Sponsoring Family in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dependent Visas in Dubai

Residing in the UAE and would like to bring your loved ones with you? Get a dependent visa UAE. It is simpler than it appears once you get to know the process. If you’d like to sponsor your spouse, children, or even your parents, the UAE government has straightforward rules and assistance. First, check if you qualify under the income and accommodation criteria. Next, you need to have a few documents, such as your Emirates ID, copies of your passport, and a tenancy agreement.

Then you can apply online through smart government portals or even go to a typing centre. Then your application is submitted for approval. In between, monitor the timeline and pay whatever fees are needed. Lastly, once approved, your dependents can avail themselves of legal residence in the UAE. Let’s dive deeper below.

What is a Dependent Visa UAE?

A dependent UAE visa allows UAE residents to bring their immediate family members to reside with them. Typically, this comprises your wife or husband, children, and even your parents. It is included within the UAE residence visa mechanism and enables families to stay united. The individual working in the UAE first needs to fulfil the salary and housing requirements. Then, they can apply for the visa using papers such as passports, Emirates ID, and relationship proof. 

Their dependents will then be able to live in the UAE legally, attend school, seek medical attention, and have fun with their families. In general, this visa facilitates families to reside and develop in the Emirates.

Different Types of Dependent Visa UAE

In the UAE, you have the right to sponsor your immediate family members through various types of dependent visas. These visas enable your relatives to stay with you in the country legally. Each category, however, has its requirements, salary cap, and supporting documents. Let’s discuss them one by one:

1. Wife and Children Visa

A guy with an AED 4,000/month salary or AED 3,000 with accommodation can sponsor his wife and children. Additionally, sons until age 21 if in school.

2. Husband Visa

A lady with an AED 10,000/month salary or AED 8,000 with accommodation can sponsor her husband. Nevertheless, some emirates need her to work in certain professions.

3. Children’s Visa

A mother may sponsor children in exceptional circumstances, such as divorce or the death of the father. She also has to fulfil income and residence requirements.

4. Parents’ Visa

The resident with a salary of AED 20,000/month or AED 10,000 and a 2-bedroom residence can sponsor parents. Health insurance and annual renewal are also required.

5. Domestic Helper Visa

UAE nationals or expats with an approx AED 25,000/month salary can sponsor helpers. Additionally, positions comprise a maid, cook, nanny, or driver in the household staff category.

Required Documents for Dubai Dependent Visa

In order to sponsor your family in Dubai, you must collect all necessary documents. They assist in confirming your eligibility and making the visa process a success.

• Attested Marriage Certificate: You need to provide an attested marriage certificate. To start, make sure it is translated into Arabic and legally stamped.
• Attested Birth Certificates: Birth certificates should be attested. Second, they must clearly state the sponsor’s name as the parent.
• Passport Copies of All Dependents: Provide clear, valid passport copies of each dependent. In addition, passports should have a minimum of six months’ validity.
• Recent Passport-Size Photographs: Recent photos are required for each dependent. Also, adhere to UAE photo requirements (white background, face visible).
• Emirates ID Application Form: Complete the Emirates ID form correctly. Then, present it while applying for a visa.
• Sponsor’s Valid Passport and Visa Copy: Present clear photocopies of your passport and valid UAE visa. Thus, ensure they are not near expiration.
• Salary Certificate or Labour Contract: You require evidence of your income. It normally appears in the form of a salary certificate or work contract.
• Ejari Registration: Produce your registered tenancy contract. Apart from that, the property must be commensurate with the family size you are sponsoring.
• Proof of Accommodation: You will need to provide proof of residence. In addition, it must be valid and in your name.
• Valid Health Insurance for Each Dependent: Health insurance is compulsory for all dependents. So, get the coverage first before filling out the application.
• Medical Fitness Test Results: Dependent adults need to pass medical tests. Tests also consist of chest X-rays and blood tests.
• Bank Statement: Some situations require a recent bank statement. But it varies with your emirate or occupation.

UAE Dependent Visa Requirements

To sponsor your relatives in the UAE, you have to fulfil some minimum requirements. These are salary, accommodation, medical insurance, and visa status. Here’s what you require:

1. Minimum Salary Requirement

You need to earn approx AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 with accommodation. That way, you’ll fulfil the minimum income requirement for sponsorship.

2. Sponsor’s Status

It is advisable to have a visa sponsored by your employer.

You must have a valid UAE residence visa and a qualified job title. Additionally, sponsorship of dependents by only some professions is permitted.

3. Housing Requirement

The home must correspond with the size of your family. Additionally, provide a valid Ejari tenancy contract.

4. Health Insurance

Health insurance is mandatory for all dependents. Thus, ensure coverage is valid before you apply.

5. GDRFA Approval

Certain cases require additional verification, such as sponsoring parents. In these cases, proofs and documents have to be stronger.

Residence Visa Application Process

Obtaining a dependent visa UAE is not difficult if you do things right. Follow steps, apply, provide documents, and fill out necessary formalities. Here’s how:

1. Apply for Entry Permit

Submit online through GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (other UAE emirates). Initially, this permit is required irrespective of whether your dependents are within or outside the UAE.

2. Do Status Change

If your dependents are already within the UAE, you will need to change their visa status. Second, do that after approval for their entry permit UAE is issued.

3. Medical Fitness Test

Spouses, parents, and adult children need to undergo medical tests. Besides, they consist of a blood test and chest X-ray.

4. Emirates ID Application

Complete the Emirates ID form online or at a typing centre. Then, submit it along with other supporting documents for processing.

5. Health Insurance

Purchase active health insurance for all dependents. In addition, it needs to be active prior to final visa submission.

