A Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Your Family in the UAE with Essential Tips for a Hassle-Free Experience.
Introduction
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for ex-pats to live and work, including families. However, relocating to a new country can be challenging, especially when it comes to sponsoring your family members. This complete guide will provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to sponsor your family in the UAE, including the types of visas, required documents, the application process, and renewal procedures. So, if you want to know how to sponsor your family in the UAE, keep reading!
Who Can Sponsor Family in the UAE?
To sponsor your family in the UAE, you must meet certain eligibility criteria, including:
- Being a UAE citizen
- Holding a valid UAE residency visa
- Being a GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) citizen
- Earning a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided by the employer)
Types of Visas for Family Members:
If you want to know how to sponsor your family in the UAE, then you should have knowledge about the types of visas. There are different types of visas available for family members, including:
- Spouse Visa
- Child Visa
- Parent Visa
- Other Relatives Visa
Each visa has specific requirements, and the sponsor must provide the necessary documentation for the application process.
Documents Required for Family Visa:
The documents required for a family visa application include:
- Passport copies of the sponsor and the family member(s) to be sponsored
- Passport-size photographs of the family member(s) to be sponsored
- Marriage certificate (for spouse visa)
- Birth certificate (for child visa)
- Salary certificate and employment contract (for employed sponsors)
- Bank statement (for self-employed sponsors)
- Tenancy contract (for sponsors who are renting accommodation)
- Emirates ID card (for the sponsor)
- Medical fitness certificate (for family members over 18 years of age)
Some of these documents may require attestation by the relevant authorities in your home country and/or the UAE.
How to Apply for Family Visa:
To apply for a family visa, you need to follow these steps:
- Collect and prepare all the required documents.
- Submit the documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where you reside.
- Pay the visa application fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the emirate.
- Wait for the application to be processed, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
- Once the visa is approved, the family member(s) can enter the UAE within 60 days from the date of issue.
- After entering the UAE, the family member(s) must undergo a medical test and apply for a residence permit.
Renewing Family Visa:
The family visa must be renewed every two or three years, depending on the type of visa. To renew the visa, you must follow these steps:
- Collect and prepare all the required documents.
- Submit the documents to the GDRFA in the emirate where you reside.
- Pay the visa renewal fee, which varies depending on the type of visa and the emirate.
- Wait for the application to be processed, which can take anywhere from a few days to a few weeks.
After the visa is renewed, the family member(s) must undergo a medical test and apply for a new residence permit.
Note that if the sponsor’s residency visa is canceled or expires, all sponsored family members’ visas will also be canceled. Therefore, it is important to ensure that the sponsor maintains a valid residency visa to continue sponsoring their family members.
Employment Visa for Spouse:
In addition to sponsoring your family, your spouse can also work in the UAE by obtaining an employment visa. To do so, your spouse needs to find a job and have their employer sponsor their visa. The employer will need to follow the same procedures as for any other employment visa, including obtaining a labor card and residence permit for the employee.
Final Thoughts:
Sponsoring your family in the UAE can seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and documentation, it can be a straightforward process. It is important to ensure that you meet the eligibility criteria, have all the required documents, and follow the correct procedures when applying for and renewing family visas. Once your family members arrive in the UAE, they will need to undergo a medical test and apply for a residence permit, which will allow them to legally reside and work in the country. By following this guide, you can ensure a smooth transition for your family to the UAE.
In conclusion, sponsoring your family in the UAE is a significant decision, but it can also be a rewarding one. This guide provides you with all the essential information you need to successfully sponsor your family in the UAE. From eligibility criteria and types of visas to application procedures and renewal processes, you now have a complete understanding of what it takes to bring your loved ones to the UAE. By following the steps outlined in this guide and seeking professional help if needed, you can ensure a seamless process and successful relocation for your family.
Work with Global Success Consulting
Global Success Consulting is a trusted consultancy firm that specializes in providing comprehensive services related to business setup, visa processing, and other legal formalities in the UAE. With years of experience and a team of experts, we have helped numerous individuals and businesses successfully sponsor their family members in the UAE.
Here are some reasons why you should choose Global Success Consulting for the sponsorship process:
- Expert Guidance: Our team of experts is well-versed in the UAE immigration laws and regulations. We provide you with comprehensive guidance on the eligibility criteria, document requirements, and application procedures to ensure a smooth and hassle-free sponsorship process.
- Streamlined Process: We understand that the sponsorship process can be overwhelming, and we aim to make it as simple and straightforward as possible. We provide you with a step-by-step guide and assist you with every stage of the process, from application submission to visa issuance.
- Personalized Services: At Global Success Consulting, we recognize that every client has unique needs and requirements. We offer customized services tailored to your specific needs and preferences, ensuring that you receive the best possible support throughout the process.
- Quick Turnaround Time: We understand that time is of the essence, and we aim to deliver efficient and timely services. Our team works diligently to ensure that your application is processed as quickly as possible, allowing your family members to join you in the UAE in a timely manner.
- Competitive Pricing: We offer competitive pricing for our services, ensuring that you receive high-quality support at a reasonable cost.
In summary, choosing Global Success Consulting for the sponsorship process ensures that you receive expert guidance, streamlined services, personalized support, quick turnaround times, and competitive pricing. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can assist you in sponsoring your family in the UAE.
Questions about Sponsoring a family
10 Commonly Asked Questions about Sponsoring Family Members in the UAE – Answered by Global Success Consulting
- Who can sponsor their family members in the UAE?
Individuals who hold a valid residency visa in the UAE can sponsor their family members, including their spouse, children, and parents.
- What are the eligibility criteria for sponsoring family members in the UAE?
The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided by the employer. They must also have a valid residency visa, a tenancy contract, and a medical insurance policy for their family members.
- What are the types of family visas available in the UAE?
The UAE offers three types of family visas: spouse visa, parent visa, and child visa.
- How long does it take to process a family visa in the UAE?
The processing time for a family visa in the UAE varies depending on the type of visa and the immigration office. Generally, it takes 2-10 working days.
- Can a female sponsor her family members in the UAE?
Yes, a female can sponsor her family members in the UAE if she meets the eligibility criteria.
- What are the document requirements for sponsoring family members in the UAE?
The document requirements for sponsoring family members in the UAE include a copy of the sponsor’s residency visa, a tenancy contract, a medical insurance policy, passport copies of family members, and other relevant documents.
- Can a family member work in the UAE on a family visa?
No, family members cannot work in the UAE on a family visa. They need to obtain an employment visa to work legally in the country.
- How long is a family visa valid in the UAE?
A family visa is usually valid for three years, and it can be renewed before it expires.
- Can a sponsor cancel a family visa in the UAE?
Yes, a sponsor can cancel a family visa in the UAE by submitting a cancellation application to the immigration office.
- Can Global Success Consulting assist with the family sponsorship process in the UAE?
Yes, Global Success Consulting offers comprehensive services related to family sponsorship in the UAE. Our team of experts can provide you with expert guidance, personalized support, and a streamlined process to ensure a smooth and hassle-free experience.
