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Explore SignatureDubai 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.
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 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.
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.
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.
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:
To sponsor a family member in Dubai, you need to submit specific documents. Here is a categorized list to assist you in the process:
Follow these steps to apply for a family visa in the UAE:
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.
Yes. Real estate investors in the UAE can apply for family visas to sponsor their family members. The investor must own property worth at least AED 1 million and meet the minimum income requirements. Required documents include passport copies, property title deed, proof of income, and medical fitness certificates for family members.
While male residents can generally sponsor their families regardless of profession, female residents need to meet specific criteria. Professions such as doctors, engineers, teachers, and professionals in specialized fields typically qualify. Female sponsors must also meet the minimum salary requirement and prove their ability to provide for their families.
Yes, the UAE is currently issuing family visas. Residents can apply for family visas through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in their respective emirates, following the established requirements and procedures.
The minimum salary required to sponsor your spouse or children in the UAE is AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 per month with accommodation provided by the employer. Both husband and wife can sponsor their spouse.
No, there is such restriction anymore on the applicant’s profession if the salary benchmark is met.
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