6. Submit Final Visa Application

Submit the complete application on GDRFA or ICA. Then, upload all documents and pay the required charges.

7. Get Residency Visa Stamp (if required)

Some of the emirates still demand a visa stamp on the passport. But many of them now give digital residence permits.

How to Sponsor Family in UAE

Sponsoring your loved ones in the UAE is convenient if you do it in the right order. To start with, ensure you comply with the salary condition, normally AED 4,000 monthly or AED 3,000 with a company apartment. Then, gather all the documents required, such as your marriage certificate or birth certificate, tenancy agreement, and salary voucher. Submit an entry permit application for your relatives.

Then, after they arrive, give them a medical fitness test UAE if they are above 18 years of age. Next, apply for their Emirates ID and visa stamping through ICA or GDRFA. Remember to renew the visa before it expires to avoid legal complications and fines.

UAE Dependent Visa Cost

The fee for obtaining a dependent visa UAE is based on the duration of validity (1, 2, or 3 years) as well as the emirate in which you apply. These are the usual fees (approx) in detail:

• Entry Permit: AED 500-1,200
• Medical Fitness Test: AED 250–350 (adult dependents who are aged 18 and above)
• Emirates ID: AED 270 375 (depends on the timeframe of validity)
• Visa Stamping: AED 500-700

Along with that, you might be charged with additional fees, including:

• Health Insurance: Paid per provider and covers AED 800-2,000+
• Ejari Registration (tenancy): Approximately AED 200-250
• Typing center/PRO Fees: AED 100-300

That is why it is prudent to work out the bill beforehand and budget accordingly.

Taxes for People With a UAE Dependent Visa

There is no income tax in the UAE, even if you are on a dependent visa. So, whether you earn money or not, your income is not taxed locally. However, everyone who lives here, including dependents, has to pay 5% VAT on most things you buy and use, like food, electronics, and eating out. Also, you should check your country of origin, because some nationalities still have to report and/or pay taxes abroad.

For instance, American nationals are required to pay taxes even when abroad. In summary, though the UAE is a tax-free salary haven, it makes sense to know any overseas tax regulations that could still affect you or your dependents.

Dependent Visa Renewal UAE

Renewing your dependent visa UAE ensures that your family remains legally resident in the country. Fines will be imposed and legal problems will ensue if the visa has not been renewed when it expires. So, better start the renewal process one month before the expiry date.

1. Check the Expiry Date

Begin by verifying the expiry dates of your dependents’ visas and Emirates IDs. It will be found on their visa stamp or Emirates ID card. Reminders are normally sent by SMS or email as well.

2. Gather Updated Documents

Collect all the required documents, including:

• Valid passport copies of dependents
• Recent passport-sized photos
• Updated salary certificate or employment contract of the sponsor
• Valid Emirates ID and a copy of the sponsor visa
• Tenancy contract (Ejari)
• Valid health insurance for all dependents

3. Medical Fitness Test (for dependents 18+)

Adult dependents (18 years and above) will also have to repeat a medical fitness test. It entails:

• Blood test
• Chest X-ray

This test is done to ensure they are clear of communicable diseases.

4. Renew Emirates ID

Submit to renew the Emirates ID via ICP (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) or a typing centre. The renewal has to be completed before visa stamping.

5. Submit Visa Renewal Application

Submit the complete application via:

• GDRFA Dubai (if presently in Dubai)
• ICA UAE (for other emirates)

You can do it online, via a typing centre, or with the assistance of a PRO service. Upload all necessary documents, pay the renewal charges, and wait for approval.

6. Visa Stamping (if applicable)

In certain instances, a fresh visa sticker can be inserted in the dependent’s passport. Most visas are now digital, yet stamping could still apply based on the emirate.

PRO is Here to Help

A PRO service will simplify the dependent visa process. To begin, they assist you in preparing key documents such as Ejari, salary certificates, and tenancy agreements. Then, they support you with health insurance for dependents and navigate you through GDRFA forms. It spares you time and prevents expensive blunders. And, if you are a business owner, PRO services in Dubai are usually bundled with business setup in Dubai. 

That is, you get assistance with investor visas, worker visas, and even family sponsorship, all under one roof. Such professionals are aware of the current regulations and can conduct the process efficiently. So, rather than doing it yourself, let a reputed PRO services company in UAE do it for you.

FAQs

Q1. What are the salary requirements for sponsorship a family in the UAE?

Typically, you require approx AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. However, salary regulations can vary marginally per emirate.

Q2. Can I apply for a parent visa sponsorship UAE?

Yes, you can sponsor them. But you require a higher salary, a 2-bedroom apartment, and complete health insurance for both parents.

Q3. What if my child is more than 18?

You may sponsor sons between the ages of 25 and below if they are full-time students. Unmarried daughters may be sponsored at any age.

Q4. What if a dependent spends more than 6 months outside UAE?

Alas, the visa is cancelled. You must apply for the full visa process again to bring them back.

Q5. Can dependents be employed in the UAE?

First, they need to receive an employment offer. Secondly, their visa should be converted to a work visa by the employing company.

Conclusion

Obtaining a dependent visa UAE is an excellent method to unite your family and live blissfully in the Emirates. It may not be very clear at first, but with the correct documents and proper understanding of the regulations, it becomes easy. Firstly, ensure you have the income and accommodation needs met.

Then, get all the papers you need, such as your Emirates ID, copies of your passport, and tenancy agreement. Afterwards, apply via proper channels, either online or via a PRO service. They help save time and minimise stress. Always keep yourself informed about the most recent visa regulations. Careful planning can help you move your loved ones to live with you in Dubai.