to renew within this period will result in overstay fines and potential immigration penalties.

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Emirates Family Residency Visa

Step 1: Gather All Required Documents

Ensure all your documents are properly attested and translated into Arabic if needed.

Step 2: Submit Application through ICA or GDRFA Portal

• Submit your visa application via the ICA Smart Services (for other Emirates) or GDRFA (for Dubai).

• Pay applicable entry and processing fees online.

Step 3: Complete Medical Test and Emirates ID Registration

Dependents above 18 must complete medical testing and register for an Emirates ID through ICP Smart Services.

Step 4: Pay Visa Fees and Get Residence Stamped

Once approved, pay visa stamping fees and get the residence visa endorsed in your family member’s passport.

Fees and Validity of Emirates Family Visa 2026

Visa fees vary based on duration and type but typically range between AED 350 – AED 500 per person. Additional fees apply for medical tests, Emirates ID registration, and typing services.

Common Reasons for Family Visa Rejection in the UAE

• Incomplete or incorrect documentation

• Insufficient salary or housing proof

• Missing attestation for marriage or birth certificates

• Medical test failure

• Expired sponsor visa or Emirates ID

Why Apply for Your Emirates Visa Through Trusted Experts

Applying for an Emirates Visa through trusted professionals ensures faster processing, error-free applications, and personalized support. Our expert visa consultants assist with:

• Document verification and attestation guidance

• Real-time application tracking

• Hassle-free renewal and extension services

✅ Apply for your Emirates Visa today and bring your family to the UAE with complete peace of mind.

Final Thoughts

The Emirates Family Residency Visa 2026 continues to support expatriates in uniting their families under simplified, transparent regulations. Understanding eligibility, documentation, and renewal timelines ensures a smooth application process.

Plan ahead, stay compliant, and apply for your Emirates Family Visa through trusted channels to secure a safe and legal residency for your loved ones.