If you’re living and working in Dubai and want your loved ones to join you, applying for a family visa in Dubai is your gateway to reunification. Whether you’re planning to sponsor your spouse, children, or parents, understanding how long the process takes can help you plan better. In this blog, we break down the average processing time, key steps, and factors that can affect your timeline when applying for a family visa in the UAE.
Who Can Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai?
In Dubai, expatriate residents can sponsor the following family members:
- Wife or husband
- Children (usually under the age of 18 for boys, no age limit for girls if unmarried)
- Parents (under certain income and housing conditions)
To sponsor, the applicant must:
- Hold a valid UAE residence visa
- Meet the minimum salary requirement (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation)
- Have suitable housing in the UAE
- Provide the required documents and attestations
Average Time to Get a Family Visa in Dubai
The entire process for a family visa in Dubai typically takes 7 to 15 working days, depending on the applicant’s preparedness and document readiness.
Here’s a general breakdown:
| Step | Estimated Time |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit Issuance | 2–5 working days |
| Medical Test & Emirates ID Biometrics | 2–3 working days |
| Visa Stamping & Emirates ID Issuance | 3–7 working days |
| Total Time | 7–15 working days |
Family Visa Application Process (Step-by-Step)
- Entry Permit (Inside or Outside the UAE)
- Once approved, it allows your family member to legally enter the country.
- Duration: 2 to 5 working days.
- Medical Fitness Test
- Mandatory for adults (aged 18 and above).
- Done at government-approved medical centers.
- Duration: 1 to 2 working days.
- Emirates ID Biometrics & Application
- Submit documents and biometrics at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
- Duration: 1 to 2 working days.
- Visa Stamping
- Final stage where the residence visa is stamped in the passport.
- Duration: 3 to 5 working days.
Factors That Can Affect Processing Time
- Incomplete or incorrect documentation
- Public holidays or official delays
- Medical test delays or rescheduling
- Attestation delays for foreign documents
- Sponsoring parents, which includes extra approval layers
Required Documents for Family Visa
- Passport copies (sponsor and family members)
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID
- Salary certificate or labor contract
- Ejari (tenancy contract)
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Birth certificates of children (attested)
- Passport-sized photos (white background)
- Medical fitness certificate (for adults)
Tips to Speed Up the Process
- Ensure all documents are attested and translated (if necessary).
- Use a professional visa agency to avoid delays and get document verification support.
- Book medical and Emirates ID appointments in advance.
- Double-check application forms before submission to avoid rejection.
Final Thoughts
While the process is fairly straightforward, minor delays can happen, especially if documents are missing or not attested. With proper preparation, most applicants can complete the family visa process in under 2 weeks.
If you’re looking for assistance, our expert team at Quick Attestation can guide you through every step, ensuring your application is error-free and fast-tracked. We also provide document attestation, translation, and PRO services for a seamless experience.
Need help with your family visa in Dubai?
Contact us today for hassle-free visa processing and documentation support.
