What is the minimum salary to sponsor a family in the UAE?
To sponsor a family in the UAE, a resident must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. This requirement ensures that the sponsor can adequately support their family members while living in the country.
Understanding UAE Family Sponsorship Requirements
Sponsoring a family in the UAE involves several key requirements and processes. The UAE government has set these guidelines to ensure that residents have the financial capability to support their dependents. Here’s a detailed look at what you need to know about family sponsorship in the UAE.
What Are the Salary Requirements for Sponsoring a Family?
The minimum salary requirement to sponsor a family in the UAE is generally AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided by the employer. This threshold is crucial as it demonstrates the sponsor’s ability to support their family financially.
- AED 4,000: Without employer-provided accommodation
- AED 3,000: With employer-provided accommodation
These figures ensure that sponsors can manage the costs associated with living, such as housing, education, and healthcare.
Who Can Be Sponsored Under UAE Law?
In the UAE, expatriates can sponsor their immediate family members, including:
- Spouse: Husbands can sponsor their wives, and vice versa, provided they meet the salary requirements.
- Children: Sons can be sponsored up to the age of 18, or 21 if they are studying. Daughters can be sponsored until they marry.
- Parents: Sponsoring parents requires a higher salary threshold and additional approvals.
What Documents Are Required for Sponsorship?
Sponsoring a family in the UAE requires several documents to be submitted to the relevant authorities. These typically include:
- Passport copies of the sponsor and family members
- Employment contract or salary certificate
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) if accommodation is not provided by the employer
- Marriage certificate (attested) for sponsoring a spouse
- Birth certificates (attested) for sponsoring children
These documents help verify the sponsor’s eligibility and the relationship with the dependents.
How to Apply for Family Sponsorship in the UAE
The process of applying for family sponsorship involves several steps. Here’s a simplified guide to help you navigate this process:
- Collect Required Documents: Gather all necessary documents, including attested certificates and contracts.
- Submit Application: Apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in your emirate.
- Pay Fees: There are fees associated with visa applications and processing.
- Medical Examination: Family members over a certain age may need to undergo a medical examination.
- Visa Issuance: Once approved, the residence visa will be issued, allowing family members to stay in the UAE.
What Are the Costs Involved in Sponsoring a Family?
Sponsoring a family involves several costs beyond the salary requirement. These can include:
- Visa application fees: Vary depending on the emirate and duration of the visa
- Medical examination fees: Required for adults over a certain age
- Emirates ID fees: Necessary for all residents
These costs can add up, so it’s important to budget accordingly.
People Also Ask
Can a woman sponsor her family in the UAE?
Yes, a woman can sponsor her family in the UAE, provided she meets the salary requirements and other conditions set by the authorities. Typically, she should earn a minimum of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation, although these requirements can vary depending on the emirate.
How long does it take to process a family visa in the UAE?
The processing time for a family visa in the UAE can vary, but it typically takes between 2 to 4 weeks. This timeframe includes document verification, application processing, and visa issuance.
What happens if the sponsor loses their job?
If a sponsor loses their job, they may face challenges in maintaining their family’s residence visas. It’s crucial to find new employment quickly to avoid visa cancellation. Sponsors should also inform the GDRFA of any changes in employment status.
Is it possible to sponsor stepchildren in the UAE?
Yes, it is possible to sponsor stepchildren in the UAE, but additional documentation is required, such as a no-objection certificate from the biological parent. The sponsor must also meet the standard salary requirements.
What is the procedure for renewing a family visa?
Renewing a family visa involves submitting an application through the GDRFA, paying the necessary fees, and ensuring all required documents are up to date. The renewal process should be initiated before the visa expiry to avoid fines.
Conclusion
Sponsoring a family in the UAE requires meeting specific salary criteria and following a detailed application process. By understanding these requirements and preparing the necessary documentation, expatriates can successfully bring their families to live with them in the UAE. For more information on living and working in the UAE, consider exploring related topics such as "UAE Residency Visa" and "Cost of Living in the UAE."
