What is the new rule for family visa in Dubai?

The family visa in Dubai, also known as the dependant visa, allows family members of UAE residents to reside and work in Dubai. Many Families living in Dubai often need to reintroduce their UAE family residence visas regularly, as the country does not offer permanent residency to expats.   

This blog provides the latest updates regarding the renewal fees for UAE family residence visas in 2024. Since an important portion of the UAE’s population, particularly its workforce, comprises expats, many individuals and their families choose to extend their stay beyond their visa expiry.  

However, overstaying results in penalties, motivating individuals to renew their visas before expiration to avoid penalties. Refreshing a visa typically involves returning to one’s home country, reapplying for the visa, and returning to the UAE after a month.  

What is a Family Visa in Dubai? 

A family visa in UAE or a Dependent visa allows family members of Dubai to reside and work in Dubai. UAE residents need an immigration document for families moving to the UAE. Family members, including the visa holders' spouses, parents, and children, are eligible to renew their visas. 

Dubai Family Visa Requirements 

• The sponsor needs a valid residence visa, and a minimum monthly salary (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation). 
• Female sponsors require a minimum salary (AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation). 
• Mothers cannot sponsor if the father is present and can sponsor their children. 
• Sponsors must initiate dependents' residence permits within 60 days of their arrival. 
• Applicants aged 18+ need a UAE medical fitness exam. 
• The sponsor's wife needs a translated, authenticated marriage certificate. 
• Unmarried daughters of any age can be sponsored. 
• Unmarried sons can be sponsored until age 25. 
• No age limit for sponsoring children with disabilities. 
• Sponsoring parents requires a guarantee from the immigration department per parent. 

Family Visa Cost in Dubai 2024 

Getting a family visa cost in Dubai 2024 involves various charges beyond the basic fee. These include fees for service providers, documentation, attestation, and related services. Typically, the total cost ranges from AED 4,500 to AED 5,500, excluding insurance.  

For applicants outside Dubai, the cost, including insurance, is about AED 5,000 to AED 6,000. Costs can vary based on visa type, duration, and additional service charges, so applicants should consider these factors when budgeting.

How to apply for a family visa in Dubai?  

You can apply for a family visa online or offline in Dubai or the UAE. The required documents and conditions differ based on whether you sponsor children, a spouse, parents, or stepchildren. After gathering all the necessary documents, the next step is to start the visa application process.  

This includes submitting the application and paying the required fee for a family visa in Dubai. It's worth noting that the costs for a UAE residence visa can vary depending on the type of visa you are applying for. 

Required Documents for Family Visa Dubai- Application 

• Photocopy of passport/visa  
• Emirates ID 
• One passport-sized photo with a white background  
• Photocopy of the passport  
• Salary certificate (if employed in a free zone company)  
• Three months’ bank statement and memorandum of agreement (if an investor or partner)  
• Labour contract (if employed in the private sector)  
• Marriage certificate attested by MOFA (if sponsoring a wife)  
• Birth certificate attested by MOFA (if sponsoring children)  
• Ejari (if the sponsor is renting)  
• Title deed (if the sponsor owns the house)  
• DEWA bills (proof of utility payments)  
• IBAN number  
• Opening file number  
• Medical results  
• EIDA application  
• Family medical insurance  

What is the Validity Duration for a UAE Family Visa?  

A Family visa in Dubai typically lasts 2 years if renewed promptly before expiry. It's crucial to note that the validity of these visas hinges on the sponsor’s visa status. If the sponsor’s visa expires or is cancelled, the family visas become invalid. 

However, UAE authorities provide a 30-day grace period for visa renewal. Starting the renewal process within this period is highly recommended to prevent penalties and legal issues. 

What are the Renewal Fees for UAE Family Visas in Dubai 2024?

• Employed residents in the UAE can renew family members' visas if they meet certain criteria, such as earning a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,500 with company-provided accommodation. 
• Individuals aged 18 and above require a valid medical test report. 
• Emirates ID renewal is necessary before renewing the residence visa. 
• Basic health insurance is mandatory in Dubai, ensuring family members have adequate coverage. 

New UAE Family Visa Rules 2024  

• Employers and employees with valid residence visas and a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation can sponsor their families. 
• Professional nature no longer affects eligibility for a family visa. 
• Fathers in the UAE can sponsor children; mothers cannot. 
• Visa issuance depends on job type and labour contract terms. 
• Sponsors have 60 days to apply for dependents' visas after arrival. 
• Applicants aged 18+ need a UAE medical fitness test. 
• For wives, an Arabic-translated marriage certificate is required. 
• Certain Muslims can sponsor two wives under specific conditions. 
• Sponsorship for unmarried children up to 18 (or 21 if in education). 
• Stepchildren sponsorship under GDRFA guidelines. 
• Parents sponsored by employees with immigration department guarantees. 
• Women in specific professions with AED 8,000+ salary plus accommodation can sponsor families. 

Who Can You Sponsor for a Family Visa in Dubai?  

• Wife: Male expatriates with a UAE Residence Visa can sponsor their wives. Muslim residents may sponsor up to two wives, subject to GDRFA conditions. 
• Sons: Male expatriates can sponsor sons aged 18 or younger. Sons over 18 must be students under 21 and visit the UAE every six months to maintain their visas. 
• Daughters: Male expatriates can sponsor unmarried daughters. 
• Parents: Male expatriates can sponsor both parents under specific conditions: sponsorship is required unless one parent has passed away, an AED 2,500 deposit per parent is needed, and parents must have medical insurance. The sponsor's salary should be at least AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 with a two-bedroom accommodation. 
• Stepchildren: Male expatriates can sponsor stepchildren with written consent from the biological parent. The stepchildren's visa is initially valid for one year and can be renewed. 

Is it possible for a woman to sponsor her family members for a UAE family visa? 

• She can sponsor her husband and children. 
• Her monthly salary with accommodation must be at least AED 10,000, or AED 8,000. 
• She must work as an engineer, teacher, or in a medical-related profession (such as a doctor or nurse). 
• In some cases, approval from the DRND may allow sponsorship even if she does not work in the specified categories. 
• If her husband can sponsor the children, she cannot sponsor them herself; the husband must do sponsorship. 

Choose Shuraa Business Setup for Your Visa Processing 

FAQs  

Q1. Is it permissible for my wife to work under my sponsorship on a family visa? 

Q2. Can I get medical insurance after obtaining family visa status for my family or parents? 

Q3. How can I cancel my separated wife's family visa? 

• Emirates ID of both the sponsor and the dependent 
• Soft copies of passport and visa pages 
• Additionally, the sponsor is responsible for covering all applicable processing charges and government fees.