The UAE is home to millions of expatriates, and many of them are eager to bring their families to join them. If you’re an expat in the UAE and want to sponsor your spouse, children, or other dependents, it’s essential to understand the legal process and requirements involved.
Minimum salary requirement for UAE family visa
Here’s everything you need to know about sponsoring a family visa in the UAE.
Before you begin the process, it’s crucial to meet the eligibility criteria for sponsoring family members. Here’s what you need:
Salary requirement
To sponsor your family, you need to have a minimum salary of Dhs 4,000 or Dhs 3,000 plus accommodation.
Residency visa
You must be employed and hold a valid work permit and residency visa in the UAE.
Housing requirement
You must have appropriate housing, whether it’s a rented apartment or villa, and be able to provide proof of accommodation.
Medical fitness
All dependents aged 18 and above must pass a medical fitness examination to ensure they meet health standards.
Types of family members you can sponsor
Spouse
A resident can sponsor his wife, provided they submit an attested marriage certificate.
Children
You can sponsor children until they turn 25, with no age limit for unmarried daughters. Sons with special needs can be sponsored beyond the age of 25.
Newborns
For babies born in the UAE, the residency visa application must be submitted within 120 days of birth.
Stepchildren
An expat can sponsor stepchildren under specific conditions, including a no-objection certificate from the biological parent.
Required documents
When applying for a family visa, ensure you have the following documents ready to streamline the process:
- Visa application form (completed online or via a typing center).
- Passport copies of the spouse and children.
- Recent passport-sized photos of all family members.
- Medical clearance certificate for dependents aged 18+.
- Employment contract or company contract.
- Salary certificate from your employer.
- Attested marriage certificate for the spouse.
- Attested birth certificates for children.
- Registered tenancy contract for proof of accommodation.
How to apply for UAE family visa
Submit Application: You can apply online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in other emirates. Alternatively, visit an Amer Centre or typing center.
Pay Fees: The visa fees vary by emirate. In Dubai, for example, the family visa processing fee is AED 200, with additional charges for knowledge, innovation, and delivery fees.
Complete Medical Exams: Family members aged 18 and above must undergo medical fitness tests at approved health centers.
Emirates ID and Residency Stamping: After medical clearance, apply for the Emirates ID and have the residency visa stamped in the family member’s passport.
Validity and renewal of family visas
Family visas in the UAE are usually valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa status. To avoid overstaying penalties, start the renewal process well before the visa’s expiration.
Additional considerations
Sponsorship of two wives
In certain cases, a Muslim resident can sponsor two wives under specific conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).
Fees for renewal
When renewing a family visa, there may be an increase in fees by Dhs 100 for each year the residency exceeds two years.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a family visa in the UAE may seem complex at first, but by following the outlined steps and ensuring you meet the eligibility criteria, the process becomes much easier to manage.
Whether you’re bringing your spouse, children, or stepchildren, understanding the documentation, fees, and requirements is key to successfully bringing your loved ones to the UAE.
Make sure to stay informed about any updates in visa regulations to ensure a smooth application process and avoid unnecessary delays. With the right preparation, you can reunite with your family and provide them with the opportunities and quality of life the UAE has to offer.
tanvir@dubainewsweek.com
