How to Apply for a Dependent Visa in Dubai – Complete Guide
Dubai has become a hub not only for global business but also for families who want to live and work in a secure and high-standard environment. For expatriates and foreign investors, dependent visas in Dubai are essential for bringing family members such as spouses, children, and parents to the UAE legally. Understanding the process, costs, and requirements helps ensure a smooth visa application without delays or complications.
At Tianyi Consulting, we provide comprehensive guidance on how to apply for a dependent visa in Dubai, offering end-to-end support for families and businesses alike.

What is a Dependent Visa in Dubai?
A dependent visa in Dubai allows eligible expatriates to sponsor family members to live in the UAE. This visa covers spouses, children, and in certain cases, parents. The visa is tied to the sponsor’s residency, and its validity depends on the sponsor’s visa type and duration.
Dependent visas ensure that families can enjoy the benefits of living in Dubai, including access to education, healthcare, and the UAE banking system.
Who Can Sponsor a Dependent Visa in Dubai?
To sponsor a dependent visa in Dubai, the applicant must meet certain requirements:
- Must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
- Meet the minimum salary requirement to sponsor parents in UAE, which varies depending on the family member category.
- Provide proof of suitable accommodation for the family.
Eligible family members include:
- Spouse (husband or wife) – also referred to as spouse visa Dubai.
- Children under the age of 18 or 21, depending on educational status.
- Parents, in certain cases, if the sponsor meets the salary requirement.
Dependent Visa Dubai Cost
The dependent visa Dubai cost varies depending on the family member type and visa duration:
- Spouse visa Dubai cost: Usually ranges from AED 4,000 to AED 7,000 for a two-year family visa.
- 2 years family visa price in Dubai: Covers spouses and children, inclusive of medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
- Parents visa Dubai cost: Generally higher due to additional sponsorship requirements and medical checks.
- UAE residence visa for child cost: Slightly lower than adult visas, but includes medical and document fees.
At Tianyi Consulting, we provide clear estimates of all associated costs to help plan your family relocation efficiently.
Step-by-Step Process – How to Apply for a Dependent Visa in Dubai
1. Check Eligibility
Before applying, confirm your eligibility to sponsor family members. Verify that you meet the minimum salary criteria and have a valid residence visa.
2. Prepare Required Documents
Common documents include:
- Passport copies of the sponsor and dependents.
- Valid UAE residence visa of the sponsor.
- Proof of income and employment contract.
- Proof of accommodation (rental contract or property ownership).
- Birth certificate for children or marriage certificate for spouse.
3. Medical Fitness Test
All dependents over a certain age must undergo a medical fitness test at a registered UAE health center. This ensures compliance with UAE health regulations.
4. Apply Online
The UAE government offers a digital platform to apply family visa in UAE online. You can submit documents, pay fees, and track the application status.
5. Emirates ID Registration
Once approved, the dependent visa holder must apply for an Emirates ID. This process is mandatory and essential for accessing healthcare, banking, and other government services.
6. Visa Stamping
After completing all approvals, the dependent visa is stamped in the passport, officially allowing the family member to enter and reside in Dubai legally.
UAE Spouse Visa Processing Time
The UAE spouse visa processing time varies depending on document accuracy, visa type, and current processing periods. On average, approval may take 2 to 4 weeks for a spouse or children, and slightly longer for parents. Proper preparation with the help of Tianyi Consulting ensures faster approval without errors.
Minimum Salary to Sponsor Parents in UAE
Sponsoring parents requires meeting the minimum salary to sponsor parents in UAE, which usually starts from AED 20,000 per month. Additional requirements include suitable accommodation and evidence of financial capability to maintain the dependents.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Applying for a dependent visa in Dubai can be delayed or rejected due to common errors:
- Incomplete or incorrect documents.
- Not meeting the minimum salary or accommodation requirements.
- Missing medical tests or insurance coverage.
- Submitting outdated certificates or translations.
Working with Tianyi Consulting ensures all documentation is accurate and compliant, minimizing delays or rejections.
Why Use Tianyi Consulting for Dependent Visa Applications
Navigating the UAE visa system can be complex. Tianyi Consulting simplifies the process by providing:
- Step-by-step guidance on how to apply for a dependent visa in Dubai.
- Accurate cost estimation for dependent visa Dubai cost, spouse visas, and family visas.
- Assistance with online application platforms and document submission.
- Full support for medical testing, Emirates ID, and visa stamping.
- Expert advice for sponsoring parents, children, and spouses under UAE law.
By choosing Tianyi Consulting, you save time, reduce stress, and ensure your family enjoys a smooth transition to life in Dubai.
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Final Thoughts
Understanding how to apply for a dependent visa in Dubai is essential for expatriates and business owners in the UAE. From dependent visa Dubai cost to the UAE spouse visa processing time, every step requires careful planning and accurate documentation.
With Tianyi Consulting, your family’s relocation becomes seamless. We provide complete assistance for dependent visa applications, including spouses, children, and parents, ensuring compliance with UAE laws and regulations.
Start your journey today and secure your family’s future in Dubai!