Moving to Ras Al Khaimah for business or work often means planning more than just your own UAE residence visa. If you have a spouse or children, you may also want to bring your family to the UAE and obtain RAKEZ dependent visas for them.
RAKEZ provides dependent-visa services for eligible residents, making it possible for qualifying sponsors to arrange residence visas for their family members. RAKEZ currently lists dependent visas alongside investor/partner, employee, renewal, amendment and cancellation visa services.
This guide explains who can sponsor a dependent visa through RAKEZ, which family members may qualify, required documents, the application process, medical testing, Emirates ID, renewal and important considerations for families moving to Ras Al Khaimah.
What Is a RAKEZ Dependent Visa?
A RAKEZ dependent visa is a UAE residence visa for eligible family members sponsored by a UAE resident.
For example, if you establish a company in RAKEZ and obtain your own investor or partner residence visa, you may be able to sponsor eligible family members, subject to UAE immigration requirements.
RAKEZ itself highlights family sponsorship as one of the benefits associated with having a UAE residence visa.
The dependent’s residence status is linked to the sponsor’s valid UAE residence status and applicable immigration conditions.
Who Can Sponsor a Dependent Visa Through RAKEZ?
A foreign resident with a valid UAE residence permit may be able to sponsor eligible family members if the applicable requirements are satisfied.
Potential sponsors can include the following eligible entities:
- RAKEZ investors
- Company partners
- Employees
- Other UAE residents with qualifying residence status
The exact sponsorship conditions depend on the sponsor’s residence category, income, accommodation and relationship with the dependent.
The UAE Government’s current family-residence guidance confirms that a foreign resident in the UAE can sponsor qualifying family members subject to the applicable conditions.
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Eligible family members can generally include:
- Spouse
- Children
- Certain other family members where permitted under the applicable rules
For children, UAE immigration rules can depend on age, gender, marital status and circumstances.
The current UAE government guidance states that a foreign sponsor may sponsor their spouse, unmarried daughters and sons under 25, while children with special needs can also qualify subject to the applicable conditions.
The rules for children can change depending on circumstances, so families should confirm eligibility before submitting an application.
Can a RAKEZ investor sponsor their family?
Yes, an eligible RAKEZ investor or partner can potentially sponsor qualifying family members.
This is particularly useful for entrepreneurs who establish a business in Ras Al Khaimah and want their family to live with them in the UAE.
RAKEZ promotes UAE residence as allowing residents to sponsor family members so that they can live, work, and study in the country.
However, obtaining your own investor residence visa does not automatically mean that every family member qualifies. Sponsorship requirements still need to be met.
What Are the Main Requirements?
The exact requirements depend on the sponsor and dependent, but typical requirements can include:
Sponsor Requirements
The sponsor generally needs:
- Valid UAE residence visa
- Valid passport
- Emirates ID
- Proof of employment or company/investor status
- Proof of suitable accommodation
- Evidence of financial ability to support dependants
The UAE’s official guidance currently states that a foreign sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence permit and demonstrate financial solvency. It lists a minimum monthly income of AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing, or AED 4,000 if housing is not provided, subject to the applicable rules.
Dependent Requirements
A dependent may need:
- Passport valid for at least six months
- Recent passport photograph
- Proof of relationship
- Entry permit where applicable
- Emirates ID application
- Medical fitness certificate for dependents above 18
- Other documents requested by immigration authorities
The UAE Government’s current residence-visa guidance lists a dependent’s passport, photograph, Emirates ID application receipt, certified housing documentation, sponsor’s passport and residence permit, sponsor’s job contract, medical fitness certificate for dependents above 18, entry permit and attested birth certificate for children among the required documents.
Proof of Relationship
One of the most important parts of a dependent-visa application is proving the family relationship.
Depending on the dependent, this can include:
- Marriage certificate
- Birth certificate
- Other official relationship documentation
Documents issued outside the UAE may need to be attested and/or legally translated depending on the document and current immigration requirements.
For children, the UAE government specifically lists an attested birth certificate among the required documentation.
RAKEZ Dependent Visa Application Process
Although the exact procedure can vary, the process generally follows several stages.
Step 1: Check the Sponsor’s Residence Status
Before applying, make sure the sponsor has a valid UAE residence visa.
For a RAKEZ business owner, this could be an investor or partner residence visa.
Step 2: Confirm Dependent Eligibility
Check whether the family member meets the current UAE sponsorship requirements.
Consider:
- Relationship
- Age
- Marital status
- Sponsor’s income
- Accommodation
- Existing residence status
Step 3: Prepare Documents
Collect the sponsor’s and dependent’s identification, relationship, and accommodation documents.
