Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for expatriates looking for career opportunities, a high quality of life, and a safe environment for their families. One of the key aspects for expats wishing to settle in the UAE is securing a family visa to bring their loved ones to the country. In this article, we explore how family visas work in the UAE, the eligibility requirements, and the process involved in obtaining one.
What is a Family Visa?
A family visa in the UAE allows expatriates residing in the country to sponsor their immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and sometimes even parents, so that they can live with them in the UAE. This visa is essential for expatriates who want their families to join them, as it grants legal residency to the sponsored dependents.
Eligibility Requirements for Sponsorship
To sponsor family members, expatriates must meet certain eligibility criteria, including income requirements and residence status. Here are some key factors to consider:
Sponsorship Income Requirements: The sponsor must earn a minimum monthly salary to qualify for sponsoring family members. As of 2023, a minimum salary of AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation) is typically required for sponsoring a spouse and children. However, this threshold may vary depending on the emirate and the specific circumstances of the sponsor.
Legal Residency: The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa. Family visas cannot be applied for unless the sponsor is legally residing in the UAE with a valid employment or investor visa.
Relationship Proof: Sponsoring a spouse or children requires official documentation, such as attested marriage and birth certificates. These documents must be translated into Arabic and attested by the UAE authorities or the consulate of the sponsor’s home country. How to attest a document
Who Can Be Sponsored?
Spouse and Children: Expatriates can sponsor their spouse and children. Male expatriates can sponsor their wife and children, while female expatriates may also sponsor their family, provided they meet specific income requirements.
Parents: In some cases, expatriates may sponsor their parents. This requires a higher minimum salary (typically AED 20,000) and proof that the parents are dependent on the sponsor. Additionally, a refundable deposit is usually required.
The Family Visa Application Process
The process of obtaining a family visa in the UAE involves several steps, including documentation, medical tests, and approvals. Here is a step-by-step guide:
Gather Required Documents: To apply for a family visa, the sponsor must collect relevant documents, including passport copies of family members, attested marriage and birth certificates, proof of income, and a copy of the sponsor’s employment or investor visa.
Medical Fitness Test: Family members aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved medical centre in the UAE. This includes blood tests and X-rays to screen for communicable diseases such as tuberculosis and HIV.
Emirates ID Application: Once the medical test is complete, an Emirates ID application must be submitted for each family member. The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification document that is required to access various government and private services in the UAE.
Apply for Residency Visa: After completing the medical test and Emirates ID application, the sponsor can apply for the family residence visa through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or an authorised typing centre. The visa application may take a few days to process, and the visa is usually issued for 1 to 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type.
Renewal and Cancellation of Family Visas
Family visas in the UAE are generally linked to the sponsor’s residence visa. Therefore, when the sponsor’s visa is renewed, the family visas must also be renewed. If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, family members have a 30-day grace period to either leave the country or adjust their visa status.
The renewal process is straightforward and involves similar steps to the initial application, including medical fitness tests for adults and renewing the Emirates ID.
Conclusion
It’s worth noting that the family visa rules and requirements may vary between different emirates, such as Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, and are subject to change. Therefore, it is advisable to check with the relevant local authorities or consult a professional service to understand the latest requirements.
A family visa in the UAE is a crucial step for expatriates wanting to bring their loved ones to live with them in this vibrant country. By understanding the eligibility criteria, application process, and renewal requirements, expatriates can navigate the process smoothly. Given the variations in rules between emirates, consulting with a business setup advisor or visa expert can be extremely helpful in ensuring a hassle-free experience for you and your family.
Applying for visas in the UAE can be tricky process for those not familiar with the process and it is often time sensitive. To assist our clients and partners, we have partnered with a corporate services provider who can assist with a range of services including family visas. For more information or to start the process, get in touch at hello@kingsburyandpartners.ae
