The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for expatriates from all over the world, thanks to its booming economy, modern infrastructure, and high quality of life. For many expatriates, bringing their family members to live with them in the UAE is a top priority. Fortunately, the UAE offers various family reunion visas to facilitate this process. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know about family reunion visas in the UAE.
Understanding Family Reunion Visas
Family reunion visas, also known as dependent visas, allow expatriates to sponsor their immediate family members to live in the UAE. The primary categories of family members that can be sponsored include:
Spouses
Children
Parents
Each category has specific requirements and processes that need to be followed to ensure a successful application.
Sponsorship Eligibility
To sponsor family members, the expatriate (sponsor) must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:
Employment Status: The sponsor must be employed in the UAE. Freelancers and business owners can also sponsor their families, provided they meet the income criteria.
Minimum Salary Requirement: The sponsor must earn a minimum salary, which varies depending on the type of family member being sponsored. Generally, the minimum salary requirement is AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation.
Accommodation: The sponsor must provide suitable accommodation for the family members. This often involves submitting a tenancy contract or proof of property ownership.
Valid Residence Visa: The sponsor must have a valid UAE residence visa with a validity of at least six months.
Sponsoring Your Spouse
To sponsor your spouse, you need to provide the following documents:
Marriage Certificate: The marriage certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
Passport Copies: Provide copies of both your and your spouse's passports.
Photographs: Passport-sized photographs of your spouse.
Medical Fitness Test: Your spouse must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved UAE medical center.
Emirates ID Application: Submit an application for your spouse's Emirates ID.
Tenancy Contract: Proof of suitable accommodation.
Sponsoring Your Children
Expatriates can sponsor their children under certain conditions:
Age Limit: Male children can be sponsored up to the age of 18. If they are studying, the age limit can extend to 21. Female children can be sponsored until they get married.
Birth Certificate: The birth certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
Passport Copies and Photographs: Provide copies of your and your children’s passports and their passport-sized photographs.
Medical Fitness Test: Children above a certain age may need to undergo a medical fitness test.
Emirates ID Application: Submit an application for your children's Emirates ID.
School Enrollment: Proof of school enrollment for school-age children.
Sponsoring Your Parents
Sponsoring parents is slightly more complex and requires meeting additional criteria:
Salary Requirement: The sponsor must earn a minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month or AED 19,000 plus accommodation.
Accommodation: Proof of a two-bedroom apartment or house.
Medical Insurance: Comprehensive medical insurance for both parents.
Affidavit of Support: A notarized affidavit stating that the sponsor will support the parents and be responsible for their stay.
Birth Certificate: The sponsor’s birth certificate, attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.
Other Documents: Copies of the parents' passports, photographs, and medical fitness tests.
Application Process
The application process involves several steps:
Gather Documents: Collect all the required documents as per the category of the family member being sponsored.
Submit Application: Submit the visa application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or via a typing center.
Pay Fees: Pay the required visa fees.
Medical Fitness Test: Ensure the family member undergoes the medical fitness test.
Emirates ID Application: Apply for the Emirates ID.
Visa Stamping: Once approved, the visa will be stamped in the family member’s passport.
Processing Time
The processing time for family reunion visas can vary but generally takes a few weeks. Delays can occur if additional documentation is required or if there are issues with the application.
Conclusion
Bringing your family to the UAE is a rewarding but intricate process. By understanding the requirements and following the correct procedures, you can successfully reunite with your loved ones in the UAE. Ensure you stay informed about any changes in the visa policies and seek professional advice if needed to make the process as smooth as possible.
Family is an essential part of life, and the UAE’s family reunion visas aim to help expatriates create a home away from home, surrounded by their loved ones. Discover comprehensive international visa services from Dubai. Our expert team ensures a hassle-free process for obtaining visas to various countries, guiding you through every step with personalized support and detailed documentation assistance.
