United Arab Emirates family reunification visa guide

What Is a Family Reunification Visa?

A family reunification visa lets UAE residents (citizens and expat workers) sponsor relatives to join them. The UAE recognizes several family relationships: spouses, children, parents, and sometimes siblings or grandparents, depending on your visa type and employment status. This program helps families stay together while living and working in the country.

Who Can Sponsor Family Members?

Generally, you can sponsor relatives if you:

• Have stable employment or sufficient income
• Own or rent suitable accommodation
• Meet specific salary or financial thresholds (amounts vary by emirate and visa category)
• Have valid, long-term residency in the UAE

UAE citizens typically have more flexibility in sponsoring family than expat workers. Always check with your local immigration office about current requirements for your specific situation.

Which Family Members Can You Sponsor?

Common relationships you may sponsor include:

• Spouse or fiancé(e)
• Children (biological, adopted, or stepchildren, with age limits)
• Parents and grandparents
• Siblings (eligibility varies)

Age limits and dependency rules apply. For example, sponsoring adult children usually requires they be unemployed or unmarried, depending on emirate rules. Verify current family relationship definitions with official UAE immigration authorities.

Required Documents and Steps

The process typically involves:

1. Gathering paperwork — birth certificates, marriage certificates, employment contracts, proof of accommodation, and police clearance certificates

2. Medical testing — mandatory health screening for all applicants

3. Sponsor application — submitting forms through official channels (online portals or in-person at immigration offices)

4. Background checks — security and criminal record verification

5. Visa issuance — once approved, relatives receive entry permits

Documents must often be notarized and translated into Arabic. Processing timelines vary by emirate.

Important Considerations

• Accommodation requirements — you need adequate housing space for sponsored family members
• Financial stability — sponsors must prove they can support dependents without government assistance
• Sponsorship validity — visas are usually linked to your employment and residency status
• Renewal and cancellation — family visas typically renew with your residency permit

Getting Started

Contact your nearest immigration office or visit the official government immigration website for your emirate. Many emirates offer online portals where you can submit applications and check status. Ask specifically about current salary thresholds, document requirements, and processing times for your family relationship.

This is general self-help information, not legal advice. Always verify current rules on the official government website.