Family Visa Holding in Dubai: Process, Documents & Fees

Changing jobs in Dubai can be stressful, especially when you are sponsoring your wife, children, or other eligible family members.

When your employment residence visa is cancelled as part of a job change, you may also need to deal with the residence files of your dependents. However, eligible residents may be able to use the Family Visa Holding service to temporarily hold their dependents’ residence files while they complete the transition to a new employment residence visa.

The official GDRFA Dubai system lists this service as “Holding the files of sponsored persons for the purpose of cancelling the sponsor’s residence.” The service is available through the applicable Dubai immigration channels, including Amer Service Centers. Smart GDRFAD

In this guide, we explain how Family Visa Holding works in Dubai, who may need it, the required documents, the security deposit, the holding period, the application process, and what happens after your new residence visa is issued.

What Is Family Visa Holding in Dubai?

Family Visa Holding is a temporary arrangement that allows eligible dependents’ residence files to be placed on hold while the sponsor completes the cancellation and transition of their own residence status.

For example, suppose you are currently working for Company A in Dubai and your wife and children are sponsored under your residence visa.

You receive a new job with Company B.

Instead of immediately cancelling your dependents’ residence files, you may be able to request a Family Visa Hold, subject to the applicable immigration requirements and approval.

After your new employment residence visa is issued, the family visa hold can be released through the applicable process.

The official GDRFA Dubai portal confirms that a dedicated service exists for holding sponsored persons’ files for the purpose of cancelling the sponsor’s residence. Smart GDRFAD

For help with UAE government and visa-related services, you can also explore our Amer Services page.

When Is Family Visa Holding Useful?

Family Visa Holding may be relevant when:

• You are changing employers in Dubai
• Your current employment residence visa needs to be cancelled
• Your spouse or children are sponsored under your residence visa
• You want to avoid immediately cancelling your dependents’ residence files
• You already have a new employment offer
• You expect to complete your new residence visa within the permitted holding period

The service is designed for a temporary transition. It should not be treated as a replacement for obtaining a valid new residence visa.

Can You Hold Your Family Visa When Changing Jobs?

An eligible sponsor may apply for the Family Visa Holding service when changing employment, subject to the requirements and approval of the relevant authority.

The exact eligibility of an application can depend on factors such as:

• Current residence status
• Dependent residence validity
• New employment details
• Current employer cancellation
• New employer and profession
• Immigration records
• Number of dependents
• Documents submitted

Because the service is handled through Dubai immigration, it is important to check your specific case before cancelling your current residence visa.

You can also review our Visa Services in Dubai for related residence and visa services.

How Long Can a Family Visa Be Put on Hold?

The Family Visa Holding process is generally intended as a temporary arrangement during the sponsor’s residence transition, with the commonly applied holding period being up to 60 days.

This means the sponsor should complete the new employment residence process within the applicable holding period.

Do not assume that the holding period can automatically be extended if your new residence visa is delayed.

If there is a delay with your new employer’s visa process, check with the relevant immigration authority or an authorised Amer Service Center before the holding period expires.

What Is the Security Deposit for Family Visa Holding?

A refundable security deposit is associated with the Family Visa Holding process.

The commonly quoted Dubai requirement is:

AED 5,000 refundable security deposit

Additional charges may apply depending on the number of dependents and the service channel.

Importantly, the official GDRFA Dubai system itself shows completed Family Visa Holding applications where the status later changed to “deposit refunded”, confirming that the security deposit can be returned after the applicable process is completed. Smart GDRFAD

Because government and service-center charges can change, applicants should confirm the amount payable at the time of application.

Family Visa Holding Fees

The expected cost structure can be understood as follows:

The AED 5,000 deposit should not be confused with a government service fee.

Before payment, confirm the current amount shown on the application or through the authorised service center.

Is the AED 5,000 Deposit Refundable?

Yes, the security deposit is intended to be refundable when the Family Visa Holding process is properly completed and the hold is released, subject to the applicable conditions.

The official GDRFA Dubai service records show applications where the process was approved and subsequently moved through deposit refund stages. Smart GDRFAD

Keep your payment and application records until the refund has been completed.

