It’s true that Abu Dhabi, Dubai and the entire United Arab Emirates have become burgeoning tourist spots in recent years. When it comes to family visas, Dubai is a top destination. And, since 2019, this type of visa has been easier to get. In 2019, the UAE government did away with the requirements for working in specific industries in order to get a family visa in Dubai.
So, if you’re thinking about applying for this type of visa in order to bring your family to Dubai to live with you, it’s possible! And there are a number of reasons why Dubai is such a popular destination for families.
First, the city offers a wide range of activities and attractions for all ages. From theme parks to shopping malls, there is something for everyone in Dubai. Second, the city is home to a number of international schools, which makes it an ideal place for families with children.
Finally, Dubai is a very safe and welcoming place for families. The crime rate is very low, and there are plenty of facilities and services available for families.
So, what are you waiting for? Let’s walk you through the steps of what it takes to get a family visa in Dubai.
What Is the Family Visa in Dubai?
The family visa in Dubai allows residents to sponsor their immediate family members to live with them in the city. This includes spouses, children, parents, and siblings. The sponsored family members will be granted a residency visa, which will allow them to live and work in Dubai.
The visa is valid for three years and is a renewable visa, making it a great option for those looking to settle at least semi-permanently in the country. To move to Dubai, you’ll need residence visas which are recognised under the UAE family visa requirements.For your UAE family visa you will need a minimum salary under the UAE family visa rules. To relocate with your wife and children, you will also be required to present an authenticated marriage certificate, a registered tenancy contract, salary certificate in your UAE family visa application.
However, there are some things to consider.
The spouse must be of the opposite sex to the UAE citizen or resident.
Additionally, to apply for the visa, the applicant must submit an application form, a copy of their passport, and a photograph. As the visa fee may be subject to change, it is an important factor to consider in the cost of living in Dubai for you and your family.
While the visa holder is eligible to work in Dubai, they must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Labor. The visa holder can also study in Dubai.
If you’d like to study, with this visa you don’t have to have a student visa, but you will have to register with the Ministry of Education.
All in all, the Dubai family visa is a great way for families to live and work in Dubai. It provides them with the opportunity to experience all that Dubai has to offer!
UAE Family Visa Rules & Requirements
So, what are the requirements for this type of Dubai visa?
While the requirements change depending on the country you’re from and your specific case, the following are the general UAE family visa requirements:
- The sponsor must be a UAE national or a resident expatriate
- The sponsor must have a valid UAE residence visa
- The sponsor must have an income of at least AED 4,000 per month
- The sponsor must provide accommodation for the family members
- The sponsor must provide proof of relationship with the family members
Additionally, your family members must be “medically fit” and have a clean criminal record. What do we mean by medically fit? They just need a health certificate signed by a doctor that is approved by the UAE government.
During that health check, they will be required to take some medical tests, though. This includes blood tests, pregnancy tests for women, and liver functioning tests.
The family members must all also have valid passports and Emirates ID.
UAE Visa Documents Needed for Family Visa
UAE entry visa requirements for family members include carrying original copies of certain documents. Most of the time, you need to get these documents in your country of origin.
Additionally, most of these documents need to be certified in your country of origin. However, since most of these documents are official birth and marriage certificates, they likely already come certified.
The following UAE visa documents are required for a UAE family visa:
- A duly filled and signed UAE visa application form
- Recent passport-size photographs of the applicant
- Copy of the UAE resident’s passport and residence visa
- An attested marriage certificate for your spouse
- Attested birth certificates of children aged 21 years or below
- A no-objection letter from the sponsor
- Health fitness certificate
- Travel itinerary.
In addition to the above UAE visa documents, some other documents may also be asked for by the UAE embassy or consulate when applying for a UAE family visa.
It’s important to keep this in mind because they can ask for any additional supporting documentation necessary to assess your case. Do note that this is why we recommend working with a trusted firm that has experience with this type of visa processing.
UAE Family Visa Opening Date
What do we mean by the UAE family visa opening date? This is the timeframe within which you can or have to apply for your family’s visas.
Currently, if you’re the resident sponsor, you have 60 days to apply for your dependents’ residence visas once you enter the UAE. Note that these 60 days start from when you modify your status from an entry permit to becoming a resident.
Where do you start this process once the 60-day clock starts running? You can apply for your family members’ Dubai family visa at the local GDRFA office in Dubai.
Here you can find helpful GDRFA Dubai contact information.
What’s the Cost of A Dubai Family Visa?
If you’re planning on moving to Dubai with your family, you’re probably wondering about the cost of a family visa. The good news is that the cost of a family visa for Dubai is relatively affordable, especially when compared to other countries in the region.
For instance, a family of four can expect to pay around AED 5,000 for their visas (roughly $1,360 USD). This fee covers the cost of processing and issuing the visas, as well as any associated costs such as medical exams or travel insurance.
