Thinking about bringing your loved ones to the UAE? If so, understanding how to apply for a family visa in UAE is your essential first step. Whether you’re relocating for work or embarking on a new adventure, making sure your family can join you is crucial.
The UAE is not just a land of opportunities; it’s a country that stands out globally for its political and economic stability. Ranked 25th in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 by the World Economic Forum, the UAE is a prime destination for both living and tourism. Its soft policies have even earned it the number-one spot in the Passport Index! Add to that the UAE’s status as one of the top 10 donor states in official development aid (ODA) and its reputation for tolerance, and it’s easy to see why over 200 nationalities choose to live, work, study, and explore here.
Residents enjoy a unique blend of civil rights and the freedom to practice their religion, making the UAE a truly welcoming place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the UAE family visa process step by step, covering everything from requirements to costs so you can bring your family here with confidence.
Family Visa Requirements in UAE
Before applying for a UAE family visa, it’s essential to understand the requirements for a family visa in the UAE.
For Male Expatriates:
Minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation.
For Female Expatriates:
Minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000, or AED 8,000 plus accommodation.
Understanding UAE Family Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for a family visa in UAE, certain criteria must be met:
Medical Fitness: All family members over 18 years old must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center in the UAE. This includes tests for HIV and Tuberculosis.
Marital Status: The UAE does not recognize same-sex marriages, so you cannot sponsor a spouse if you are in a same-sex relationship.
No Specific Professions Required: As of 2019, any foreign worker who meets the salary requirements can sponsor their family members. There are no specific professions required for sponsoring family in UAE.
Now you know the UAE family visa requirements and you are eligible for it as well lets get to know more about documents required for UAE family visa process.
Essential UAE Family Visa Documents
When applying for a UAE family visa, you will need to gather the following documents:
Passport-sized Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos, taken within the last three months, printed on high-quality paper, with a white background.
Marriage Certificate: If sponsoring a spouse, you’ll need a marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Proof of Income: Provide a salary certificate if employed in the private sector, or a memorandum of agreement if you’re an investor or partner.
Additional Documents: You may also need copies of your passport (with at least six
Thinking about bringing your loved ones to the UAE? If so, understanding how to apply for a family visa in UAE is your essential first step. Whether you’re relocating for work or embarking on a new adventure, making sure your family can join you is crucial.
The UAE is not just a land of opportunities; it’s a country that stands out globally for its political and economic stability. Ranked 25th in the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 by the World Economic Forum, the UAE is a prime destination for both living and tourism. Its soft policies have even earned it the number-one spot in the Passport Index! Add to that the UAE’s status as one of the top 10 donor states in official development aid (ODA) and its reputation for tolerance, and it’s easy to see why over 200 nationalities choose to live, work, study, and explore here.
Residents enjoy a unique blend of civil rights and the freedom to practice their religion, making the UAE a truly welcoming place. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the UAE family visa process step by step, covering everything from requirements to costs so you can bring your family here with confidence.
Family Visa Requirements in UAE
Before applying for a UAE family visa, it’s essential to understand the requirements for a family visa in the UAE.
For Male Expatriates:
Minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation.
For Female Expatriates:
Minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000, or AED 8,000 plus accommodation.
Understanding UAE Family Visa Eligibility
To be eligible for a family visa in UAE, certain criteria must be met:
Medical Fitness: All family members over 18 years old must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center in the UAE. This includes tests for HIV and Tuberculosis.
Marital Status: The UAE does not recognize same-sex marriages, so you cannot sponsor a spouse if you are in a same-sex relationship.
No Specific Professions Required: As of 2019, any foreign worker who meets the salary requirements can sponsor their family members. There are no specific professions required for sponsoring family in UAE.
Now you know the UAE family visa requirements and you are eligible for it as well lets get to know more about documents required for UAE family visa process.
Essential UAE Family Visa Documents
When applying for a UAE family visa, you will need to gather the following documents:
Passport-sized Photos: Two recent passport-sized photos, taken within the last three months, printed on high-quality paper, with a white background.
Marriage Certificate: If sponsoring a spouse, you’ll need a marriage certificate attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
Proof of Income: Provide a salary certificate if employed in the private sector, or a memorandum of agreement if you’re an investor or partner.
Additional Documents: You may also need copies of your passport (with at least six months validity), visa, Emirates ID, birth certificates, Ejari, DEWA bills, IBAN number, and an opening file number. Proof of accommodation in UAE, medical clearance certificates for family members over 18, and a completed UAE Visa Application Form are also required.
Step-by-Step UAE Family Visa Procedure
Before your family members arrive in the UAE, you’ll need to apply for their entry permit. Here’s how you can do it:
Apply Online or In-Person: Submit the application at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) either online or through a licensed typing center. In Dubai, you can also apply through Amer centers.
Use Mobile Apps: You can also use mobile apps like ICA’s eChannel, GDRFA website, TAMM for Abu Dhabi, or Dubai Now App.
Once you get your UAE visa for family members, you can then apply for their residence visa at the GDRFA office of the relevant emirate.
Residence Visa for a UAE Citizen’s Spouse, Parent, or Child
If you are a UAE citizen with a foreign spouse, parent, or child, they can obtain a UAE residence visa for up to 5 years without needing to work in the UAE. In cases of a foreign widow or divorced woman who is the mother of a UAE citizen, the oldest child can sponsor the residence visa.
