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How to Sponsor Your Family in the UAE: A Clear Guide

Expatriates residing in the United Arab Emirates  can sponsor their family members to reside with them in the country. However, the sponsorship process can be complex and confusing for those unfamiliar with the requirements. This article will provide a comprehensive guide on sponsoring your family in the UAE.

It is essential to remember that if a family member has a current visa or residency permit, both employers and workers may sponsor them. AED 4,000 is the minimum wage required of the sponsor, or AED 3,000 plus housing. Family members who are sponsored and who are at least eighteen years old must also take and pass medical exams.

The process of sponsoring your family in the UAE involves several steps, including submitting an application form (online or via a registered typing office), providing passport copies of your family members, photos of your family members, a medical clearance certificate for those above 18, a copy of your employment or company contract, and a salary certificate. By following the guidelines set forth by the UAE government, expatriates can successfully sponsor their family members to reside with them in the country.

How to Sponsor Your Family in the UAE

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship

Sponsor Qualifications

Expat residents must meet specific qualifications to sponsor their family members in the UAE. The sponsor should have a valid residence permit/visa and a min salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. The sponsor’s profession and employer may also be considered during the application process.

Family Member Eligibility

Male and female family members to be sponsored and have completed 18 must undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers. The following family members are eligible for sponsorship:

  • Wife: The sponsor can sponsor his wife if he is a Muslim resident with a valid residence permit/visa. If the sponsor is a non-Muslim resident, he can sponsor his wife only if he earns a salary of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation.
  • Children: The sponsor can sponsor his biological children, adopted children, and stepchildren if they are unmarried and under 18. If the children are over 18, they need to undergo medical fitness tests at health centers. Sons can be sponsored until married, while daughters can be sponsored indefinitely.
  • Parents: The sponsor can sponsor his parents if he is a Muslim resident with a valid residence permit/visa. If the sponsor is a non-Muslim resident, he can sponsor his parents only if he earns a salary of AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 plus accommodation.
  • Special Needs: The sponsor can sponsor his special needs children, siblings, or parents if they require his care and attention.
  • Single Mother: The sponsor can sponsor his unmarried sister, daughter, or mother if they are single and dependent on him.

It is important to note that the eligibility criteria for family sponsorship in the UAE are subject to change. Before applying, it is advisable to consult with the relevant authorities or a legal professional.

Required Documents for Sponsorship

The sponsor must provide certain documents to sponsor a family member in the UAE. The required documents may vary based on the specific case, but some general documents are needed for all cases.

General Documentation

The general documents required for sponsorship include:

  • Application form: The sponsor must fill out an application, which can be done online or from a registered typing office.
  • Passport copies: The sponsor must provide copies of their passport.
  • Photos: The sponsor must provide pictures of themselves and the family member(s) they are sponsoring.
  • Salary certificate: The sponsor must provide a certificate to show they meet the minimum salary requirement.
  • Tenancy contract: If the sponsor rents a property, they must provide a tenancy contract.
  • Employment contract: The sponsor must provide a copy of their employment or company contract.

Additional Documents for Specific Cases

In addition to the general documents, additional documents may be required based on the specific case. For example:

  • Marriage certificate: If the sponsor sponsors their spouse, they must provide an attested marriage certificate.
  • Medical clearance certificate: If the sponsored family member is above 18 years old, they must provide a medical clearance certificate.
  • No-objection certificate: If the sponsored family member is employed in the UAE, they must provide a no-objection certificate from their current employer.

It is important to note that the required documents may vary based on the specific case and the sponsor’s emirate. 

Providing the required documents is essential in sponsoring a family member in the UAE. The sponsor must have all the necessary documents to avoid delays or complications.

Application Process

Online and Offline Submission

The sponsor must apply for their entry permit and residence visa to sponsor family members in the UAE. The application process can be done either online or offline.The offline process requires visiting a typing office to fill out an application form.

The online process is recommended as it is faster and more convenient. The sponsor needs to create an account on the GDRFA website and fill out the application form. The form requires the personal details of the sponsor and the family member being sponsored. The sponsor must also upload the necessary documents, including passport copies, photos, and medical clearance certificates.

