How to Sponsor Your Family for a UAE Residence Visa

The UAE is a land of opportunities, and bringing your family along to share in the experience can make it even more rewarding. If you are living and working in the UAE, sponsoring your family for a residence visa is an essential step. Whether you’re planning to bring your spouse, children, or parents, understanding the requirements and procedures can save you time and effort. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of how to sponsor your family for a UAE residence visa, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free process.

Eligibility Criteria for Family Sponsorship

Minimum Salary Requirements:

• The sponsor must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided by the employer.

Occupation-Based Eligibility:

• Most professions can sponsor families, but labor-intensive workers (e.g., domestic helpers) may have limitations.

Who Can Be Sponsored:

• Spouse (husbands can sponsor wives and vice versa, subject to conditions).
• Children under 18 years.
• Unmarried daughters of any age.
• Sons above 18 can be sponsored if they are full-time students (with proof of enrollment).
• Parents (conditions apply, such as a higher minimum salary requirement and proof of dependency).
• Stepchildren, provided a no-objection certificate is submitted from the biological parent.

Documents Required for Sponsorship

For the Sponsor:

• Copy of passport and residence visa.
• Emirates ID copy.
• Salary certificate or labor contract from the employer.
• Attested tenancy contract (Ejari) in the sponsor’s name.
• Latest utility bill.

For the Family Members:

• Passport copies of each dependent.
• Passport-size photos (meeting UAE visa standards).
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse sponsorship).
• Attested birth certificates (for children’s sponsorship).
• Proof of education or dependency for children above 18 years.
• Medical fitness test results for dependents above 18 years.

Attestation Requirements:

• Documents issued outside the UAE must be attested by the home country’s government, the UAE Embassy, and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Sponsorship Process Overview

Step 1: Entry Permit Application

• Apply for an entry permit through an Amer center or the GDRFA online portal.
• Ensure all documents are complete to avoid rejection.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test

• Required for dependents over 18 years.
• Tests include blood tests and chest X-rays to check for infectious diseases like tuberculosis.

Step 3: Emirates ID Application

• Submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an authorized center.
• Apply for the Emirates ID card, valid for the duration of the residence visa.

Step 4: Visa Stamping

• Submit the passport of the dependent for residence visa stamping.
• Visa processing time usually takes 2–10 business days.

Costs Involved in Family Sponsorship

• Entry Permit Fees: Approx. AED 500–1,200, depending on urgency and duration.
• Medical Fitness Test: AED 250–500 for standard tests; additional charges for urgent services.
• Emirates ID Application: AED 200–400 based on visa validity (1, 2, or 3 years).
• Residence Visa Stamping: AED 300–600, depending on visa duration.
• Additional Costs:
  • Attestation fees for foreign documents.
  • Typing center service charges, if applicable.

Validity and Renewal of Family Residence Visas

Visa Duration:

• Family visas are typically valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa duration.

Renewal Process:

• Apply for renewal before the visa expiry date.
• Submit updated tenancy contracts, salary certificates, and medical fitness tests (if applicable).

Penalties for Delayed Renewal:

• AED 25 per day for the first six months.
• AED 50 per day for the next six months.
• AED 100 per day after one year.

Tips for a Smooth Application Process

• Document Accuracy:
  • Double-check all documents for errors or missing details before submission.
• Translation and Attestation:
  • Ensure non-English/Arabic documents are translated and attested by approved authorities.
• Using Typing Centers:
  • They can assist with document preparation and submission, reducing errors.
• Plan Ahead:
  • Start the process early to account for unforeseen delays, especially during peak seasons.

Rules and Regulations for Family Visas

• Sponsorship Conditions:
  • Sponsors must remain employed in the UAE; losing the job may lead to visa cancellation.
• Visa Cancellation:
  • If relocating or leaving the UAE, the sponsor must cancel the family visa and provide proof of departure.
• Stay Informed:
  • Visa rules are updated periodically. Check with GDRFA or Amer centers for the latest regulations.

Additional Considerations

Sponsoring Stepchildren:

• Submit a no-objection certificate from the biological parent and proof of custody.
• Stepchildren visas are renewable annually.

Sponsorship for Parents:

• Requires a higher salary threshold (around AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 with accommodation).
• Proof of dependency and sole responsibility for parents’ care must be provided.

Dependents Over 18:

• Sons pursuing higher education must provide proof of enrollment and dependency to renew their visas.

Frequently Asked Questions