Make sure foreign-issued documents are properly attested where required.
Step 4: Submit the Dependent Visa Application
Submit the application through the applicable RAKEZ visa-service channel.
RAKEZ’s online e-services portal includes a dedicated dependent visa service.
Step 5: Obtain an Entry Permit
Where the dependent is outside the UAE, an entry permit may be issued before travel.
If the dependent is already inside the UAE, the applicable in-country status process may be different.
Step 6: Complete Medical Fitness Testing
Dependents who are required to undergo medical testing must complete the relevant examination.
The UAE government states that medical fitness testing applies to residence applicants aged 18 and above.
Step 7: Complete Emirates ID Procedures
The dependent must complete the relevant Emirates ID application and biometric procedures where applicable.
Step 8: Receive the Residence Visa
Once the application, medical examination, and identification procedures are completed and approved, the dependent’s UAE residence status can be issued.
Can Your Family Apply From Outside the UAE?
In many cases, dependents outside the UAE can enter the country using an approved entry permit and then complete the residence procedures.
The exact process depends on whether the dependant is:
- Outside the UAE
- Already inside the UAE
- Transferring from another UAE visa
- Renewing an existing dependent residence visa
It is important to select the correct application route because in-country and outside-country procedures can have different requirements.
Can Dependents Work in the UAE?
A dependent residence visa is primarily a residence status, not automatically a work permit.
If a family member wants to work in the UAE, the employer must follow the applicable work-permit requirements.
The UAE Government currently confirms that companies can hire residents who are under family sponsorship through the relevant work permit for a resident on family sponsorship.
Therefore, a spouse or other eligible dependent may be able to work while retaining family-sponsored residence, provided the appropriate work permit is obtained.
Can Children Study in the UAE on a Dependent Visa?
A dependent residence visa can allow eligible children to reside in the UAE with their sponsoring parent, subject to the applicable immigration requirements.
RAKEZ highlights that UAE residence enables sponsored family members to live, work and study in the country.
Parents should separately check school admission requirements, because holding a residence visa does not itself guarantee admission to a particular school.
How Long Is a RAKEZ Dependent Visa Valid?
The validity depends on the dependent’s residence category and the sponsor’s residence status.
RAKEZ has previously stated that dependent visas can vary from one to three years, depending on the applicable category.
The dependent’s residence generally cannot exceed the validity of the sponsor’s residence permit. The UAE government’s current guidance states that family residence matches the sponsor’s permit and cannot exceed it.
This means sponsors should keep their own residence status valid and plan dependant renewals accordingly.
What Happens When the Sponsor’s Visa Is Renewed?
If the sponsor renews their residence visa, the dependent’s visa may also need to be renewed according to the applicable process.
RAKEZ currently provides dependent-visa renewal services as part of its visa-service offering.
It is sensible to review all family residence documents together rather than waiting until individual visas are close to expiry.
How much does a RAKEZ dependent visa cost?
Dependent visa costs depend on factors such as
- Visa category
- Duration
- Whether the dependent is inside or outside the UAE
- Entry-permit requirements
- Medical fitness testing
- Emirates ID
- Insurance
- Status-change requirements
- Service speed
RAKEZ has previously published dependent-visa packages starting from AED 1,505, but published prices can change and should not be treated as a current fixed fee.
For an accurate 2026 cost, applicants should check the current RAKEZ service portal and obtain the applicable fee quotation before applying.
Does the Dependent Need Health Insurance?
Health-insurance requirements can apply depending on the residence application and emirate/provider requirements.
Applicants should confirm the current insurance requirement for their specific dependent-visa application.
RAKEZ also provides visa packages and services that can include health-insurance support for certain visa categories.
What If Your Dependent Is Already in the UAE?
If your spouse or child is already in the UAE on another visa, the application may require a status change rather than a standard outside-country entry process.
The exact procedure depends on:
- Current visa type
- Current visa validity
- Sponsor status
- Dependent’s relationship
- Immigration requirements
Do not cancel an existing visa or allow it to expire without confirming the correct transition process.
RAKEZ Dependent Visa for Spouse
A spouse is one of the most common dependent-visa categories.
Typical documentation can include:
- Sponsor passport
- Sponsor residence visa
- Emirates ID
- Spouse passport
- Recent photograph
- Attested marriage certificate
- Housing documentation
- Medical fitness certificate if applicable
- Emirates ID application
The marriage certificate is particularly important when the marriage took place outside the UAE because attestation or translation may be required.
RAKEZ Dependent Visa for Children
Parents can generally sponsor qualifying children subject to UAE immigration rules.
