All you need to know: How to sponsor your family in the UAE

Expats who fulfill minimum salary requirements can sponsor their family to UAE

The UAE’s population stands at 9.8 million as of Monday, November 4, based on the latest United Nations data.

Over 80 per cent of the UAE population is made up of expatriates, according to the latest UN data.

Gulf News spoke to a cross-section of lawyers and scanned official sites, including the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai (GDRFA), to give you a full guide on sponsoring your family in the UAE.

Take a look:

Who can sponsor their family to live in the UAE

Expatriate residents, whether employers or employees, women or men, can sponsor their family as long as they have a valid residency permit.

The expat should earn a minimum salary of Dh4,000 or Dh3,000 plus accommodation in order to sponsor their family members. There are no conditions attached to the type of profession the expat must hold.

In March 2019, the UAE government amended its previous provision under which only listed professions could apply for family sponsorship visa.

Following the amendments, any foreign worker can now bring their family members to the UAE and have the residency visa under their sponsorship, regardless of profession. The key is that he or she should fall into the applicable salary bracket. That is all.

Sponsorship

The UAE resident sponsor (basically the expat sponsoring his or her family) has 60 days to apply for their dependents’ residence visa after they enter the UAE.

“What this means is that, essentially the sponsor (the expat) has two months’ time to get the family members’ residence visa stamped. Remember, when the family arrives into the UAE they are provided an entry permit. This status has to be modified to a valid resident visa holder. For this the sponsor has two months’ time to do it,” explained Ali Sultan Al Haddad, founder of Al Haddad law firm and chairman of Lawyer Business Group in Dubai.

Staff at General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) in DubaiImage Credit: Ahmed Ramzan / Gulf News

Validity of the visa

Family visas are issued for one, two or three years depending on the nature of the work and labour contract of the sponsor.

“Generally, expatriate employees are issued residency visa for one or two years based on their labour contract, while expatriate employers are issued residency visa for three years,” said Al Haddad.

Sponsored residents – barring adult males (basically sons who are pursuing their education) and sponsored parents - can enjoy the same visa duration as their sponsors. “For sons and parents, the residence visa is granted on a yearly basis regardless of the sponsor’s visa duration,” he said.  

Medical fitness requirement

In order for the UAE to grant or renew a residence visa for family members, men and women who have completed the age of 18 have to take a medical fitness test at government approved health centres in the UAE.

All visa applicants whether for first time or renewal, will be tested for two communicable diseases: HIV (by testing their blood) and pulmonary tuberculosis (by taking an x-ray of their chest).

Those found to be HIV positive or having tuberculosis will be considered medically unfit and therefore will not be granted a residence visa. They will be deported immediately by the UAE's authorities.

Residents with dormant / inactive pulmonary TB

Residents who are detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are also considered medically fit. In this case, they are granted a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’ subject to treatment and follow-up by the Department of Preventive Medicine or an equivalent government health authority.

"It is always advisable for a person with any doubt to get himself or herself tested in their home country before applying for a visa permit to the UAE,” said Al Haddad.

How to sponsor wife and children

To sponsor a wife, the expatriate resident must prove an existing marital relationship by submitting an authenticated marriage certificate in Arabic or duly translated into Arabic by a certified translator.

Sponsoring two wives

In strict cases, a Muslim resident may be allowed to sponsor his two wives, if he meets certain terms and conditions set by the GDRFA.

Sponsoring daughters

An expatriate resident can sponsor his daughter/s only if she is/they are unmarried.

Sponsoring sons

A resident can sponsor his son/s up to the age of 18. In the case where the son is studying in the UAE or abroad, a resident can sponsor his son/s even after the age of 18 but only up to the age of 21 after providing proof of his education.

“The key is – for the residence visa to stay valid — he has to enter the UAE at least once every six months. The residence visa is granted on a yearly basis, renewable until the person finishes his education,” explained Al Haddad.

Scanning a form for a visa applicant at the Dubai Naturalization and Residency Department(DNRD) in DubaiImage Credit: Ahmed Ramzan / Gulf news archives

One year visa for sons

From October 2018, students graduating from universities or secondary schools or complete 18 years of age will be granted a one-year residence visa, renewable for another year from the graduation date or on completing 18 years,” according to GDRFA website.

For this type of visa, parents are not required to place bank deposits. The visa will cost Dh100 for first time issuing and renewal.

In order to avail this service, parents must present duly attested graduation certificates from universities or schools, whether inside the country or abroad.

Documents required to sponsor wife and children 

Required documents to sponsor wife and children include:

·         Online application or through a registered typing office.

·         Passport copies of the wife and children.

·         Photos of the wife and children.

·         Medical clearance certificate for the wife and children above 18.

·         Copy of the husband's employment contract or company contract.

·         Salary certificate from the employer stating the employee's monthly salary.

·         Legalised marriage certificate.

·         Registered tenancy contract.

