25 Oct 2024
By Vista CorpDubai is known for its luxurious lifestyle and world-class amenities, attracting people from across the globe for business, career growth and investment opportunities. The city’s vibrant, multicultural environment makes it a top destination for those seeking both professional advancement and a high quality of life.
If you’re living or working in Dubai, obtaining a family visa is crucial to bringing your loved ones to live with you. This guide will outline the essential requirements, costs and step-by-step process for applying for a family visa, specifically in Dubai.
What is a Family Visa?
A family visa in Dubai enables expatriates residing in the city to sponsor their immediate family members, including spouses, children and, under certain conditions, parents. This visa allows families to live together in Dubai, offering them the opportunity to enjoy life in one of the world’s most dynamic and safe cities.
Residents in Dubai can typically sponsor the following family members:
- Your Spouse: A husband can sponsor his wife and similarly, a wife can sponsor her husband, provided they meet the required eligibility criteria. Muslim residents may sponsor up to two wives, but certain conditions set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) must be met.
- Your Sons: Sons under the age of 18 can be sponsored. If they are over 18, they can still be sponsored if they are full-time students up to the age of 21. Sons studying abroad must enter the UAE at least once every six months to maintain their visa status.
- Your Daughters: Only unmarried daughters are eligible for sponsorship, regardless of age.
- Your Parents: You can sponsor both parents unless one has passed away. To sponsor parents, you must:
- Pay a deposit of AED 2,500 per parent (subject to change).
- Provide them with medical insurance.
- Earn a monthly salary of at least AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 with a two-bedroom accommodation.
- Your Stepchildren: Stepchildren can be sponsored if you obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from their biological parent. Their visa is issued for one year and is renewable.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in Dubai?
Residents with a valid UAE residency visa can sponsor their family members, provided they meet certain eligibility criteria. Here are the main categories of individuals who can act as sponsors:
- Employees
Individuals holding an employment visa can sponsor their spouse and unmarried children. The minimum salary requirement varies depending on the job role and specific guidelines within Dubai. - Business Owners
Entrepreneurs with a valid business visa can sponsor their immediate family members, including dependent parents. The income or business turnover requirements are usually higher for business owners compared to employees. - Investors
Investors with a valid investor visa can sponsor their immediate family members. The minimum investment required for eligibility may vary depending on the type of investor visa held.
Requirements for Sponsoring Family Members in Dubai
To sponsor family members in Dubai, several key visa requirements must be fulfilled:
- Eligibility: Any expat with a valid UAE residency visa can sponsor their families. The sponsor must earn a minimum salary of 4,000 AED or 3,000 AED with accommodation.
- Criteria: The sponsor must meet the minimum income requirements and hold a valid residence permit. The application process can be done online or offline.
- Preparation: Sponsors need to gather the required documents, such as proof of relationship and accommodation, to ensure a smooth family relocation to Dubai.
- Required Documents: The specific paperwork varies based on the family members being sponsored (e.g., spouse, children, parents).
When applying for a family visa in Dubai, several other factors should be considered:
- Sponsorship for Non-Citizen Family Members: A non-citizen spouse, parent or child of a UAE national holding a foreign passport can acquire a UAE residency visa for up to 5 years without the requirement to work. In such cases, the sponsor is a UAE national.
- Sponsorship for Widows or Divorced Mothers: A foreign widow or divorced woman who is a mother of a UAE citizen can also secure a residence visa without the need for employment. In this situation, the eldest child acts as the sponsor.
- Medical Fitness Examination: Family members aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test, which includes screenings for HIV and Tuberculosis, at government-approved health centres.
Documents For Sponsoring Family Members For A Residence Visa in Dubai
Applying for a family visa in Dubai involves gathering and submitting a series of documents. Here’s what you will need:
- Passport Copies: Submit copies of both your passport and your family members’ passports.
- Photographs: Recent passport-sized photos of the family members you are sponsoring are required.
- Attested Marriage Certificate: Required for sponsoring a spouse. This certificate must be attested by the issuing country and the UAE Embassy.
- Attested Birth Certificates: For sponsoring children, an attested birth certificate is necessary.
