The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a popular destination for expatriates from all over the world, many of whom come with their families. If you’re planning to move to the UAE with your family, it’s important to understand the different types of family visas available. The UAE government offers several types of family visas, each with its own set of requirements and restrictions.
One of the most common types of family visas in the UAE is the spouse visa. This visa is issued to the spouse of a UAE resident who holds a valid residency visa. The spouse visa allows the holder to live and work in the UAE for up to three years, and can be renewed as long as the spouse remains married to the UAE resident. Another type of family visa is the parent visa, which allows parents of UAE residents to live in the country. The parent visa is valid for one year and can be renewed as long as the parent remains in the UAE.
Other types of family visas in the UAE include the dependent visa, which is issued to children of UAE residents who are under the age of 18, and the domestic worker visa, which is issued to household employees such as maids, nannies, and drivers. Understanding the different types of family visas in the UAE is essential for anyone planning to move to the country with their family. It’s important to research the requirements and restrictions of each visa type to determine which one is best suited to your family’s needs.
Spouse Visa
Eligibility
A spouse visa is available to the spouse of a UAE resident. The sponsor of the visa must be the UAE resident spouse. The sponsor must be able to provide financial support for the spouse and must meet the minimum salary requirements set by the UAE government.
Requirements
The following documents are required to apply for a spouse visa:
- Valid passport of the spouse
- Marriage certificate attested by the UAE embassy in the home country and the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Medical certificate showing that the spouse is free from infectious diseases
- Emirates ID application form
- Two passport-sized photographs of the spouse
Validity
A spouse visa is valid for three years and can be renewed for an additional three years. The sponsor must provide proof of a valid residency visa and meet the minimum salary requirements at the time of renewal.
Note that the spouse of a UAE citizen can obtain a residence visa for five years without having to work in the UAE.
Parent Visa
Eligibility
Parents of UAE residents who wish to live with their children in the UAE can apply for a Parent Visa. The eligibility criteria for Parent Visa are as follows:
- Parents of UAE residents can apply for a Parent Visa.
- The sponsoring child must have a minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month and a two-bedroom apartment or house.
- The parent must be over 55 years of age.
Requirements
The following documents are required to apply for a Parent Visa:
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Passport copy of parent | Valid for at least 6 months |
| Passport copy of sponsoring child | Valid for at least 6 months |
| Residence visa copy of sponsoring child | Valid for at least 3 months |
| Salary certificate of sponsoring child | Minimum salary of AED 20,000 per month |
| Tenancy contract copy | At least a two-bedroom apartment or house |
Validity
The Parent Visa is valid for one year and can be renewed annually. The visa holder must enter the UAE within 60 days of issuance and must not stay outside the UAE for more than six months at a time. The visa holder can also apply for a multiple-entry visa, which allows them to enter and exit the UAE multiple times during the validity period of the visa.
Section 4: Children Visa
Eligibility
Children under the age of 18 are eligible for a free visit visa from July 15 to September 15 each year. However, for a long-term stay, they need a residence visa. A child can be sponsored by their parents or legal guardians who are UAE residents or citizens.
Requirements
To apply for a children visa, the sponsor must provide the following documents:
- Copy of the child’s passport
- Copy of sponsor’s passport
- Proof of relationship (birth certificate, marriage certificate, etc.)
- UAE residence visa of the sponsor
- Medical fitness certificate for the child
- Emirates ID application
Validity
A children visa is usually valid for 2 years and can be renewed as long as the sponsor meets the requirements. The child must also undergo a medical examination and obtain a new medical fitness certificate for each renewal.
It’s important to note that children under 18 years old cannot sponsor their parents or any other family members for a residence visa in the UAE. The sponsor must be a UAE resident or citizen.
Additionally, children over the age of 18 are not eligible for a children visa and must apply for a different type of visa based on their circumstances.
Sponsored Visa
Eligibility
Both employers and employees with valid UAE residence visas can sponsor residence visas for their families. Employees can sponsor their families regardless of their job titles if they earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Requirements
The following are the documents required to sponsor wife and children to apply for the UAE family visa or UAE sponsor visa:
- UAE visa application form (click here to download the form)
- Passport copies of the wife and children
- Photos of the wife and children
- Medical clearance certificate for the wife and children above 18
Validity
The validity of the sponsored visa depends on the sponsor’s visa validity. If the sponsor’s visa validity is one year, then the sponsored visa will also be valid for one year.
It is important to note that the sponsored visa is subject to renewal every two or three years, depending on the visa type. The sponsor must ensure that they meet the eligibility criteria and have all the required documents for the renewal process.
Additionally, the sponsored visa holder must not stay outside the UAE for more than six months at a time. If they do, their visa may become invalid, and they may have to apply for a new visa.
Overall, the sponsored visa is an excellent option for those who want to bring their families to the UAE. With the right documents and eligibility, the process is straightforward and can provide many benefits for both the sponsor and the sponsored visa holder.
