Family visa (outside the country)
Applies for a family visa for a dependant who is outside the UAE, through GDRFA Dubai (Amer).
How it works
- 1
Documents
You
- 2
Reviewed by MARIO E.G.S.H AI
MARIO E.G.S.H AI
- 3
Submitted at GDRFA
Runner at GDRFA
- 4
Medical & biometrics
You
- 5
Visa issued
GDRFA
Documents required
Passport copy of the family member
copyValid at least 6 monthsColour photo, white background
copySponsor's passport and residence / Emirates ID
copySponsor's employment contract
copyOnly if: Employed sponsorsSalary certificate
in some casesoriginalOnly if: Government, semi-government and free-zone employeesAttested marriage certificate
originalattestedlegal Arabic translationOnly if: For a spouse (and usually for children)Attested birth certificate
in some casesoriginalattestedlegal Arabic translationOnly if: For childrenFather's no-objection letter
in some casesoriginalOnly if: If the mother is the sponsorEjari tenancy contract or title deed
copyValidHealth insurance of the family member
in some casescopyOnly if: Not for the entry permit itself; needed later when the residence is issued in Dubai (Law No. 11 of 2013, Article 11)Copy of the national identity card (Afghan, Iranian or Iraqi nationals)
in some casescopyOnly if: ICP lists it for nationals of Afghanistan, Iran and Iraq; the GDRFA Dubai page does not mention it, so staff confirm in the system
Conditions, time and validity
- Same sponsor and family rules as inside the country (spouse, sons to 25, unmarried daughters, children with special needs).
- Enter the UAE while the entry permit is still valid (the validity is printed on the e-permit), then complete the residence within 60 days of entry.
- Processing time
- GDRFA lists 48 hours for the entry permit if documents are complete.
- Validity of the result
- Entry within the validity printed on the e-permit; stay up to 60 days after entry to complete the residence (GDRFA).
- Where it is applied for
- GDRFA Dubai smart services (UAE Pass), Amer centres, customer happiness centres.
Steps at the authority
- Client sends documents.
- Centre submits the family entry permit (outside country).
- GDRFA issues the e-entry permit; centre sends it to the client.
- Family member enters Dubai; then residence stamping (medical, Emirates ID, residence) – separate service.
Tips that save you a trip
- Book travel inside the validity printed on the e-permit; an unused entry permit expires and must be cancelled before a new one.
- After arrival, start the medical test quickly: overstay fines start if residence is not done within 60 days of entry.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- Salary/housing conditions not met; uncertified marriage or birth certificate.
- Passport valid less than 6 months.
Checked by the MARIO E.G.S.H team on 2026-10-08. Rules can change at any time; our consultant confirms the details for your case.
Official sources
- GDRFA Dubai – Entry visa for residence without work, Family Sponsorship
- ICP - Issuing Residency Permit (family of a foreign resident: documents incl. national ID card copy for Afghan, Iranian and Iraqi nationals; 60 days after entry; AED 50 per day overstay)
- GDRFA Dubai - Issuance of a residence permit for foreigner family members
- Dubai Legal Portal - Law No. (11) of 2013 Concerning Health Insurance in the Emirate of Dubai (Article 11: the sponsor produces a health insurance policy when issuing or renewing residence permits)
Eligibility
What is the sponsor's monthly salary (AED)?
GDRFA requires AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Is the salary AED 4,000 or more, or does the employer provide accommodation?
Between AED 3,000 and 3,999 the sponsor also needs accommodation.
Legal basis
Federal Decree-Law No. 29 of 2021; Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022
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