FAMILYVISA
Once you hold a UAE residence visa, you can typically sponsor members of your family to live with you. The sponsor's visa type, income or accommodation and the family relationship all affect what is possible.
Draft text — under review by Milton Bridge
Milton Bridge handles family visas from start to finish. We tell you which documents to prepare at home and how to attest them, then file the applications, book medicals and biometrics and track every Emirates ID.
Who you can sponsor on a UAE family visa
Residents can typically sponsor:
- A spouse.
- Children — with different rules for sons and daughters depending on age, and for children with disabilities.
- Parents — in some cases, usually with additional financial and accommodation conditions.
- Other relatives only in limited cases, depending on current rules and your visa type.
Family visa requirements for the sponsor
The sponsor usually needs to meet a minimum income or salary requirement, or show suitable accommodation, depending on the emirate and visa type. Golden Visa holders and investors may have different conditions from employees.
These requirements are set by the authorities and are updated from time to time. We confirm the current figures for your case at a free expert consultation rather than quote them from memory.
Attesting marriage and birth certificates
Family documents issued abroad, such as marriage and birth certificates, usually need to be attested or legalised in the country of issue and then in the UAE. This is the step people most often leave too late.
We send you the document list early, explain the attestation route for your country and complete the UAE side. Our couriers collect and carry originals between offices so you do not have to.
Medical test, Emirates ID and health insurance for family members
Each family member typically goes through the same visa steps as the sponsor: entry permit or change of status, medical fitness test where required by age, biometrics and Emirates ID. Health insurance for dependants is generally required and is usually the sponsor's responsibility.
How it works with Milton Bridge
- 1
Family consultation
On WhatsApp or a call we go through your visa, income and family members and confirm who you can sponsor and what you need.
- 2
Documents and attestation
We send you a document list for each family member, guide the attestation in your home country and complete the UAE side. Our couriers collect and carry originals.
- 3
Applications filed
We prepare and submit the entry permits or change-of-status applications for each family member.
- 4
Medical, biometrics and Emirates ID
We book medicals and biometrics for each person, tell you where to go and track every visa and Emirates ID until issued.
- 5
Renewals
We keep track of the family visas and start renewals in good time, together with your own.
Family Visa: frequently asked questions
Can I sponsor my family in the UAE?
Yes, most UAE residents can sponsor their spouse and children, and in some cases their parents. This is subject to income or accommodation requirements and your visa type. We confirm the rules for your case.
What salary do I need to sponsor my family in Dubai?
It depends on the current rules, your emirate and your visa type, so we do not quote a fixed figure. Some sponsors qualify through income, others through accommodation or their visa category. We confirm the requirement that applies to you at a free expert consultation.
Can I sponsor my parents on a UAE visa?
Yes, in some cases residents can sponsor their parents. Parent sponsorship usually carries additional financial and accommodation conditions. We check whether you meet them before you apply.
Until what age can I sponsor my children?
It depends on whether the child is a son or a daughter, whether they are studying and other circumstances, and the rules have been updated in recent years. Daughters and children with disabilities typically have more flexible rules. We confirm the current position for your family.
Do marriage and birth certificates need to be attested?
Yes, documents issued abroad usually need to be attested or legalised in the country of issue and then in the UAE. This can take time, so start early. We send you the list and handle the UAE side.
Do family members need a medical test?
Usually yes, adult family members typically need a medical fitness test as part of the residence visa process. Requirements for children depend on age. We book the tests for you.
Is health insurance required for my family?
Yes, health insurance for dependants is generally required in the UAE, and it is usually the sponsor's responsibility. We can help you find a suitable option through vetted providers.
How much does a family visa cost?
The cost depends on the number of family members, their ages, the visa validity and the government fees in force. Use the cost calculator for an estimate or book a free expert consultation for an exact quote.