Family Visa Cost UAE
The cost of a UAE family visa depends on the type of visa and associated service fees. Here’s a breakdown:
Fee Type
Cost per Person (AED)
Sponsor Registration File
AED 268.9
Tasheera (Wife/Children Outside the UAE)
AED 488.9
Tasheera (Wife/Children Inside the UAE)
AED 1,138.90
Tasheera (Parents Inside the UAE)
AED 488.9
Normal Medical Test
AED 322.5
Emirates ID (1 Year)
AED 250
Emirates ID (2 Years)
AED 350
Emirates ID (3 Years)
AED 450
Transfer of New Residence to a Passport
AED 259.9
Sponsoring Family in UAE
Expatriate residents can sponsor their families if they have a valid residence permit/visa. The minimum salary requirements must be met, and family members over 18 must pass a medical fitness test.
Sponsoring Your Wife and Children
Before sponsoring your family, you must meet the above criteria. Other than that the following are the requirements regarding sponsoring your family:
Sponsoring a Wife and Children: An expatriate resident can sponsor a wife and children if a valid marriage certificate is provided.
Sponsoring Two Wives: A Muslim resident may sponsor two wives under strict conditions.
Sponsoring Daughters: Daughters can be sponsored if they are unmarried.
Sponsoring Sons: Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25, with no age restriction for sons of determination.
Sponsoring Newborns: A residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of birth for babies born in the UAE.
Sponsoring Stepchildren: This requires a deposit for each child and a no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Visas are valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Documents Required for Sponsiring Family in UAE
Here’s a table summarizing the documents required to sponsor a wife and children:
Document
Description
Application Form
Either online or through a registered typing office.
Passport Copies
Copies of the wife’s and children’s passports.
Photos
Recent passport-sized photos of the wife and children.
Medical Clearance Certificate
Required for the wife and children above 18 years.
Employment/Company Contract
A copy of the husband’s employment contract or company contract.
Salary Certificate
Issued by the employer, stating the husband’s monthly salary.
Attested Marriage Certificate
A marriage certificate that has been duly attested.
Registered Tenancy Contract
A contract showing the husband’s registered place of residence.
Sponsoring Your Parents in the UAE
To sponsor your parents, you’ll need to:
Provide proof that you are their sole support and have no one to care for them back home.
Meet the minimum salary requirements and obtain a medical insurance policy for your parents.
Pay a deposit as a guarantee for each parent.
Well, now you know everything there is to know about how to apply for family visa in UAE. However, it is advisable to refer to experts in such cases, as they can make the UAE family visa process really easy.
Navigating the UAE family visa process can seem complex, but with the right guidance, it can be straightforward. For personalized assistance with your UAE family visa application, feel free to contact the experts at Bestax. We’re here to help you every step of the way!
FAQs on How to Apply for Family Visa in UAE
What are the Requirements to Apply for a Family Visa in UAE?
To apply for a family visa in UAE, male expatriates must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation, while female expatriates need AED 10,000 per month or AED 8,000 with accommodation. Additionally, all family members over 18 must pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center.
How Do I Apply for a Family Visa in UAE?
To apply for a UAE family visa, you must first secure an entry permit for your family members before they travel to the UAE. Once they arrive, you can complete the UAE family visa process by applying to the relevant emirate’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office.
What Documents are Needed for a UAE Family Visa?
The UAE family visa documents required include recent passport-sized photos, an attested marriage certificate if sponsoring a spouse, proof of income such as a salary certificate, and additional documents like copies of passports, visas, Emirates IDs, and medical clearance certificates for family members over 18.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Family Visa in UAE?
The UAE family visa process typically takes about 10-15 working days. Processing times may vary depending on the completeness of the UAE family visa application and the emirate where you apply.
Can I Apply for a Family Visa in UAE Online?
Yes, you can apply for a family visa in UAE online. The application can be submitted through the GDRFA website, ICA’s eChannel portal, or mobile apps like Dubai Now and TAMM. This makes the family visa application in UAE more convenient and accessible.
What is the Cost of a Family Visa in UAE?
The family visa cost in UAE depends on the type of visa and any additional services required. Costs range from AED 250 for an Emirates ID to AED 1,138.90 for entry permits inside the UAE.
How Do I Renew a Family Visa in UAE?
To renew a family visa in UAE, submit the renewal application online or at a GDRFA office before the visa expires. Family members over 18 must undergo a medical fitness test again, and you will need to pay the family visa renewal fees, which are similar to the original costs.
What is the Validity Period of a Family Visa in UAE?
A UAE family visa is generally valid for one, two, or three years, depending on your employment contract or your sponsor’s visa. Ensure you renew the visa before it expires to avoid penalties.
Can I Sponsor My Extended Family for a Visa in UAE?
Yes, you can sponsor extended family members, like parents, under the UAE family visa procedure. You must meet the minimum salary requirements, provide proof that you are their sole supporter, pay a deposit, and obtain medical insurance for them.
What are the Benefits of a Family Visa in UAE?
The UAE family visa offers several benefits, including the ability for your family to legally reside in the UAE, access to education for children, healthcare services, and the option for your spouse to apply for a work permit. Sponsoring family in UAE ensures that your loved ones can enjoy a stable and fulfilling life in the country.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
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