For children, documentation can include:
- Child’s passport
- Recent photograph
- Birth certificate
- Sponsor’s passport
- Sponsor’s residence visa
- Emirates ID
- Housing documentation
- Medical fitness documentation where applicable
The UAE government’s current rules allow expatriate residents to sponsor sons under 25 and unmarried daughters, subject to the applicable conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Applying With an Unattested Marriage Certificate
Foreign-issued relationship documents may require attestation.
2. Ignoring Passport Validity
The dependent’s passport should generally have sufficient validity. UAE immigration guidance requires a passport valid for at least six months for residence-related applications.
3. Waiting Until the Sponsor’s Visa Expires
The dependent’s residence status is connected to the sponsor’s status, so renewals should be planned together.
4. Assuming a Dependent Visa Is a Work Permit
A family residence visa does not automatically provide permission to work. An appropriate work permit is required.
5. Using Outdated Fee Information
Visa fees and packages can change. Always check the current RAKEZ pricing before applying.
6. Choosing the Wrong Application Route
Inside-UAE applications and applications for dependents outside the country may follow different procedures.
Why RAKEZ Dependent Visas Matter for Business Owners
For entrepreneurs establishing a business in Ras Al Khaimah, family sponsorship can be an important part of the overall relocation plan.
Instead of considering company formation separately from personal residency, business owners should plan:
Business setup → Investor residence → Family sponsorship → Housing → Education → Banking → Long-term residency
RAKEZ’s business setup services include UAE residence options, and the authority highlights the ability of residents to sponsor family members as part of the benefits associated with UAE residency.
This makes dependent-visa planning particularly relevant for entrepreneurs relocating to the UAE with their families.
Final Thoughts
A RAKEZ dependent visa can make relocating to Ras Al Khaimah easier for entrepreneurs, employees and other eligible UAE residents who want their spouse or children to live with them.
The process typically involves confirming the sponsor’s eligibility, verifying the dependent’s relationship, preparing properly attested documents, submitting the application, completing medical and Emirates ID procedures where required, and receiving the dependent’s residence status after approval.
The UAE government’s current rules set specific requirements around sponsorship, financial solvency, accommodation, relationship documentation and dependent eligibility.
For RAKEZ investors and business owners, it is best to plan family visas at the same time as the company and investor residence setup. This helps avoid documentation problems and allows you to budget for the complete relocation process.
Because visa eligibility, fees, processing times and immigration requirements can change, always verify the latest requirements through RAKEZ and the relevant UAE immigration authority before submitting an application.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a RAKEZ dependent visa?
A RAKEZ dependent visa is a UAE residence visa for eligible family members sponsored by a qualifying UAE resident, including eligible RAKEZ investors, partners and employees.
Who can I sponsor under a RAKEZ dependent visa?
Eligible sponsors may generally sponsor their spouse and qualifying children, subject to UAE immigration requirements. Current rules include provisions for unmarried daughters and sons under 25, subject to applicable conditions.
Can a RAKEZ investor sponsor their wife and children?
Yes, an eligible RAKEZ investor or partner with a valid UAE residence permit can potentially sponsor qualifying family members.
What documents are required for a RAKEZ dependent visa?
Common documents include passports, photographs, sponsor residence documents, Emirates ID application, proof of relationship, accommodation documentation and medical fitness certification for dependents aged 18 and above.
Does the marriage certificate need to be attested?
Foreign-issued marriage certificates may need attestation and translation depending on the document and current UAE requirements.
Can my spouse work on a RAKEZ dependent visa?
A dependent residence visa does not itself constitute a work permit. A spouse can potentially work after the employer obtains the appropriate work permit for a resident under family sponsorship.
Can children study in the UAE on a dependent visa?
Eligible children can reside in the UAE under family sponsorship and can pursue education, subject to school admission requirements. RAKEZ states that UAE residence allows sponsored family members to live, work and study in the country.
Does a dependent need a medical test?
Dependents aged 18 and above generally need to complete a medical fitness test as part of the UAE residence process.
How long is a RAKEZ dependent visa valid?
The validity depends on the applicable visa category and sponsor’s residence. Family residence generally cannot exceed the sponsor’s residence validity.
Can I apply for a dependent visa if my family is outside the UAE?
Depending on the application category, a dependent outside the UAE can generally enter through an approved entry permit and complete the required residence procedures.
How much does a RAKEZ dependent visa cost?
The cost varies according to visa duration, application location, medical testing, Emirates ID, insurance and other services. RAKEZ has previously published dependent-visa packages starting at AED 1,505, but current fees should be checked directly before applying.
Can I renew a RAKEZ dependent visa?
Yes. RAKEZ provides dependent-visa renewal services.
