Bringing your family to live with you in the UAE can be a wonderful experience. Here’s a step-by-step guide to obtaining a family visa, along with estimated costs and specific requirements for investors and employed residents:
1. Eligibility:
- You must hold a valid UAE residence visa with enough validity to cover your family’s stay.
- Your minimum salary or investment must meet specific requirements depending on your visa type and family size.
2. Application Process:
- Gather documents:
- Sponsor’s passport and Emirates ID
- Family members’ passports (valid for at least 6 months)
- Marriage certificate (attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs and UAE embassy)
- Birth certificates for children
- Proof of accommodation (tenancy contract)
- Proof of income (salary certificate, bank statements)
- Medical fitness certificates for everyone over 18
- Choose application method:
- Apply online through the ICA website (recommended)
- Visit an authorized typing center
- Pay fees:
- Application fee (varies depending on visa type)
- Medical test fees
- Typing center fees (if applicable)
- Submit application and documents: Ensure everything is complete and accurate.
- Track application status: Check online using the reference number.
- Collect visas: Visa will be stamped in family members’ passports upon approval.
Estimated Costs:
| Item | Investor Visa | Employed Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Application fee | AED 3,000 – 5,000 | AED 3,000 – 5,000 |
| Medical tests | AED 300 – 500/person | AED 300 – 500/person |
| Additional fees | Vary depending on specific requirements | Vary depending on specific requirements |
Additional Information:
- Processing time can take 4-8 weeks.
- You can sponsor parents under certain conditions.
- Health insurance is mandatory for family members.
Investor Visa:
Costs:
- Application fee: AED 3,000 – 5,000 per family member
- Medical tests: AED 300 – 500 per family member
- Typing center fees: AED 200 – 500 per family member (optional)
- Additional fees: May vary depending on specific requirements, such as visa processing fees, attestation costs for documents, etc.
Requirements:
- You need to meet the minimum investment amount required for your chosen Investor Visa category. This amount can vary depending on the emirate and the type of investment.
- You need to provide proof of your investment and demonstrate sufficient income to support your family.
- You need to meet specific accommodation requirements depending on your family size.
Employed Visa:
Costs:
- Application fee: AED 3,000 – 5,000 per family member
- Medical tests: AED 300 – 500 per family member
- Typing center fees: AED 200 – 500 per family member (optional)
- Additional fees: May vary depending on specific requirements, such as visa processing fees, attestation costs for documents, etc.
Requirements:
- Your salary must meet the minimum requirement for sponsoring family members, which is typically around AED 4,000 – 5,000 per month, but can vary depending on your emirate and the number of dependents you are sponsoring.
- You need to provide proof of your employment and income.
- You need to meet specific accommodation requirements depending on your family size.
Differences:
- Minimum income requirement: Investors typically have a higher minimum income requirement compared to employees.
- Proof of income: Investors need to provide proof of their investment, while employees need to provide proof of their salary.
- Additional fees: There might be additional fees associated with specific investor visa categories not applicable to employees.
Bringing Family to UAE: Investor vs. Employee Visa Comparison
| Item | Investor Visa | Employed Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Income Requirement | Higher (varies based on investment & emirate) | AED 4,000 – 5,000 per month (varies based on emirate & family size) |
| Proof of Income | Investment documentation | Salary certificate & bank statements |
| Additional Fees | May have additional fees related to specific investor visa categories | Potentially lower depending on specific employer requirements |
| Typical Processing Time | 4-8 weeks | 4-8 weeks |
| Application Method | Online or typing center | Online or typing center |
| Required Documents | Passport, Emirates ID, marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of accommodation, investment proof, medical certificates | Passport, Emirates ID, marriage certificate, birth certificates, proof of accommodation, salary certificate, medical certificates |
FAQs:
Q: Can I sponsor my parents on an investor visa?
A: Yes, under certain conditions and depending on the specific investor visa category. Consult immigration specialists for details.
Q: Do my family members need health insurance?
A: Yes, health insurance is mandatory for family members residing in the UAE.
Q: Can I convert my family’s visit visa to a residence visa?
A: Yes, in some cases, but it’s usually recommended to apply for a family visa directly. Consult immigration authorities for eligibility.
Q: What happens if my employment ends while sponsoring family on an employee visa?
A: The family visa may be cancelled or require sponsorship change. Seek professional advice regarding specific timelines and procedures.
Q: Are there any age restrictions for dependents on family visas?
A: Generally, unmarried children below 21 or full-time students can be sponsored. Specific limits for parents or other dependents may apply.
General:
Q: What are the benefits of having a family visa?
A: Family visas allow your family to live, work, and study in the UAE, access healthcare, and enjoy a better quality of life together.
Q: Can I sponsor siblings or other relatives on a family visa?
A: In some cases, yes, but regulations vary based on your visa type, emirate, and specific circumstances. Consult immigration authorities for clarification.
Q: What happens if my family members already have a visit visa?
A: You can usually apply for a change of status from visit visa to family visa, but it’s best to consult the authorities about their current visa validity and eligibility for switching.
Investor Visa:
Q: What types of investments qualify for an investor visa?
A: Options include starting a business, investing in real estate, participating in specific investment funds, and more. The minimum investment varies depending on the category.
Q: Can I use borrowed funds for my investment?
A: No, the investment needs to be your own funds or sourced through approved channels.
Q: Do I need to maintain my investment throughout the visa validity?
A: Yes, maintaining the investment is usually a requirement for renewing your visa. Consult immigration specialists for specific conditions.
Employed Visa:
Q: Can my employer help me sponsor my family?
A: Some employers might offer family sponsorship as part of their employment package. Discuss this with your HR department.
Q: What happens if my salary changes or drops below the minimum requirement?
A: You might need to find alternative sponsorship or consider changing your family’s visa status. Seek professional advice promptly to avoid legal issues.
Q: Can I sponsor my wife who is working on a separate visa?
A: Yes, you can still sponsor her for residence under your visa to benefit from family-related advantages.
