Dubai Family Visa Requirements: Eligibility, Documents, and Process

 

The UAE’s population is made up largely of expats. These expats are foreigners who are improving their lives in the UAE. Every year, thousands move to the UAE for jobs or to start their own businesses, and the government ensures that the relocation process is easy by offering easier residency options. 

A family visa is an initiative that allows UAE residents to bring their family members to the country. It is a great step that encourages foreigners to live in the UAE, as they know they can bring their spouse, children, and parents along. However, there are certain Dubai family visa requirements family and sponsor should fulfil. 

This article describes the Dubai family visa process, visa UAE requirements, and costs.  

What is a Dubai family visa? 

A Dubai family visa allows expatriates living and working in the UAE to reunite with their loved ones and live together in the country. A family visa is a residency permit that can be obtained for immediate family members. It is also called a dependent visa in the UAE. 

The visa can be obtained for:- 

• Spouse 

• Children, including sons and daughters 

• Parents 

For each type of visa, whether spouse, parent, or child, there are specific legal requirements that need to be met as determined by the government. 

What are the Dubai family visa eligibility requirements? 

The expat and family members must fulfill certain eligibility criteria to sponsor a family visa. These conditions include: 

• Residency: The expat must hold a valid UAE residency visa. Without a valid residency visa, one cannot apply for a family visa. 
• Salary requirements: The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. In the case of sponsoring parents, the salary requirement can be higher, up to AED 20,000. 
• Age requirements: Each category of family member has its own age requirements. For example, sons can be sponsored up to the age of 25 years. Daughters have no age restriction. There is no age requirement for parents. 
• Health requirements: Any family member above the age of 18 years must be medically fit to be sponsored. For this, they must undergo medical tests at approved healthcare centers. 
• Woman expat: A woman in Dubai can sponsor her family members provided she earns a minimum salary of AED 4,000, with special approval from the ICP. Single mothers can sponsor their children with legal supporting documents. 

 There are other requirements, which we will look at in the next section. 

What are the Dubai family visa requirements? 

Here are the Dubai family visa requirements for family member to be sponsored: 

1. Sponsoring wife: 

To sponsor a wife, the expat must provide an attested marriage certificate. A Muslim resident may be allowed to sponsor two wives under certain ICP conditions and terms. 

2. Sponsoring daughters: 

A daughter can be sponsored if she is unmarried. There is no age restriction for daughters. 

3. Sponsoring sons:

 Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25. Sons of determination (special needs) have no age restriction. 

4. Sponsoring newborns: 

For babies born in the UAE, a residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of birth. 

5. Sponsoring stepchildren: 

Stepchildren can also be sponsored in Dubai; however, special permission from the GDRFA is required. In addition, the expat must deposit a fee for each child and obtain an NOC from the biological parent. 

6. Sponsoring parents: 

Parents can be sponsored, but not individually. Both father and mother must be sponsored together. In cases where one parent is deceased or the parents are separated, legal supporting documents are required. To sponsor parents, the expat must provide evidence of sole financial support. The salary requirement is usually AED 20,000, along with a deposit for each parent (typically AED 3,000). 

Documents required to get a family visa in Dubai 

Here are the general documents required for family visa in Dubai: 

• Completed application form (online or offline) 
• Passport copies of the sponsor and all dependents 
• Recent passport-size photographs of dependents 
• Valid UAE visa and Emirates ID copy of the sponsor 
• Medical fitness certificate for family members aged 18 and above 
• Copy of the sponsor’s employment contract or company ownership documents 
• Salary certificate or recent bank statements of the sponsor 
• Attested marriage certificate (required when sponsoring a spouse) 
• Attested and Arabic-translated birth certificate of the sponsored child 
• Valid family medical insurance coverage 
• Registered tenancy contract (Ejari) or title deed as proof of accommodation 
• Latest DEWA (utility) bill 

The process to apply for a family visa in the UAE 

To get a family visa in Dubai, the following steps need to be followed: 

1. 1. Get the entry permit: 
   The first step is to obtain an entry permit for the family member. Through this permit, they can enter Dubai and complete the rest of the family visa formalities. The validity of the entry permit is 60 days. The application can be made through the GDRFA or ICP. 

2. 2. Medical tests: 
   Upon arrival in Dubai, the family member will need to undergo the necessary medical examinations, such as blood tests and chest X-rays. These tests check for communicable diseases. They are conducted at government-approved healthcare centers. You can check for the nearest center and book an appointment. 

3. 3. Background clearance: 
   The background clearance is carried out by the Dubai Police. They check whether the family member has any criminal records or pending cases. A police clearance certificate is then issued. 

4. 4. Emirates ID application: 
   The Emirates ID is a national identity card issued to all residents. Family members must get their biometrics recorded and apply for the Emirates ID. 

5. 5. Getting health insurance: 
   A health insurance policy must be obtained for the family member. The sponsor is required to provide it, as it is mandatory by the DHA for all residents. You can choose between basic and premium plans depending on your preference. 

6. 6. Residence visa application: 
   Finally, the family residence visa is applied for through the GDRFA or ICP. This includes filling out an application form and submitting all required documents, including the medical fitness report and updated documents. Payment of fees is also completed at this stage. Once the immigration authority reviews the application and is satisfied, the residence visa will be issued to the family member successfully. 

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Conclusion 

A family visa is an important step for those who wish to live with their loved ones in Dubai. Once the required salary, health, and documentation criteria are met, the visa can be obtained with ease. The cost of a family visa in Dubai generally starts from around AED 3,000 and may vary depending on the visa type and duration.  

If you are looking to get more assistance with UAE residence visa or golden visa, contact with Dubiz Business Setup.