Introduction to Family and Student Visa in the UAE
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) continues to attract thousands of expatriates each year, offering not just career opportunities, but also a stable, family-friendly environment and access to world-class education. As such, family visa UAE and student visa in UAE have become hot topics for residents looking to bring their loved ones or pursue academic goals in the country.
A family visa in the UAE allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members spouse, children, and in some cases, parents so they can legally reside together. On the other hand, a student visa is essential for those who have been accepted into universities or higher education institutions in the UAE.
In recent years, the UAE has also made it easier for students to obtain a part-time work permit, allowing them to gain valuable job experience and earn money while studying. This makes the country even more attractive for international students.
Understanding Family Visa Categories in the UAE
When it comes to bringing loved ones to live in the UAE, it’s important to understand the different family visa categories available, as well as who is eligible to be sponsored. A family visa in the UAE is a type of residence visa that allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members to live with them legally in the country.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members?
To apply for a family visa, the sponsor must:
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Be a UAE resident (expat with a valid residency visa).
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Minimum salary requirements for sponsoring (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation).
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Have valid accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract).
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Eligible family members include:
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Wife and children: Male residents can sponsor their wife and children under 18 (or up to 21 if studying).
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Parents: Some residents may sponsor their parents with special approval and higher salary thresholds.
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Stepchildren: With proper documentation and a no-objection letter from the biological parent.
Breakdown of Family Visa Costs in the UAE
When applying for a family visa in the UAE, it’s crucial to understand the full range of expenses involved. The family visa UAE price isn’t a flat fee—it includes various government charges, medical tests, Emirates ID registration, visa stamping, and more. Here’s a comprehensive breakdown:
1. Entry Permit Fees (AED 356)
The entry permit is the first step in bringing your family to the UAE.
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Inside UAE applicants (status change): Costs more due to in-country processing (AED 761).
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After receiving the entry permit, applicants for Dubai have 2 months to enter the UAE, while in Abu Dhabi, only half approval is issued, requiring completion of the process at the UAE Embassy in Pakistan
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Validity: 60 days to complete the residency process.
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Payment: Made at the time of visa typing or online through ICP/AMER platforms.
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2. Medical Examination Fees
A medical fitness test is mandatory for all family members above 18.
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Standard test from seha visa screening: AED 250
3. Emirates ID Application Fees (AED 370)
Emirates ID is required for all residents and is issued for 2 years.
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2-year ID: AED 370
Note: For Abu Dhabi visa holders, the fingerprint process for the Emirates ID is completed at the UAE Embassy in Pakistan, while Dubai visa holders will complete their biometric (fingerprint) process after arriving in the UAE.
4. Visa Stamping Fees (AED 456)
Once all documents are cleared, the final step is visa stamping.
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Visa will be stamped electronically on your Emirates ID instead of the passport (as per updated process).
5. Mandatory Health Insurance (AED 600 – AED 4,500 annually)
Health insurance is compulsory for visa issuance in most emirates.
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Basic health insurance: AED 600–4,500 (for healthy individuals)
- In Abu Dhabi , insurance is strictly enforced. Failing to comply can delay visa stamping.
Additional Expenses to Consider
Beyond the standard visa processing fees, there are several additional expenses that applicants should be aware of when calculating the total family and student visa UAE price. These extra costs may vary depending on the emirate, the sponsor’s situation, and the applicant’s location.
1. Document Attestation Fees (Approx. AED 350)
If you’re sponsoring a spouse or child, you’ll need to submit legally attested documents such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
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Attestation is required from the home country (e.g., Pakistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs), followed by the UAE Embassy, and finally the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
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MOFA attestation in the UAE costs around AED 180 per document, while charges in the home country can range higher depending on service providers.
2. Processing Fees and Service Charges
Most applicants use typing centers or PRO services to avoid paperwork errors.
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Typing center charges range from AED 50 to AED 200 per service.
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Some agents may charge bundled packages that include form filling, queue management, and document pickup/drop-off.
Cost Variations Across Different Emirates
The family and student visa UAE can vary significantly depending on the emirate where the sponsor is applying. Each emirate follows federal guidelines but may have slight differences in service fees, documentation processes, and additional requirements based on local regulations.
Dubai
Dubai generally has a streamlined visa process thanks to its GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) system and integrated smart services.
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Entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, and visa stamping are often completed faster.
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Health insurance in Dubai is not yet mandatory but for Abu Dhabi must be purchased from a DHA-approved provider.
Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi’s process is governed by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship).
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While initial fees may be slightly lower, the process includes additional steps for applicants from outside the UAE, such as half approval issuance, requiring them to complete documentation and biometric verification at the UAE Embassy in Pakistan.
