Guide to Family Visa UAE: Requirements, Cost, and Application Process
Saturday, 3 August 2024
A family visa is a necessary immigration document for families moving to the United Arab Emirates. Spouses, kids, and parents of residents are all permitted to live and work in the UAE with this visa. Your loved ones can stay with you in the UAE for a longer amount of time thanks to the family residency visa’s renewable nature.
Table of Contents
- Family Visa UAE Rules & Requirements
- Documents Required for Family Visa in UAE
- How to Apply for a Family Visa in the UAE
- UAE Family Visa Fees
- Frequently asked questions
Family Visa UAE Rules & Requirements
Under the new UAE family visa rules for 2024, both employers and employees with valid residence visas can sponsor their families if they meet the minimum salary requirement of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. The sponsor’s job type no longer impacts eligibility for a family visa.
Fathers residing in the UAE can sponsor their children, while mothers are not permitted to do so under the current regulations.
Documents Required for Family Visa in UAE
Applying for a family visa in the UAE is a straightforward process that can be done online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. The online application is convenient and allows you to track the status of your application. Below is a list of the documents required as per the UAE government’s residence visa for family members requirements:
Passport Copies:
- Copies of the passport of the sponsor (resident) and each family member applying for the visa.
- The passports must be valid for at least six months.
Residence Visa Copy:
- A copy of the sponsor’s valid UAE residence visa.
Visa Application Form:
- Completed and signed visa application form.
Photographs:
- Recent passport-sized photographs of each family member, usually with a white background.
Marriage Certificate:
- Original marriage certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy, or Consulate in the home country. (for spouses),
- translated into Arabic if necessary.
Birth Certificates:
- Birth certificates of children attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, UAE Embassy, or Consulate in the home country.
- translated into Arabic if necessary.
Health Insurance:
- Health insurance coverage for all family members, often including a medical insurance certificate.
Emirates ID Copy:
- Copy of the sponsor’s Emirates ID.
Tenancy Contract:
- Copy of the sponsor’s tenancy contract or proof of accommodation.
Salary Certificate/Employment Letter:
- A recent salary certificate or employment letter from the sponsor’s employer, indicating the sponsor’s income.
No Objection Certificate (NOC):
- Sometimes required from the sponsor’s employer, particularly if the sponsor is a government employee or works for a semi-government entity.
Proof of Relationship:
- Additional documents to prove the relationship between the sponsor and the family members, if necessary.
How to Apply for a Family Visa in the UAE
Applying for a family visa in the UAE involves a straightforward procedure that can be done online or by visiting the embassy in person. If your family is already in the UAE, you will need to apply for a change of status. For families outside the UAE, follow these steps:
1. Obtain an Entry Permit:
- Collect the required documents.
2. Submit the Application:
- Once you have gathered all necessary documents, submit your application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or any Emirate’s respective office.
The UAE has simplified the process for sponsoring family members. You can apply for the entry permit through these online channels:
- ICA Portal
- GDRFA Website – Family Visa for Dubai
- TAMM Website – Family Visa for Abu Dhabi
- ICP App
- Dubai Now App
This streamlined process ensures a hassle-free experience for bringing your family to the UAE.
UAE Family Visa Fees
The cost of a family visa in the UAE varies depending on the emirate and the type of visa. According to the Dubai government website, the fees for a family visa in Dubai are as follows:
- File Opening: AED 200
- Entry Permit: AED 100
- Residence Visa: AED 310
- Medical Fitness Test: AED 420
- Emirates ID: AED 370
The total renewal costs for a UAE family visa depend on the duration of the extension and the emirate involved. Rates may vary slightly due to technological advancements and other factors. Below are the renewal rates:
| Insurance | 2-Year | 3-Year |
|---|---|---|
| With Insurance | AED 4,022 | AED 4,222 |
| Without Insurance | AED 2,450 | AED 2,450 |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What are the eligibility requirements for a UAE family visa?
To sponsor a family member for a UAE family visa, the sponsor must meet certain requirements, including having a valid UAE residence visa and meeting the minimum salary threshold. Typically, a male sponsor must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Female sponsors must generally earn a higher salary, often around AED 10,000, though this can vary depending on the emirate and specific circumstances.
What documents are needed to apply for a UAE family visa?
To apply for a UAE family visa, you will need:
- Sponsor’s passport copy
- Family member’s passport copy
- Recent passport-sized photos of the family member
- Marriage certificate (for spouses)
- Birth certificates (for children)
- Proof of relationship (attested)
- Sponsor’s employment contract or salary certificate
- Tenancy contract or proof of accommodation
How long does the family visa application process take?
The family visa application process typically takes between 1 to 2 weeks, depending on the emirate and the specific circumstances of the application. Processing times can vary, so it is advisable to check with the relevant authorities for the most accurate information.
Can a UAE family visa be renewed, and what are the renewal costs?
Yes, a UAE family visa can be renewed. The renewal costs depend on the duration and whether insurance is included. For a 2-year renewal with insurance, the cost is AED 4,022, and for a 3-year renewal with insurance, it is AED 4,222. Without insurance, the cost is AED 2,450 for both 2-year and 3-year renewals.
What happens if the family visa application is rejected?
If a family visa application is rejected, the applicant will typically receive a notification stating the reasons for the rejection. Common reasons for rejection include incomplete documentation, failure to meet salary requirements, or discrepancies in the application. The applicant can address the issues and reapply. If further assistance is needed, it is advisable to seek help from a legal expert or immigration consultant.
