The UAE allows expats living in the country on a residence visa to sponsor their family members to join them through a family visa. However, there are certain requirements to be eligible as a sponsor.
Requirements for Sponsoring Family in the UAE
To sponsor family members for a UAE family visa, the expatriate must meet these criteria:
- Male residents need a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
- Female residents require a monthly income of at least AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 plus accommodation.
- Medical fitness tests are mandatory for family members over 18. This includes HIV and TB screening at approved UAE health centers.
- Same-sex partners cannot be sponsored as the UAE does not recognize same-sex marriages.
Eligible Professions for Family Visa Sponsorship
In 2022, the UAE removed restrictions on professions eligible for family visa sponsorship. Now, any expatriate meeting the salary criteria can sponsor their family regardless of profession.
Who Can Be Sponsored for a UAE Family Visa?
The eligibility criteria differ for male and female sponsors:
Male Sponsors:
- Wife – up to two wives if Muslim under certain conditions.
- Sons under 18 years old, or under 21 if students.
- Unmarried daughters.
- Parents with a monthly income of AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 plus accommodation. A deposit of AED 2,500 per parent is also required.
- Stepchildren with a NOC from biological parent. Valid for 1 year.
Female Sponsors:
- Husband
- Children
- Must earn at least AED 10,000 per month or AED 8,000 plus accommodation.
- Should be employed in approved sectors like engineering, teaching, medicine.
- Cannot sponsor children if husband is eligible.
Documents Required for UAE Family Visa
- Online or paper visa application form
- Passport copies
- Passport photos
- Medical fitness certificate (above 18 years)
- Sponsor’s employment contract
- Salary certificate
- Attested marriage certificate
- Tenancy contract
- Latest utility bill
Applying for a UAE Family Visa
Either the sponsor or employer can apply for the visa. The process involves:
- Applying for entry permit before arrival. Submit this at GDRFA office or website, or through Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
- Once in the UAE, apply for residence visa at relevant GDRFA office within 60 days of sponsor’s visa.
Family Visa Costs (2022 estimates)
- Sponsor registration: AED 268.9
- Wife/children outside UAE: AED 488.9
- Wife/children inside UAE: AED 1,138.90
- Parents inside UAE: AED 488.9
- Medical test: AED 322.5
- Emirates ID (1/2/3 years) – AED 250/350/450
- Visa transfer: AED 259.9
Validity of UAE Family Visa
UAE Family visas can be issued for 1-3 years, renewable 30 days before expiry. It is dependent on the sponsor so expires if their visa is canceled.
Key Updates in 2022
- Removal of profession restrictions for family visa sponsorship.
- Introduction of 5-year multi-entry tourist visa for all nationalities.
- Allowing divorced/widowed daughters to remain on father’s visa.
- Reduced visa fees for certain categories.
Applying for a Family Visa in Dubai
As Dubai is part of the UAE, the process for sponsoring family members to live in Dubai is the same as the rest of the country.
To apply for a Dubai family visa you must be a resident of Dubai and meet the salary requirements based on your gender. You can submit applications at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) office in Dubai.
The required documents for a Dubai family visa application include:
- Online visa application form
- Passport copies of family members
- Passport photos of family members
- Medical fitness certificate (above 18 years)
- Sponsor’s Dubai employment contract
- Salary certificate or proofs
- Attested marriage certificate
- Dubai tenancy contract
- DEWA bill (utility bill)
You can also use the Amer website and centers to apply for a Dubai family visa if you are a resident. Amer allows you to complete the entire process digitally without visiting GDRFA.
Once you have applied for the entry permit, your family can arrive in Dubai on visit visas. You must then convert the visit visa to a residence visa within 60 days at GDRFA Dubai.
As Dubai has a high cost of living, the minimum salary requirements are higher than the rest of the UAE. To sponsor a spouse and children in Dubai, male sponsors need a monthly income of at least AED 5000. For female sponsors it is AED 12,000 per month.
Key Advantages of Amer Service:
- Apply online without typing center
- Track application status online
- Shorter processing time
- Pay fees by credit card
- Upload documents digitally
So in summary, with the right documents and meeting eligibility criteria, expats in Dubai can easily sponsor their family members whether applying directly through GDRFA or using Amer centers and website.
#visaservices #Dubai #spousevisa #UAE