The UAE offers a family visa that enables expatriates to sponsor their dependents, allowing them to live together in the country. Family visas are available for spouses, children, and in some cases, parents. The visa is an essential part of life for expatriates who want to build a family-oriented life in the UAE. This guide will cover everything you need to know about obtaining a family visa, including eligibility, the application process, and key rules.
Who Can Avail of a Family Visa in the UAE?
A family visa in the UAE can be sponsored by:
- Working Expatriates: Both men and women employed in the UAE can sponsor their spouse, children, and even parents, provided they meet the financial criteria.
- Business Owners and Investors: Entrepreneurs with valid business licenses can also sponsor their dependents.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsoring Family Members
To sponsor family members, the sponsor must fulfill specific requirements:
- Minimum Salary: The sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 with company-provided accommodation. Some free zones and emirates may impose different income thresholds.
- Residence Visa: The sponsor must have a valid UAE residence visa.
- Health Insurance: Sponsors are required to provide health insurance coverage for their dependents.
- Accommodation: Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a rental agreement, is often required.
Family Members Eligible for Sponsorship
- Spouse: A legal spouse can be sponsored, and a marriage certificate attested by the UAE authorities is required.
- Children: Children under the age of 18, and unmarried daughters, can be sponsored. Sons over 18 can only be sponsored if they are students in the UAE or abroad.
- Parents: Sponsors can bring their parents to the UAE under a special visa, but they must prove they are the sole caretakers and meet the minimum salary requirement of AED 20,000 (this can vary by emirate).
How to Obtain a Family Visa in the UAE
- Submit an Application for an Entry Permit: If your family is outside the UAE, you must first apply for an entry permit that allows them to enter the country. This application can be done online through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or at an approved typing center.
- Collect Required Documents: Gather essential documents, including:
- Passport copies of the sponsor and family members.
- Passport-sized photographs of family members.
- Proof of the sponsor’s income (salary certificate or bank statements).
- Tenancy contract or accommodation proof.
- Marriage and birth certificates, attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Medical Fitness Test: Adult family members (over 18) must undergo a medical fitness test to check for contagious diseases. This is a mandatory step before the visa is issued.
- Apply for a Residence Visa: Once the family members are in the UAE and have passed the medical fitness test, you can apply for the residence visa through GDRFA. You must also pay the visa fees during this stage.
- Emirates ID Application: As part of the residence visa process, you will also need to apply for an Emirates ID for each family member. This serves as an identification card in the UAE.
- Receive Residence Visa and Emirates ID: Upon approval, family members will receive their residence visas, which are usually valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa status. The Emirates ID will also be issued.
Family Visa Costs
The costs associated with obtaining a family visa can vary depending on the emirate, the duration of the visa, and other factors. However, approximate costs are:
- Entry permit fees: AED 500 – AED 1,200.
- Residence visa fees: AED 1,000 – AED 3,500 per family member.
- Medical fitness test: AED 300 – AED 600.
- Emirates ID: AED 200 – AED 400.
Rules and Regulations for Family Visa Holders
- Renewal: Family visas must be renewed before expiration to avoid fines or visa cancellation. The renewal process is similar to the initial application process.
- Dependency on Sponsor: A family visa’s validity depends on the sponsor’s visa status. If the sponsor’s visa is canceled, family members’ visas must be canceled or transferred within a 30-day grace period.
- Health Insurance: It is mandatory to have valid health insurance for all family members in most emirates.
- Children’s Education: School-aged children must be enrolled in an accredited school in the UAE.
FAQs About Family Visa in the UAE
Q: How long does it take to process a family visa in the UAE?
A: The process usually takes 7 to 14 days, depending on the emirate and the completeness of the application.
Q: Can both parents sponsor their children?
A: No, only one parent can be the official sponsor. Typically, the father sponsors the children unless the mother earns the required income or has legal guardianship.
Q: What happens if the sponsor loses their job?
A: If the sponsor loses their job, the family members’ visas remain valid for a 30-day grace period. The sponsor must either transfer their visa to a new employer or cancel their family visas.
Q: Can divorced mothers sponsor their children?
A: Yes, divorced mothers can sponsor their children if they meet the income requirement and can provide proof of legal guardianship.
Q: Is there a grace period for visa renewal?
A: Yes, there is typically a 30-day grace period after the visa expires to allow for renewal. Failing to renew within this period will result in fines.
In conclusion, the UAE family visa allows expatriates to live with their families, creating a more stable and fulfilling life. By following the correct procedure and meeting the necessary requirements, expatriates can ensure their families enjoy the benefits of living in the UAE.
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