Of course, the actual cost may vary depending on the number of family members and the length of stay. However, overall, the cost of a family visa for Dubai is quite reasonable and should not deter you from making the move.
Note that the cost of hiring a company to help you with the visa application process isn’t included in this. We recommend purchasing these types of services as they will help ensure a smooth application process and easy approval.
How to Apply for the Family Visa in Dubai: Step-by-Step
Are you now considering moving to Dubai with your family after seeing how easy it is to bring them along with you? The process can seem daunting at first, but we’ve got you covered with this step-by-step guide.
First, you’ll need to gather all of the required documents. These include your passport, Emirates ID, photographs, birth certificate, marriage certificate, and medical reports.
Once you have everything in order, you’ll need to submit an online application. Be sure to include all of the required information and pay the application fee.
Next, you’ll need to schedule an interview at the Dubai Visa Application Centre. During the interview, you’ll be asked questions about your plans for living in Dubai and your family relationships. You may also be asked to provide additional documents at this time.
Once your application is approved, you’ll receive a visa voucher. You’ll then need to pay the visa fee and schedule a fingerprinting appointment. After your fingerprints are taken, you’ll be issued your family visa.
Why Outsource Your Visa Processing
While the process above might seem simple, we often encounter many families that experience blocks along the way.
Rather than going through the hassle of doing it yourself, why not outsource the process to a professional visa service?
Here are just a few reasons why it makes sense to use a visa service for your Dubai family visa:
- A visa service can save you time and hassle. Applying for a visa can be a complicated and time-consuming process, but using a professional service means that someone else will handle all the details for you. All you need to do is provide the required documentation and information, and they’ll take care of the rest.
- They can save you money. A good visa processing service and business setup company will work with you to find the most economical way to get your visas. They’ll also usually provide discounts if you’re applying for multiple visas.
- A visa service can increase your chances of success. A professional service that has experience with the Dubai visa process will increase your chances of getting a visa. This is because they know what documents and information are required to correctly submit an application. This expedites the process and ensures a higher likelihood of getting a speedy approval.
- A visa service can provide peace of mind. Moving to a new country can be stressful enough without having to worry about the finer details of your visa. Using a professional service.
Not sure who to trust with this kind of process?
Virtuzone takes care of it all so you can focus on what matters – building your business, settling into your new home, and enjoying the experience with your family.
For more information about company formation in Dubai or our visa services, please call us at +971 4 457 8200, send an email to info@virtuzone.com, or click here.
FAQs About the Family Visa in Dubai
Still have questions about the family visa process in Dubai? Here are the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions we get to help you to understand the process and make sure that you are eligible for the visa.
How Long Does the Visa Application Process Take?
The Dubai family visa processing usually takes around 2-4 weeks. However, it is important to note that this timeframe can vary depending on a number of factors. For instance, the number of applications being processed at the time and the completeness of the supporting documentation all impact the turnaround time for family visas.
For this reason, it is always best to check with the relevant authorities in advance to get an accurate estimate of the processing time.
What Is the Minimum Salary for a Family Visa in the UAE?
In order to qualify for a family visa, applicants must meet certain income requirements. For family sponsorship, your minimum monthly income must be AED 4,000 or AED 3.000 plus accommodation. This equates to around AED 48,000 per year.
Applicants who earn less than this amount will not be eligible for a family visa. In addition to the minimum salary requirement, applicants must also have a valid employment contract with a sponsor in the UAE. The sponsor must be willing to financially support the applicant and their dependents during their stay in the UAE.
Can I Sponsor My Brother or Sister?
If you are a citizen of the United Arab Emirates, you may be able to sponsor your brother or sister for a residency visa. However, there are a few things to know.
First, you must be at least 21 years of age and have a valid UAE passport. Second, proof of employment must be provided, with a monthly salary of at least AED 4,000.
Finally, you must have a copy of your birth certificate and your brother or sister’s passport. If you meet all of these requirements, you can begin the sponsorship process by filling out an online application form.
How Do I Renew My UAE Family Visa?
If you’re looking to renew your UAE family visa, there are a few things you’ll need to do.
First, you’ll need to gather all of the required documents, which include your passport, a recent photo, and your visa application form. You’ll also need to pay the visa application fee.
Once you have all of the required documents and fees, you can submit your application online. To do that, you’ll want to log into the e-services portal on the website of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Once you have logged in, you will need to select ‘Visa Services’ and then ‘Residence Visa’.
Next, you will need to select the option for ‘Dependent Visa’ and then click on the ‘Renew’ button. Then, you’ll schedule a new biometrics appointment, and voila — you and your family will have your new visas!
Get Help With Residency Applications
Visa applications can be daunting, we know. The process is fairly straightforward, but it’s always nice to have help. Our company formation specialists are on call to help you make sense of anything business-related or residency related.
Contact us today to book your free consultation!
