Family Visa: Pakistan → United Arab Emirates
Pakistan citizens must apply for a Family Visa at the United Arab Emirates embassy or consulate in Islamabad. Pakistan holders carry a passport ranked #100 for travel access. Applicants typically pay about $190, and allow roughly 46–138 business days for processing. The estimated approval rate for this route is about 41%. United Arab Emirates sits within Asia, hosts its seat of government in Abu Dhabi, circulates the AED as its currency, uses Arabic as an official language, has roughly ≈9.5M residents. Each visit allows a stay of up to 365 days. Required documents, fees, and step-by-step application instructions follow.
Quick answer
Pakistan passport holders must apply for a United Arab Emirates family visa at the embassy or consulate. Government fee $190, typical processing 138 business days. Plan to submit at least 138 days before travel.
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Required Documents
- A round-trip travel itinerary (reservation, not necessarily paid)
- Proof of accommodation: hotel booking or a host invitation letter
- Bank statements (last 3-6 months)
- A valid travel/medical insurance policy
- Civil documents attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
- Police clearance certificate from country of residence
- Detailed sponsor letter and financial proof from inviting party (if applicable)
- Original education certificates (attested by HRD/MOFA)
- Valid passport with at least 6 months validity beyond departure date
- Visa application form, fully completed and signed
- Two recent passport-size color photographs
- Marriage or birth certificate (notarized + apostilled)
- Sponsor's residence permit or citizenship proof
- Sponsor's financial documents
- Joint photographs or proof of relationship
- Valid passport (6+ months remaining)
- Marriage certificate (for spouse) - apostilled and translated
- Birth certificates (for children) - apostilled and translated
- Sponsor's residence permit / visa copy in United Arab Emirates
- Sponsor's employment contract and recent payslips
- Sponsor's housing contract proving adequate living space
- Family relationship affidavit (notarized)
- Police clearance for all adult applicants
- Medical fitness test for sponsored family members
- Health insurance covering all family members
- Recent biometric photos per consulate spec
- Visa application form per family member
Eligibility
- Sponsor holds valid residence in United Arab Emirates
- Sponsor meets minimum income threshold
- Sponsor has adequate housing
- Documented family relationship
- No criminal record (all members)
Required proofs
- Sponsor income ≥ United Arab Emirates minimum threshold (~$1,500-3,000/month)
- Sponsor housing ≥ rooms per dependent
- Marriage / birth certs apostilled and translated
- Health insurance for sponsored family
Key facts
- Source country
- Pakistan
- Destination country
- United Arab Emirates
- Visa type
- Family Visa
- Entry requirement
- Visa Required
- Application fee
- $190 USD
- Processing time
- 46–138 business days
- Maximum stay
- 365 days per visit
- Validity
- 730 from issue date
- Estimated approval rate
- ~41.00%
- Source passport rank
- #100/199
Compiled by VisaCross from official embassy sources. Last reviewed June 2026. See methodology.
About United Arab Emirates
- Capital
- Abu Dhabi
- Region
- Asia
- Currency
- UAE Dirham
- Language
- Arabic
- Population
- 9,500,000
- Best time to visit
- November-March (perfect 20-28°). Avoid June-September (45°+ and humidity).
How much does the trip cost?
USD averages — vary by season and accommodation type.
Preparation timeline
-
Week 1
Renew your passport if it expires within 6 months. Take fresh photos with white background.
-
Week 2
Gather financial proof: last 3 months of bank statements, employer letter, ID copy.
-
Week 3
Book refundable hotel + flights — most embassies want booking confirmations, not paid receipts.
-
Week 4
Buy travel insurance covering at least €30,000 medical, and print the policy.
-
Week 5
Submit the application at the embassy or authorized center, pay the fee.
-
Week 6
Track the application status weekly. Be ready for a possible interview.
-
Week 7
Collect the passport after approval. Verify every detail before you fly.
Visa Fee
$190
USD (approx.)
