Bringing your loved ones to live with you in the vibrant heart of the UAE is a significant step, and understanding the process for obtaining a family visa in Abu Dhabi is crucial for a smooth transition. We are here to simplify the requirements and guide you through each stage, ensuring your family can join you in enjoying all that this dynamic emirate has to offer, from world-class amenities to a secure and welcoming environment.
Eligibility for Sponsorship
Expatriate residents holding a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their families. This applies to both employees and investors. The sponsor must meet a minimum salary requirement. This is a key condition. It ensures financial stability. The type of profession no longer limits sponsorship. This rule changed in recent years.
Male sponsors generally need a minimum monthly salary of approximately AED 4,000. This is or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. Female sponsors have different requirements. They often need a higher monthly salary. This could be around AED 10,000. However, specific professions like teachers or doctors might have a lower threshold. This can be around AED 5,000. These figures are approximate and can vary.
Who Can You Sponsor
As a resident, you can sponsor your spouse. You need to provide an attested marriage certificate. You can also sponsor your children. Sons can be sponsored up to 25 years of age. This applies if they are unmarried. Daughters can be sponsored regardless of age. They must remain unmarried. Children with special needs have no age limit for sponsorship.
Sponsoring parents is also possible. This requires a higher minimum salary. It is approximately AED 20,000 per month. You must provide proof of sole support for them. You also need a mandatory medical insurance policy for both parents. A refundable deposit of around AED 3,000 per parent may be required. Both parents typically must be sponsored together. Exceptions apply if one parent is deceased or divorced.
Essential Documents Required
Gathering the correct documents is vital for a smooth application. You will need your original passport and valid UAE residence visa. Your Emirates ID is also essential. Provide a copy of your employment contract or salary certificate. This document must be attested. A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) is required.
For your sponsored family members, provide passport copies. Their passports must be valid for at least six months. Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background are necessary. You will also need attested marriage and birth certificates. These must be for your spouse and children respectively. Documents not in Arabic or English require legal translation. This translation must be certified.
The Application Process: Step by Step
The family visa application generally involves two main steps. First, obtain an entry permit for your family member. This is if they are outside the UAE. Apply for this through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA). You can use their smart services portal or a typing center.
Once the entry permit is issued, your family member can enter the UAE. They have 60 days to enter. After arrival, you have 60 days to complete the residence visa stamping. This involves medical fitness tests. It also includes Emirates ID registration. The final step is visa stamping on their passport.
Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID
All family members over 18 years old must undergo a medical fitness test. This takes place at government-approved health centers. These include the Disease Prevention & Screening Center in Abu Dhabi. The test typically checks for communicable diseases. It involves a blood test and a chest X-ray.
Passing this medical test is mandatory for visa issuance. After passing, you apply for their Emirates ID. This involves fingerprinting and photo capture. The Emirates ID is crucial for various services. It serves as an official identification document. It replaces the visa stamp on passports.
Where to Apply and Seek Assistance
You can apply for the family visa through several channels. The ICA Smart Services portal is the primary online platform. It offers a convenient digital application process. Alternatively, you can visit an authorized Amer Service Center. These centers provide typing and processing services. They guide you through each step.
For applications concerning Dubai-issued visas, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai portal is used. Since you are in Abu Dhabi, ICA handles your application. For in-person support, visit an ICA Customer Happiness Center. These centers provide direct assistance. They can answer specific queries.
Costs and Validity
While we cannot provide exact costs, understand that approximate government fees apply. These include entry permit fees. There are also medical fitness test fees. Emirates ID issuance has its own charges. Visa stamping fees are also applicable. These costs vary based on visa duration. They differ for 2 or 3-year visas.
The validity period for a family residence visa is typically two years. It is linked to the sponsor’s visa validity. If the sponsor’s visa is for three years, the dependent visa usually matches it. Renewal processes are similar to the initial application. They require updated documents and fees.
Important Considerations
Always ensure your documents are properly attested. Your marriage and birth certificates must be attested. This needs to be done by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This is after attestation from your home country’s embassy. This legalizes foreign documents for use in the UAE.
A sponsor has 60 days to apply for a dependent’s residence visa. This countdown begins after their entry into the UAE. Overstaying this period can result in fines. Seek professional advice if needed. Consultants specialize in visa services. They can simplify the process for you. The www.few.ae team advises thorough preparation. This ensures a smooth and successful application.
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