Questions and answers about family residency in the UAE

A UAE residence permit holder is entitled to sponsor:

• The wife.
• Children (males up to 25 years old, and females with no age restriction if unmarried).
• Children of determination with no age restrictions.
• Parents under special conditions and with a higher salary.

The approximate fees for issuing a family residence permit for each individual range between 3,000 and 5,000 UAE dirhams, and include visa fees, medical examination, and ID card.

The cost may increase if health insurance or additional administrative fees from the service office are added.

The process of issuing a residence permit in the UAE usually takes 7 to 14 working days after completing all requirements. The steps include: issuing an entry permit (if needed), medical examination, fingerprinting, then issuing the ID card and residence permit from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. The duration may increase slightly depending on the type of visa (work, investor, family, golden) and the emirate where the application is submitted.