As the UAE continues to progress in the global economy, education and quality of life, more and more expats are choosing to settle and develop their careers in the UAE on a permanent basis. However, for expatriate workers, investors or freelancers already in the UAE, the question of how to legally and quickly reunite spouses and children is a crucial one.

In 2025, the UAE government, in an effort to attract more high-quality expatriate residents, theFurther optimization of the family reunification visa policy. This article will provide you with a comprehensive analysisnewestUAE Family Reunification ImmigrationVisa Requirements, Application Process, Required Documents, Frequently Asked Questions and Suggestions for Avoiding PitfallsWe help you realize your dream of family reunion.

I. Who can apply for family reunification?

According to the latest policy of 2025, the following categories of expatriates who are legally residing in the UAE can apply for family reunification visas for their spouses, children and even parents:

1. Employees with work visas(subject to meeting income thresholds)

2. Freelancers or company registrants(with valid license)

3. Golden Visa Holders(No income threshold limit)

4. Long-term resident visa holders(e.g., retirement visas, investment visas)

II. For which relatives is the family reunification visa applicable?

The UAE's family reunification visa covers a wide range of subjects:

• Spouses in legal marriages

• Unmarried children under 25 years of age(Daughters of any age but unmarried)

• Elderly parents(Certificate of no other person's support required)

• Siblings or other immediate family members in special circumstances(subject to government approval)

📌 Latest changes: Raising the upper age limit for children in 2025 from the original 18 years to25 years old.The program has greatly facilitated the reunification of families with adult children.

III. Basic requirements for family reunification applications in 2025

UAEimmigrantsThe Bureau has clear requirements for the sponsor (i.e., the person applying for family reunification):

1. Legal residence status: Possession of a valid residence visa (work, self-employment, golden visa, etc.)

2. Minimum monthly income requirement::

   • Work-type guarantors:Not less than 4,000 dirhams per month

   • Those who provide proof of accommodation:Not less than 3,000 dirhams per month

   • Self-employed or business owners: bank statements and valid company certificates are required.

3. Proof of legal marriage(UAE certification required)

4. Suitable place of residence(Rental contract or real estate license required)

5. Medical insurance in place for dependents

IV. Family reunification visa application process (version 2025)

1. Prepared Materials

   • Copy of sponsor's passport and visa

   • Applicant's passport and photo

   • Marriage certificate or birth certificate (must be notarized + certified)

   • Proof of sponsor's income (pay stubs or bank statements)

   • Proof of real estate or rental contract (Ejari)

   • Proof of purchase of medical insurance

   • No criminal record (may be required in some emirates)

2. Submit an application

   • transferring entityUAE ICP official websiteor the system of the Immigration Department of each Emirate

   • or through the "Typing Center" (with a fee)

3. Entry Visa/Change of Visa Status

   • Family members outside the country: Entry visa issued → converted to residence visa upon arrival

   • Family members in the country (with tourist visa, etc.): Pay the "change of status fee" to switch directly.

4. Medical Examination and Emirates ID Application

   • Applicants over the age of 18 are required to undergo a medical examination

   • Obtaining an Emirates ID and Visa Issuance

⏱️ Overall cycle: Normally it takes about 2-4 weeks, and in some cases it can be completed in 10 days if the documents are complete and the process is smooth.

V. Visa Validity and Renewal

• Family reunification visas are usuallyValid for 1 or 2 years(depending on the duration of the sponsor's visa)

  

• Renewable on the original pathway with continued income and housing requirements

VI. Application fees and expenses

✅ Consolidated costs (1 family member): concise Dh2,500 - Dh5,000(approximately RMB 5,000-10,000)

VII. Frequently Asked Questions and Suggestions for Avoiding Pitfalls

1. What about language discrepancies in marriage certificates?
Translation into Arabic is required and notarized in your country, certified by the UAE Embassy in your country, and then certified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

2. Does the rental contract have to be in the person's name?
Yes, the guarantor is required to provide a lease contract recognized by Ejari (Dubai) or other emirates.

3. Is it possible to enter on a tourist visa and transfer to a family visa?
Yes, you can, but you will have to pay a status change fee, and it is recommended to prioritize the application for an entry visa before traveling.

4. Are golden visas more advantageous?
Yes! Golden visa holders canNo income thresholdDirect application for family reunification is very friendly to high net worth individuals and senior professionals.

VIII. Conclusion: Bring your family and enjoy life in the UAE!

existUAE ImmigrationIf you are living in the UAE and are worried about your family members, the new policy for 2025 is providing an easier and more flexible way for families around the world to reunite. Whether you are a programmer, entrepreneur, teacher, doctor or freelancer, as long as you have legal residency status in the UAE and meet the basic requirements, you can apply for a spouse and child reunification visa to share this land of opportunity and warmth.