·         Latest utility bill

Sponsoring parents

Immigration services at the residency department in DubaiImage Credit: Gulf News archives

An expatriate employee can sponsor his parents for a year's stay by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent as stipulated by the respective immigration department.

Did you know? You cannot sponsor just one parent

According to GDRFA, an expatriate employee cannot sponsor only one of his parents. He needs to sponsor both parents together. He also needs to provide proof that he is their sole support and that there is no one to take care of them back home.

“If one of the parents has passed away or if the parents are divorced, he has to show the related official documents as justification to sponsor only one of his parents.

Who can sponsor parents’ residence visa

To sponsor parents, the employed expatriate resident must earn the minimum salary stipulated and obtain a medical insurance policy for parents with the minimum coverage stipulated for each, to be renewed each year,” said Al Haddad.

According to the website of Dubai Government, General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (DNRD) in Dubai stipulates a minimum salary of Dh20,000 or a monthly pay of Dh19,000 plus a two-bedroom accommodation to sponsor parents’ visa.

Women expats can sponsor family too

In Abu Dhabi, a woman can sponsor her husband and children if she holds a residence permit stating that she is an engineer, teacher, doctor, nurse or any other profession related to the medical sector and if her monthly salary is not less than Dh10,000 or Dh8,000 plus accommodation. She needs to provide additional documents as stipulated by the respective authority.

In Dubai, if a woman is not employed in one of these categories she may still get approval to sponsor her family if her monthly salary is more than Dh 10,000 and with a special permission from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai DNRD.

"However, in the case where a woman expat wants to sponsor her children, she has to get a no-objection letter from her husband, giving her permission to sponsor their child / children," said Devanand Mahadeva, director of Goodwins Law Corporation.

Single mother can sponsor child as well

According to the GDRFA website, a single mother can sponsor her child as well. “Authorities might ask for documents similar to those required to sponsor stepchildren.”

Sponsoring stepchildren

An expatriate resident can also sponsor his or her stepchildren, subject to GDRFA’s conditions which include a deposit for each child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their residence visas are valid for one year; renewable annually.

Visas validity and renewal

The duration of residence visa depends on the type of sponsor and the person sponsored. It is issued for one, or two or three years. Visa is renewed subject to conditions similar to those of fresh visas.

The family's residence permits are linked to the residence permit of the sponsoring expatriate employee. If the sponsoring family member's visa is cancelled, it requires cancellation of the visas of the dependents.

Dependents are granted a 30-day grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation of their visa to obtain a new residence permit. If the employee fails to renew or cancel the visa of his dependents, the dependents would be deemed illegal residents and could be liable to pay a fine.

Cost of services for UAE family visa

Sponsor Registration File pricing: Dh268.90

Entry permit – new – residence for children / wife – resident sponsor working in private sector in the UAE: Dh1,138.90

Entry permit – new – residence for parents – resident sponsor working in private sector in the UAE: Dh1,175.65

Source: Amer 24/7, a semi-government organisation, which allows residents to complete all visa and residency transaction

Medical test services at Amer 24/7

·         Normal medical test at Amer24/7: Dh322.50

·         48 hour medical test: Dh432.50

·         24 hour medical test: Dh532.50

·         4 hour VIP medical test: Dh752.50

Source: Amer 24/7, a semi-government organisation, which allows residents to complete all visa and residency transactionly.

How to renew your UAE visit visa without exiting the country

Did you know that you don’t have to exit the UAE in order to renew your visit visa to the country?

There are a number of options available from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), as well as UAE-based travel agents for visit visa renewals.

The best part is that you don’t have to exit the country anymore. This offers convenience to those who prefer to stay in the UAE and have their visit visa renewed.

An Indian expat who just renewed her parents’ visit visa said this is especially convenient for elderly parents on a visit.

“As well as for those who on the temporary visa have found recently found a job. They don’t have to leave the country to renew their visa,” the expat said.

Tourist visa for: Who is it for?

According to the GDRFA, tourist visas are for those who are not eligible for visa on arrival or a visa-free entry to the UAE. Tourist visa can be obtained for individual tourists from around the world. Women below the age of 18 are not eligible to apply for this type of visa, unless they are travelling with their parents.

According to a UAE Cabinet resolution passed in July 2018, children under the age of 18 years who are accompanying adults can get a free visa for their visit from July 15 to September 15 each year.

What is the validity of a tourist visa?

Depending on your plan, tourist visas to the UAE can be issued for 30-day or 90-day duration, single entry or multiple entry.

Can one apply for a visit visa through airlines?

Yes. Licensed travel agents and hotels in the UAE can arrange a tourist visa for you provided you purchase the ticket through them and maintain hotel reservation with the specific hotel.

Each airline has some conditions, which must be met in order for your visa to be arranged by them. One of the conditions is flying with them. Logging onto the airlines websites will help.

The applicant can also apply from a travel agent in your home country to apply for tourist visas.

