The Dubai family visa, also known as the dependant visa, allows family members of UAE residents to reside and work in Dubai. Many Family 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 UAE?
A family visa or Dependent visa allows the family members of the UAE to reside and work in Dubai. A family visa is important for UAE residents and an immigration document for families moving to the UAE. Family members including the spouses, parents, and children of the visa holders are eligible to get the visa renewed.
Requirements for a family visa in the UAE
Necessities for getting a family visa in the UAE are outlined below, by the 2024 UAE family visa regulations:
- The sponsor must possess a valid residence visa, a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000, and accommodation.
- Female sponsors must meet a minimum monthly salary requirement of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation.
- If the father is present in the UAE and can sponsor his children, the mother is ineligible.
- Upon their arrival in the UAE, resident sponsors have sixty days to initiate the application process for their dependents’ residence permits.
- Applicants aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness examination at an approved medical institution within the UAE to qualify for sponsorship.
- A duly authenticated marriage certificate translated into Arabic by competent authorities must be submitted to sponsor one’s wife.
- The only criterion for sponsoring a daughter is her single status, with no age limitations.
- A UAE resident can sponsor unmarried son(s) until they reach the age of 25.
- Children with disabilities face no age restrictions for sponsorship.
- Sponsoring both parents requires submitting a guarantee for each parent as stipulated by the respective immigration department.
Cost of family visa in Dubai 2024
Getting a Dubai family visa in 2024 includes various charges beyond the basic fee. These additional expenses include fees for service providers, documentation, attestation, and other related services. On average, the total cost for a family visa in Dubai, excluding insurance, classically ranges from approximately AED 4,500 to AED 5,500. The cost is slightly higher for applicants residing outside of Dubai but with insurance coverage, ranging from approximately AED 5,000 to AED 6,000.
However, it’s essential to note that the Dubai family visa fees for 2024 can vary significantly based on factors like the type of visa, duration of stay, and any supplementary charges for specific services or procedures. Consequently, the overall cost may vary accordingly, making it crucial that applicants consider all relevant factors when budgeting for their visa application.
How to apply for a family visa in Dubai?
To recruit the application process for a family visa in Dubai or the UAE, individuals can apply online or offline. The specific documents needed and conditions to be met vary based on whether one is sponsoring children, a spouse, parents, or stepchildren. Once all the necessary documents are collected, the next step is to begin the visa application process. This involves submitting the application and making the necessary payment to secure the visa. It’s important to note that the fees for a UAE residence visa may vary depending on the visa category being applied for.
Required Documents for Family Visa Application
Below are the required documents for a family visa application:
- Original or photocopy of sponsor’s passport/visa
- Original Emirates ID of the sponsor
- One passport-sized photo of the applicant with a white background
- Original or photocopy of the applicant’s 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?
Logically, a UAE family visa remains valid for 2 years, depending upon timely renewal before its expiration. It’s important to acknowledge that the validity of family visas is linked to the sponsor’s visa status; hence, if the sponsor’s visa expires or is canceled, the family visas become invalid. Nonetheless, the UAE authorities offer a grace period of 30 days for visa renewal. It is strongly suggested that the renewal process be initiated before the conclusion of this extension period to avoid potential penalties and legal complications.
Renewal Fees for UAE Family Visas in Dubai 2024
- Before starting the renewal process, it’s imperative to fulfil certain conditions, which include the following:
- Residents employed in the UAE are eligible to renew their family members’ visas, provided they meet specific criteria, such as a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,500 and company-provided accommodation.
- A valid medical test report is required for sponsored individuals aged 18 and above.
- Before restoring the residence visa, it’s necessary to renew the Emirates ID.
- Health insurance is compulsory in Dubai, and family members must have at least basic health coverage.
New UAE Family Visa Rules 2024
Outlined below are the rules governing UAE family visas in 2024:
- Both employers and employees holding valid residence visas, along with a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation, are eligible to sponsor their families.
- The nature of one’s profession is no longer a determining factor for obtaining a family visa in the UAE.
- If the father resides in the UAE and can sponsor his children, the mother is ineligible to sponsor them.
- Issuance of a UAE family visa depends on the type of work and the terms of the labour contract.
- Resident sponsors have a 60-day window to apply for their dependents’ residence visas upon their arrival in the UAE.
- Applicants aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness test at government-approved health centres in the UAE to qualify for a family visa.
- To sponsor one’s wife, an authenticated marriage certificate translated into Arabic by a certified translator must be submitted.
- In certain circumstances, Muslims may be permitted to sponsor two wives, provided they meet specific conditions.
- Residents can only sponsor unmarried daughters and sons up to the age of 18, or up to 21 if the son is pursuing education.
- Expatriate residents may sponsor stepchildren subject to GDRFA guidelines, while employees can sponsor both parents by submitting guarantees as stipulated by the immigration department.
- A woman holding a residence visa with a monthly salary of at least AED 8,000 plus accommodation and working in professions such as engineering, nursing, teaching, medicine, or other medical-related fields, is eligible to sponsor her family.
Who Can You Sponsor for a UAE Family Visa?
- Wife: Male expatriates holding a Residence Visa in the UAE can sponsor their wives. Muslim residents may sponsor up to two wives, subject to specific conditions set by the GDRFA.
- Sons: Male expatriates can sponsor their sons if they are 18 years old or younger. If sons are over 18, sponsorship is possible if they are students up to the age of 21. Sons over 18 must enter the UAE at least once every six months if studying abroad to maintain their visa validity.
- Daughters: Male expatriates can sponsor their unmarried daughters.
- Parents: Male expatriates can sponsor both parents, provided certain conditions are met:
- Sponsorship for both parents is required unless one has deceased.
- A deposit of AED 2,500 per parent must be paid as a guarantee.
- Parents must have a medical insurance policy.
- The sponsor’s monthly salary should be at least AED 20,000 or AED 19,000 with a two-bedroom accommodation.
- Stepchildren: Male expats
- can sponsor stepchildren with written consent from the biological parent. The stepchildren’s visa is valid for one year and can be renewed.
Can a Woman Sponsor Her Family Members for a UAE Family Visa?
Yes, a woman can sponsor her family members, but the eligibility criteria are more strict compared to men:
- The family members she can sponsor include her husband and children.
- She must earn a monthly salary of at least AED 10,000, or alternatively AED 8,000 with accommodation.
- She must work as an engineer, teacher, or in a profession related to the medical sector (such as a doctor or nurse).
- In some cases, with approval from the DRND, a woman with a sufficient monthly salary may qualify for sponsorship even if she doesn’t work in one of the specified categories.
- If her husband can sponsor the children, she is not permitted to do so herself; sponsorship must be done by the husband.
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FAQs
Q1. Can my wife start working while under my family visa sponsorship?
Yes, it is permissible. The necessary procedures for this can be completed through the “Thasheel” company.
Q2. Can I apply for medical insurance after obtaining family visa status for my family or parents?
Yes, it is legally permitted to apply for medical insurance even after obtaining the family visa stamp. The individual sponsoring the family visa can select a medical insurance plan based on their requirements from an external insurance agent.
Q3. How do I remove my separated wife’s family visa from my file?
Removing your separated wife’s family visa is a straightforward process. As the sponsor, you need to submit the following documents:
- Emirates ID of both the sponsor and dependent
- Soft copies of passport and visa pages
- All relevant processing charges and government fees must be paid by the sponsor.