How to Apply for a Family Visa in Dubai: Requirements and Procedures

Expats make up a sizable portion of the United Arab Emirates population and workforce. It is common for people moving to the United Arab Emirates for work to leave their families behind. 

The procedures for obtaining a family visa for the United Arab Emirates are straightforward, but they might become complicated if the proper procedures are not followed. You can apply for this visa to bring your family to live with you in Dubai. In addition, various factors contribute to Dubai’s standing as one of the most sought-after destinations for families.

It is a city with many things to do and see that will appeal to people of all ages. Everyone can find what they’re looking for in Dubai, from amusement parks to luxury malls. The city is also great for families because of the many excellent international schools and educational institutes.

In conclusion, Dubai is an exceptionally secure and welcoming destination for families. The crime rate is quite low, and many infrastructures and support services are geared specifically toward families.

Dubai Family Visa: What Is It?

Residents of Dubai can apply for a family visa to bring their dependent relatives to the city to live with them. Any immediate family member qualifies for this visa, such as a spouse, child, parent, or brother. A residency visa will be issued to the sponsored family members, allowing them to live and work in Dubai.

One can apply for a family visa to the United Arab Emirates for 1, 2, or 3 years, and it must be renewed at least 30 days before its expiration. But there are a few things to keep in mind. The spouse of a citizen or resident of the United Arab Emirates must be of the opposite sex. A copy of the applicant’s passport, a photo, and an application form are also needed for a visa application.

Visa holders who wish to find employment in Dubai must first secure a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. If the visa holder wishes, they may also enroll in school in Dubai. This visa exempts you from the need for a student visa. However, it still requires you to register with the Ministry of Education if you intend to enroll in an educational institution while in the country.

The Dubai family visa is an excellent option for those who wish to live and work in Dubai with their families. It allows them to experience everything Dubai has to offer.

Rules & Requirements for UAE Family Visa

To obtain such a Dubai visa, what are the requirements?

The following are the standard conditions for obtaining a family visa in the United Arab Emirates, though these may vary depending on your country of origin and circumstances:

·         Sponsors must be UAE nationals or expatriates living in the UAE.

·         The sponsor must hold UAE residence visas.

·         A monthly income of at least AED 4,000 is required from the sponsor.

·         It is the sponsor’s responsibility to provide accommodation for family members.

·         The sponsor must provide proof of family relationship.

Everyone in your immediate family, including minors, must be “medically fit” and record-free. To what extent does being physically and mentally healthy factor into this definition? The UAE government only requires a health certificate signed by an authorized doctor.

However, they will have to undergo certain tests when they go in for that health check. Among these are tests of the liver’s functionality, a woman’s ability to conceive, and her blood for a possible pregnancy. Everyone in the family must have a passport and an Emirates ID card.

Documents Needed for UAE Family Visa

Copying original copies of specific documents are required to apply for a family member visa to enter the United Arab Emirates. Documents like these must usually be obtained in the country where you were born.

Most of this documentation must also be verified in your own country. The majority of these documents, however, such as birth and marriage certificates, are already certified by the relevant authorities.

·         The UAE visa application form must be duly filled out and signed.

·         A passport-sized photo of the applicant is required.

·         Copies of the UAE resident’s passport and residence visa.

·         Your spouse’s attested marriage certificate.

·         Attested birth certificates of children younger than 21 years of age.

·         Sponsor’s no-objection letter.

·         Certificate of health and fitness.

·         Travel schedule.

When applying for a family visa to the United Arab Emirates, you should bring the above documents and any others that the UAE embassy or consulate requests.

Remember that they have the right to request any extra information they deem essential to judge your case. That’s why it’s important to hire a reliable company formation expert who has previously dealt with visa processing.

Dubai Family Visa Duration and Time Limit

To apply for a resident visa for a sponsored family member in the United Arab Emirates, you have 60 days following their arrival in the country. They are issued an entry permit upon their arrival. The sponsor can convert this permit into a legal resident visa within two months.

The entry visa is called “sheer” in the other Emirates outside Dubai. This is available online, but getting it will need a few steps. Beginning the process requires a visit to a typing service, where you can pay AED 50 to have the form filled up.

The visa is good for up to two years; however, the sponsor’s job description and employment agreement will determine that time frame.

If the sponsor’s visa is valid for three years, the sponsored relatives are also likely to receive a visa valid for three years. However, this does not apply to parents or adult sons, as they are eligible for a one-year residency visa in the UAE. When a sponsor’s visa is terminated, the dependents’ visas are terminated automatically.

