After marriage, many Pakistani husbands working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or Sharjah want their wife and children to join them. The good news is that UAE residents can sponsor their family if they meet a few clear conditions. This guide explains the UAE family visa for Pakistanis step by step, including the salary rule, documents and the medical test.
Key points
- To sponsor family, a UAE resident needs a salary of at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation (UAE government portal).
- Your nikah certificate must be registered and attested for use in the UAE.
- Family members aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness test in the UAE.
- Family visas are linked to the sponsor’s residence visa.
Who Can Sponsor a UAE Family Visa for Pakistanis?
According to the official UAE government portal (u.ae), a foreign resident can sponsor their wife and children if they earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. In addition, the sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
Family Members You Can Sponsor
- Wife (husband in some cases)
- Sons, subject to age rules
- Unmarried daughters
- Parents, under separate and stricter conditions
Documents Checklist
| Document | Notes |
|---|---|
| Sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID | Valid residence required |
| Salary certificate or employment contract | Shows the salary condition is met |
| Tenancy contract | Proof of housing in the UAE |
| Attested nikah / marriage certificate | NADRA MRC with MOFA and UAE attestations |
| Children’s birth certificates | Attested, if born outside the UAE |
| Passports and photos of family members | White background photos |
Step-by-Step Process
- Attest your nikah papers in Pakistan (see our nikah registration and attestation guide).
- Apply for the entry permit through ICP, GDRFA Dubai or an approved typing centre.
- Family travels to the UAE on the entry permit.
- Medical test: family members aged 18 and above complete the medical fitness test.
- Emirates ID biometrics for each family member.
- Residence visa is issued, linked to the sponsor’s visa.
Important Rules to Remember
- If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the family visas must also be cancelled.
- Dependents get a grace period after cancellation to arrange a new residence, as explained on the UAE portal.
- Keep the tenancy contract and salary documents updated when renewing.
Planning your marriage first? Read our guide to finding a genuine match in the UAE and the step-by-step UAE marriage proposals guide.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum salary for a UAE family visa?
AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, according to the UAE government portal.
Do I need to attest my nikah nama?
Yes. The marriage certificate usually needs NADRA registration, MOFA Pakistan attestation, UAE Embassy attestation and UAE MOFA attestation.
Can my wife work on a family visa?
She can work if her employer obtains a work permit for her under UAE rules.
In short, the UAE family visa for Pakistanis is very achievable once your salary, housing and attested documents are in order.
Sources: UAE government portal (u.ae), ICP and GDRFA Dubai. Rules can change; confirm on official websites.