Processing Time
46–138
business days
Max Stay
365
days per visit
Validity
730
from issue date
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How to Apply
- Apply at the United Arab Emirates embassy or consulate in Islamabad
- Through an authorized visa application center (VFS Global, BLS International)
- Online pre-application followed by an in-person biometrics appointment
Processing and timeline notes
- Standard: 60-180 days
- Spousal reunification often longest
- Begin sponsor side 3 months before family's travel intent
- Country-specific quotas can extend processing
Smart tips that boost approval
- Have sponsor apply first and get residence
- Apostille all family certificates early
- Get health insurance covering all members
- Sponsor must demonstrate income for 3 months minimum
- Be honest about previous marriages / children
What to do after arrival
- Register family members at local authority
- Add dependents to sponsor health insurance
- Enroll children in school
- Apply for individual residence cards
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Applying too close to the travel date — always allow a 4-6 week buffer
- Submitting photographs that fail the official specifications (size, background, recency)
- Failing to show sufficient funds for the full duration of the stay
- Underestimating the importance of a clear, dated travel itinerary
- Submitting civil documents without MOFA attestation required by United Arab Emirates
- Marriage certificate not apostilled
- Income falls below minimum just before applying
- Inconsistent addresses between sponsor docs
- Not declaring previous marriages
- Skipping medical for children
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Frequently Asked Questions
Do Pakistan citizens need a Family Visa for United Arab Emirates?
Yes, Pakistan citizens must apply for a Family Visa at the United Arab Emirates embassy or visa application center before traveling. United Arab Emirates's capital is Abu Dhabi, in Asia.
How much does the Family Visa cost?
The Family Visa application fee is approximately $190 USD, payable to the United Arab Emirates embassy or processing center (often charged in AED or USD). Third-party service fees may apply additionally.
How long does it take to process the Family Visa?
Processing typically takes 46–138 business days. Apply at least 4–6 weeks before your intended travel date to allow for delays or additional document requests.
What documents do I need?
You'll need a valid passport (with at least 6 months validity), a completed application form, recent passport-size photographs, proof of financial means, proof of travel medical insurance, a travel itinerary, and accommodation booking. Additional documents depend on your specific case.
Can I extend my Family Visa once I'm in United Arab Emirates?
Extension policies vary. Contact the United Arab Emirates immigration authority within the country to inquire about extending your stay.
What happens if my application is denied?
If denied, you'll typically receive a written reason. You may reapply with additional supporting documents, or appeal through the embassy's formal process. The application fee is generally non-refundable.
Do I need travel insurance?
Most United Arab Emirates Family Visa applications require proof of travel medical insurance with adequate coverage for the duration of your stay.
Can I work on a Family Visa?
Each visa category has specific work rights. Confirm with the embassy whether your visa permits work.
Who can sponsor me in United Arab Emirates?
Usually spouse, adult children residents, or parents. Some countries allow sponsorship by siblings or second-degree relatives with higher income thresholds.
What is the minimum sponsor income required?
Varies by country, usually twice the minimum wage or $25,000-50,000/year. Some require additional guarantees or a bank deposit of $5,000-15,000.
How long does a family reunification visa take?
Often 6-12 months, longer than work or tourist. Security checks and proof of relationship (official notarized documents) extend the timeline.
Do I need a DNA test to prove relationship?
Some countries require it when official documents are insufficient, or when documents are doubted. Costs $300-1500 and must be done at accredited labs only.
Can I work on a family reunification visa?
In most countries yes automatically once residency is issued, but some require a separate work permit. Verify local rules before arrival.
What documents prove the relationship?
Birth certificates for children, marriage certificate for spouse, sometimes formal adoption paper. All must be translated and authenticated by your foreign ministry and United Arab Emirates embassy.
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Reviewed by the VisaCross editorial team
Last reviewed: June 2026. We cross-check this route against official embassy publications and update when policies change.
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