Detailed Guide to Acquiring a Family Visa in the UAE

Your Step-by-Step Journey to Obtaining a Family Visa

Eligibility

Before starting the process, confirm that you meet the requirements to sponsor your family. This includes both employment and financial criteria:

• Employed: You must have a valid work visa and meet the minimum salary requirements for your Emirate (e.g., AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation).
• Self-employed: Valid Residency & Tenancy (Not Required for Dubai)

Note: Eligibility criteria may differ slightly by Emirate. Check the Visa Requirements here for All Emirates.

Documents to Prepare

Application Process

1. Apply for an Entry Permit

   The entry permit allows your family members to legally enter the UAE before completing the residence visa process. Submit the application at your nearest registered typing office.

2. Receive Entry Permit

   Once approved, you'll receive an entry permit for your family members.

3. Medical Fitness Test

   All family members over the age of 18 must undergo a medical fitness test at approved UAE health centers. This test includes:

   • Blood test
   • Chest X-ray

   Tests ensure the absence of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.

4. Emirates ID Application

   Emirates ID is for every family member. Apply for Emirates ID for all family members at an authorized typing center.

   Biometrics Appointment: Typing Center will schedule an appointment for your family members to provide their biometric data (fingerprints, photo) at an Emirates ID service center.

5. Apply for Residency

   Once the medical test is approved and captured Biometrics and Signature at one of the Emirates ID centers, once the Emirates ID is ready, proceed with the Residency process at the relevant typing center.

   Emirates ID is ready once your residency is approved, usually, it takes 5-7 working days.

   You can always check your ID Card status at https://icp.gov.ae/en/services/priority-services/id-card-status/

6. Collect Emirates ID

   Emirates ID cards will be delivered to your registered address.

   You’ll typically receive an SMS or email notification with tracking information.

   A delivery person may contact you to arrange delivery.

   Alternatively, you can usually choose to collect the Emirates IDs from a designated typing center.

The UAE has recently implemented a significant change in its residency visa process. As of 2024, the UAE government has discontinued the practice of stamping residency visas in passports. Instead, the Emirates ID now serves as the sole proof of residency status.

This guide simplifies the process. For specific situations, consult legal advisors or government representatives.

Things to Remember

• Eligibility Criteria: Ensure you meet the employment and financial requirements for your Emirate.
• Document Accuracy: All documents must be accurate, translated, and attested.
• Processing Times: These may vary by Emirate and application complexity.
• Medical Fitness Test: Required for all family members over 18 years old.
• Entry Permit: Necessary for family members to enter the UAE before completing the residence visa process.
• Emirates ID: Apply for Emirates IDs for all family members.
• Visa Stamping: Complete the visa stamping process at the relevant immigration office.

Important Information

• Employment Criteria: Valid work visa and minimum salary requirements.
• Self-Employment Criteria: Valid residency and tenancy (not required for Dubai).
• Documents Required: Sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, family members’ passports, proof of accommodation, employment contract, salary certificate, medical fitness test results, marriage certificate, and birth certificates.
• Fees: Entry permit fees, medical fitness test fees, Emirates ID fees, and visa stamping fees.
• Health Tests: Blood test and chest X-ray to ensure the absence of communicable diseases.

FAQs

• Q: What are the minimum salary requirements to sponsor a family?
  A: The minimum salary requirements vary by Emirate. For example, AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation.
• Q: Do I need a tenancy contract for Dubai if I am self-employed?
  A: No, a tenancy contract is not required for Dubai if you are self-employed.
• Q: What documents are needed for the family visa application?
  A: You will need the sponsor’s passport, Emirates ID, family members’ passports, proof of accommodation, employment contract, salary certificate, medical fitness test results, marriage certificate, and birth certificates.
• Q: How long does the visa processing take?
  A: Processing times may vary by Emirate and application complexity.
• Q: What is the cost of the entry permit?
  A: The approximate fees are AED 1,000 – 3,000 for employed individuals and AED 5,000 – 7,000 for self-employed individuals.
• Q: What medical tests are required for family members?
  A: Family members over the age of 18 must undergo a blood test and chest X-ray to ensure the absence of communicable diseases such as HIV and tuberculosis.

The UAE offers Family Visas to residents who wish to bring their families to live with them. Here’s a breakdown of the process, eligibility, required documents, and essential things to know: