UAE Family Visa and Residency Guide
Your comprehensive guide to sponsoring family members for residency in the United Arab Emirates. We cover eligibility, requirements, and important considerations.
General Sponsorship Requirements
- Valid Residence Permit: The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa.
- Minimum Salary: A minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation.
- Medical Fitness: All sponsored family members (18+) must pass UAE medical tests.
Specific Sponsorship Categories
Sponsoring Spouse and Children
Spouse: A valid marriage certificate (attested and translated to Arabic if needed) is required.
Children:
- Unmarried daughters: Any age.
- Sons: Up to 25 years old. Sons with special needs: No age limit.
- Newborns in the UAE: Visa application within 120 days of birth.
- Stepchildren: Possible with deposit and no-objection certificate. Renewable yearly.
Required Documents:
- Completed application form
- Passport copies (spouse and children)
- Passport photos (spouse and children)
- Medical certificates (18+)
- Sponsor's employment/company contract
- Sponsor's salary certificate
- Attested marriage certificate
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari)
Sponsoring Parents
- Sponsor both parents together (unless deceased or divorced - provide documentation).
- Demonstrate you are their sole provider.
- Valid medical insurance (minimum coverage) for each parent.
- Deposit required for each parent.
Residence Visa for UAE Citizen's Family
- UAE citizens can sponsor foreign spouses, parents, or children for 5-year visas without employment requirements.
- Foreign widows/divorcees (mothers of UAE citizens) can get visas without employment (eldest child sponsors).
Important Notes
- Family visas are linked to the sponsor's. Cancellation of the sponsor's visa cancels dependents' visas.
- 6-month grace period after visa expiry/cancellation to get a new permit or face fines.
- Dormant/inactive TB: One-year certificate with treatment/follow-up.
- Regulations change. Consult ICP or GDRFA for updates.
For Further Assistance:
- ICP: [Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website]
- GDRFA: [General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website]
- UAE Gov Portal: [Health conditions for a UAE residence visa]
This guide provides general information. Consult official sources or a legal professional for specifics.
