Understanding the Two‑Year Family Visa in Dubai
The two‑year family visa is a residence visa that allows you to sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases parents. Unlike the five‑ or ten‑year golden visas, this is the standard option for most expatriates earning above the minimum salary requirement (currently AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation). The visa is renewable, and the process involves medical testing, Emirates ID registration, and stamping the passport.
One important distinction: the visa validity starts from the date of entry into the UAE, not the issue date. This small detail can give you a few extra weeks if you plan your entry wisely.
Complete Breakdown of 2 Years Family Visa Price in Dubai 2025‑2026
Below is a professional pricing table showing all mandatory and optional fees for a single dependant. Multiply accordingly for multiple family members. All figures are in UAE Dirhams (AED) and based on current Amer center and ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) rates.
| Fee Component | Amount (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit (application + issuance) | 700 – 1,200 | Varies by sponsor type and processing speed |
| Medical fitness test | 320 – 500 | Higher for hepatitis/HIV tests if required |
| Emirates ID & residency stamping | 370 – 470 | Includes typing center fees |
| Visa stamping (inside passport) | 100 – 200 | If passport stamping is done physically |
| Security deposit (refundable) | 2,500 – 3,000 | Per dependant – refunded when visa is cancelled |
| Health insurance (basic plan, 1 year) | 650 – 1,200 | Mandatory for all family visas in Dubai |
| Typing center + admin fees | 150 – 250 | One‑time per application |
| Total (excluding deposit) | 2,290 – 3,820 AED | Approx. USD 625 – 1,040 |
| Total (including deposit) | 4,790 – 6,820 AED | Deposit is refundable upon visa cancellation |
The above table reflects the 2 years family visa price in Dubai for one dependant in 2025‑2026. For a family of four (spouse + two children), expect to pay between AED 9,000 and AED 15,000 excluding deposits, or AED 19,000‑27,000 including deposits. The security deposit is the biggest short‑term financial burden, but you get it back.
Mandatory vs Optional Costs
Non‑negotiable fees
Every family visa application requires the entry permit, medical screening, biometrics, Emirates ID, and health insurance. There is no way around these. The medical test for dependants over 18 includes a chest X‑ray and blood test for communicable diseases. Some nationalities may need additional vaccinations, adding AED 100‑200.
Optional but recommended
Many applicants pay for Amer VIP service (AED 500‑700 extra) to skip queues. Similarly, home medical testing is available for AED 200‑300 more. If you have infants or elderly parents, these add‑ons save significant time and hassle.
Hidden charges to watch for
Typing centers sometimes add unannounced “smart service fees”. Always ask for a printed breakdown. Also, if your visa application is delayed beyond 30 days, late renewal penalties start at AED 25 per day. Plan accordingly.
Salary Requirements and Sponsorship Rules
To sponsor a family for a two‑year visa, you must prove a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus company accommodation. Your employment contract and bank statements for the last three months will be checked. Freelancers and investors can also sponsor, but they need a valid trade license and higher earnings documentation.
If you are new to Dubai residence procedures, you might find our detailed comparison of service costs useful. For example, understanding expenses in other categories — like hotel stays or transit arrangements — helps overall financial planning. Check out this guide on transit hotel Bangalore airport to see how short‑term accommodation costs differ from long‑term visa budgets.
Step‑by‑Step Application Process with Fees
Entry permit application
You apply through the ICP website or an Amer centre. Cost: AED 700‑1,200. Approval takes 5‑10 working days. Once approved, you have 60 days to bring your dependant into the UAE.
Medical screening after arrival
Your dependant must visit an approved medical centre. Cost: AED 320‑500. Results take 24‑48 hours. If tests are positive for any notifiable disease, the visa is rejected with partial refunds.
Emirates ID and biometrics
After medical clearance, you book a biometrics appointment. Cost: AED 370‑470. Children under 15 do not provide fingerprints but still require an Emirates ID. Processing takes 3‑5 working days.
Visa stamping
The final step is stamping the residence visa inside the passport or on a separate ID card. Cost: AED 100‑200. You can opt for an e‑visa (no stamp) at a lower fee, but some employers still request the physical stamp.
If you are also arranging relocation services or cargo from Dubai to India, planning visa timelines alongside shipping schedules saves stress. For reliable transport, you might explore reliable cargo to India from Dubai as a parallel consideration.