- Employment Contract or Salary Certificate: Submit a copy of your employment contract or salary certificate to prove your income meets the sponsorship requirements.
- Tenancy Contract: A valid tenancy contract in your name or a company-provided accommodation contract is essential for the application.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of medical insurance for each family member is mandatory in Dubai.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Family members over the age of 18 must undergo a medical fitness test for communicable diseases and provide the certificate.
- Emirates ID Application: For each family member, an Emirates ID application form must be included with the UAE residency visa application.
For employers and investors sponsoring family visas in Dubai, the following additional documents are required:
- Colour Copy of Trade License: A current trade license of the business must be provided.
- Copy of Memorandum & Articles of Association: This document outlines the company’s structure and is essential for verifying the legitimacy of the business.
- Bank Statement: A personal or company bank statement is required to demonstrate financial stability and capability.
Medical Fitness Requirements for Family Visa Applicants
In the UAE, obtaining a residence visa for individuals aged 18 and older is contingent upon passing a medical fitness test conducted at a government-approved health centre. Here are the key points regarding the medical fitness requirements:
- Medical Fitness Test: This includes essential screenings such as a blood test and X-ray. Additional health assessments may be required for dependents.
- Visa Approval: Individuals found to be medically unfit will be denied a residence visa.
- Pulmonary Tuberculosis Screening: Residents diagnosed with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis may still qualify for a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence,’ provided they comply with treatment and follow-up protocols established by the relevant health authority.
Application Process for a Family Visa in Dubai
The process of obtaining a family visa in Dubai involves several key steps, which are outlined below:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all essential documents, including marriage and birth certificates, passport copies, a salary certificate, a valid tenancy contract and Emirates ID. Ensure that these documents are properly attested as required.
- Apply for an Entry Permit: Submit an application for an entry permit for your spouse and children through an authorised typing centre or online via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once the entry permit is approved, your family members can enter Dubai. You have 30 days from their arrival to apply for their residence visas.
- Medical Fitness Test: Upon arrival in Dubai, family members aged 18 and above must undergo medical fitness tests at an approved health centre. The medical clearance certificate is necessary to proceed with the visa application.
- Residence Visa Application: After obtaining the medical certificate, visit an authorised typing centre to pay the necessary fees and submit the residence visa application form. Attach the entry permit, medical certificate and other relevant documents for submission to the GDRFA for approval.
- Emirates ID Application: Apply for the Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) website, typing centres or immigration departments. After approval, the Emirates ID will be ready for collection or delivered by courier.
Validity and Renewal of Family Visas in Dubai
Understanding the validity periods and renewal procedures for family visas in Dubai is essential:
- Visa Validity: The duration of a family visa varies based on the sponsor’s status and the relationship with the sponsored individual, typically ranging from one to three years.
- Renewal Period: Upon the dependent’s visa expiration or cancellation, sponsors have a 30-day window to apply for a new residence permit. Failing to renew or cancel the visa within this timeframe may result in the dependent being considered an unlawful resident, subject to potential fines.
- Renewal Requirements: The criteria and process for renewing a family visa are consistent with those of the initial application, necessitating the submission of all required documents and adherence to the same eligibility conditions.
By staying informed about these timelines and requirements, you can ensure compliance with Dubai’s residency regulations and avoid any legal complications.
Navigating The Path to Family Residency in the UAE
Bringing your family to the UAE through the residence visa process is a straightforward and rewarding journey. The application process, while straightforward, requires careful preparation of documents and adherence to specific guidelines. Sponsoring your family not only strengthens your personal support system but also enhances your overall experience in the UAE. The benefits of having your family by your side are immense, from emotional support to a shared journey in a culturally rich environment.
At Vista Business Setup, we understand the nuances of the residency visa process and are committed to making your application as smooth as possible. Our experienced team provides comprehensive PRO and visa services to assist you every step of the way. Whether you need help with document preparation, application submissions or navigating regulations, we’re here to ensure that your family can start their new life in the UAE without hassle.
Let us help you bring your family closer together in this vibrant part of the world. Reach out to us today to learn more about how we can assist with your residence visa needs.