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Health insurance is compulsory.
Sharjah, Ajman, and Other Emirates
The visa process in Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Fujairah, and Ras Al Khaimah generally follows the same procedure as Abu Dhabi, since they all operate under the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
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This means applicants may also receive half approval if applying from outside the UAE and will need to complete certain steps—such as biometrics and document verification—at the UAE Embassy in their home country (e.g., Pakistan).
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The price breakdown and fee details have already been explained in the sections above and remain largely consistent across these emirates, with minor differences depending on the typing center or optional services chosen.
Summary
While the core requirements remain the same, choosing where to apply for your family visa in the UAE can influence the total cost and convenience of the process. Applicants often prefer Dubai for speed and flexibility, while others choose Abu Dhabi for potentially lower overall costs and structured procedures.
New UAE Family Visa Rules and Their Financial Implications
The UAE government has recently introduced several reforms to its visa policies, aimed at making the country more attractive to expatriates and their families. These changes can directly impact the family and student visa UAE, influencing the overall cost and application process.
1. Changes in Health Insurance Requirements
Under the new rules, health insurance is now compulsory for all family visa applicants across all emirates, but the specifics of coverage have been adjusted.
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Previously, the insurance mandate only applied to certain emirates like Abu Dhabi. Now, the requirement is enforced across the country, with a focus on minimum coverage.
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However, the insurance premiums have increased in line with rising healthcare costs, and this could add a significant amount to the family and Student visa UAE especially for families with dependents requiring comprehensive medical plans.
2. Simplified Process for Renewals and Transfers
The UAE has streamlined the process for visa renewals and transfers, reducing the hassle of managing paperwork.
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The visa renewal process has been made more efficient, often requiring less documentation and a shorter processing time.
3. New Salary and Housing Requirements for Sponsorship
There have been updates to the minimum salary and housing requirements for sponsoring family members, which directly affect the total cost for some residents.
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The new regulations stipulate that sponsors must have a minimum salary (around AED 4,000) to sponsor a spouse and children. This means more stringent checks for low-income earners, though higher-income professionals will likely see reduced bureaucratic barriers.
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Housing requirements have also become more defined, and a sponsor may need to provide proof of accommodation .
Tips to Manage and Reduce Family Visa Expenses
Applying for a family visa in the UAE can become expensive, especially when you’re sponsoring multiple family members. However, with the right planning and some insider knowledge, you can reduce your family and student visa UAE price significantly. Here are some practical tips to help you manage costs effectively:
1. Use Typing Centers with Transparent Pricing
Not all typing centers charge the same rates. Choose a reliable typing center that offers clear, upfront pricing without hidden fees. Bundle services (like entry permit + medical + Emirates ID typing) to save time and money.
2. Apply from Outside UAE to Avoid Status Change Charges
If your family members are currently outside the UAE, it’s often cheaper to apply for their visa from abroad rather than paying AED 761 Abu Dhabi and Dubai 1,150 for in-country status change services.
3. Choose Basic Health Insurance Plans
Unless your dependents have medical conditions or specific needs, go for basic DHA or DoH-approved insurance plans.
4. Combine Appointments Where Possible
For multiple family members, try to book combined medical and fingerprint appointments to reduce transport and scheduling costs.
5. Ensure Documents Are Ready Before Starting
Delays due to missing or unverified documents (like attested marriage or birth certificates) can incur repeat fees. Get all attestations done in your home country in advance to avoid last-minute expenses.
7. Renew on Time to Avoid Fines
Overstaying or late renewal can lead to fines of AED 250 first day and 50 per day. Mark your calendar and renew family visas at least 2–3 weeks before expiry.
The total family visa UAE price in 2025 ranges between AED 1700 per family member, visa duration (2 years), without health insurance plan, and optional services like express processing. To sponsor your spouse and children, the minimum salary is typically AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. Sponsoring parents or multiple dependents may require AED 10,000 or more. Yes, a woman can sponsor her husband and children, but she usually needs a higher salary (around AED 10,000) and specific job categories like teacher, healthcare worker, or engineer. Additional approvals may be required. The process typically takes 7 to 14 working days, depending on documentation readiness, emirate of application, and whether standard or express services are used. Yes, the UAE has officially announced that health insurance is mandatory across all emirates for family visa issuance. However, in Dubai, residency visas are still being processed even without health insurance in some cases. Still, it’s highly recommended to arrange DHA-approved insurance to avoid delays or rejections later on. Family visas are usually issued for 1, 2 years, based on the sponsor’s visa type and profession.Frequently Asked Questions (Family and Student Visas)
