Quick Answer
A dependent visa (also called family or spouse visa) is a UAE residency permit issued to a sponsor's family member — typically a spouse, child, or parent. The sponsor must meet minimum salary thresholds and provide accommodation.
Any UAE resident — employee, investor, or Golden Visa holder — can sponsor immediate family members for residency. The most common categories are spouses, children under 18 (unmarried daughters of any age, unmarried sons up to 25 if studying), and parents (under specific conditions).
Minimum salary thresholds apply: typically AED 4,000 + accommodation for sponsoring a spouse, AED 4,000 for children, and around AED 20,000 for parents (rules vary by emirate and update periodically). Golden Visa holders have looser thresholds and broader eligibility.
Process: sponsor applies for an entry permit at GDRFA / ICP, dependent enters UAE, completes medical fitness (parents over 60 may have extra checks) and biometrics, and is issued a residency stamp + Emirates ID. Dependents can study and, with separate work permits, sometimes work.
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