UAE Family Visa: Required Documents, Apply, Cost of Family Visa
Bringing your family to the UAE is a priority for many expatriates, and the UAE Family Visa makes this possible by allowing residents to sponsor their spouse, children, and other dependents. Whether you’re planning to reunite with your loved ones or relocate with your family, understanding the requirements, application process, and costs is essential. This visa provides long-term residency options, enabling families to live, work, and study in the UAE with ease.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the necessary documents, step-by-step application process, and associated fees, ensuring you have all the information needed to successfully apply for a UAE Family Visa and start your new chapter with peace of mind.
Requirements to Sponsor Someone for a UAE Family Visa
If you wish to sponsor your family members for a UAE residence visa, you must meet the following eligibility criteria:
- For Male Sponsors: A minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
- For Female Sponsors: A minimum salary of AED 10,000 per month or AED 8,000 plus employer-provided accommodation.
Additionally, all family members aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center in the UAE. The test screens for HIV and Tuberculosis, and passing it is mandatory for visa approval.
It’s important to note that the UAE does not recognize same-sex marriages, meaning individuals in same-sex relationships cannot sponsor their spouses under the family visa system.
How to Apply for a UAE Family Visa
The process of applying for a family visa in the UAE involves several steps:
Step 1 – Entry Permit Application
The entry permit allows your family members to enter the UAE to complete the visa application process.
- Where to Apply:
- Typing centers registered with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- Online via the GDRFA website or mobile app.
- The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website for emirates outside Dubai.
Step 2 – Medical Fitness Test
Dependents aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test. This includes:
- Blood test.
- Chest X-ray.
Tests must be completed at authorized medical centers in the UAE.
Step 3 – Emirates ID Application
Submit an application for Emirates ID after the entry permit is issued. This requires biometric data (fingerprints and photos) at an authorized center.
Step 4 – Visa Stamping
Once the medical test and Emirates ID application are complete, the family member’s visa will be stamped in their passport.
For more details on penalties and violations, UAE fines check to stay informed about applicable regulations.
Who Can Sponsor a Family Visa in the UAE?
To sponsor family members for a visa in the UAE, the sponsor must meet certain requirements:
Eligibility for Sponsorship:
- A male expatriate must have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
- A female expatriate can also sponsor her family if her monthly salary is at least AED 10,000 and she holds a certain professional designation (e.g., nurse, teacher, or doctor).
Sponsored Family Members:
- Immediate family members, including spouses and children, can be sponsored.
- Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25 years, while unmarried daughters have no age limit.
- Parents can also be sponsored, but specific conditions and higher income thresholds apply.
UAE Family Visa How Much Does a UAE Family Visa Cost?
The cost of a UAE family visa depends on the duration and the emirate of residence. Below is an estimated breakdown:
| Fee Type | Cost (AED) per Person |
|---|
| Sponsor Registration File | 268.9 |
| Tasheera (Wife/Children Outside UAE) | 488.9 |
| Tasheera (Wife/Children Inside UAE) | 1,138.90 |
| Tasheera (Parents Inside UAE) | 488.9 |
| Normal Medical Test | 322.5 |
| Emirates ID (1 Year) | 250 |
| Emirates ID (2 Years) | 350 |
| Emirates ID (3 Years) | 450 |
| Transfer of New Residence to Passport | 259.9 |
How Long is a UAE Family Visa Valid?
In the UAE, both employers and employees with valid residence visas are eligible to sponsor their family members for residence visas. This has changed from previous regulations, as now employees can sponsor their families regardless of their job titles, provided they meet certain salary criteria.
Specifically, employees must earn a minimum of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000, plus accommodation, to be eligible to sponsor their spouse, children, and other dependents for a family visa. This makes it easier for expatriates to bring their families to the UAE and live together.
Final Thoughts
The UAE family visa process is straightforward if you meet the necessary requirements and provide all the required documents. Staying organized and ensuring that you follow the guidelines from GDRFA or ICA will help you avoid delays and complications. Always consult with the relevant UAE immigration authority or a professional service if you have unique circumstances or require assistance with the application process.
