To sponsor a wife and children in the UAE in 2026, a male resident must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation. The total cost to process a two-year family residence visa typically ranges from AED 2,500 to AED 4,000 per dependent if they are outside the UAE, and AED 3,200 to AED 5,000 if they are already inside the country and require a status change. Bringing your family to Dubai requires handling the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Here is the exact, step-by-step breakdown of the rules, costs, and required documents for 2026.
Minimum Salary Requirements for Sponsors
The UAE has strictly defined salary thresholds based on who you are sponsoring. The profession of the sponsor is no longer the primary condition; approval is heavily based on financial stability.
- Sponsoring a Wife & Children (Male Sponsor): AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation).
- Sponsoring a Husband & Children (Female Sponsor): AED 10,000/month (or AED 8,000 + accommodation). This is often eased for specialized professions like teachers or medical staff.
- Sponsoring Parents: Requires a minimum salary of AED 10,000 per month in Dubai, along with an AED 5,000 financial guarantee.
Complete Fee Breakdown: How Much Does a Family Visa Cost?
Costs vary slightly based on the emirate and the dependent's current location. Below is the standard GDRFA Dubai pricing structure for a two-year dependent visa:
| Fee component | Estimated cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sponsor File Opening | 220 | One-time fee per sponsor |
| Entry Permit (Outside UAE) | 500 – 600 | First official approval stage |
| Inside Status Change | 570 – 750 | Only if the dependent is already in the UAE on a visit visa |
| Medical Fitness Test | 320 – 500 | Mandatory for dependents 18 and older; children are exempt |
| Emirates ID (2-Year) | 270 – 370 | Biometrics and issuance |
| Visa Stamping | 460 – 500 | Final residence permit issuance |
Note: Mandatory health insurance and document attestation fees are separate from these government costs.
Required Documents Checklist
Before initiating the application through Amer or the ICP smart portal, ensure you have the following documents ready and attested:
- Sponsor’s Documents: Emirates ID, passport copy, and a valid residence visa.
- Proof of Income: A recent salary certificate and 3 to 6 months of stamped bank statements.
- Proof of Housing: A registered Tenancy Contract (Ejari) or title deed.
- Dependent’s Documents: Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months) and recent passport-size photographs with a white background.
- Proof of Relationship: An attested marriage certificate for a spouse, and attested birth certificates for children. Missing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) attestation is the #1 reason applications are rejected.
The Step-by-Step Application Process
Once the dependent enters the UAE on their family entry permit, you have exactly 60 days to complete the residency process to avoid overstay fines of AED 50 per day.
- Lodge the Entry Permit: Apply online to generate the permit allowing your family to enter the UAE.
- Status Adjustment: If they are already in the country, change their status locally.
- Medical Fitness Test: Dependents over 18 must pass a DHA-approved medical exam.
- Emirates ID Biometrics: Submit fingerprints and photos at an ICP center.
- Visa Issuance: The residence visa is approved and digitally linked to the dependent's passport.
Need Help Processing Your Family Visa? Handling the GDRFA portals, Amer centers, and attestation requirements can be stressful. At Nor Alayam, we handle the entire process from file opening to visa issuance.
Official sources: UAE Government Portal · GDRFA Dubai