UAE Remote Work Visa : how the oneyear Virtual Working route works

Dubai’s Family Visa (dependent residence) enables a resident sponsor to bring in a spouse, children (including certain stepchild cases) and, in some instances, parents, subject to conditions. This overview focuses on documentation (including legalisation and Arabic translation), specifics tied to investor visas (2/5/10 years) and an indicative cost grid frequently quoted for Dubai.

Required documents : key principles

A typical file includes :

• Sponsor: passport + residence visa, evidence of family link (e.g., mother as sponsor: father’s NOC for boys < 18 and girls < 21; father as sponsor: evidence of mother’s status via her residence or Emirates ID).
• Dependent: passport (valid > 6 months), copy of previous residence visa (if any), compliant photo per ICP specs, birth certificate legalised (home country → UAE Embassy → UAE MOFA), then Arabic translation; or consular letter attesting the relationship (required opening: “This is to confirm/clarify…”).
• Husband/Wife: marriage certificate legalised (same steps) and Arabic translation; certain nationalities must also present a national ID.
• Medical insurance: required for all residence applications (DHA Basic or comprehensive coverage).

Note : GDRFA rules set particular durations depending on age/status (e.g., sons up to 25; unmarried daughters without age cap, subject to conditions). Children aged > 18 may have to sign additional undertakings (e.g., unmarried statements).

Dependant visa validity

In practice, a dependent’s Family Visa aligns with the sponsor’s residence: if the sponsor holds a 10year investor visa, the dependent may be eligible for 10 years (subject to conditions such as unmarried status for children). For 5year investor visas, the same logic applies. Particular limits remain (e.g., stepchild status, renewal conditions for sons after 25).

Indicative costs (examples)

Amounts vary by age (>/< 18) and length of the sponsor’s visa (2/5/10 years). For illustration :

• New dependent visa > 18 (sponsor with 2year investor visa): ~ AED 7,032; < 18: ~ AED 6,332.
• Renewal > 18 (2year sponsor): ~ AED 5,353; < 18: ~ AED 4,653.
• New > 18 (5year sponsor): ~ AED 5,154; < 18: ~ AED 4,019.
• New > 18 (10year sponsor): ~ AED 6,054; < 18: ~ AED 5,019.
• Cancellation: ~ AED 506.

These figures typically include platform and administrative fees, ID card, medical test, stamping and eservices. Insurance premiums and any deposits (e.g., for stepchildren) are extra.

Filing pathway

Submission is fully online through the designated channels (portals/land department hubs where applicable). Documents are prechecked; originals may be requested at specific steps and should be available. Applicants are advised not to attend physically unless instructed, as the process is designed to be remote.

Practical tips

• Verify legalisations carefully (home country → UAE Embassy → UAE MOFA) and arrange compliant Arabic translations.
• Follow consular letter templates (required wording) to prove relationships where certificates are unavailable.
• Prepare a compliant photo (ICP standards) and any specific proofs (e.g., NOC, national ID for designated nationalities).
• Align dependant visa durations with the sponsor’s and calendarise renewals.

In Dubai, the Family Visa hinges on a robust documentary package (relationship, marriage, translations, insurance) and digital compliance (online submissions, photos, payments). By preparing legalisations early and synchronising dependant stays with the sponsor’s visa, you can secure issuance and renewal while keeping costs under control.

Our lawyers, who are experts in immigration law, are available to answer all your questions and provide advice. We offer face-to-face meetings or videoconferencing. You can make an appointment directly online at https://www.agn-avocats.fr/.

AGN AVOCATS – Immigration Law
contact@agn-avocats.fr
09 72 34 24 72