The offline process requires visiting a typing office to complete the application form. The typing office will assist in filling out the form and submitting the required documents. The sponsor must also pay the necessary fees at the typing office.

Approval and Visa Issuance

Once the application is given, the GDRFA will review it and approve if all requirements are met. Moreover, the sponsor will receive a notification of the approval through email or SMS. The sponsor can then proceed to apply for the residence visa.

The sponsor must visit the GDRFA or the Amer Center to apply for the residence visa. Additionally, the sponsor must bring the original passport of the sponsored family member and pay the required fees. The sponsor will receive the family member’s residence visa and Emirates ID.

It is important to note that the sponsor must complete the Immigration Clearance Procedure (ICP) for the family member within 60 days of their arrival in the UAE. 

In conclusion, the application process for sponsoring family members in the UAE can be done either online or offline. The process requires submitting the required documents and paying the required fees. Once approved, the sponsor can apply for a residence visa and Emirates ID.

How to Sponsor Your Family in the UAE

Financial Requirements

To sponsor your family in the UAE, you must meet specific financial requirements. This section will cover the minimum salary threshold and proof of stable income you must provide.

Minimum Salary Threshold

To sponsor your family in the UAE, you need a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. The minimum salary requirement differs depending on the number of family members you want to sponsor. For instance, the minimum salary required to sponsor a family of five is AED 10,000, and AED 15,000 for a family of six.

Proof of Stable Income

Apart from meeting the minimum salary threshold, you must provide proof of stable income. This can be in the form of a salary certificate or a company contract. The salary certificate should show your monthly salary, while the company contract should show your job title, salary, and other employment details.

If you are self-employed, you must provide a copy of your trade license and a bank statement showing a deposit of at least AED 20,000. If you rent an apartment, you must provide a registered tenancy contract.

In conclusion, sponsoring your family in the UAE requires you to meet specific financial requirements. You need a minimum salary threshold and proof of stable income. 

Health and Insurance Regulations

It is essential to be aware of the health and insurance regulations in place to sponsor your family in the UAE. The following subsections will provide information on the required medical fitness tests and the health insurance policies that must be obtained.

Medical Fitness Tests

To be sponsored and have completed 18, male and female family members must undergo and pass fitness tests at approved health centers. These medical fitness tests are designed to ensure the individual is free from infectious diseases, including tuberculosis and pulmonary tuberculosis.

It is important to note that the medical fitness tests are mandatory and must be completed before a residence visa can be issued. The medical fitness test report is valid for three months from the issue date. If the report expires before the residence visa is issued, the individual must undergo another medical fitness test.

Health Insurance Policies

The UAE mandates health insurance for visa issuance. It is essential to ensure you have secured health coverage for your family members before applying for a residence visa. The medical insurance policy must cover inpatient and outpatient treatments and emergency services.

In summary, sponsoring your family in the UAE requires compliance with the health and insurance regulations that are in place. This includes completing mandatory medical fitness tests and obtaining a medical insurance policy that provides adequate coverage. By following these regulations, you can ensure that your family is protected and that the visa issuance process goes smoothly.

Legal Considerations

Residency Laws

In the UAE, family members must be sponsored in accordance with certain residence regulations. In the UAE, expatriate residents who possess a valid visa or residency permit can sponsor their family members. AED 4,000 is the minimum wage required of the sponsor, or AED 3,000 plus housing. Family members, both male and female, who are to be sponsored and who have reached the age of 18, must go through and pass medical testing. Those who are older than 18 must also present a medical clearance certificate.

Special Provisions

Specific special provisions are in place to sponsor family members in the UAE. For instance, if an expat is the sole support of their family, they may be allowed to sponsor family members even if they do not meet the minimum salary requirement. In addition, expats can sponsor their daughters if unmarried, regardless of age. However, sons can only be sponsored until they reach the age of 18 unless they are enrolled in full-time education.