Security Deposit: What You Must Know
The AED 2,500‑3,000 deposit per dependant is the single largest upfront cost. It is not a fee — it is a guarantee that your family member will leave the country when the visa is cancelled or not overstay. The deposit is refunded within 1‑3 months after the visa is officially cancelled and the person exits the UAE. Keep the original deposit receipt; without it, refunds can take over six months.
Some companies negotiate deposit waivers for high‑net‑worth employees, but this is rare. For most families, budgeting for deposits is essential.
Health Insurance for Family Visa in Dubai
Dubai Law No. 11 of 2013 makes health insurance mandatory for all residence visa holders. The sponsor must provide coverage. Basic plans start at AED 650‑1,200 per year, covering emergency treatment, GP visits, and limited medication. For better hospitals and maternity coverage, premiums rise to AED 2,500‑5,000 annually.
Insurance must be purchased before the visa stamping is complete. Some employers provide family coverage as a benefit — always check first.
Comparison with Other UAE Visa Types
The two‑year family visa is not the only option. Five‑year green visas for skilled workers and ten‑year golden visas exist, but their costs are significantly higher (AED 5,000‑15,000 in government fees alone). For most middle‑income families, the two‑year visa remains the most cost‑effective entry point.
If you enjoy exploring travel and lifestyle content, SundayMoves covers many practical expat topics. For example, you can read about best places to stay in Coffs Harbour for family travel inspiration once your visa is sorted.
Money‑Saving Tips for Family Visa Application
Avoid VIP services unless you are on a tight deadline. Regular processing takes 2‑3 weeks.
Apply for all family members together — package discounts exist at some Amer centres.
Use the same typing centre for all steps; many offer reduced admin fees for returning customers.
Compare health insurance online using platforms like InsuranceMarket.ae before buying.
Renew exactly on time to avoid late penalties (AED 25/day after grace period).
Managing daily expenses in Dubai also matters. For supermarket savings once your family arrives, see how costs compare in this trolley supermarket comparison — it helps you plan monthly grocery budgets after paying visa fees.
Common Mistakes That Increase Your Costs
Many applicants overpay because they use expensive “visa processing agencies” instead of going directly to Amer centres or the ICP app. Third‑party agencies add AED 500‑1,500 for the same forms. Another mistake: waiting until the last week of validity to renew. If any document is missing, you incur overstay fines. Start the renewal process 60 days before expiry.
Also, ensure your dependant’s passport has at least six months validity from the date of entry. Passports with less validity cause rejections and re‑application fees.
For reference on how pricing works in other lifestyle categories, you might find this hotel price analysis helpful: sleepin hotel Guyana prices — another example of how accommodation and visa costs differ by region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Is the security deposit refundable for children?
Yes, for all dependants regardless of age, provided they exit the UAE after visa cancellation.
Q: Can I pay the total 2 years family visa price in Dubai in installments?
No. Government fees and deposits are due upfront. Some employers offer salary advances.
Q: Does the two‑year visa include health insurance automatically?
No. You must purchase it separately. No visa stamping happens without active insurance.
Q: What happens if my salary drops below the requirement?
You can still renew existing family visas, but new sponsorships may be rejected. Plan carefully.
Q: Are there discounts for multiple children?
No discounts from ICP, but some typing centres reduce admin fees per additional dependant.
If you are also a vaping enthusiast relocating to Dubai, be aware of strict local laws. Read our guide on can you vape in Dubai public areas to avoid fines — another important cost consideration for your new life in the UAE.
Final Takeaways: Is the Two‑Year Family Visa Worth It?
Despite the upfront financial load — typically AED 5,000‑7,000 per dependant including deposits — the two‑year family visa offers stability, access to schools, banking, and healthcare. For most expatriates, it remains the most balanced choice between cost and convenience. The refundable deposit softens the blow, and with careful planning (avoiding third‑party agencies, choosing basic insurance, and applying directly), you can reduce the real cost by 20‑25%.
Always check for updated fees on the official ICP smart app before applying. Visa prices change with new UAE labour and residency laws. This 2 years family visa price in Dubai 2025‑2026 guide is accurate as of publication, but using official portals ensures you pay the exact current rates.
Once your family visa is approved, you can focus on settling in — finding schools, housing, and weekend activities. For family‑friendly travel ideas across the UAE and beyond, explore more useful content on SundayMoves.
