The United Arab Emirates has become one of the world’s most desirable destinations for expatriates. With a growing economy, tax-free salaries, and a high standard of living, it’s no surprise that many residents wish to bring their families to join them. However, sponsoring family members under a UAE residence visa involves understanding a detailed set of requirements and processes.
This comprehensive guide explores the eligibility criteria, required documents, procedures, and practical tips for obtaining a family visa in the UAE — ensuring a smooth and efficient sponsorship experience.
Understanding the Role of mainland visa dubai
The mainland visa dubai is the foundation for most family sponsorships. It’s typically issued to individuals who work for a company registered on the Dubai mainland or operate their own business under a mainland trade license. This visa allows the holder to live and work anywhere in the UAE, offering greater flexibility than a free zone or investor visa.
To sponsor dependents, the applicant must meet certain eligibility requirements:
-
The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa (usually employment or investor-based).
-
The minimum monthly salary must be at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
-
The sponsor must have valid accommodation under their name (with an Ejari tenancy contract).
-
The sponsor’s profession should not be labor-classified but must be suitable for family sponsorship (e.g., managerial, technical, or professional roles).
Once these conditions are met, the applicant can proceed with gathering the required documentation to initiate the visa process.
Preparing the Required Documents
The UAE’s immigration authorities are strict about documentation standards. Every form must be clear, valid, and — when applicable — attested by the UAE Embassy in the sponsor’s home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE. Below is a breakdown of key documents typically required:
-
Sponsor’s Documents
-
Copy of passport (valid for at least six months)
-
Copy of UAE residence visa
-
Emirates ID card
-
Employment contract or salary certificate
-
Recent utility bill or tenancy contract (Ejari)
-
-
Family Member Documents
-
Passports of dependents (minimum six-month validity)
-
Recent passport-sized photographs with white background
-
Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
-
Attested birth certificates (for children)
-
Medical fitness certificate (for dependents over 18)
-
Valid health insurance policy
-
All documents must be presented in Arabic or translated by a certified translator if originally issued in another language.
Financial Preparation and the Role of Bank Account for Russians
Before applying for a family visa, the sponsor must ensure they have sufficient financial stability. This is especially important for expatriates managing their funds through a Bank Account for Russians in the UAE.
For Russian nationals and other foreign residents, maintaining a UAE-based bank account simplifies the entire visa sponsorship process. Immigration authorities often require proof of financial consistency, such as salary transfers and rent payments made through local banking systems.
UAE banks like Emirates NBD, RAKBANK, Mashreq, and ADCB offer flexible account options for expatriates from high-demand countries. These accounts facilitate:
-
Salary credit and verification during visa assessment
-
Direct payment for medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping
-
Quick processing of sponsorship-related fees
Moreover, holding a local bank account enables the sponsor to demonstrate ongoing income and support capacity for family members — a key factor in visa approval.
Step-by-Step Family Visa Sponsorship Process
Once eligibility and documentation are in order, the sponsorship process can be initiated. The procedure typically involves several stages handled either through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or approved typing centers across the UAE.
Step 1: Entry Permit Application
The sponsor must apply for an entry permit (also called an eVisa) for each dependent. This allows family members to legally enter the UAE before their residence visa is stamped. The entry permit is usually valid for 60 days.
Step 2: Arrival and Medical Tests
Upon arrival, dependents must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved government medical center. Adults above 18 are screened for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis, HIV, and hepatitis.
Step 3: Emirates ID Registration
Next, the dependent applies for an Emirates ID, which serves as their national identity card. Biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs are taken at this stage.
Step 4: Health Insurance
Health insurance coverage is mandatory in most Emirates. Sponsors must purchase valid insurance for each dependent before proceeding to visa stamping.
Step 5: Visa Stamping
Once all previous steps are complete, the sponsor submits the dependent’s passport for residence visa stamping. The visa is typically valid for one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa duration.
Additional Sponsorship Scenarios
Family sponsorship in the UAE isn’t limited to spouses and children. Under specific conditions, residents can also sponsor:
-
Parents: The sponsor must earn a higher salary (around AED 20,000 per month) and provide proof of exclusive responsibility for the parents’ care.
-
Adult Sons (Over 18): Can only be sponsored if studying in the UAE or abroad, with proof of enrollment.
-
Daughters: Can be sponsored until marriage.
Each of these categories has additional documentation and approval layers that vary by Emirate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Many applicants face delays or rejections due to small errors. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
-
Submitting unattested certificates or documents with translation errors.
-
Using expired documents (passports, medical certificates).
-
Incomplete tenancy details or mismatched sponsor addresses.
-
Ignoring salary requirements or using outdated salary slips.
-
Missing the visa conversion window after the entry permit expires.
Being proactive and double-checking each step ensures smoother processing and avoids unnecessary fines or reapplications.
Timeframes and Costs
On average, the entire family visa sponsorship process takes 10–15 working days once all documents are ready.
Typical costs include:
-
Entry permit: AED 500–1,000 per dependent
-
Medical test: AED 300–400
-
Emirates ID: AED 370 (3 years)
-
Visa stamping: AED 500–1,000
-
Typing center service: AED 100–200
These figures may vary slightly depending on the Emirate and the family member’s nationality.
Why Professional Assistance Can Help
While it’s possible to manage the process independently, many expats opt to use professional PRO or immigration services. These experts handle document preparation, attestation, translations, and application tracking — saving valuable time and reducing stress. They are especially useful for families managing multiple applications or dealing with nationality-specific requirements.
Final Words
Sponsoring your family in the UAE is not just about paperwork — it’s about bringing your loved ones closer and building a stable, fulfilling life. By preparing all necessary documents, maintaining strong financial records, and following the proper process, expatriates can successfully secure long-term residency for their families. Whether you’re applying under a mainland visa dubai or managing your finances through a Bank Account for Russians, understanding every step helps you navigate the system confidently and efficiently.
With the UAE’s commitment to supporting expatriates, family sponsorship has become a transparent and structured process — one that welcomes families to build their future together in the Emirates.