Employers and employees with valid UAE residence visas can sponsor residence visas for their families. Employees who make a minimum income of AED4,000 or AED3,000 plus accommodation, regardless of their work title, can sponsor their families.
All individuals who have reached the age of 18 are eligible to pass the medical fitness assessment.
What is a family visa in the UAE?
A family visa in the UAE is a type of residence visa that allows family members of a UAE resident to live and work in the country. Also known as a dependent visa, it enables expatriates to bring their loved ones to the UAE, ensuring family unity while residing in the country. The UAE offers various types of family visas, including 1-year, 2-year, and 3-year visas, all of which are linked to the sponsor’s job contract. For UAE citizens, there is an option to sponsor family members with foreign passports for a 5-year visa, providing a longer-term solution for family reunification.
Sponsorship requirements for visa
Expatriate residents can sponsor their families to live in the United Arab Emirates if they hold a valid visa or residency permit. The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED4,000 or AED3,000 plus accommodation. Family members, both male and female, who are to be sponsored and who have reached the age of 18, must undergo and pass medical fitness examinations at authorized health facilities in the UAE. It is important to stay updated with the latest UAE family visa rules to ensure compliance with all requirements.
Below are some key points:
- A mother can sponsor her children in special cases approved by the ICP.
- A resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for his dependents’ residence visa after they enter the UAE under an entry permit.
- A resident can sponsor his parents, and the residence visa will be granted on a yearly basis regardless of the duration of the sponsor’s visa.
- The type of profession is no longer a condition for an expatriate worker to be able to sponsor his family visas.
- Both employers and employees with valid residence visas can sponsor their families if they meet the salary requirements.
- Medically unfit people will not be granted a residence visa.
- Residents who are detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are also considered medically fit and are granted a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’ subject to treatment and follow-up by the respective health authority.
Eligibility and Requirements
To be eligible for a family visa in the UAE, the sponsor must meet specific criteria. Firstly, the sponsor must hold a valid residence visa and have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month. Additionally, the sponsor must possess a valid health insurance policy and an Emirates ID. A valid labour contract that clearly shows the sponsor’s salary is also required.
The sponsor must provide several documents, including:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A valid residence visa
- A valid Ejari tenancy contract or a rental agreement in their name
- A valid labour contract that shows their salary
Additional documents may be required for sponsoring parents, a second wife, stepchildren, or a son or daughter, depending on the specific circumstances.
Sponsoring family visa for your wife and children
If an expatriate resident meets the sponsorship requirements, he can sponsor his wife and children’s UAE residence visas. The expatriate resident must provide an authenticated marriage certificate in Arabic or one that has been properly translated into Arabic by an authorized translator in order to verify that they are married in order to sponsor the wife.
Sponsoring two wives: If a Muslim resident fulfils certain criteria specified by ICP, he may be permitted to sponsor two spouses in critical situations.
Sponsoring daughters: An expatriate resident can sponsor his daughter or daughters only if they are not married, with no restrictions with regard to their age limit.
Sponsoring sons: A male or female resident can sponsor his or her son(s) until he is 25. Sons of determination (those with special needs) can be sponsored with no restrictions with regard to the age limit.
Sponsoring newborns: In order to avoid fines, newborns born in the United Arab Emirates must apply for a residency visa within 120 days of their birth. To sponsor a newborn, a birth certificate must be submitted along with the application to establish kinship.
Sponsoring stepchildren: The GDRFA’s requirements include a deposit for each child and a formal no-objection certificate from the biological parent. These requirements must be met before an expatriate resident can sponsor his stepchildren. Their residency permits are valid for a year and are then renewed every year.
Documents required to sponsor wife and children under UAE family visa rules
Understanding the Dubai family visa requirements is crucial for a smooth application process. Here are the list of documents that are required to sponsor the UAE residence visa for wife and children:
- Application form – either online or through a registered typing office
- Passport copies of the wife and children
- Photos of the wife and children
- Medical clearance certificate of the wife and children above 18 years
- Copy of the husband’s employment contract or company contract
- Salary certificate from the employer stating the husband’s monthly salary
- Attested marriage certificate
- Registered tenancy contract
Cancellation
The sponsoring family member’s residence permit is connected to the family’s residence permits. The dependents’ visas get terminated in the event that the sponsoring family member’s visa is revoked. Dependents have six months from the date of visa cancellation or expiration to apply for a new residency permit. The sponsor may be required to pay a fee if he fails to revoke or renew his dependents’ visas.
Sponsoring visa for your parents
An expatriate employee can sponsor visa for his parents for a year as long as they meet the requirements. These requirements are set out by the immigration department. Also, he needs to make a deposit as a guarantee for each parent. An expatriate employee cannot sponsor only one of his parents. He needs to sponsor both parents together. The process for obtaining a family visa in Dubai for parents involves meeting specific requirements and providing necessary documentation.
Relevant governmental documentation would be required as grounds to sponsor just one parent in the event of a second parent’s death or divorce. The employed expatriate resident must get a medical insurance policy for the parents with the minimum coverage required for each. This needs to be renewed annually, and make the required minimum wage in order to sponsor the parents.
Residence visa for a UAE citizen spouse, parent, and child
UAE citizens have the privilege to sponsor their spouse, parent, and child for a residence visa. The sponsor must meet certain requirements, such as having a valid Emirates ID, a valid residence visa, and a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month. Additionally, a valid health insurance policy is necessary to ensure the well-being of the sponsored family members.
The required documents include:
- A valid Emirates ID
- A valid residence visa
- A valid Ejari tenancy contract or a rental agreement in the sponsor’s name
- A valid labour contract that shows the sponsor’s salary
In cases where additional family members such as parents, a second wife, or stepchildren are being sponsored, further documentation may be required to support the application.
Family visa application process
The family visa application process in the UAE involves several steps to ensure a smooth and efficient procedure. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Collecting Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including soft copies and the original Emirates ID.
- Opening a New File: Open a new file in the immigration system to initiate the process.
- Creating an Entry Permit: Obtain an entry permit for the family member if they are not already in Dubai.
- Changing Status: If the family member is already in Dubai, change their status accordingly.
- Getting an Emirates ID: Apply for an Emirates ID for the family member.
- Getting Medical Insurance: Secure medical insurance for the family member.
- Visa Stamping: Complete the process by stamping the visa in the family member’s passport.
The application process can be completed online or through a registered typing center, making it convenient for sponsors to choose the method that best suits their needs.
Family visa costs and fees
The cost of a family visa in the UAE varies depending on several factors, including the applicant’s location, visa validity, and the type of service required. In Dubai, the cost of a family visa ranges from AED 3,000 to AED 7,000, depending on whether it’s for renewal or a new issuance. This cost includes various charges beyond the basic fee, such as medical insurance and entry permit fees.
It’s important to note that additional fees may apply for specific services or expedited processing. Sponsors should budget accordingly to cover all associated costs and ensure a smooth application process for their family members.
Residence visa for a UAE citizen spouse parent and child
Spouses, parents or children of UAE citizens with foreign passports are eligible to apply for a five-year residence visa without needing to work in the country. The sponsor in this case will be the UAE national. It is not necessary for a foreign widow or divorced woman who is a mother of a UAE citizen to work in the country in order to obtain a residence visa. The oldest child in this scenario will act as the sponsor. The family visa cost can vary depending on the type and duration of the visa, as well as additional fees for services and documentation.
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