Sponsoring Family in the UAE: A Step-by-Step Guide to Dependent Visas in Dubai

Having your family come and settle with you in Dubai can be the best choice you ever make. But before that, you will have to apply for a dependent visa UAE. It is a special visa that allows your wife, kids, or even parents to stay with you in the country. It is easy if you do it the right way. To start, ensure you qualify for the salary and housing regulations. Then, collect the correct documents, such as passport copies, Emirates ID, and tenancy contract. Next, you can apply online or go to a typing centre.

In this tutorial, we’ll teach everything in simple words, step by step. You are either new to the UAE or seeking assistance. Either way, this article is for you. Let’s begin.

What is a Dependent Visa UAE?

A dependent visa UAE is one of the residence visas that allows your close relatives to reside with you in the UAE. In these relatives, your husband or wife, children, or parents can come. To begin with, you should have a valid residence visa in the UAE and satisfy the salary condition. Then, you need to provide evidence of housing and submit crucial documents, such as marriage or birth certificates.

Lastly, after approval, your family members can live with you, attend school, and even receive medical treatment. In some cases, adult dependents are also eligible to apply for a work permit if they are employed.

Different Types of Dependent Visa UAE

Here are the different types of dependent visa UAE, detailed in simple points:

• Spouse Visa: You can sponsor your husband or wife if you possess an attested marriage certificate and satisfy the salary criterion.
• Children’s Visa: You can sponsor your children. Sons can be sponsored until they are 25 years old if they are students. Daughters can be sponsored as long as they remain unmarried.
• Parent Visa: You can sponsor your parents if you have a higher salary and can provide a two-bedroom apartment and medical cover.
• Stepchildren Visa: Sponsoring stepchildren requires legal documents of custody. Some additional approvals are also needed.
• Domestic Helper Visa: You may also sponsor a maid, driver, or nanny if you have some specific job and salary requirements.

Eligible Criteria for UAE Dubai Dependent Visa

You should fulfil the following conditions to apply for a dependent visa UAE. First, ensure you carefully read every requirement.

• You should be a UAE resident holding a valid UAE residence visa.
• You must meet the salary requirements for sponsorship.
• You must have an active Emirates ID as evidence of residence.
• Your salary must be a minimum of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided.
• You must have a current tenancy contract (Dubai Ejari registration).
• You must be able to demonstrate the family relationship using attested marriage or birth certificates.
• For sponsor parents, you might require a greater salary (about AED 20,000) and a two-bedroom apartment.
• Regulations can be modified, so it is best to verify the GDRFA Dubai or ICA UAE websites for the most recent news.

Then, prepare all necessary documents before initiating your application.

Required Documents for Dubai Dependent Visa

It begins with procuring the appropriate documents to obtain your dependent visa UAE. First, ensure everything is understandable, updated, and of the right format:

• Passport copies: Clear copies of all the passports, valid for at least 6 months from the application date.
• Photos: Latest passport-type photos with a white background for all dependents. They should be clear.
• Emirates ID copy: Copy of the sponsor’s Emirates ID. It must be valid and not expired.
• Entry permit UAE: Required if the dependent is out of the country. Apply online or through centres.
• Attested marriage certificate: It is a proof of your marriage. It has to be certified. Moreover, convert it into Arabic where necessary.
• Attested birth certificate: It establishes a relationship with children. It should be attested and well translated.
• Housing: Provide housing evidence, which is a registered tenancy agreement in the name of the sponsor.
• Salary certificate: Obtain one from your employer. It should be acceptable to MOHRE and be updated.
• Medical coverage of dependents: All dependents are required to have up-to-date health coverage to access or renew a visa.
• Medical fitness test: For dependents above 18 years. The test involves blood tests and a chest X-ray.

Next, make sure all documents are translated to Arabic and attested if necessary.

Residence Visa Application Process

The procedure to apply for the residence visa starts with the entry permit. It is a step-by-step procedure to obtain a dependent visa for the UAE. Follow the procedure step by step to avoid any delay:

1. Apply for an Entry Permit UAE

Visit the GDRFA Dubai or the ICA UAE website. Otherwise, you may also apply at a typing centre or an AmeriService centre.

2. Wait for Entry Permit Approval

It usually takes 2–5 working days. On approval, your relative can enter the UAE.

3. Complete Medical Fitness Test UAE

Dependents above 18 years will require attending an approved medical centre for a blood test and chest X-ray.

4. Submit Emirates ID Application

Complete the Emirates ID form either at a typing centre or online. Biometrics will be taken if it is the first time.

5. Submit Visa Stamping Application

Provide all documents, i.e., medical test reports, insurance, and entry permit. Choose a visa validity period (1 to 3 years).

6. Pay Government Fees

Pay the government fee. It includes a visa, ID, and service fees.

7. Get a Visa Stamped or Issued Digitally

Final approval takes 2 to 7 days. A visa will be stamped in the passport or sent digitally via email.

How to Sponsor Family in UAE

Looking to sponsor your family to the UAE? Follow these steps below to do so:

1. Check Salary Requirements

You must earn at least AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with company accommodation. The female sponsors may need to present evidence of higher earnings.

2. Prepare Your Tenancy Contract

Ensure you accommodate yourself legally and are duly registered; Ejari registration must be done in Dubai.

3. Bring All The Necessary Papers

Get passports, pictures, Emirates IDs, an attested marriage certificate, and an attested birth certificate of children.

4. Apply for Entry Permit UA

Apply online at GDRFA Dubai, ICA UAE, or a typing centre.

