How long does the Family / Dependent Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates) take to process?

Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.

How long can you stay on the Family / Dependent Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

Linked to sponsor residence validity; dependants get grace period after expiry/cancellation.

Can you work on the Family / Dependent Residence Visa (United Arab Emirates)?

Dependent residence does not itself authorise work; separate work permit may be needed.

Country Info Hub

United Arab Emirates

A dynamic Middle Eastern hub offering fast-track work options, tax-free income, and an incredible lifestyle.

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Capital: Abu Dhabi
Currency: UAE Dirham (AED)
Fetching live rate...
Languages: Arabic (English widely spoken)
Time vs Colombo: -1h 30m
Population: About 0.0 million
Calling code: +971
Drives on: Right
Climate: Desert; hot summers and mild winters

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Official Visa Data

Visa Routes Breakdown

17 Total

Work (5)

PR (3)

Study (1)

Visit (5)

Back to all visas

At a glance

Government fee

Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.

Sponsor salary minimum is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation; official fees vary by authority.

Processing time: Varies by ICP, GDRFA, airline, sponsor or service channel; some digital services are processed quickly after complete submission.
How long you can stay: Linked to sponsor residence validity; dependants get grace period after expiry/cancellation.
Work rights: Dependent residence does not itself authorise work; separate work permit may be needed.
Where it leads: Entry, visit, residence, work, study or long-term residence in the UAE for the approved purpose.
Where you apply: ICP smart services/app, GDRFA Dubai, UAE-based airline, authorised travel agent/hotel, sponsor/employer or relevant UAE authority depending on route.

Key requirements

valid passport usually at least six months
passport photo
purpose-specific supporting documents
medical fitness/insurance for residence where required
pay official service fees and guarantees where applicable

Step-by-step process

The verified roadmap from starting your application to the grant.

1
Confirm sponsor salary
Before applying
Confirm sponsor has valid UAE residence and required salary/housing.
2
Prepare dependent file
1-2 weeks
Prepare passports, photos, relationship documents, housing and medical fitness for adults.
3
Apply through ICP/GDRFA
Application day
Submit family residence application through official channel.
4
Complete Emirates ID
Varies
Complete medical/Emirates ID steps where required.
Maintain sponsor validity
After issue
Keep sponsor residence valid and renew dependants on time.

Document checklist

Track your progress as you gather what you need.

0 / 5ready

Identity & Personal

Purpose of Visit

Financial Evidence

Your ticks stay on this device.

Cost breakdown

A verified breakdown beyond just the visa fee.

Government fee: Official fees vary by emirate, service channel, duration and sponsor; use ICP/GDRFA/MOHRE/airline service fee shown at application.
Agent fee: $914
Travel: $328
Settling in: $4,449
Monthly living cost: $1,667

More details

Important notes

Use the official ICP, GDRFA, MOHRE or airline channel for final fees and checklist.
Visit/tourist visas do not authorise employment.

Streams

UAE
Official route

Official sources

This is information, not legal or immigration advice. Always confirm with the official source before you apply.

United Arab Emirates

Visa Routes Breakdown

Quick facts

Visa Routes Breakdown

Confirm sponsor salary

Prepare dependent file

Apply through ICP/GDRFA

Complete Emirates ID

Maintain sponsor validity

Identity & Personal

Purpose of Visit

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources

Confirm sponsor salary

Prepare dependent file

Apply through ICP/GDRFA

Complete Emirates ID

Maintain sponsor validity

Identity & Personal

Purpose of Visit

Financial Evidence

Important notes

Streams

Official sources