The UAE is an attractive destination for professionals and families, offering a high standard of living, career opportunities, and world-class amenities. If you’re living and working in the UAE and want to bring your family to join you, understanding the visa sponsorship process is essential.
Here’s everything you need to know about sponsoring your family members in the UAE, including requirements, costs, and key steps.
Who Can Sponsor Family Members in the UAE?
Residents with a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their immediate family members, such as their spouse, children, and parents. The eligibility criteria depend on the sponsor’s income rather than their job title. Generally, an expatriate must earn a minimum salary to qualify as a sponsor:
- AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation for sponsoring a spouse and children.
- Higher salary requirements apply for sponsoring parents.
If you’re buying property in Dubai as an expatriate, you may also be eligible to sponsor your family, making long-term residence in the UAE even more seamless.
Documents Required for Sponsorship
To apply for a family visa, the sponsor must provide the following documents:
✔️ Valid Emirates ID and residence visa copy
✔️ Passport copies of the sponsor and dependents
✔️ Marriage certificate (attested) for sponsoring a spouse
✔️ Birth certificates (attested) for children
✔️ Ejari tenancy contract or proof of residence
✔️ Salary certificate or employment contract
✔️ Recent utility bill
How to Apply for a Family Visa in the UAE
The visa application process involves several steps, which must be completed within a specific time frame after the dependent arrives in the UAE on an entry permit.
Step 1: Entry Permit Application
Before applying for a residency visa, your family members must enter the UAE with an entry permit. This can be processed through:
- GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai
- ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) for other emirates
Step 2: Medical Fitness Test
All adult dependents (18 years and older) must undergo a medical fitness test, which includes a screening for infectious diseases.
Step 3: Emirates ID Application
Once the medical test is cleared, the next step is to apply for an Emirates ID, a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents.
Step 4: Residency Visa Stamping
After completing all formalities, the residency visa is stamped in the dependent’s passport, granting them legal status in the UAE.
Investing in off plan property in Dubai can be a strategic move for expatriates planning to sponsor their families, as it allows them to secure a future home while benefiting from flexible payment plans.
How Long is a Family Visa Valid?
Family visas can be issued for one, two, or three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa status. They must be renewed before expiry to avoid fines or visa cancellation.
Can Women Sponsor Their Family?
Yes, expatriate women can sponsor their families if they meet specific salary and profession requirements. A woman must generally earn at least AED 10,000 per month or AED 8,000 plus accommodation.
Sponsoring Parents in the UAE
Sponsoring parents has additional conditions:
- A minimum salary requirement (typically AED 20,000).
- Proof that the parent is solely dependent on the sponsor.
- A refundable deposit may be required.
Cost of Family Visa Sponsorship
The overall cost of sponsoring family members includes application fees, medical tests, Emirates ID, and visa stamping charges. Costs vary depending on the visa duration and emirate of residence.
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