Family Visas in Dubai: What You Need to Know

Getting a family visa in Dubai is somewhat complicated, especially for expatriates who want to bring their families to join them. The United Arab Emirates is very considerate toward families and provides ample opportunities for one to feel fulfilled with life in Dubai.

Here is what you need to know when seeking a family visa in Dubai.

Family Visa Eligibility Explained

For the sponsoring of relatives to stay in Dubai, there has to be a valid residency visa with the sponsor. Mostly, it is required that the sponsor should:

• Work in Dubai

• Draw a minimum salary of AED 4,000/AED 3,000 plus accommodation

The list of possible family sponsorships includes:

• A spouse

• Children up to 25 years of age

• Parents (requires a higher salary and a more complex application process)

In most cases, to sponsor parents, one has to go through a complex application process to prove the need to care for them.

Necessary Documentation

Documentation is a very meticulous process. The required documents generally include:

• Two completed and signed copies of the application form by the sponsor

• Copies of the sponsor's employment contract or company contract

• A certificate of salary from the employer showing confirmation of the salary of the sponsor

• Tenancy contract registered and reflecting decent housing

• Latest utility bill

• Copies of the sponsor's Emirates ID card and passport

• Copies of the dependent's passport

• Spouse's marriage certificate, attested by the UAE embassy in the country of origin and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE

• Birth certificates for children attested similarly

• Documents must be translated into Arabic and legally attested in the UAE or country of issuance

Application Process

The following steps are part of the application process:

1. Entry Permit: The first permit a family member should apply for to be granted entry into Dubai on temporary grounds.

2. Status Adjustment: Upon the relative's arrival in Dubai, apply for status adjustment to change the visa type from temporary to residence.

3. Medical Fitness Test and Emirates ID Registration:

• All family members above 18 years of age must undergo a medical fitness test.

• Registering for an Emirates ID is mandatory.

4. Visa Stamping: After medical examination and ID registration, the visa can be stamped on the passport, signifying the process is complete.

Living in Dubai on a Family Visa

Great benefits await individuals with a family visa living in Dubai, including:

• Excellent health care

• World-class education

• A variety of lifestyle and entertainment options

Additionally, Dubai is considered very safe, making it a preferred destination for families.

Renewal and Cancellation

• Family visas are basically valid for three years.

• The process of renewal is quite similar to the application process, aside from updating the documents in most cases.

• It is worth noting that such a process should be initiated well in advance of visa expiration to avoid penalties.

• According to the immigration laws in UAE, a family visa and Golden visa is to be canceled if the person loses the job or a change in situation brings him/her to the UAE.

Navigating Challenges

More often, the process is daunting, and even slight errors might end with delay or rejection. Hence, one must do wisely to obtain professional advice or immigration consultants with UAE laws to make the process smooth, easy, and compliant.

Conclusion

Obtaining a family visa in Dubai requires immense knowledge and preparation. While it may seem complication-heavy, the benefits are simply huge; it keeps families together in one of the most alive cities in the world. Dubai continues to stay in the lead as one of the favorite cities for expats due to its friendly policy towards family visas.