As an expat in Dubai, a family visa is the key that lets you bring your loved ones, like your spouse, children, and sometimes even your parents, to live with you. This visa is super important because it gives them legal residency, meaning they can live here, get jobs (with the right permits), go to the doctor, and attend school. But, just like any other ID, this visa doesn’t last forever. You have to renew it to make sure your family can stay in Dubai legally.
Renewing your family’s visa on time is a big deal. If you don’t, you could face huge fines for overstaying and other legal problems. Keeping the visa valid is essential for your family’s safety and gives you all the peace of mind to enjoy your life in Dubai.
Of course, renewal isn’t free – there are family visa renewal charges in Dubai that every sponsor needs to be aware of. These costs can vary depending on a few things, such as whether the dependent needs a medical test, Emirates ID renewal, or typing and service centre fees. Therefore, here we’ll break down all the charges clearly, so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
Family Visa Renewal in Dubai
A family visa in Dubai is a residence permit that allows UAE residents to sponsor their close family members, such as their spouse, children, or parents, so they can legally live in the country. It helps families stay together and ensures dependents have access to education, healthcare, and other services.
Family visas in Dubai are typically issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type, profession, and other conditions. Once this period ends, the visa must be renewed to avoid overstay fines or legal issues.
Who Needs to Renew a Family Visa?
Every dependent under a family visa needs renewal once the visa’s validity period ends. This usually applies to:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children (with certain age restrictions, usually up to 18 years, or 21 if studying)
- Parents (with additional income and housing requirements for sponsors)
- Other dependents, if approved under special conditions
The renewal process is overseen by:
- GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai): The main authority for residency and visa services.
- Amer Centres: Authorised service centres across Dubai where you can submit applications, pay fees, and complete most of the renewal steps without visiting GDRFA directly.
What are Family Visa Renewal Charges in Dubai?
The total cost of renewing a family visa isn’t a single fee. It’s a combination of different government fees, service charges, and other mandatory expenses. Here is a breakdown of the typical costs you can expect per person:
Visa renewal application fee:
This is the government fee for extending your family member’s residence visa. It usually falls between AED 470 to AED 600 for a two-year renewal.
Medical Test Fee:
This is a mandatory and separate fee for all dependents aged 18 and over. The cost for a standard medical fitness test (which includes blood tests and a chest x-ray) can range from AED 300 to AED 700. There are also faster, VIP options available at a higher cost.
Emirates ID Renewal Fee:
Every resident in the UAE must have an Emirates ID. The renewal fee is a separate charge and depends on the validity period of the ID, which is typically tied to the visa’s duration. For a 2-year visa, the fee is around AED 390.
Typing or Amer centre service fee:
Since all applications go through Amer centres or authorised typing offices, you’ll need to pay a service fee of around AED 50 to AED 150.
Health insurance:
If your dependent’s visa requires insurance (which is often the case), you’ll need to renew or purchase a plan. Basic policies usually start at around AED 700 per year, but can go well above AED 1,500 depending on age and coverage.
When you add these up, the total family visa renewal charges in Dubai usually come to around AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 per person, if no insurance is needed. If insurance is required, it could go up to AED 4,000 or even AED 5,000, depending on the plan and other factors.
There’s also a small difference between renewing visas while your family is inside Dubai versus if they are outside the UAE. Most people renew visas while their dependents are already in the country, and the charges are as listed above. But if your dependent is outside the UAE and needs a new entry permit or re-entry process, there will be some extra fees on top of the normal renewal costs.
Please note: Visa regulations and fees in Dubai can change. For the most accurate and current information, it is highly recommended to check with an official Amer Center, GDRFA website, or just get in touch with one of our top experts at Shuraa Business Setup.
Read Also: Family Visa UAE: Rules, Application Process & 2025 Costs
What are the Documents Required for Family Visa Renewal?
When it’s time to renew a family visa in Dubai, having the right documents ready will save you a lot of hassle. Here’s what you’ll usually need:
- Valid passport copies of both the sponsor and the dependent(s).
- UAE residence visa copy of the sponsor.
- Recent passport-size photos of the dependent(s), meeting UAE photo standards.
- Emirates ID copies of both sponsor and dependents (if already issued).
- Emirates ID application/renewal form (can be processed through Amer or typing centres).
- Medical fitness test results (for dependents 18 years and above).
- Health insurance policy for the dependent (if required).
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of housing in the UAE.
- Salary certificate or labour contract of the sponsor, showing eligibility to support dependents.
- Relationship proof (like attested birth certificate for children, marriage certificate for spouse, etc.).
How to Renew Your Family Visa in Dubai?
While you can do some steps online through the GDRFA website or app, most people find it easiest to work with an Amer Center, which streamlines the entire process. Here’s the overview of the process:
1. Book and complete the medical fitness test
Dependents above 18 years must undergo a medical test at an approved health centre. Results are usually available within 24–48 hours (faster if you choose urgent service).
2. Renew or update health insurance
A valid health insurance policy is required for most family visas. Make sure the insurance matches the new visa validity period.
3. Apply for Emirates ID renewal
Submit the Emirates ID renewal application (can be done at Amer centres or typing offices). Biometric updates may be required if fingerprints or details have changed.
4. Submit the family visa renewal application
Go to an Amer Center or apply online through the GDRFA system. Provide all required documents, including passports, photos, Emirates ID copies, medical results, and housing proof.
5. Pay the renewal fees
Pay the visa renewal fee, typing charges, and any other applicable costs. Fees vary depending on validity, medical tests, and insurance.
6. Get the approval and visa stamped
Once approved, the renewed residence visa will be stamped in the dependent’s passport (digital visas are also becoming common). You’ll receive confirmation that your family member’s residency has been successfully extended.
Renew Your Family Visa Without the Stress
Renewing a family visa in Dubai may sound complicated at first, but if you prepare your documents and start the process on time, it’s actually very straightforward. The key is not to wait until the last moment, so you can avoid unnecessary stress or fines and keep your family’s residency secure.
If you’d like someone to handle everything for you, Shuraa is here to help. We take care of all the steps – from booking medical tests and renewing Emirates IDs to submitting applications and getting approvals. You’ll always know the costs upfront, and we’ll make sure the whole process is done quickly and without hassle.
Get in touch with Shuraa today and let us make your family visa renewal simple, clear, and stress-free.
Commonly Asked Questions
1. What are the family visa renewal charges in Dubai?
The yearly cost usually starts from around AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 per person without insurance, and can go up to AED 4,000–5,000 if health insurance is included. The final amount depends on factors like medical tests, Emirates ID renewal, and insurance.
2. What happens if I don’t renew the family visa on time?
If you miss the renewal deadline, overstay fines will apply, and it may also affect your family’s legal residency status in Dubai.
3. How long does it take to renew a family visa?
On average, it takes 3 to 5 working days, but it can be quicker if all documents are complete and medical results are ready.
4. Do all dependents need a medical test?
Only dependents aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test as part of the renewal process.
5. Can I renew a family visa online in Dubai?
Yes. Renewals can be done through the GDRFA website/app or with the help of authorised Amer centres.
*Disclaimer: The information in this post is for general guidance only and may change due to updates in government policies or regulations.