Documents Required for Family Visa Holding in Dubai

The exact documents can vary depending on the applicant and immigration record.

You should generally keep the following documents ready:

Sponsor’s Documents

• Original passport
• Original Emirates ID
• Existing residence visa information
• Employment cancellation documents
• New employment offer or relevant employment documentation

Dependents’ Documents

• Original passports
• Emirates IDs
• Existing residence visa information
• Relevant family sponsorship documents where required

Employment Documents

Depending on the case, you may be asked for:

• Labour/work permit cancellation document
• New company offer letter
• MOHRE employment offer information
• Free-zone employment offer documentation
• Salary information
• Profession/job title details

The official GDRFA service portal allows applications to be searched using information such as file number, passport number, unified number, Emirates ID and nationality, depending on the application workflow. 

Additional documents may be requested by the authority depending on the individual application.

Is a Labour Cancellation Document Required?

If you are changing employment, the cancellation of your existing employment/work permit may form part of the transition process.

The exact document depends on your employment arrangement and the authority handling your employment record.

For mainland employment, MOHRE-related documentation may apply. For free-zone employment, the relevant free-zone authority may issue the applicable documents.

Therefore, keep your employment cancellation documentation ready before starting the Family Visa Holding application.

Is a New Job Offer Letter Required?

A new employment offer can be an important supporting document when you are changing employers.

The new employment documentation may contain information such as:

• Employer name
• Job title
• Salary
• Employment category
• Offer details

The authority may request additional evidence depending on the circumstances.

Do not assume that simply having a verbal job offer is sufficient.

Family Visa Holding Process in Dubai

The process can generally be understood through the following steps.

Step 1: Receive Your New Employment Offer

Obtain the employment offer or relevant documentation from your new employer.

Check that your:

• Name
• Profession
• Salary
• Employer
• Employment details

are correctly stated.

Step 2: Complete the Required Employment Cancellation

Your current employer completes the applicable work permit/employment cancellation process.

Keep the cancellation document because it may be required for your immigration transaction.

Step 3: Apply for Family Visa Holding

Visit an authorised Amer Service Center or use the applicable Dubai immigration channel.

Request the service for holding the files of your sponsored family members.

The official GDRFA Dubai portal identifies the service as:

Holding the files of sponsored persons for the purpose of cancelling the sponsor’s residence. 

Step 4: Submit the Required Documents

Submit your passport, Emirates ID, dependent documents, employment cancellation documents and new employment documents as applicable.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Deposit and Charges

Pay the required refundable security deposit and any applicable service charges.

Keep the receipt safely.

Step 6: Receive Approval

Once the Family Visa Holding request is approved, your dependents’ files are placed on hold according to the applicable immigration process.

Step 7: Cancel Your Existing Employment Residence

After the family hold has been properly arranged, complete the cancellation of your existing employment residence visa as required.

Step 8: Start Your New Residence Visa Application

Your new employer can then proceed with your new employment residence process.

Depending on your employment category, this may involve:

• Work permit processing
• Medical fitness testing
• Emirates ID application
• Residence issuance

Step 9: Complete Your New Residence Visa

Once your new employment residence is issued, the Family Visa Holding process needs to be completed through the applicable immigration procedure.

Step 10: Release the Family Visa Hold

Submit the required new residence information so the dependent files can be released from the hold.

Step 11: Recover the Security Deposit

Once the hold is properly released and the applicable conditions are satisfied, follow the required process for refunding the security deposit.

The official GDRFA records demonstrate that Family Visa Holding applications can progress to a deposit-refund status after completion. 

Family Visa Holding Process at a Glance

New Job Offer

↓

Employment / Labour Cancellation

↓

Apply for Family Visa Holding

↓

Submit Family & Employment Documents

↓

Pay Refundable Security Deposit

↓

Family Hold Approved

↓

Cancel Existing Employment Residence

↓

New Employer Processes New Residence

↓

New Residence Visa Issued

↓

Release Family Visa Hold

↓

Refund Security Deposit

Can You Apply for Family Visa Holding Through Amer?

