SPOUSE &
DEPENDENTS
VISA PROCESSING
Spouse &
Dependents
Visa Processing
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Family Visa in the UAE
The family visa in the UAE is a type of residency visa that allows the spouse and dependent children (under the age of 18) of a resident in the UAE to live with them in the country. The family visa is also sometimes referred to as a “dependent visa” or “sponsor visa.”
Types of family visa
Spouse Visa
Child Visa
Parent Visa
Types of family visa
Eligibility For Family Visa
Expatriate residents can sponsor their families to reside in the UAE if they hold a valid residency visa, as an investor, employee, or partner, and meet the minimum salary requirement of at least AED 4,000 with accommodation.
Family members, both male and female, who are to be sponsored and have reached the age of 18 need to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centres in the UAE.
Sponsoring Your Parents
An expatriate employee can sponsor both parents for a one-year stay by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent, as stipulated by the respective immigration department. It is mandatory that both parents are sponsored together, and applicants are required to provide documentation proving sole financial responsibility that no other individuals are available to provide for the parents in their home country.
Renewal of family visa
To renew a family visa in the UAE, one must submit an application with all the required documents and fees to the relevant immigration authorities. It is advisable to seek professional assistance and start the renewal process well before the visa expiry date, as processing times can vary and there may be additional requirements or delays. Failure to renew the visa on time could result in penalties.
Cancellation of Family Visa
The family’s residence permits are linked to the residence permit of the sponsoring family member. If the sponsoring family member’s visa is cancelled, it requires cancellation of the visas of the dependents.
Dependents are granted a 2-month grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation of their visas to obtain a new residence permit. If the sponsor fails to renew or cancel the visa of their dependents, they could be liable to pay a fine.
How to Get a Residency Visa for Your Dependents
This Visa service permits sponsorship of your parents, spouse, and children below 18 years of age.
1
Log into the SPC Free Zone Customer Portal
2
Submit your request with a physical Emirates ID and required documents
3
Settle your payment for processing
4
Receive the estimated timeline for your Visa
5
Get your Dependent Visa within 7-9 working days
Fees:
AED 5,000 applies to each dependent
Deposit is AED 3,025, if the sponsor is an investor
1
Log into the SPC Free Zone Customer Portal
2
Submit your request with a physical Emirates ID and required documents
3
Settle your payment for processing
4
Receive the estimated timeline for your Visa
5
Get your Dependent Visa within 7-9 working days
Documents Required to Get a Dependent Visa
The documents necessary for sponsoring a spouse and children include:
- An application form, which can be submitted online or at a registered typing office
- Coloured passport copies for the spouse and children
- Photographs of the spouse and children
- A medical clearance certificate for the spouse and children aged 18 and above
- A copy of the sponsor’s employment contract or company agreement
- A salary certificate from the employer confirming the sponsor’s monthly income
- An attested marriage certificate (must be in English or in Arabic legal translation)
- A registered tenancy agreement
Key Notes If the Dependent is a Child
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
A family visa, also known as a dependent or sponsor visa, allows the spouse and dependent children (under 18) of a UAE resident to live with them in the country.
The types of family visas available in the UAE include the Spouse Visa, Child Visa, and Parent Visa.
If you hold a residency visa, as an investor, employee, or partner, and meet the minimum salary requirement of at least AED 4,000 with accommodation, you are fully eligible to sponsor your wife and children for residency in the UAE.
Yes, an expatriate employee can sponsor their parents for a year’s stay by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent and providing proof that they are the sole supporter.
No, you must sponsor both parents together if they meet the dependency criteria.
Yes, you can sponsor your stepchildren, but you may need additional documents such as a no-objection certificate from the biological parent and proof of custody.
If the sponsoring family member’s visa is cancelled, the dependent visas must also be cancelled. Dependents are granted a 2-month grace period from the date of expiry or cancellation to obtain a new residence permit.
No, individuals on a spouse or dependent visa are not automatically granted the right to work. They must obtain a separate work permit from their employer to legally work in the UAE.
