If you are planning to launch your business in Dubai! But worried about shifting your family and their visas? The good news is family visa sponsorship can turn that dream into a Reality. Getting through the tricky maze of UAE seems to be like crossing a desert without a map. From knowing the eligibility criteria to obtaining the correct documents, the process can be overwhelming. What if you don’t qualify for visa processes? How long does the application process take? And what about those recent changes to visa rules? These are probably the questions running through your head, making a sandstorm of confusion. In this article, we’ve answered all these questions and given you the road map to get a Family Visa.
Family Sponsorship Eligibility Requirements
Family sponsorship eligibility requirements outline the criteria individuals must meet to sponsor their family members for a visa. This includes income thresholds, residency status, and necessary documentation.
Minimum Salary Requirements
To sponsor family members for a UAE residence visa, expatriates must meet specific salary criteria:
Male expatriates: Minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation)
Female expatriates: Minimum salary of AED 10,000 per month (or AED 8,000 plus accommodation)
For sponsoring parents, the requirements are more stringent:
The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month, and a security deposit of AED 2,500 is required. This deposit is refundable when the sponsored parent’s visa is canceled or when they leave the UAE. These requirements ensure that the sponsor has the financial capacity to support their parents while they reside in the country.
Eligible Family Members
Expatriates can sponsor the following family members, subject to certain conditions:
Family Member
Eligibility Criteria
Spouse
Valid marriage certificate
Sons
Under 18 years old, or up to 21 if students
Daughters
Unmarried, no age restriction
Parents
Subject to additional requirements
Stepchildren
No Objection Certificate from a biological parent
Family Member & Their Eligibility Criteria Note: Same-sex marriages are not recognized in the UAE, and hence cannot be sponsored.
Medical fitness examination
All members of the family above the age of 18 have to go through a medical fitness test in registered health centers in the UAE. The test involves: an HIV test, Tuberculosis screening, and other mentioned health disorders from the DHC – Dubai Health Care Authority.
These are mandatory medical tests required for all individuals above the age of 18 as part of the UAE visa application process. It’s also important to mention that persons who are considered medically unfit will not be issued visas. Those with latent pulmonary tuberculosis, though, can be given a provisional Health Fitness Certificate for a year if they undertake treatment.
Since we have already dealt with the sponsor eligibility criteria for family sponsorship such as salary thresholds, qualifying relatives, and medical check-ups, we will now proceed to the next section entitled “Sponsoring Spouse and Children.” This section shall go deeper into the requirements and procedures of taking your immediate relatives to the UAE.
Necessary Documents for UAE Family Visa
To sponsor your parents for a UAE visa, you’ll need to prepare several essential documents. Here’s a comprehensive list:
Completed visa application form
Passport-sized photographs of the applicants
Copy of sponsor’s valid UAE residence visa
Copy of sponsor’s Emirates ID
Attested copy of sponsor’s employment contract
Salary certificate from the sponsor’s employer
Proof of accommodation (tenancy contract or property ownership document)
Health insurance policy covering the sponsored parents
Additional Requirements:
All documents must be translated into Arabic by a certified legal translator
Some documents may require attestation from the UAE embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE
Requirements could be marginally different according to your place of residence, and it is better to cross-check with your local immigration office regarding the latest developments. After this comes sponsoring your wife and children, which also bears some semblance but very notable differences.
Application Process
Now that we have discussed the special cases and provisions, let’s explore the application process for sponsoring a parent visa in the UAE. This important step consists of several stages to facilitate a seamless transition for your family members.
Document Preparation and Submission
The initial step in the application process is collecting and submitting the required documents, which usually include:
UAE Visa Application Form
Passport copies and photos of family members
Medical clearance for those over 18
Proof of sponsor’s salary and employment
Legalized marriage certificate
Proof of accommodation
It’s important to note that all documents must be submitted within 60 days of receiving the sponsor’s UAE Residence Visa.
Entry permit and security deposit
Once the initial documents are approved, you’ll need to obtain an entry permit for your family members before they can travel to the UAE. For sponsoring parents, a security deposit of AED 2,500 is required, along with proof of a monthly salary of at least AED 20,000.
Medical tests and Emirates ID
Upon arrival in the UAE, family members over 18 must undergo medical fitness tests for HIV and Tuberculosis at an approved health center. Additionally, all family members will need to apply for an Emirates ID, which serves as their official identification within the country.
Visa stamping and the final step
Now that we have discussed the special cases and provisions, let’s explore the application process for sponsoring a parent visa in the UAE. This important step consists of several stages to facilitate a seamless transition for your family members.
How Arnifi Can Help with the UAE Family Visa Sponsorship Process
Arnifi makes the UAE Parent Visa Sponsorship process easier by providing expert guidance and smooth assistance. We help you understand the complex requirements, making sure you meet all eligibility criteria and submit the right documents. From confirming that your salary meets the minimum threshold to collecting attested documents, Arnifi will make the process hassle-free. Visit the website to learn more Arnifi.