For Dubai residence services, Amer Service Centers are an established service channel for relevant GDRFA transactions.

The official GDRFA portal states that individuals can access applicable services through Dubai’s smart channels, the Dubai Now application and customer service centers (Amer). 

If you prefer assistance with the application, you can visit Amer Smart Lounge to discuss your requirements and documents.

Can Family Visa Holding Be Done Online?

The GDRFA Dubai system provides smart channels for individual services, while customer service centers such as Amer are also available for applicable transactions.

Whether your particular Family Visa Holding application can be completed entirely online depends on the transaction and the requirements of the authority.

If you are unsure, an authorised Amer Service Center can help you determine the applicable submission channel.

Can You Hold Your Family Visa for More Than 60 Days?

You should not assume that the Family Visa Holding arrangement can automatically continue beyond the applicable period.

The service is intended to cover the transition between the sponsor’s old and new residence status.

If your new employment residence visa is delayed, contact the relevant immigration authority or Amer Service Center as soon as possible.

Waiting until the last day can create unnecessary complications.

Can You Travel While Your Family Visa Is on Hold?

Do not assume that travel is unrestricted while a dependent’s residence file is on hold.

A Family Visa Hold changes the immigration status of the dependent files for the purpose of the sponsor’s residence transition.

Before travelling, check the current immigration status and applicable travel requirements with the relevant authority.

Can Family Visa Holding Be Used When Moving to Another Emirate?

Dubai Family Visa Holding is a Dubai immigration process.

If your new employment residence will be issued by another emirate, do not automatically assume that the same Dubai procedure will apply.

For example, moving from a Dubai employment visa to an employment residence issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or another emirate may involve a different immigration authority and process.

Check the applicable authority before cancelling your existing residence.

Is Family Visa Holding the Same as Family Visa Cancellation?

No.

Family Visa Holding and Family Visa Cancellation are different processes.

If you are changing jobs and intend to continue sponsoring your family, check the possibility of a Family Visa Hold before cancelling the dependent visas.

Family Visa Holding vs New Family Visa

Family Visa Holding does not mean that a new family residence visa has been issued.

It is a temporary arrangement during the sponsor’s residence transition.

Once the sponsor obtains the new residence visa, the dependent files can be released according to the applicable procedure.

If you are applying for family sponsorship for the first time, you need to follow the normal family residence visa process.

You can learn more about related services through our Family Visa Services page.

What Happens If Your New Employer Delays Your Visa?

A delay can become important because the family hold is intended to cover a limited transition period.

If your new employer is delayed with:

• Work permit processing
• Employment documentation
• Medical examination
• Emirates ID application
• Residence issuance
• Immigration processing

contact your employer and the relevant immigration/service center promptly.

Do not wait until the holding period is almost over before checking the status.

Can Salary or Bank Documents Be Requested?

Additional supporting documents can be requested depending on the application.

Where a profession or employment change is involved, applicants may be asked to provide evidence relating to their employment and salary.

If your case involves a significant employment or profession change, keep relevant employment and financial documentation available.

However, additional document requirements should be confirmed for the specific application rather than treated as mandatory for every Family Visa Holding request.

Family Visa Holding Checklist

Before visiting an Amer Service Center, prepare:

Sponsor’s original passport

Sponsor’s Emirates ID

Dependents’ original passports

Dependents’ Emirates IDs

Existing residence visa details

Employment/labour cancellation document

New employment offer letter

Salary details

Profession/job title

Relevant employer documents

Refundable security deposit

Applicable service charges

Payment method

Previous application/payment receipts

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cancelling Your Family Visa Too Early

If you are planning to use Family Visa Holding, check your eligibility before cancelling your dependents’ residence visas.

Cancelling Your Own Visa Without Planning the Transition

The sponsor’s residence cancellation can affect dependent residence arrangements, so plan the sequence carefully.

Waiting Until the Last Day

Your new employer may require time to complete the new residence process.

Start the process early.