If a dependent’s visa is canceled or expires, that person has 30 days to apply for a new visa. If they don’t, they’ll end up as illegal residents and might have to pay a fine for staying past their visa’s expiration date.

How Much Does a Dubai Family Visa Cost?

If you and your loved ones are considering moving to Dubai, you may be curious about how much a family visa will cost. Dubai’s family visa is relatively inexpensive compared to other countries in the region.

So, for example, a family of four can anticipate spending roughly AED 5,000 on visas. Visa application and issuance costs and any additional expenses incurred by the applicant (such as medical examinations or travel insurance) are covered.

The actual cost could change based on factors such as the size of the family as well as the amount of time they plan to stay. A family visa in Dubai may seem expensive, but it’s fairly affordable.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for a Family Visa in Dubai

Having seen how simple it is to relocate with your family to Dubai, are you seriously considering doing so now? This comprehensive guide will help you through what may initially seem like a complicated process.

You must start by gathering all of the necessary documents. Your passport, Emirates ID, photos, birth certificate, marriage license, and medical records will all be required.

An online application must be submitted once you have everything in order. Include all requested documentation and submit the required application fee.

The next step is to make an appointment with the Dubai Visa Application Centre for an interview. Throughout the interview, you should be asked about your future ambitions in Dubai and your family dynamics. At this time, you may also be required to provide supplementary documentation.

You will be issued a visa voucher once your application has been accepted. Follow that up by making a fingerprint appointment and paying the visa fee. Your fingerprints will be taken, and your family visa will be given.

How to Sponsor Spouses for Dubai Family Visa?

Residents who wish to sponsor wives must provide a marriage certificate as evidence of their relationship (in Arabic). Spouses can also sponsor their husbands for residency in the UAE. Now even husbands who support their wives can apply for and receive work licenses. However, there are some requirements.

The sponsor in Abu Dhabi must be a teacher, engineer, or medical professional making at least AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 per month plus lodging).

Sponsorship in Dubai is not limited to certain occupations as long as the sponsoring wife earns over AED 10,000. However, to do so, she will be required to obtain a special permit from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA).

Sponsoring Your Children

When applying for a resident visa in the United Arab Emirates, different regulations apply to sons, daughters, and stepchildren. Daughters, for instance, must be unmarried to be sponsored by a parent.

The age limit for sponsorship of sons is 18 years old unless the son is currently enrolled in an educational program in the UAE or elsewhere. Citizens can provide sponsorship for their sons up to 21 in this situation. Only after presenting credentials in the form of diplomas or degrees would this be possible (attested certificates from universities and schools).

This is because a son’s resident visa is good for a year and can be renewed till the son graduates from college. To keep their residency visa valid, they must visit the UAE at least once every six months (if they are studying abroad).

Under the guidelines of GDRFA, an expat may also sponsor a stepchild. A deposit must be paid for each child, and a no-objection certificate from the child’s biological parent must be obtained. The government provides one-year residence visas that are renewable annually for stepchildren.

It’s important to note that single women can sponsor their children in the UAE. A single mother must also obtain a no-objection certificate from the child’s father to sponsor her child in the UAE. 

Sponsoring Your Parents in the UAE 

Sponsoring parents in the United Arab Emirates is likewise subject to a minimum income criterion. This is 20,000 or 19,000 AED plus the cost of two-bedroom accommodations in Dubai. Additionally, the sponsor is responsible for securing health coverage for both parents.

What Is the Renewing Process for UAE Family Visa?

You must take a few steps to renew your UAE family visa.

You should start by gathering your passport, a recent photo, and the completed visa application form. You will furthermore be required to pay the application fee for the visa.

Your application can be submitted online once you have gathered all the necessary documents and paid the associated fees. Access the e-services portal on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs’ website (GDRFA). After signing in, go to the menu item labeled “Visa Services,” followed by “Residence Visa.”

Choose the Dependent Visa tab, then hit the “Renew” button. The next step is to make an appointment to have your biometrics taken, and then you and your loved ones will receive brand-new visas!

Get Professional Help for Dubai Family Visa

Even though the steps above appear easy to follow, many families face difficulties. Choose a professional company formation specialist to obtain your visa rather than going through the headache of doing it yourself.

When you choose ExpressPRO, you won’t have to worry about a thing, freeing you to focus on what matters:

·         Growing your company

·         Settling in your new home

·         Having fun with your loved ones

If you need assistance setting up a business or figuring out where you can legally live, just call our company formation experts.