What you pay to sponsor your family in the UAE
A resident working in the private sector can sponsor his wife and children with a salary of at least 4,000 AED, or 3,000 AED plus housing. The cost is made up of several government fees, plus the medical test and service centre charges:
| Item | Dubai | Other emirates |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit | About 220 AED | About 350 AED |
| Change of status (family already in the UAE) | About 535 AED | About 500 AED |
| Residence for 2 years | About 240 AED (renewal about 740 AED) | About 450 AED |
| Emirates ID | 100 AED a year + 100 AED | |
| Medical test (18 and over) | About 300 AED, or about 500 AED urgent | |
A refundable deposit is not usually needed for a wife and children, but it can be asked for parents or in some other cases. Health insurance is required for every family member.
Examples
Dubai, new visa for a wife and 2 children outside the UAE, 2 years, through a typing centre
About 3,480 AED in total, without health insurance.
Sharjah, renewing a wife's visa for 2 years, applying online
About 1,050 AED, without health insurance.
Frequently asked questions
What salary do I need to sponsor my family?
At least 4,000 AED a month, or 3,000 AED with housing provided by the employer. Women sponsoring their family and residents sponsoring their parents need a higher salary.
Why is it more expensive when my family is already in the UAE?
If your family entered on a visit visa, a change of status fee of about 500 AED is paid for each person so they can get residence without leaving the country.
Do children need the medical test?
No. The medical fitness test is only for family members aged 18 and over.
Does my employer pay for my family's visa?
By law the employer pays for the worker's own visa. The family visa is paid by the worker, unless the employment contract says otherwise.
What is the fine if a visa expires?
Overstaying after a residence or visit visa expires costs 50 AED a day. Renew before the expiry date to avoid it.
Last reviewed: October 2026. Fees change by government decision and service centres set their own charges. Check the final amount with GDRFA Dubai or ICP. This is an estimate and not legal advice.
This page was translated from Arabic. If something is unclear or wrong, please tell us.