Family Residence Visa - Parents
Parents sponsored by a UAE-resident son or daughter to live with them.
The Family Residence Visa - Parents is a UAE family & partner visa. This guide covers who it's for, the key eligibility criteria, the indicative 2025 cost (~AED 5,000+ per parent (incl. higher deposit and insurance)) and processing time (~1-3 weeks), the route to permanent residence, common pitfalls and FAQs.
Who the Family Residence Visa - Parents is for
Parents sponsored by a UAE-resident son or daughter to live with them.
Renewable while the sponsor qualifies; gives no permanent residence or citizenship.
Family Residence Visa - Parents - eligibility criteria
- Sponsor minimum salary typically ~AED 20,000 (or AED 15,000 plus 2-bed accommodation)
- Both parents usually sponsored together
- Proof of relationship and that they are the sole supporter
- Mandatory medical insurance for parents
- Refundable security deposit per parent
Family Residence Visa - Parents cost & processing time (2025)
The indicative government fee for the Family Residence Visa - Parents (United Arab Emirates) is ~AED 5,000+ per parent (incl. higher deposit and insurance), with an indicative processing time of ~1-3 weeks. Figures are for 2025 and may change - confirm at UAE Government (u.ae).
| Type | Dependent |
|---|---|
| Where you apply | Online (ICP/GDRFA) by the resident sponsor |
| Length of stay | 1 year, renewable (both parents sponsored together) |
| Work rights | No work rights |
| Study rights | Not applicable |
| Government fee | ~AED 5,000+ per parent (incl. higher deposit and insurance) |
| Processing time | ~1-3 weeks |
| Route to PR | Renewable while the sponsor qualifies; gives no permanent residence or citizenship. |
Pathway & next steps
Renewable while the sponsor qualifies; gives no permanent residence or citizenship.
Many applicants also compare Family Spouse · Family Residence Visa - Spouse, Family Child · Family Residence Visa - Children, Retiree · Retirement Residence Visa (5-year). Run a free VisaChief check to see which UAE route best fits your profile, then prepare an application reviewed by a registered migration agency in our partner network.
Common Family Residence Visa - Parents pitfalls we fix
Family Residence Visa - Parents - frequently asked questions
How much does the Family Residence Visa - Parents cost?
The Family Residence Visa - Parents government fee is ~AED 5,000+ per parent (incl. higher deposit and insurance). Figures are indicative for 2025; always confirm current fees at UAE Government (u.ae) before applying.
How long does the Family Residence Visa - Parents take to process?
Indicative processing time is ~1-3 weeks. Actual timeframes vary with caseload, completeness and your circumstances.
Does the Family Residence Visa - Parents lead to permanent residence?
Renewable while the sponsor qualifies; gives no permanent residence or citizenship.
Can I work on the Family Residence Visa - Parents?
Work rights: No work rights.
Who can apply for the Family Residence Visa - Parents?
Parents sponsored by a UAE-resident son or daughter to live with them.
Sources & official references
This guide is compiled from official United Arab Emirates government sources and is updated periodically. Eligibility, fees and processing times change - always confirm the current rules with the issuing authority before you apply:
- UAE Government (u.ae) - official United Arab Emirates immigration authority