What is a UAE Dependant Visa?
A dependant visa is issued for a period ranging from 2 to 10 years, depending on the type of visa held by the sponsor who grants residency status to their family member. It allows the holder to obtain residency without the need to be employed or meet other requirements, while providing the same benefits as regular residence visas.
A UAE resident can sponsor visas for their spouse, children, and other close relatives. This grants the right to live in the country and access all the privileges associated with the primary visa. It is important to meet the sponsor’s income, housing, and status requirements.
Who Can Be Sponsored and Key Criteria
Age
No limit
Registered marriage with a certified and apostilled marriage certificate
Age/Status
Unmarried (no age limit)
Special Requirements
To prove family status (birth certificate)
Age/Status
Up to 25 years old, or no age limit if classified as people of determination
Special Requirements
Birth certificate; for ages 18–25, proof of university enrollment or unemployment certification
Age/Status
Must be added to passport/ID within 120 days after birth
Special Requirements
A fine of AED 100 per day of delay applies
Age/Status
60 years or older, or based on medical necessity
Special Requirements
Sponsor must pay a deposit and provide medical insurance for the parent(s)
Required Documents Package:
Dependants aged 18 and above are required to undergo a medical examination, including chest X-ray and blood tests, and complete Emirates ID biometrics before the visa is stamped.
Application Procedure
Timeline: 5–7 working days (if applying from within the UAE) / 10–15 working days (if applying from outside the UAE), provided all documents are correct.
How Can Smart Advisors Group Help?
To ensure full compliance with all visa requirements, Smart Advisors Group experts provide personalized checklists tailored to the specific emirate and family situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
A monthly salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by the employer. Investors and Golden Visa holders are assessed on their status, not salary.
Yes. Parents can be sponsored if the sponsor meets a higher income requirement — around AED 20,000 a month in Dubai (it varies by emirate) — has suitable housing, pays a refundable deposit and buys health insurance for the parents. Parent visas are usually issued for 1 year and renewed annually.
Sons up to 25 years old (no age limit for people of determination) and unmarried daughters of any age. Sons aged 18–25 need proof of studies or unemployment.
It follows the sponsor's visa — from 2 to 10 years — and cannot be valid longer than the sponsor's own residence visa.
Passport and photo of the dependant, the sponsor's passport, visa and Emirates ID, salary certificate or bank statement, Ejari or title deed, and attested marriage and birth certificates. Dependants aged 18+ also pass a medical test.
5–7 working days if the dependant is in the UAE and 10–15 working days if applying from abroad.
Within 120 days of birth. After that, a fine of AED 100 per day applies.
