Family visas in the UAE allow expatriates to sponsor their family members for residency. The salary requirement for sponsoring a family visa in the UAE is a crucial factor for expatriates planning to bring their families to live with them. As of the latest updates, the minimum salary required to sponsor a family visa is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 if accommodation is provided by the employer.
What Are the Salary Requirements for a Family Visa in the UAE?
The UAE government has set specific salary thresholds for expatriates wishing to sponsor their family members. These requirements ensure that the sponsor can provide for their dependents adequately.
- Minimum Salary: AED 4,000 per month without accommodation, or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation.
- Proof of Income: Sponsors must provide proof of income, typically through salary certificates or bank statements.
Who Can You Sponsor on a Family Visa?
Expatriates in the UAE can sponsor various family members, but the rules and requirements can vary:
- Spouse: Both husbands and wives can sponsor each other. The sponsor must provide a marriage certificate attested by the UAE authorities.
- Children: Parents can sponsor their children. Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 18, or 21 if they are studying, while daughters can be sponsored until they are married.
- Parents: Sponsoring parents is possible but requires a higher salary threshold and a deposit as a guarantee.
How to Apply for a Family Visa in the UAE?
The application process for a family visa involves several steps:
- Documentation: Gather necessary documents, including passport copies, salary certificates, tenancy contracts, and attested birth/marriage certificates.
- Application Submission: Submit the application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in your emirate.
- Medical Examination: Sponsored family members must undergo a medical examination to ensure they are fit for residency.
- Visa Issuance: Upon approval, the visa is stamped in the family member’s passport.
What Are the Costs Associated with a Family Visa?
Sponsoring a family visa involves several costs:
- Application Fees: These vary depending on the emirate and the duration of the visa.
- Medical Examination Fees: Mandatory for all sponsored family members.
- Emirates ID Fees: Required for all residents in the UAE.
| Cost Component | Approximate Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa Application Fee | 500 – 1,000 |
| Medical Exam Fee | 250 – 500 |
| Emirates ID Fee | 100 – 200 per year |
What Are the Benefits of a Family Visa in the UAE?
Sponsoring a family visa provides several benefits:
- Stability: Allows families to live together, providing emotional and social stability.
- Access to Services: Family members can access healthcare, education, and other public services.
- Employment Opportunities: Spouses can apply for a work permit, allowing them to seek employment in the UAE.
People Also Ask
What Documents Are Required for a UAE Family Visa?
To apply for a family visa, you need the following documents: a valid passport copy of the sponsor and the family members, a salary certificate, a tenancy contract, attested marriage and birth certificates, and recent passport-sized photos.
Can a Woman Sponsor Her Family in the UAE?
Yes, a woman can sponsor her family in the UAE if she meets certain criteria, such as a higher minimum salary requirement and working in specific professions like engineering, teaching, or the medical field.
How Long Does It Take to Process a Family Visa in the UAE?
The processing time for a family visa can vary but generally takes between 2 to 4 weeks. Delays can occur if additional documentation is required or during peak application periods.
Are There Any Special Conditions for Sponsoring Parents?
Yes, to sponsor parents, you must earn a higher salary, typically around AED 20,000, and provide a guarantee deposit. Additionally, you must prove that you are their sole provider.
Can Sponsored Family Members Work in the UAE?
Sponsored family members can work in the UAE if they obtain a work permit from their employer. The work permit process is separate from the family visa sponsorship.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a family visa in the UAE requires meeting specific salary thresholds and fulfilling various documentation requirements. Understanding these requirements and the application process can help expatriates bring their families to live with them in the UAE, offering them stability and access to numerous services. For more detailed guidance, consider consulting with immigration experts or the GDRFA in your emirate.