Assuming the AED 5,000 Is a Service Fee

The AED 5,000 amount is generally treated as a refundable security deposit, not simply a non-refundable government service charge.

Assuming the Same Process Applies Everywhere in the UAE

Dubai residence files are handled through Dubai’s immigration system. Other emirates may have different procedures.

Losing Your Payment Receipt

Keep all application and deposit documentation until the Family Visa Hold has been released and the refund has been completed.

Travelling Without Checking Your Status

Always verify the immigration status of you and your dependents before travelling during a visa transition.

Need Help With Family Visa Holding in Dubai?

Changing employers while sponsoring a family requires careful coordination between your current employer, new employer and immigration process.

At Amer Smart Lounge, our team can help you understand the documentation and application steps relevant to your visa service requirements.

Basima, Customer Happiness Consultant at Amer Smart Lounge, can assist customers in understanding the required documents and the appropriate service process before the application is submitted.

You can also explore our:

• Amer Services
• Visa Services in Dubai
• Family Visa Services
• Change Status Services
• Contact Amer Smart Lounge

If you are changing jobs in Dubai and have dependents under your sponsorship, it is better to check the Family Visa Holding option before cancelling your existing residence visa.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Family Visa Holding in Dubai?

Family Visa Holding is a temporary immigration arrangement that allows eligible sponsored family members’ residence files to be placed on hold while the sponsor completes the transition from their existing residence status.

How long can I hold my family visa?

The Family Visa Holding process is generally intended for a temporary period of up to 60 days. Confirm the applicable period for your individual application before proceeding.

How much is the Family Visa Holding deposit?

A refundable security deposit of AED 5,000 is commonly associated with the Dubai Family Visa Holding process. Additional charges may apply depending on the number of dependents and service channel.

Is the AED 5,000 deposit refundable?

The deposit is intended to be refundable after the applicable Family Visa Holding process is completed. Official GDRFA Dubai application records show cases progressing to a “deposit refunded” status.

Can I hold my family’s visas when changing jobs?

An eligible sponsor may be able to use the Family Visa Holding service during an employment transition, subject to the requirements and approval of the relevant authority.

What documents are required?

Commonly requested documents can include the sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID, dependents’ passports and Emirates IDs, employment cancellation documentation and the new employer’s offer letter. Additional documents may be requested depending on the application.

Do I need a new job offer?

A new employment offer or relevant employment documentation can be an important part of an employment-transition application. The exact requirements should be confirmed for your case.

Can I apply through Amer?

Applicable Dubai immigration services can be accessed through authorised Amer Service Centers. GDRFA Dubai also provides smart channels for individual services. 

What happens after my new employment visa is issued?

Once your new residence visa is issued, you need to complete the applicable process to release the family visa hold. The dependent files can then continue under your new residence sponsorship, subject to the applicable immigration procedure.

Can I travel while my family visa is on hold?

Do not assume that travel is unrestricted. Check your current immigration status and the applicable requirements before making travel arrangements.

Can the Family Visa Hold be extended beyond 60 days?

Do not assume that an extension is automatically available. The holding period is limited, and any exceptional situation should be checked with the relevant immigration authority.

Final Thoughts

Family Visa Holding can be a useful option for Dubai residents who are changing employers while sponsoring their family.

Instead of immediately cancelling dependent residence arrangements, eligible sponsors may be able to place their family files on hold while completing their own employment residence transition.

The key points to remember are:

• Family Visa Holding is subject to eligibility and immigration approval.
• It is intended as a temporary arrangement during a sponsor’s residence transition.
• The commonly applied holding period is up to 60 days.
• A refundable security deposit is associated with the service.
• A new employment offer may be required.
• Employment cancellation documents may be required.
• Additional documents can be requested depending on the case.
• Dubai’s procedure should not automatically be assumed to apply to other emirates.
• Keep all application and payment records.
• Confirm the latest requirements and charges before submitting your application.

For the latest official information, check the GDRFA Dubai Smart Services and the official UAE Government Visa and Emirates ID information.

If you need assistance with the relevant application, Amer Center can help you understand the required documents and service process.