Both employers and employees holding valid UAE residence visas can sponsor residence visas for their families. Employees, regardless of their job titles, are now able to sponsor their families if they meet the minimum salary requirement stipulated by UAE law. A medical fitness examination is mandatory for all applicants above the age of 18. The cost of this examination may vary according to UAE regulations.
- Socially Responsible Investment
- Comprehensive Investment Plans
- Financial Planning for Business
- Tax Mitigation Strategies
Sponsorship Requirements
Expatriates residing in the UAE with a valid residence visa are eligible to sponsor their families. The sponsor must earn a salary that meets or exceeds the income threshold set by UAE law to qualify for family sponsorship.
Family members, male and female, over the age of 18, must pass a medical fitness test at approved health centers in the UAE. The cost of the test is subject to change based on UAE regulations.
- Sponsoring wife and children
- Sponsoring your parents
- Residence visa for a UAE citizen spouse parent and child
An expatriate resident may sponsor the residence visa for his wife and children if he fulfils the above mentioned sponsorship requirements.
To sponsor the wife, the expatriate resident must prove an existing marital relationship by submitting an attested marriage certificate in Arabic or duly translated into Arabic by a certified translator.
Documents required to sponsor wife and children include:
- application form - either online or through a registered typing office
- passport copies of the wife and children
- photos of the wife and children
- medical clearance certificate of the wife and children above 18 years
- copy of the husband's employment contract or company contract
- salary certificate from the employer stating the husband’s monthly salary
- attested marriage certificate
- registered tenancy contract.
Cancellation
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 his dependents, he could be liable to pay a fine.
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.
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, related official documents would be needed as justification to sponsor only one of the parents.
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.
According to the Amer website, DNRD in Dubai stipulates a minimum salary of AED 20,000 to sponsor parents’ visa.
A UAE citizen’s spouse, parent or child, who holds a foreign passport, can get a UAE residence visa for 5 years without having to work in the UAE. In this case, the sponsor shall be the UAE citizen.
A foreign widow or divorced woman, who is a mother of a UAE citizen, can get a residence visa without having to work in the UAE. In this case, the sponsor shall be the oldest child.
Source: The Executive Regulation of the Law No. 29 of 2021 on Entry and Residence of Foreigners (PDF, 500 KB).
shall be the oldest child.
To apply for a family visa in Abu Dhabi, the sponsor must be a resident of the city. The application process includes obtaining forms from online sources or immigration offices. Required documents include passport copies, passport-sized photos, proof of the relationship with the sponsor (e.g., marriage certificate), and evidence of the sponsor’s residency or citizenship status. Additional documents such as an invitation letter from the sponsor and accommodation details for the family members are necessary. Health insurance may be a mandatory requirement, and the processing fee and timeline can vary. Once the application and documents are submitted to immigration authorities, they will be reviewed and approved. Upon approval, family members can travel to Abu Dhabi and complete the necessary immigration procedures upon arrival. It’s essential to stay up to date with any changes in family visa regulations by consulting with immigration authorities or the UAE embassy. For a smoother process, seeking advice from an immigration expert is highly recommended.
Get Your Family Visa with AL Tawakkal
AL Tawakkal Group is your trusted partner for family visa services in the UAE. With our expertise, we offer a smooth and efficient process for sponsoring your loved ones, allowing for family reunification and a stronger bond in the UAE. Experience a hassle-free journey to bring your family together with AL Tawakkal’s professional assistance.
FAQ
Most frequent questions and answers
It’s advisable to obtain medical insurance for your family within 15 days of their arrival in Abu Dhabi, UAE.
To sponsor family in Abu Dhabi, UAE, you need a valid residency visa and meet minimum wage requirements. Understanding the minimum salary is essential for sponsorship.
The validity period of a UAE family visa is typically two years.