The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has created a variety of visas for expats, taking into account the needs of every type of expat, from business owners to independent contractors to the family members of UAE nationals working abroad.
Bringing your family with you is a natural consideration when relocating to Dubai from another country for employment or business. Moving to a new country can be an exciting adventure, but navigating the system can be daunting if you aren’t familiar with the local norms and regulations.
Most of the working population in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) consists of expatriates who have chosen to live and work away from their families. It is relatively inexpensive for expats (employers and employees) who hold a valid UAE resident visa to sponsor their close family members (for example, a wife and children).
The UAE Family Visa Requirements are rather straightforward, but the application procedure might get complicated if the appropriate procedures and prerequisites are not followed. However, there are consultants, such as ExpressPRO, who can assist you in navigating the system, and this article will also explain how to secure visas for your family.
Sponsorship Requirements for Expatriates
Anyone who moves to Dubai, whether as an employer or an employee, from outside the country can sponsor their close family members to join them in the emirate. But there are conditions: sponsors must have a residency visa and a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
Within sixty days of an individual’s arrival in Dubai on an entry permit, their sponsors are obliged to apply for a visa for that individual’s dependent family members.
However, there is no assurance that a member of your family will be given a visa. Medical examinations are required of all sponsored family members aged 18 and up, regardless of gender. These can only be done in a medical facility that has been given the green light by the authorities. Visas are not issued to those who are found to be physically or mentally unfit.
Applicants with latent tuberculosis can be granted a visa (called a “health fitness certificate for residency”) provided they show proof that they are receiving treatment for the disease and are being followed up on by the Department of Preventive Medicine.
Documents Required to Sponsor Family Members in Dubai
When you sponsor visas for your close family members to reside in Dubai, you will be required to provide a variety of documentation. This entails submitting an application form that has been filled out, together with a copy of your wife’s and children’s passports and photographs of each of them. In addition, you need to provide documentation proving that your wife is in good health, as well as for any child who is 18 or above.
A copy of the husband’s employment contract, proof of the husband’s monthly income from his employer, or a business license are all required documents for the sponsorship application. Additionally, you’ll need to provide proof of marriage in the form of a marriage license.
Last but not least, you’ll need to submit a current utility bill and a copy of the lease or mortgage agreement for the place you intend to call home.
Required Documents
- Copies of the passports of the wife and children (valid for six months)
- 4 Passport size photos of the wife and children with a white background
- Original Emirates ID of Sponsor
- Insurance copy of the Sponsor
- The original marriage certificate, attested by the UAE Embassy, the home country, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE, translated into Arabic.
- Original Birth Certificate of the child attested and translated in Arabic – (attested in a UAE Embassy, the home country, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Passport and Residence visa color copy of the sponsor (high resolution)
- It is necessary to obtain the employee’s original Salary Certificate from the employer (if he or she works for a free zone company, then you will need the relevant letter from the Free Zone Authority in Arabic).
- Original Labor Contract of the sponsor
- Ejari of the sponsor’s house (1BHK)
- Latest Water & Electricity Bill under the name of the sponsor
- Trade License color copy (High Resolution) – in case of an Employer or Investor
- Memorandum & Articles of Association copy of the company (High Resolution) – in the case of an Employer or Investor
- Original 6-month Company or Personal Bank Statement of the company – In case of an Employer or Investor
Are Women Eligible to Sponsor Their Family in Dubai?
In certain circumstances, women can apply for visas on behalf of their families. For instance, her residency permit must indicate that she is either an engineer, a teacher, a medical practitioner, or a member of a closely related medical profession. She must also have a steady source of income of at least AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 + accommodation).
She can still sponsor her family if she earns more than AED 10,000 per month and gets approval from the Department of Naturalization and Residency Dubai, even if she isn’t working in one of the aforementioned industries (DNRD).
A single mother can sponsor her children just like any other sponsor, however, authorities may ask for more details about the situation, similar to what is required when supporting stepchildren.
Sponsoring Your Parents in Dubai
Employees who are not nationals of the UAE can sponsor their parents for a one-year visa if they are willing to pay an assurance fee for each parent.
It is important to note that non-UAE residents cannot bring only one parent, but both must be brought there together. Sponsors also have to show that they are the only person living in their home country who can take care of the beneficiaries.
However, if either parent is no longer alive or the couple has divorced, then only a single parent can travel to Dubai. However, proof must be presented to establish the reason why he is only funding a single parent.
In addition, if a child wants to sponsor their parents for a visa, they need to earn a specific amount of money every year – 20,000 AED – and both of their parents need to have medical insurance that meets certain requirements and needs to be renewed every year.
Criteria for Sponsoring Your Sons and Daughter in Dubai
Foreigners who live in Dubai can sponsor their daughter(s) for a visa, but only if the daughter(s) are not married. However, Dubai residents can sponsor their sons till they become 18 years old. The age limit for son sponsorship is extended to 21 with proof of further study, either in the UAE or abroad.
To keep their visa active, the son must visit Dubai at least once every six months. Visas for students over the age of 18 are valid for 12 months and can be renewed annually until the student has completed their education.
Sons who have graduated are eligible to renew their visas for an additional 12 months after graduation; however, additional documentation, such as a degree certificate, will be required.
Under the same guidelines, a stepparent may apply to sponsor a visa for their stepson, albeit they will need a “no objection” certificate from the biological parent.
In Dubai, What Is The Average Cost of Sponsoring a Family?
It’s important to factor in a range of potential expenses. One is the AED 268.90 cost of the sponsor registration file, and the additional AED 488.90 fee for any accompanying spouse, child, or parent from outside the UAE. Those having family in the United Arab Emirates will incur higher charges.
The expenses of a medical exam, a new passport photo, and any necessary passport changes should all be considered. In some instances, it may also be necessary to use a translation service.
Are You Able to Sponsor Your Siblings in Dubai?
Foreigners residing in Dubai cannot sponsor visas for their siblings in the same manner as they can for their immediate family members. However, they are entitled to sponsor a 90-day visiting visa for a sibling.
How Can ExpressPRO Help?
Throughout this article, we explain how the process of sponsoring a family member to relocate to Dubai can be completed. It also draws attention to some of the system’s complexity, but this is where assistance from professionals like ExpressPRO can be beneficial.
ExpressPRO is not only well-versed in the business setup process in Dubai, but also in assisting business owners and employees in relocating to the city with their families. ExpressPRO’s concierge service is there to support you every step of the way, reducing your workload and stress.