Rents are up. School fees don’t flinch. Healthcare? Always a hot topic. That’s life in UAE, and yet, thousands of expats still choose to bring their families here—for good reason. Because despite the rising costs, the UAE continues to offer one thing that matters more than all: security and stability for your loved ones.
And that’s where the family residence visa steps in. If you’re trying to figure out the actual family residence visa UAE cost and not just read vague half-answers online, you’re in the right place. With constant policy tweaks and new tech-driven processes, things change fast. This blog post keeps it real and relevant.
Key Takeaways:
In this post, we are going to answer what stresses most people out:
- Not knowing the real UAE residence visa cost for family
- Confusing paperwork and eligibility requirements
- Constant updates (that nobody actually updates you on)
- Worrying whether your salary meets the quota
- Wondering how long it’ll take and what documents will slow things down
- Fear of rejection or having to start over
- No time to run around multiple offices
This blog post gives you a full breakdown of fees, steps, eligibility, timelines, and updates. Plus, we have got some expert tips you won’t get from forums. Because if you’re investing in bringing your family over, you deserve clarity.
First things first: who can sponsor?
You can sponsor your family members if you’re:
- A UAE resident with a valid visa
- Earning at least AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation
- Holding a freelance visa, employment visa, or investor visa
Yes, freelancers can sponsor their families too (if they meet the salary and documentation requirements). We help with that. In fact, freelancers are fast becoming the new norm in UAE, and the system has adapted to make it easier for them to build a life and a family here.
What’s included in the family residence visa UAE cost?
Break down the total into parts, and it’s less intimidating. Here’s what’s usually involved:
| Fee Type | Estimated Amount (AED) |
| Entry Permit | 350 – 500 |
| Emirates ID (per year) | 270 – 370 |
| Medical Test | 320 – 400 |
| Change of Status | 650 – 850 |
| Visa Stamping (1-3 years) | 500 – 800 |
| Typing & Service Charges | 200 – 300 |
| Total (1-year visa) | Approx. 2,200 – 3,000 |
→ This doesn’t include your own visa cost if you’re getting a freelance or investor visa. (We help with that too.)
Cost varies depending on the number of dependents and how many years you choose. The longer the duration, the better the value. And yes, kids need visas too—even newborns.
Required documents for family visa UAE
Here’s what you’ll need (and yes, you’ll need copies of most of these too):
- Passport copies of sponsor and dependents
- Recent passport-size photo (white background)
- Sponsor’s valid residence visa and Emirates ID
- Salary certificate or labour contract
- Tenancy contract (Ejari registered)
- Attested marriage certificate
- Attested birth certificate (for children)
- Medical fitness certificate (for dependents 18+)
Pro tip: Keep all documents scanned, labelled, and backed up in cloud storage. Saves hours—and panic.
How long does it take?
Expect 5 to 10 working days if all your documents are in order. Sometimes even faster.
But delays happen when:
- Certificates aren’t properly attested
- Sponsor’s visa is about to expire
- Tenancy contract is outdated
- Documents are missing or incorrectly typed
- Entry permit expires before you finish the process
Save time by having everything pre-checked by an expert. That way, you won’t end up redoing a step because someone at a typing center forgot a detail.
Step-by-step process for UAE family residence visa
Let’s spell it out like a to-do list:
- Apply for Entry Permit (before family enters UAE, or adjust status if they’re already here)
- Take Medical Test (for dependents over 18)
- Apply for Emirates ID
- Submit all documents for residency stamping
- Get passport stamped with visa
Each step builds on the one before. Miss a detail and you’ll loop back. But hey, that’s what we’re here to help avoid.
UAE residence visa cost for family: tips to save time & stress
- Apply for 2- or 3-year visa where eligible—saves you renewal stress
- Bundle family applications (especially kids) together when possible
- Use trusted services to avoid fines from document errors
- Keep digital and physical copies of every receipt and document
- Renew tenancy in advance to avoid last-minute scrambling
- Don’t wait until the last week to renew anyone’s visa; queues are real
Recent updates you shouldn’t miss
The UAE updates its visa policies often—here’s what changed recently:
- Salary requirement is now flexible for certain professions
- Medical fitness rules updated: only those above 18 need it
- Tenancy contracts must be under the sponsor’s name
- Emirates ID now issued before visa stamping
- Freelancers can now apply more easily with clear licensing
These small details can derail an application if overlooked. Stay ahead or let our team do it for you.
UAE family residence visa cost – what people get wrong
- It’s not a one-size-fits-all: Fees vary based on visa duration and number of dependents
- Freelancers can apply too: With proper documents and license
- Medical test isn’t optional for adults: Yes, even for your very healthy 19-year-old
- Your tenancy matters: Hotel stays and Airbnb don’t count
- Visa duration impacts cost: Longer visas mean bigger upfront cost but lower yearly average
Knowing these can save you time, money, and a few grey hairs.
Why choose Connect Freelance?
If the family residence visa UAE cost feels like a math problem you didn’t sign up for, we have got your back. Our team fast-tracks applications, fixes typos, and even gently nags you about deadlines.
- We assist with UAE residence visas (freelance, investor, employment, family)
- Get support with freelance license and permit applications
- Avoid costly mistakes and time drains with end-to-end visa assistance
- Work with real people who actually reply to your WhatsApp
- Enjoy clear answers instead of mixed messages and vague promises
You get expert advice, clear instructions, and done-for-you services because this whole process doesn’t have to be exhausting.
Ready to sponsor your family
Whether you’re new in town or levelling up your freelance game, our team makes sure your family residence visa UAE cost is clear, accurate, and worth every dirham. Skip the back-and-forth. Let us help you sort it fast, legal, and stress-free.
We also assist with getting your UAE residence visa, freelance permit, and license—so your entire setup runs smoothly from day one.
Contact us today for a quick consultation on your family visa needs in the UAE.