It is important to note that sponsoring two wives simultaneously is not permitted in the UAE. In addition, fines and fees may be imposed for violating residency laws. Expats should also know that applying for a family visa can be complex and requires determination. Overall, expats should know the residency laws and special provisions for sponsoring family members in the UAE. By obtaining a residency permit and meeting the requirements, expats can apply for a family visa and enjoy the benefits of living with their loved ones in the UAE.

Renewal and Cancellation

Visa Renewal Procedures

Once a family member’s residence permit is about to expire, the sponsor must initiate the renewal process. The renewal process involves submitting updated documents to the immigration department and paying the relevant fees. The records required for visa renewal include passport copies, photos, and medical clearance certificates for family members above 18. The sponsor must also provide a copy of their employment or company contract and a salary certificate.

It is important to note that the renewal process must be initiated before the residence permit expires. Failure to renew the visa before the expiry date can result in fines and penalties.

How to Sponsor Your Family in the UAE

Cancellation and Grace Period

If the sponsor wishes to cancel the family member’s residence permit, they must submit a cancellation request to the immigration department. The cancellation request must be accompanied by relevant documents, such as a copy of the family member’s passport and residence permit.

It’s crucial to remember that the dependents’ visas must likewise be terminated if the sponsoring family member’s visa is revoked. After their visa expires or is canceled, dependents have six months to apply for a new residence permit. The sponsor may be required to pay a fee if he neglects to revoke or renew his dependents’ visas.

In Abu Dhabi, female residents looking to sponsor their families have slightly different conditions. They must have a minimum salary of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 plus accommodation to sponsor their families.

Engineers and other select professionals can sponsor their families with a minimum salary of AED 6,000.

Newborns can be added to the residence permit of their parents within 120 days of their birth.

In summary, the renewal and cancellation process for a family member’s residence permit in the UAE involves submitting updated documents, paying relevant renewal fees, and submitting a cancellation request with relevant documents. It is essential to initiate the renewal process before the expiry date and be aware of the grace period for dependents in case of cancellation.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary requirement to sponsor a family visa in the UAE?

To sponsor a family visa in the UAE, the sponsor should have a salary of at least AED 4,000 or 3,000 plus accommodation. This requirement applies to both male and female residents.

What are the eligibility criteria for sponsoring a sister for a residence visa in the UAE?

Sponsoring a sister for a residence visa in the UAE is possible, but the sister must meet specific eligibility criteria. She must be unmarried and under the age of 18, or she must be physically or mentally challenged and unable to support herself. The sponsor must also have a minimum salary of AED 20,000.

Can a mother-in-law be sponsored for a residence visa in the UAE, and what are the conditions?

Sponsoring a mother-in-law for a residence visa in the UAE is possible, but the conditions vary depending on the emirate. In Dubai, for example, the mother-in-law must be over 55 years old and financially dependent on the sponsor. In Abu Dhabi, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 10,000 and provide separate accommodation for the mother-in-law.

What documents and requirements are needed to apply for a family visa in the UAE?

The documents and requirements needed to apply for a family visa in the UAE vary according to the emirate and the type of visa being used. Generally, the sponsor must provide a valid residence permit/visa, a marriage certificate (if applicable), a birth certificate for each sponsored child, and proof of relationship with other family members.

How much does obtaining a family visa in the UAE typically cost?

The cost of obtaining a family visa in the UAE varies depending on the emirate and the type of visa being applied for—generally, the cost ranges from AED 500 to AED 1,000.

Under what circumstances can I sponsor my brother for a visa visit to the UAE?

Sponsoring a brother for a visit visa in the UAE is possible, but the circumstances vary depending on the emirate. In Dubai, for example, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 and provide a security deposit of AED 1,000. The brother must also provide proof of relationship and a return ticket. In Abu Dhabi, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 5,000 and give a security deposit of AED 2,000.

 

مؤسّس منصة الشرق الاوسط العقارية

أحمد البطراوى، مؤسّس منصة الشرق الاوسط العقارية و منصة مصر العقارية ،التي تهدف إلى تبسيط عمليات التداول العقاري في الشرق الأوسط، مما يمهّد الطريق لفرص استثمارية عالمية غير مسبوقة

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