Complete Guide to UAE Family Residence Visa

By Noor Siddiqui, Certified Document Consultant 

The Family Residence Visa in the UAE allows expatriates to bring their immediate family members, such as spouses, children, and parents, to live with them. This visa provides a legal pathway for expatriates to ensure their loved ones can reside in the UAE, offering long-term stability and access to essential services like healthcare and education. The process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria, gathering required documents, and following a step-by-step application procedure. Understanding the requirements helps streamline the process and ensures compliance with UAE laws.

Who Can Sponsor a Family Member?

Eligibility Criteria:
Expatriates residing in the UAE with a valid residency visa can sponsor their family members, including their spouse, children, and parents. Key conditions include:

• Employment: You need to be employed or have an investor visa in the UAE.
• Salary Requirement:
  • For sponsoring a spouse and children, the minimum salary must be AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided.
  • To sponsor parents, the sponsor needs to earn at least AED 20,000 monthly or have financial guarantees, depending on the emirate.

Who Can Be Sponsored?:

• Spouse: You can sponsor only one wife. Marriage must be legally registered, with certificates attested by the UAE government.
• Children: Sons must be under 18 or under 21 if they are studying. Daughters can be sponsored if unmarried.
• Parents: If you are the only caretaker, you can sponsor both parents, but certain financial and accommodation criteria must be met.

Required Documents for Family Residence Visa

To sponsor family members in the UAE, you need to submit the following:

• Passport Copies: For both the sponsor and the family members.
• Recent Photographs: Passport-sized, with a white background.
• Sponsor’s Emirates ID: Valid Emirates ID of the sponsor.
• Attested Marriage Certificate: If you are sponsoring your spouse, the marriage certificate must be attested by UAE authorities.
• Attested Birth Certificates: For children being sponsored.
• Salary Certificate: Provided by your employer, proving that you meet the minimum salary requirement.
• Employment Contract: If you are employed, you’ll need to submit a valid contract.
• Ejari: Tenancy contract or online Ejari (for Dubai), proving that you have accommodation suitable for family living.
• Medical Insurance: Health insurance policy for each family member, as it’s mandatory for visa approval.
• No-Objection Certificate (NOC): This is only necessary in certain cases, such as if the wife is sponsoring the family.

Step-by-Step Process for Obtaining a Family Residence Visa

Here is a detailed breakdown of the process to sponsor your family:

• Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit
  The first step involves applying for an entry permit through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or a typing center. The entry permit allows your family members to legally enter the UAE. Once they enter, the residence visa process begins.
• Step 2: Medical Test
  Upon arrival, the family member must undergo a medical fitness test. The test is compulsory for all residents over 18 and can be done at any authorized medical center in the UAE. It involves basic health checks and tests for communicable diseases.
• Step 3: Emirates ID Application
  Once the medical fitness test is passed, apply for an Emirates ID for your family members. This requires biometrics submission and document verification.
• Step 4: Visa Application
  Submit the visa application form at a GDRFA office or a typing center, attaching all the necessary documents mentioned earlier. You will also pay the required fees at this stage.
• Step 5: Visa Stamping
  Once the visa is approved, the family member’s passport will be stamped with the residence visa, indicating their legal residency status in the UAE. This allows them to live, work, or study, depending on the visa type.

Processing Time for Family Residence Visa

Typically, the entire process can take 5 to 10 working days from the time the application is submitted. The duration might vary depending on the emirate and the complexity of the application.

Costs and Fees Involved

The following costs are associated with the Family Residence Visa:

• Entry Permit: AED 1,000 – AED 1,500, depending on the urgency of processing.
• Medical Fitness Test: AED 300 – AED 500 for the test, based on the location.
• Visa Stamping: AED 500 – AED 1,200, depending on the emirate.
• Emirates ID: AED 100 per year of visa validity (usually 1–3 years).
• Medical Insurance: The cost depends on the insurance provider and coverage. It’s mandatory for each family member.

Top Related Questions and Answers

Q1: Can I sponsor my family on a visit visa before applying for a Family Residence Visa?
Yes, many expatriates first bring their family members to the UAE on a visit visa, then convert the visa into a residence visa after completing the sponsorship process.

Q2: Can a wife sponsor her husband and children in the UAE?
Yes, women can sponsor their family members if they meet the minimum salary requirement (AED 10,000 or more). Female sponsors also need to be employed in specific professions, such as teaching, healthcare, or engineering.

Q3: What happens if I lose my job and am sponsoring my family?
If a sponsor loses their job, the family residence visa remains valid for a grace period (typically 30–60 days), during which a new job must be found, or an alternative visa arrangement made.

Q4: How can I renew the Family Residence Visa?
Renewal is a straightforward process, similar to the initial application. It involves submitting updated documents (including the latest salary certificate and medical fitness test results) and paying renewal fees. The visa can be renewed within 30 days before it expires.

Q5: Are there special provisions for divorced women or widows to sponsor children?
Yes, divorced women or widows can sponsor their children under special conditions. They need to provide proof of custody and meet the basic salary requirements for sponsorship.

Conclusion

Sponsoring a family member for residency in the UAE requires careful attention to detail, especially regarding the eligibility criteria, document submission, and processing requirements. It’s essential to stay updated with the latest regulations, as rules may vary by emirate. Consulting a professional document clearing service, such as Noor Siddiqui, can streamline the process, ensuring all necessary steps are completed smoothly and efficiently.

For more information on document requirements or to consult an expert, feel free to contact Noor Siddiqui for a tailored consultation.