Most family visa delays in the UAE are not caused by the visa itself but by a missing or incorrectly prepared document. If everything is ready from the start, the process is usually smooth. Use this checklist to prepare the documents for you as the sponsor and for each family member. Requirements can differ slightly between emirates and change over time, so we confirm the exact list for your case before you pay.
Sponsor documents
As the sponsor, you will usually need:
- Passport copy, valid.
- UAE residence and Emirates ID, valid.
- Salary certificate or labour contract if you are employed, or your trade licence and company documents if you are an investor or partner.
- Tenancy contract, registered where required (for example Ejari in Dubai), or proof of accommodation provided by your employer.
- Sometimes recent bank statements.
Not sure your income is enough? See our salary requirement guide.
Documents for each family member
Spouse
- Passport copy with enough validity.
- Recent passport-style photo with a white background.
- Marriage certificate, attested and translated into Arabic if issued abroad.
Children
- Passport copy and photo for each child.
- Birth certificate, attested and translated into Arabic if issued abroad.
Sons can be sponsored until age 25, unmarried daughters with no age limit, and children with disabilities at any age. A baby born in the UAE must get residency within 120 days of birth; see our newborn visa service.
Parents (extra documents)
- Passport copy and photo for each parent.
- Proof of relationship, usually your own attested birth certificate showing their names.
- Health insurance valid in the UAE for each parent.
- Higher salary and housing proof, as commonly required for parents.
Family members aged 18 and over will also do a medical fitness test and give Emirates ID biometrics during the process. These are appointments, not documents you prepare in advance.
Quick checklist table
| Person | Key documents |
|---|---|
| Sponsor | Passport, residence and Emirates ID, salary certificate or trade licence, tenancy contract |
| Spouse | Passport, photo, attested marriage certificate |
| Children | Passport, photo, attested birth certificate |
| Parents | Passport, photo, proof of relationship, health insurance |
Tips: attestation, translation and scans
Attestation for documents issued abroad
Marriage and birth certificates issued outside the UAE must be attested before they are accepted. The usual chain is:
- Notary or the relevant local authority in the issuing country (where required).
- Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the issuing country.
- UAE embassy or consulate in that country.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
The exact first steps depend on your home country. Our certificate attestation service can manage the full chain for you.
Legal Arabic translation
Certificates in other languages must be translated into Arabic by a legal translator. It is best to translate after attestation, so the stamps are included.
Scans and photos on WhatsApp are fine
To start, you do not need to visit an office. Clear colour scans or phone photos sent on WhatsApp are fine. Make sure all four corners are visible, there is no glare, and the text is readable.
Common mistakes to avoid
- Names spelled differently on the passport and the certificate. Small differences can cause questions, so check spelling early.
- A passport that is close to expiry. Renew it first if it has little validity left.
- An expired tenancy contract or an old salary certificate. Recent documents are usually expected.
- Translating a certificate before it is fully attested.
Send your documents for a free check
Send what you have on WhatsApp and we will review it free of charge, tell you what is missing, and confirm the current list for your case. You can also see the exact government fees in our visa calculator.
Questions about this visa
Do certificates from my home country need attestation?
Yes. Certificates issued abroad must be attested in the home country, by the UAE embassy there and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, then translated into Arabic.
Can I send my documents on WhatsApp?
Yes. Clear colour scans or phone photos sent on WhatsApp are fine to start your application.
Up to what age can I sponsor my son?
Sons can be sponsored until age 25. Unmarried daughters have no age limit, and children with disabilities can be sponsored at any age.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different — we confirm what applies to you before you pay anything.