5. Complete Medical Fitness Test UAE

More than 18 dependents must take medical tests at approved health centres.

6. Submit Emirates ID Application

Visit a typing centre or submit online with biometric information.

7. Apply for Visa Stamping

Give all the materials to make the final UAE spouse visa application or the children’s residence visa Dubai.

8. Special Notes

Sons aged over 18 should be students; documents will be needed. Female sponsors may require additional approvals.

UAE Dependent Visa Cost

Below is a simple summary of the average UAE dependent visa fee in points:

• Entry Permit UAE: AED 500 to AED 1,200 depending on emirate and urgency.
• Medical Fitness Test UAE: AED 250 to AED 350 (for dependents aged 18 and above).
• Emirates ID Application: AED 270 to AED 400 depending on the validity of the visa.
• Ejari Registration (Tenancy Agreement): AED 200 to AED 500 (location-dependent).
• Attestation of Documents: AED 150 to AED 200 per document (marriage or birth certificate).
• Translation Services: AED 50 to AED 150 per document (where not in Arabic).
• Dependent Health Insurance: AED 600 to AED 2,500 annually, based on age and insurer.
• Fees for Typing or Service centre: AED 100 to AED 250 to complete and submit forms.
• Total Estimated Cost: Up to AED 5,000 per dependent, depending on duration and emirate.

Taxes for People With a UAE Dependent Visa

The best news is, and I say it again, no income tax in the UAE. If you live in the UAE on a dependent visa, you pay no tax on your salary, savings, or any locally generated personal earnings.

But there are still a couple of things to consider:

• VAT (Value Added Tax): Most goods and services, like groceries, eating out, electronics, and others, attract a 5% VAT in the UAE.
• No Capital Gains tax or Inheritance Tax: You are not going to be taxed on any type of investment or property profits in the UAE.
• Foreign Taxes: The U.S. is one of the countries that may compel you to declare your foreign revenue in the foreign country-although you are not taxed in the UAE.
• Tax Double-Checkers: Remember to always get the up-to-date advice of a tax professional in your home country to keep compliant.
• No Payroll Deductions: As competitors from other countries, UAE-dependent visa workers get full pay with no deductions.

Therefore, although the UAE experiences a life of tax friendliness, it is intelligent to remain knowledgeable about your home country’s reporting regulations.

Dependent Visa Renewal UAE

It is highly essential to renew your dependent visa UAE so that your family remains within the country legally without facing any problems. The visa often lasts 1 to 3 years based on the emirate’s rules and the type of visa of the sponsor. Before the expiration of the visa, the process for visa renewal in the UAE must be initiated so as to prevent cancellation or fines.

First, arrange a fresh medical fitness test in the UAE for every dependent who is above the age of 18. It involves a blood test and a chest X-ray at a certified medical centre. You need to clear this test to proceed with the renewal.

Secondly, renew your Emirates ID application by going to an approved typing centre or applying online at the ICA UAE website. It involves changing biometric data if necessary.

Then, ensure your dependents’ health insurance is valid and active. In Dubai and Abu Dhabi, health insurance is a requirement for visa renewal. If not, your application will be rejected or delayed.

Next, apply with your renewal documents to GDRFA Dubai or through any Amer or registered typing centre. The documents needed are: 

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport
• Dependent’s old visa page and passport
• Updated Ejari registration (tenancy contract)
• Medical fitness certificate
• New health insurance policy
• Passport photo
• Entry permit if required (in case of re-entry)

Lastly, pay the fee for renewal, which varies with the validity of the visa. You will be issued the renewed visa either electronically or stamped inside the passport.

Get Help From Us

Confused or feeling overwhelmed? Don’t worry, you are not alone. We are professional business setup consultants in Dubai and visa experts who are here to assist you. First, we will walk you through all the steps of the dependent visa UAE process, whether you are sponsoring your spouse, children, or parents. Next, we will assist you in preparing all your documents, applying for your visa, and monitoring your progress. 

Besides that, we also help with renewals of visas, visa cancellation for family, and even Emirates ID applications. Want to start a business as well? Our company also does business setup in Dubai, company formation in Dubai, and complete PRO services. We make it seamless, quick, and hassle-free. Get in touch with us today to get started.

FAQs

Q1: What is the income required to sponsor a family?

In order to sponsor your family, you will require AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 and housing. But sometimes female sponsors may need a higher income.

Q2: Can I sponsor my parents?

Yes, you can. But before that, you need to earn a higher salary. You will also need to prove you are the sole financial supporter of your parents.

Q3: How long is the visa valid?

The visa is normally valid for 1 to 3 years. But it depends on the sponsor’s visa type and the emirate’s rules.

Q4: Is health insurance obligatory?

Yes, medical insurance is mandatory. Particularly, before visa stamping and renewal in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, it is a requirement by law.

Q5: What if the family remains out of the UAE for 6 months?

If they remain out for 6 months, the visa gets cancelled. Then you have to apply again after obtaining a fresh entry permit.

Conclusion

Moving your family to live with you in the city of Dubai is a big step, but with a dependent visa UAE, movement is easier than you may imagine. To begin with, ensure that you satisfy the needs of salary and housing. Now collect proper files such as your Emirates ID, copies of your passport, and attested certificates. After that, do the procedures to apply either at GDRFA Dubai or ICA UAE. 

Just in case you feel confused, do not fret because we are here to assist. Our business setup experts in Dubai have made it easier to get the last drop. We can do it all, be it family visa services or company incorporation in Dubai. Reach us now and begin your journey with no worries.