The Family Visa UAEallows expatriates to bring their loved ones including their spouses, children, and even parents, to join them in the UAE. The dependent visa makes it possible for them to stay together with their family while enjoying various business and work opportunities within the country. However, there have been certain reforms in the family visa rules recently, which highlight the changes in salary requirements and the process for sponsoring dependents.
Hence, those planning to bring their dependents to the UAE need to understand the updated rules and requirements to ensure a hassle-free experience. Through this article, we will try to grasp everything you need to know about family visa UAE, who can apply for it, what is the application procedure and requisites, and the family visa cost in Dubai.
Sponsorship of Family Visa UAE
UAE residents who have a valid residency visa can sponsor their family members to join them in the UAE. However, they are required to meet certain eligibility criteria. The common categories of family visa sponsorship include the following:-
- Employees – Employees with a valid employment visa in the UAE can bring their family members, including their spouses and unmarried children to their residing country. The minimum salary requirement to avail this facility varies depending on the emirate and the specific job role of the employee.
- Business owners – Business owners can bring their immediate family members, including their dependent parents to live with them in the UAE, provided they possess a valid business visa. The minimum income requirement for business owners might be higher than for employees.
- Investors – Investors must possess an investor visa in the UAE to sponsor their immediate family members. However, they need to have a specific investment in the country as required in the type of investor visa they have applied for.
Minimum salary requirements for different categories
The salary requirements for different categories of expats in the UAE may vary based on the latest reforms in the UAE laws or specific circumstances. Hence, it is recommended to check for new updates from the experts of Shuraa.
Employees: A salaried employee must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 per month with accommodation.
Business owners and investors: Entrepreneurs and investors must provide their UAE business license and present proof of financial stability, that they have a stable income as per the minimum requirements of the authorities.
Professionals: Professionals working in the UAE also need to meet the minimum salary threshold set by the authorities. However, the requirements may vary based on the profession such as doctors, engineers, teachers, etc.
Dependents covered in Family Visa UAE
The expats living in the UAE can sponsor the following members:
- Spouse – The legally married spouse of the resident.
- Unmarried children – Children who are under the age of 18, unmarried, or are dependent on the sponsor.
- Dependent parents – In some cases, individuals can sponsor their parents who are elderly or unable to care for themselves.
Requisites for obtaining a family visa UAE
The family visa application in the UAE requires the provision of various documents including:-
For sponsor:
- A UAE residence visa
- Valid Passport
- Employment visa
- Proof of income (Salary certificate/bank statement)
- Proof of accommodation
For family members:
- Passport
- Birth certificate
- Marriage certificate (for spouse)
- Educational certificates (if required)
- Medical fitness certificate
Medical fitness test:
The family members who are applying for a UAE visa must undergo a medical fitness test involving a physical examination and tests for certain diseases.
Additional requirements:
- To sponsor the parents, the UAE resident must earn an income of around AED 20,000 along with a medical insurance policy for both parents. In certain cases, authorities may demand proof of sole responsibility for their care.
- The son of the UAE sponsor needs to be over the age of 18 and enrolled in an accredited institution in the UAE. Nevertheless, they can extend the sponsorship until the son turns 21, after which they can obtain their own visa.
- For bringing step-children to the UAE, the sponsor must provide custody papers and other legal documents along with a ‘No Objection Certificate’ (NOC) from the biological parent.
The application process for Family Visa UAE
The process to apply for a family visa may vary depending on the specific circumstances and emirate in the UAE. However, the general steps include the following:-
Documentation arrangement – Gather the necessary documents including your marriage certificate, birth certificate, salary certificate, tenancy contract, passport copies, and Emirates ID, and make sure they are well-attested.
Obtain an entry permit – Obtaining an entry permit is fundamental while applying for a visa in the UAE. You can either visit an authorized typing center or apply online through the portal of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). The best option would be to make your application through Shuraa Business Setup. Once your application for the entry permit is approved, your family members can enter the UAE.
Medical fitness test: Once the family members arrive in the UAE, the sponsor must take them to an authorized health center for a medical fitness test that includes screenings for infectious diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. It’s only after obtaining a clear medical report, you can proceed with the visa application.
Emirates ID application: Next, apply for Emirates IDs for your family members. Again, the experts at Shuraa can help you with the application process.
Residence visa application: After submitting your application for the Emirates ID, receive a receipt for the same and submit it to the authorities along with the residence visa application and medical fitness report.
Visa stamping: After the residence visa is approved, the family members of the sponsor can get their visa stamped on their respective passports from the GDRFA office or the respective immigration office in other Emirates.
Once your residence visa is stamped on your passport, you will be notified of your Emirates ID collection from a designated Emirates ID center or delivered by courier.
Family Visa UAE – Validity and Renewal
The validity of a family visa generally depends on the type of visa held by the sponsor. It is usually matched with the duration of the sponsor’s residency visa, their job position, salary level, and the emirate where the visa is issued.
To renew a family visa, the sponsor needs to apply to the GDRFA of the relevant emirate with some updated documents such as passports, residency visas, and proof of employment or income. Further, pay the necessary renewal fees and undergo medical tests again if needed.
If the sponsor fails to renew the family visa before its expiration, a daily fine will be charged for overstay, which may increase over time.in extreme cases, it may also lead to cancellation of the visa, making it illegal for the dependent to stay in the country.
Cost of Family Visa in the UAE
The family visa cost in Dubai includes the payments made for entry permits, medical tests, Emirates ID, health insurance, and visa stamping. If the visa is for a longer duration, say for 2-3 years, the cost will increase accordingly.
Bring your family to the UAE with the help of Shuraa
If you need help with your business setup in the UAE or bringing your family over, Shuraa Business Setup will be your partner. Their team will guide you through every step of the business registration and visa application process and ensure that everything is well taken care of.
So, take this opportunity and connect with Shuraa today!