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Residence Visa - Dependent
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
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Residence Visa - Dependent

Residency Pathway Dependents Allowed

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED 740

Stay Duration

Matches sponsor

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Dependents allowed

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 126,000
Quality of Life
169/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Residence permit for family members sponsored by a UAE resident with AED 4,000+ monthly income.

The UAE Residence Visa for Dependents enables UAE residents to sponsor spouse, children, and parents for legal residency. Dependent status is directly tied to the sponsor's UAE residence visa—if the sponsor's visa lapses, the dependent's visa cancels. Dependents gain residency rights, healthcare access, and can work with a separate permit.

To qualify, the sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa and earn at least AED 4,000 monthly (or AED 3,000 plus employer housing). Fees total AED 740: AED 200 residence permit, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, AED 500 processing, and AED 20 delivery. Processing takes 48 hours; the permit is stamped in the passport upon approval of complete documents.

This visa is ideal for expatriate workers bringing family members to the UAE for extended residence.

Cost Breakdown

Residence permitAED 200
Knowledge DirhamAED 10
Innovation DirhamAED 10
Fee inside countryAED 500
DeliveryAED 20
TotalAED 740

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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Processing2–5 days
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Investor Visa
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Processing1–3 weeks
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Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Sponsor is UAE resident

Meets minimum salary threshold

Accommodation

Medical fitness

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

48,000 AED/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Passport

Marriage/birth certificate (attested)

Sponsor's documents

Medical fitness

Tenancy contract

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fast 48-hour processing once complete documents are submitted to GDRFA
  • No visa sponsorship fees—costs limited to medical tests and Emirates ID
  • Family reunification enabled with just AED 4,000/month sponsor income (or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
  • Clear GDRFA process with straightforward attested-document requirements
  • Renewable indefinitely while sponsor maintains UAE residence and salary
  • Dependents 18+ can work with separate employer work permit
  • Spouses and children easily sponsored via attested certificates
  • Parents may be sponsored if sponsor meets higher income threshold

Worth Knowing

  • Residency validity is entirely dependent on sponsor's UAE status and income
  • Medical examination mandatory for all dependents
  • Separate work permit required—employment is not automatic with residence visa
  • Sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa with active resident status
  • Sponsor minimum income: AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 plus employer accommodation)
  • Failed medical or security checks result in visa denial or cancellation

Application Process

1

Sponsor establishes qualification

UAE resident sponsor ensures minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) and valid UAE residence visa

2

Obtain entry permit for dependent

Sponsor applies for entry permit for family member through ICP Smart Services, GDRFA, or Amer Service Centre

3

Dependent enters UAE

Family member arrives on the entry permit

4

Medical fitness test

Dependent aged 18+ undergoes medical examination at approved UAE health centre

5

Submit residence permit application

Apply through UAE Pass portal or Customer Happiness/Amer Service Centre with all required documents

6

Pay fees

AED 200 residence permit fee plus applicable service charges

7

Receive approval

Notified by email; residence permit stamped in passport within 48 hours if documents are complete

Application Forms

GDRFA application—

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