July 24, 2023
If you're an expatriate residing in the UAE and wish to have your family live with you, understanding the family visa process is crucial. The UAE offers family sponsorship options for both employers and employees with valid residence visas. Recent updates have made it easier for employees to sponsor their families, regardless of job titles, given they meet specific salary criteria. In this article, we'll cover the frequently asked questions about family visas and important details you need to know.
Q1.What is a family visa in the UAE?
A family visa allows UAE residents or expats to sponsor their family members to live with them in the UAE.
Q2.What are the sponsorship requirements for family visas?
Expatriate residents must have a valid residence permit/visa, with a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Additionally, family members above the age of 18 must undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centers in the UAE.
Q3.Can an expatriate sponsor their wife and children?
Yes, expatriate residents can sponsor their wife and children if they fulfill the sponsorship requirements. To sponsor the wife, an attested marriage certificate in Arabic or duly translated into Arabic is required.
Q4.What about sponsoring sons and daughters?
Male or female residents can sponsor their sons until they reach 25 years of age. Daughters can be sponsored regardless of age, as long as they are unmarried.
Q5.Can an expatriate resident sponsor stepchildren?
Yes, an expatriate resident can sponsor stepchildren, provided they meet the conditions set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
Q6.What about sponsoring parents in the UAE?
Yes, expatriate employees can sponsor their parents in the UAE by meeting specific requirements. They need to sponsor both parents together and provide proof of being their sole support, with no one to take care of them back home. In certain cases, related official documents may be required to sponsor only one parent if the other has passed away or if the parents are divorced.
Q7.What about sponsoring newborns?
For babies born in the UAE, a residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of their birth to avoid getting fines.
Q8.Can female expatriates sponsor their family in the UAE?
Yes, female expatriates can sponsor their family in the UAE, provided they meet the necessary sponsorship requirements.
Q9.What documents are required to sponsor wife and children?
Required documents include application forms, passport copies of the wife and children, photos, medical clearance certificates, employment contract, salary certificate, attested marriage certificate, and a registered tenancy contract.
Q10.How long does the family visa processing take?
If the requirements are complete, the process can take within 14 days.
Q11.Can a family visa be canceled or revoked?
Yes, a family visa can be canceled or revoked if the sponsoring family member's visa is canceled. In such cases, the visas of the dependents also require cancellation.
>At ONPRO, we understand the importance of family and the complexities of the visa process. Our expert team can guide you through the entire family visa application, ensuring a smooth and successful experience. Don't hesitate to reach out to us for all your visa needs and enjoy the joy of having your family by your side in the UAE📧 hello@onpro.store or by phone at 📞 +971 2 677 9774.
