The UAE offers family sponsorship options for both men and women, allowing residents to bring their dependents to live with them. While traditionally male expatriates were the primary sponsors, women in certain professions and income brackets can also sponsor their family members under specific conditions.
Requirements to Sponsor Someone for a UAE Family Visa
To sponsor a family member for a UAE residence visa, the following requirements must be met:
- The sponsor must have a valid UAE residency permit.
- Minimum salary requirements (varies by emirate and profession).
- A tenancy contract (Ejari) in the sponsor’s name.
- A recent utility bill to confirm residence.
- Medical fitness tests for adult dependents.
- Proof of relationship (e.g., marriage certificate for spouses, birth certificate for children).
What Professions are Eligible for Family Visa in UAE?
The UAE allows individuals in most professions to sponsor family members, provided they meet the minimum salary requirements. Some specific professions may have additional eligibility criteria, while others might not be eligible for sponsorship.
Previously, only certain professions were allowed to sponsor families, but now any resident with a stable income above the required threshold can apply for family sponsorship, regardless of profession.
Who Can You Sponsor for a UAE Family Visa?
A UAE resident can sponsor the following family members:
- Spouse (husband or wife)
- Children (sons under 18 and unmarried daughters of any age)
- Parents (subject to additional conditions)
- Stepchildren (with legal guardianship proof)
- Domestic workers (under specific regulations)
Can a Woman Sponsor Her Family Members for a UAE Family Visa?
Yes, a woman can sponsor her family members in the UAE, but additional requirements apply:
- She must be employed in a high-skilled profession, such as healthcare, engineering, or teaching.
- She must earn a minimum salary (typically AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation allowance).
- She must provide proof of her ability to financially support her dependents.
- Special approvals may be required for sponsoring parents or a spouse.
Documents Required for a UAE Family Visa
To apply for a UAE family visa, the following documents are required:
- Copy of the sponsor’s passport and residence visa.
- Copy of the dependent’s passport.
- Passport-sized photographs of the dependents.
- Medical fitness test results (for applicants over 18 years old).
- Emirates ID application.
- Relationship proof (marriage/birth certificate, attested if issued outside the UAE).
- Tenancy contract and recent utility bill.
- Salary certificate or employment contract.
How to Apply for a UAE Family Visa?
The UAE family visa application process includes the following steps:
- Medical Fitness Test – Dependents above 18 must undergo medical screening.
- Emirates ID Registration – Apply for an Emirates ID for dependents.
- Visa Typing and Submission – Visit an approved typing center or apply online through GDRFA or ICP.
- Entry Permit Issuance – If the dependent is outside the UAE, an entry permit is issued.
- Status Change (if needed) – If the dependent is already in the UAE, a visa status change may be required.
- Medical Insurance – Some emirates require health insurance for dependents.
Visa Stamping – The final step involves stamping the residence visa on the passport
How Much Does a UAE Family Visa Cost?
The cost of a UAE family visa varies based on several factors, including the emirate, visa validity, and dependent category. Estimated costs include:
- Entry permit: AED 500 – AED 1,000
- Medical fitness test: AED 300 – AED 500
- Emirates ID: AED 170 – AED 370
- Visa stamping: AED 500 – AED 1,000
- Health insurance (if required): AED 600 – AED 1,500 per year
It’s advisable to check with relevant authorities for updated fees.
How Long is a UAE Family Visa Valid?
UAE family visas are generally issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s residency type . The visa must be renewed before expiry to avoid fines or visa cancellation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Women working in the UAE with a valid residence visa and work permit can sponsor their husbands and children, provided they meet certain conditions:
- Minimum Salary Requirement:
- Women must earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
To sponsor your family in the UAE, you must meet the following requirements:
Salary Requirement:
- A minimum salary of AED 4,000 (approximately Rs 91,000) or AED 3,000 (approximately Rs 68,946) if accommodation is provided, as per UAE government regulations.
Sponsoring Other Family Members:
- Sponsoring other family members, such as parents, siblings, or step-children, may involve different criteria and requirements.
Visa Processing and Sponsorship Fees in the UAE
Regardless of nationality or gender, the visa processing fee is AED 510, payable at the Immigration Department.
For sponsoring a spouse visa in the UAE, the costs are as follows:
- For a man: AED 1,450
- For a woman: AED 2,447
Sponsors in the UAE can bring only immediate family members, such as a spouse, children, and parents, and in certain cases, siblings.
- Men can sponsor their wives.
- Women can sponsor their husbands under specific conditions.
In the UAE, sponsorship typically applies to immediate family members like children, spouses, and parents. However, sponsoring a married daughter may not be possible unless certain conditions are met.
For U.S. citizens, the third preference for family-based immigration allows them to sponsor their married sons and daughters who are 21 years or older for a green card.
Applying for a Family Visa Dubai
Dubai has a streamlined family visa application process through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Applications can be made online, through Amer centers, or via approved typing centers. For hassle-free processing, professional visa service providers can assist with documentation and approvals.
For more details or assistance with your UAE family visa application, Unicorn Global Solutions is here to guide you through every step of the process. Text us on whatsApp or call us today to ensure a smooth and successful application!