There are a number of options available from the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA), as well as UAE based travel agents for visit visa renewalsImage Credit: COURTESY: GDRFA

How to renew your visit visa?

According to GDRFA, all types of visit and tourist visas can be extended for 30 days twice upon renewal without the need to leave the country.

Visitors and tourists can apply for the second renewal before the expiry of the first one by just paying Dh600 each time of renewal.

Over staying fine

Visa overstayers who do not renew, as above, will have to pay Dh100 fine for each day of their overstay, to be calculated from 10 days after the visa expiry.

Where visit visa extension rule does not apply 

However, the rule for extension does not apply on the following categories:

• visitors and tourists who are residents in GCC countries

• residents accompanying GCC nationals

• those on special entry permits

• those on 96-hour permit for special missions

Depending on the status of the expat sponsor, residence visas for family to UAE can be issued for one, two or three yearsImage Credit: COURTESY: GDRFA

Packages offered by travel agents in UAE for visa renewal

Airport to Airport visa change

Cost is Dh1,400 and this price includes air-fare

Inside country visa change

Cost is Dh2,200

A travel agent based in Dubai said renewing your visit visa without exiting the country can be a bit more expensive than an airport to airport visa change.

It is an easier method and there is no need to exit the country. "Just imagine the convenience it can be done sitting in the comfort of your house."

How to get this done through an agent

·         Contact an agent three days before the visa expiry in order to have it renewed.

·         Agents ask you to contact them three days before visa expiry in order to process the new renewal request.

·         The service is available on working days Sunday to Thursday.

Documents required for visa renewal

·         Copy of applicant’s passport first page and last page.

·          The passport should have a minimum validity of six months.

·         A clear passport-size color photo with white background

How to get UAE residence visa for your parents in Dubai

Do you want your parents to live with you in Dubai? Here's what you need to do

Taking care of your elderly parents can be difficult when they are in a different country, especially if you and your family have settled to a long stint in the UAE.

Here's how you can get a residence visa for your parents:

Note: This is an informative guide and should only be taken as such. For any individual queries, contact the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai or GDRFA. Gulf News holds no responsibility for any misinterpretations, change in processes or amendments to the law.

Who can sponsor parents?

UAE expatriates, holding valid resident visas having a minimum salary of  Dh20,000 or a monthly pay of Dh19,000 plus a two-bedroom accommodation can get one-year renewable resident visas for their parents or parents-in-law.

Whom can you sponsor?

As per new regulations, you have to sponsor both your mother and father together and show proof that you are their sole provider and that there is no one to take care of them in your home country.

However, if your parents are divorced or one is deceased, you should carry documentary proof, when visiting Department of Naturalisation and Residency Dubai (DNRD) to obtain the entry permit visa, which is the first step before you can apply for a residence visa.

Getting the entry visa

Your parents have to enter the country on this visa and you should ideally get the residency visa sorted within 60 days from their date of entry.

Documents required

1.      Typed application form from registered typing centres

2.     Original passport of sponsor and parent/s

3.     One photo each of the parent/s

4.     Attested proof of relationship from your embassy or consulate and proof that you are the sole provider and caretaker for your parent/s

5.     Copy of job contract for the sponsor or salary certificate from the employer.

Steps

1.      Take the listed documents and go to General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai. Submit them along with a letter from your side appealing on humanitarian grounds for entry visa for your parent/s. Also, enclose copies of all above documents along with your contact numbers. The Approval Committee will either confirm or reject your application within two weeks. 

2.     Have a registered typist complete the form after paying the fees.

3.     Go to the residency section of DNRD and hand in the documents.

4.     Entry Permit will be sent by Empost usually within 48 hours, or if you have applied for urgent visa, then you should receive it from the counter in a few minutes.

Fees

1.      Dh2,000 refundable deposit (keep receipt safely for renewal or reimbursement, as this is paid back only when the visa is cancelled or in case your parent dies)

2.     Dh110 application fee + typing centre fee (or pay Dh100 for urgent application)

Getting the residency visa

Once you receive the entry permit, get started on the visa procedures to be completed within 60 days from date of entry.

Documents required for residence visa

1.      Application form and 3 photos of parent/s

2.     Original passport of parent/s and sponsor

3.     Original entry permit

4.     Health card of parent/s

5.     Refundable deposit receipt

6.     Original job contract or salary certificate of the sponsor

Steps

1.      Do a health checkup and obtain a medical card.

2.     Take the documents and go to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs - Dubai.

3.     Have one of the typists there complete the form for you after paying the fees.

4.     Go to the residency section and hand in the documents.

5.     The passport/s with the residency visa stamp will be sent to you through Empost.

6.     Get a basic mandatory insurance policy for your parent/s starting at Dh600.

Fees

1.      Dh110 residency fees each year, not inclusive of typing centre fees

2.     Dh100 urgent application (optional)

3.     Dh10 Empost fees

Source: The official portal of Dubai Government

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