Navigating the Family Visa Process in the UAE

Dubai and the other Emirates are known for providing an enviable lifestyle with world-class facilities. People from around the globe come here for business growth, career advancement, investment purposes, or just to enjoy a quality lifestyle in this multi-cultural, dynamic society. 

Whether you are a professional working in Dubai or an expat investing in the city's thriving real estate market, obtaining a family visa in the UAE is essential to bringing your loved ones to live with you. Here, we will cover the requirements, costs, and application process for securing a family visa in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and the rest of the UAE.

Requirements for a Family Visa UAE

Dubai and Abu Dhabi are popular destinations for international workers. If you work in either of the Emirates and wish to bring your family, you must apply for their sponsorship. Applying for family visa in the UAE is a straight-forward process. However to obtain the visa, certain criteria must be met. Check out the list of UAE family visa requirements.

• Expatriate residents can sponsor their families to live in Dubai or any other Emirates if they have a valid residence permit/visa.
• The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
• Male and female family members aged 18 and above must undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers in the UAE.
• Wives can sponsor their husbands in the UAE. Husbands who are sponsored by their wives can also apply for work permits in Dubai and across the UAE.
• A mother can sponsor her children in special cases approved by the ICP.
• A resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for dependents’ residence visas after they enter the UAE under an entry permit.
• A resident can sponsor his parents, with the residence visa 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 sponsor family visas.
  According to a resolution approved by the UAE Cabinet in January 2021, foreign students enrolled in universities in the
• UAE are permitted to sponsor their families. However, students sponsoring family members must ensure they have appropriate housing accommodations.

Sponsoring Wife and Kids

Expatriate residents can sponsor their families in Dubai if they meet specific requirements. To sponsor a wife, the expatriate must provide an attested marriage certificate in Arabic or translated into Arabic by a certified translator. Muslim residents may be allowed to sponsor two wives under strict conditions set by the ICP. 

Unmarried daughters can be sponsored regardless of age, while sons can be sponsored until they turn 25, with no age limit for sons with special needs. For newborns born in the UAE, a residence visa application must be submitted within 120 days to avoid fines.

Stepchildren can also be sponsored, provided certain conditions are met, including a deposit for each child and a no-objection certificate from the biological parent. The visas for stepchildren are valid for one year and are renewable annually. Required documents for sponsoring a wife and children include an application form, passport copies, photos, medical clearance certificates for those above 18, the husband's employment or company contract, a salary certificate, an attested marriage certificate, and a registered tenancy contract.

Sponsoring Parents

An expatriate employee can sponsor his parents for a one-year stay by paying a deposit as required by the immigration department. Both parents must be sponsored together unless one has passed away or they are divorced, with appropriate documentation as proof. The sponsor must also meet the minimum salary requirement and obtain renewable medical insurance for the parents. The minimum salary required to sponsor a family of five is AED 10,000, while for a family of six, it is AED 15,000.

A UAE citizen can sponsor a foreign spouse, parent, or child for a 5-year residence visa without requiring them to work in the UAE. A foreign widow or divorced woman who is the mother of a UAE citizen can also obtain a residence visa without working, with the oldest child acting as the sponsor.

Note that the residence permits of family members are linked to the sponsor's visa. If the sponsor's visa is canceled, the dependents' visas must also be canceled. Dependents are granted a 6-month grace period from the date of visa expiry or cancellation to obtain a new residence permit. Failure to renew or cancel the visas can result in fines.

Medical Fitness Requirements

The UAE government issues and renews residence visas for individuals aged 18 and above only after they pass a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center. This test includes a blood test and an X-ray, and dependents may also be screened for other health conditions. Individuals deemed medically unfit will not be granted a visa. 

Residents detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are 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.

Costs Associated with a Family Visa in the UAE

The family visa cost in Dubai and other emirates can vary based on the type and duration of the visa. Here is a breakdown of common expenses:

• Entry Permit: Approximately AED 500.
• Medical Examination: Ranges from AED 250 to AED 500 per person.
• Emirates ID: AED 170 for one year, AED 270 for two years, and AED 370 for three years.
• Residence Visa Stamping: Around AED 500 to AED 600.
• Additional Fees: Typing center fees and other administrative costs, typically AED 100 to AED 200.

Required Documents

To sponsor a family member in Dubai, you need to submit specific documents. Here is a categorized list to assist you in the process:

For the Sponsor:

• Residence visa copies
• NOC letter from the father (if the mother is the sponsor for boys below 18 years and girls below 21 years, attested by the notary public)
• Passport
• Proof of the mother’s status (if the father is the sponsor), such as a copy of her residence visa or Emirates ID

For Spouse:

• Applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq, and Libya must bring their National ID cards
• Legalized marriage certificate (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin)

For Dependent Children and Parents:

• Scanned copy of the previous residence visa (if applicable)
• Scanned copy of the applicant’s passport (valid for more than 6 months)
• Legalized birth certificate (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin, followed by a legal Arabic translation)
• If a birth certificate is not available, a letter from your consulate proving the relationship (attested by MOFA and translated into Arabic)
• Applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan, and Libya must bring their National ID card
• Father’s unmarried undertaking letter, signed while applying via the online portal
• Digital photo meeting ICP’s specifications

Application Process 

Follow these steps to apply for a family visa in the UAE:

• Obtain the Entry Permit: Complete the visa application form at a typing center and submit it to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) along with required documents.
• Medical Examination: Take your family members for a medical test at an authorized center to obtain a fitness certificate.
• Apply for Emirates ID: Submit an application at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), pay the fee, and provide biometric data.
• Residence Visa Stamping: Submit the entry permit, medical certificate, and Emirates ID application to the GDRFA, pay the fee, and get the residence visa stamped in the passports.
• Receive Stamped Passports: Collect the passports with the residence visas.

Important Considerations

• Ensure all documents, such as passports, photos, marriage certificates, and tenancy contracts, are prepared and attested if necessary.
• Keep track of visa expiry dates to avoid penalties.
• Consider legal or professional assistance to avoid common mistakes in UAE family visa applications.

By understanding the UAE family visa requirements and costs, and following the outlined application steps, you can smoothly navigate the process of reuniting with your family in the UAE. Whether you're applying for a 2-year family visa in Dubai or a 3-year residence visa, being well-prepared will help ensure a successful application. For further information about the current visa policy, visit the UAE government website.