Need help with visa, Emirates ID, labour or business setup typing? Talk to our UAE document experts. WhatsApp us →
UAE Service

Family Visa UAE – Sponsor Wife, Children & Parents

Last updated: 12 June 2026
Government authorityICP (most emirates) / GDRFA Dubai (Dubai visas)
Estimated timelineOften 1–3 weeks once documents are complete (not guaranteed)

Bringing your family to live with you is one of the best parts of building a life in the UAE. However, the family visa process involves several authorities, attested certificates, and steps that must happen in the correct order. This page explains how the process works and how Typing.Center supports you from checklist to visa stamping.

Official source: Always confirm the latest requirements on the official website: ICP icp.gov.ae · GDRFA Dubai gdrfad.gov.ae.

Who needs this service

  • Employees who want to sponsor a wife, husband, or children
  • Investors and partners sponsoring family members
  • Residents whose family members are already in the UAE on visit visas (status change cases)
  • Sponsors renewing or adding a new family member to an existing file

Documents usually required

  • Sponsor passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID copies
  • Attested marriage certificate (for wife/husband visa)
  • Attested birth certificates (for children)
  • Salary certificate or labour contract
  • Tenancy contract (Ejari/attested as required by the emirate)
  • Photos with white background
  • Health insurance for each family member

The exact list depends on your emirate and case. Send us your situation on WhatsApp and we reply with your personal checklist.

Step-by-step process

  1. Case review and document checklist
  2. Certificate attestation and legal translation (if needed)
  3. Entry permit application typing and submission
  4. Status change (if the family member is inside the UAE)
  5. Medical fitness test
  6. Emirates ID application
  7. Residence visa stamping / issuance

Government authority involved

Family residence visas are processed by ICP for most emirates, and by GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-sponsored visas. Attestation involves MOFA, and medical fitness involves the health authority of your emirate.

Estimated timeline

Once your documents are complete and attested, applications often move within days, and the full process is commonly finished within one to three weeks. Timelines are controlled by the authority and are not guaranteed.

Common mistakes

  • Submitting certificates without complete attestation
  • Salary or tenancy documents that do not match the sponsor's file
  • Letting the entry permit expire before completing the status change
  • Booking medical tests before the correct application stage
  • UAE Family Visa Guide for Wife and Children
  • Documents Required for Wife Visa in UAE
  • Marriage Certificate Attestation for UAE
  • UAE Medical Fitness Test Guide
Pricing note: Service fees are confirmed after reviewing your case. Government fees are separate and paid to the authority.

Frequently asked questions

What salary is required to sponsor family in UAE?
Salary requirements depend on the emirate and your situation. Generally, a sponsor needs a minimum monthly salary plus accommodation. We confirm the current requirement for your case before starting.
Do marriage and birth certificates need attestation?
Yes. Certificates issued outside the UAE usually need attestation in the home country, the UAE embassy there, and MOFA in the UAE, plus legal translation to Arabic if not in Arabic.
Can I sponsor my family on a visit visa?
No. Family sponsorship requires a valid UAE residence visa for the sponsor. Family members inside the UAE on visit visas may need a status change after approval.
How long does the family visa process take?
Once documents are complete, entry permit approval often takes a few working days, followed by status change, medical, Emirates ID and stamping. Total time varies by emirate and authority workload.
Is approval guaranteed?
No. All approvals are decided by the relevant government authority. We prepare and type the application correctly to reduce the chance of delays or rejection.
Disclaimer: Typing.Center is an independent professional service provider. We are not a government authority. Information on this website is provided for general guidance only and should be verified with the relevant UAE government authority before making decisions. Approval, rejection, timelines, fees, and requirements are controlled by the relevant authority.

Ready to start?

Send your documents for a free case review. We reply with the checklist and the exact next steps.

Call +971 52 121 2397

Related guides

GDRFA Dubai Visa Status Check: Complete Guide

Track Dubai-issued visas and entry permits on GDRFA Dubai — what you need, where to check, and what each result means.

Read more →

ICP Visa Status Check: Complete Guide

Step-by-step guide to checking visa and application status on the ICP platform — for Sharjah, Abu Dhabi, Ajman, RAK, UAQ and Fujairah files.

Read more →

How to Check UAE Visa Status Online

Check any UAE visa or application status in minutes — which portal to use (ICP or GDRFA Dubai), what you need, and what each status means.

Read more →

Related services

Parents Visa UAE – Sponsorship Support

Sponsor your parents in the UAE with guidance on conditions, deposits, insurance and complete application typing.

Read more →

Children Visa UAE – Sponsorship Guide & Typing

Sponsor your children in the UAE. Birth certificate attestation guidance, document checklist, and complete application typing support.

Read more →

Wife Visa UAE – Documents & Process

Sponsor your wife in the UAE with complete typing support — attested marriage certificate guidance, salary requirements, and step-by-step application handling.

Read more →