UAE Family Visa: Required Documents, How to Apply, Cost of Family Visa

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for expatriates seeking employment and residence, with many looking to bring their families along. The UAE family visa allows residents to sponsor their family members, providing them with the opportunity to live, work, and study in the country.

This article covers everything you need to know about the required documents, how to apply, and the cost of a family visa in the UAE.

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:

1. 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).
2. 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.

Required Documents for a UAE Family Visa

The following documents are required to apply for a family visa in the UAE:

1. For the Sponsor:
   • A valid Emirates ID.
   • A copy of the sponsor’s passport.
   • A copy of the UAE residence visa.
   • A salary certificate or proof of income (for private-sector employees).
   • A valid Ejari (tenancy contract) or proof of accommodation.
2. For the Family Member(s):
   • Passport copies of the family member(s) being sponsored.
   • Recent passport-size photos (white background).
   • Proof of relationship (attested marriage certificate for a spouse, birth certificates for children).
   • Medical fitness certificates for dependents aged 18 and above.
3. Additional Documents (if applicable):
   • Attested documents from the home country and the UAE Embassy.
   • Translation of documents into Arabic by an official legal translator.

How to Apply for a UAE Family Visa

The process of applying for a family visa in the UAE involves several steps:

1. Entry Permit Application

• What it is: 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.

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.

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.

4. Visa Stamping

• Once the medical test and Emirates ID application are complete, the family member’s visa will be stamped in their passport.

Cost of a UAE Family Visa

The cost of a UAE family visa depends on the duration and the emirate of residence. Below is an estimated breakdown:

1. Entry Permit Fees:
   • Short-term (30 days): AED 490–600.
   • Long-term (90 days): AED 1,000–1,200.
2. Visa Issuance Fees:
   • 1-year visa: AED 300–350.
   • 2-year visa: AED 500–700.
   • 3-year visa: AED 750–850.
3. Additional Costs:
   • Medical fitness test: AED 250–500.
   • Emirates ID fees: AED 170 (1 year), AED 270 (2 years), AED 370 (3 years).
   • Typing center fees: AED 150–200.
4. Sponsorship Fees for Parents:
   • Higher income thresholds apply.
   • A refundable deposit of AED 5,000–20,000 may be required.

Key Points to Note

1. Processing Time:
   • Entry permits and visa processing typically take 5–10 working days.
   • Emirates ID issuance may take an additional 5–7 working days.
2. Validity:
   • Family visas are linked to the sponsor’s residency. If the sponsor’s visa is canceled, family visas must also be canceled or transferred.
3. Renewal:
   • Family visas must be renewed before expiry to avoid penalties. Late renewal incurs fines of AED 25 per day.
4. Overstaying Penalties:
   • AED 50 per day for the first 6 months.
   • AED 100 per day thereafter.

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.