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 have a valid residence permit/visa.
The sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Male and female family members who are to be sponsored and who have completed the age of 23 need to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centres in the UAE.
Sponsoring Your Parents
An expatriate employee can sponsor their parents for a year’s stay by paying a deposit as a guarantee for each parent as stipulated by the respective immigration department.
An expatriate employee cannot sponsor only one of their parents, must instead must sponsor both parents together. They need to provide proof as their sole support and that there is no one to take care of them back home.
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 recommended to seek professional guidance and start the renewal process early to avoid any issues or delays.
It is advisable to start the renewal process well before the visa expiry date, as processing times can vary and there may be additional requirements or delays. Late renewal or failure to renew the visa can 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 6-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.
Steps of Dependent Visa
This Visa permits sponsoring of parents, spouse, and children(below 18 years of age).
1
Log In to SPC Free Zone Customer Portal
2
Submit Request with Required Details and Documents
3
Settle Payment
4
Receive Timeline
5
Receive Dependents Visa
Fees:
AED 4,450, if the dependent is below 18 years
AED 4,750, if the dependent is above 18 years
Deposit is AED 3,025, if the sponsor is an investor
1
Log In to SPC Free Zone Customer Portal
2
Submit Request with Required Details and Documents
3
Settle Payment
4
Receive Timeline
5
Receive Dependents Visa
Documents Required
When Sponsoring A Spouse, The Following Are Required:
- Attested Marriage certificate copy (must be in English or in Arabic legal translation)
- Colored Passport copy with signature page
- Passport size photo
When Sponsoring A Child, The Following Are Required:
- Attested birth certificate copy of child (must be in English or in Arabic legal translation)
- Attested Marriage Certificate copy of parents (must be in English or in Arabic legal translation)
- Colored Passport copy with signature page
- Passport size photo
Important Notes If Dependent is a Child
Read More
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 include the Spouse Visa, Child Visa, and Parent Visa.
To sponsor family members, expatriate residents must have a valid residence permit/visa and a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
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 6-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.
