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Dubai is a popular destination for expatriates due to its thriving economy, world-class infrastructure, and high quality of life. For many expats, moving to Dubai also means bringing their family along. The process of applying for a family visa in Dubai is relatively straightforward, but there are important requirements and procedures that need to be followed. In this blog, we will guide you through the steps involved, the necessary documents, and some helpful tips to make the process smoother.
What is a Family Visa?
A family visa in Dubai allows expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members—such as spouses, children, and sometimes parents—so they can live in the UAE. To sponsor family members, you must meet certain criteria, such as having a minimum salary and valid residency.
Sponsoring family members is part of the business setup in Dubai process for many expatriates who wish to relocate their families once they establish a business or secure employment in the city.
Key Requirements for a Family Visa in Dubai
Before you apply for a family visa, it’s important to understand the basic requirements. These can differ based on the gender of the sponsor, their employment status, and whether they are setting up a mainland business or a freezone business setup in Dubai.
1. Minimum Salary Requirement
To sponsor your family in Dubai, you must have a minimum monthly salary. As of 2024, the general rule is that male sponsors must earn at least AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus company-provided accommodation. The salary requirement can vary depending on your profession and the number of family members you’re sponsoring.
2. Valid Residency Visa
Only expatriates with valid residency visas can sponsor their family members. Your visa should be issued under an employment contract or through a business setup in Dubai. Whether you’re running a mainland business setup or have a Dubai freezone business setup, the residency visa is an essential requirement for family sponsorship.
3. Proof of Relationship
You’ll need to submit official documents proving your relationship with the family members you wish to sponsor. For spouses, a marriage certificate is required, and for children, you’ll need birth certificates. These documents must be translated into Arabic and legally attested by the relevant authorities, both in your home country and in the UAE.
4. Suitable Accommodation
Sponsors are also required to show proof of suitable accommodation, such as a tenancy contract. You may need to register your tenancy contract through the Ejari system in Dubai.
5. Health Insurance
Health insurance is mandatory for all residents in Dubai, including sponsored family members. Ensure that you have adequate health insurance coverage for the family members you are sponsoring, which is required to complete the visa application.
How to Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai: Step-by-Step Guide
The family visa application process involves several steps, including preparing documents, obtaining entry permits, and finalizing the residency visa.
Step 1: Get Your Residency Visa in Order
Before sponsoring your family, you need to ensure that your own residency visa is valid. Whether you’re an employee or have set up a business setup in Dubai freezone, you’ll need your residency visa in place before beginning the family sponsorship process.
Step 2: Gather Required Documents
Once you’ve confirmed your eligibility, start gathering the necessary documents. These typically include:
- Copy of your valid residency visa
- Passport copies of your family members
- Passport-size photos of family members
- Salary certificate or employment contract (for employed sponsors)
- Proof of accommodation (Ejari tenancy contract)
- Proof of health insurance for family members
- Attested marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Attested birth certificates (for children)
If you’ve set up a freezone business setup in Dubai or a mainland business setup, you’ll need to provide the necessary business documentation, such as trade licenses, to verify your employment or business ownership.
Step 3: Apply for an Entry Permit
The next step is to apply for an entry permit for your family members. You can do this through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai. This permit allows your family members to enter the UAE.
Once approved, your family members will receive an entry permit that’s valid for 60 days. Within this period, they must enter the UAE to proceed with the residency visa application.
Step 4: Medical Fitness Test
After your family members arrive in Dubai, they must undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center. The test includes a general health check and screening for contagious diseases. This is a mandatory requirement for all residents over the age of 18.
Step 5: Emirates ID Application
An essential part of living in the UAE is having an Emirates ID. After passing the medical test, apply for your family members’ Emirates IDs at the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). The Emirates ID is necessary for various daily activities in Dubai, such as opening bank accounts, renting property, and accessing government services.
Step 6: Finalize the Residency Visa
The last step is to finalize the residency visa at the GDRFA. You’ll need to submit all the documents, along with the results of the medical fitness test and the Emirates ID application receipt. Once the residency visa is issued, it will be stamped into your family members’ passports.
Step 7: Renewal of Family Visa
Family visas in Dubai are usually valid for one to three years, depending on the sponsor’s visa. You’ll need to renew the visa before it expires by following a similar process. Failure to renew a family visa can result in fines and penalties.
Role of PRO Services in Dubai
The visa application process can involve a lot of paperwork and coordination with government authorities. PRO services in Dubai (Public Relations Officer services) can simplify the process by handling document submission, translation, and liaising with government departments on your behalf.
For individuals setting up businesses in Dubai, particularly through business setup packages in Dubai, PRO services are often included as part of the package, making the visa process even easier.
Golden Visa for Family Members
If you’re an investor or entrepreneur with significant investments in the UAE, you may be eligible for the Golden Visa, which offers long-term residency. The golden visa consultants in Dubai can assist with applying for this prestigious visa, which can also extend to your family members.
The golden visa services in Dubai provide comprehensive support for those looking to benefit from long-term residency options. This visa offers stability and peace of mind for both you and your family, especially if you plan to stay in Dubai for an extended period.
Final Thoughts
Applying for a family visa in Dubai is a structured process, but with the right preparation and guidance, it can be straightforward. Whether you’re setting up a mainland business setup in Dubai, a Dubai freezone business setup, or working in the emirate, securing a family visa is an essential part of your life in the UAE.
By ensuring you meet the salary requirements, gathering the necessary documents, and possibly enlisting the help of business support services in Dubai like PRO services, you can streamline the process of bringing your family to Dubai.
Dubai continues to attract expatriates from all over the world due to its business-friendly environment, and a business setup in Dubai free zone can further simplify your stay. Follow the outlined steps and procedures, and you’ll be well on your way to securing a family visa, ensuring your loved ones can enjoy the benefits of living in this dynamic city.
