Are you planning a family gathering in Dubai? This comprehensive guide encompasses all the necessary components for sponsoring a family visit visa, such as application procedures, documentation checklists, compensation criteria, and visa fees.
Are you contemplating inviting your parents or spouse to visit you in Dubai? It is imperative to understand the process of applying for a family visitation visa. This visa, which is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), allows your family to remain in the United Arab Emirates for 30, 60, or 90 days. The following is important to be aware of.
Overview: Family Visit Visa
An Encounter with Family With a valid visa for their spouse, parents, or children, Dubai residents are permitted to enter the country for brief visits of 30, 60, or 90 days. It is necessary to satisfy specific housing and wage requirements.
Who Qualifies to Sponsor?
The good news is that a visitation visa can be sponsored for a diverse range of family members. The qualifying categories are summarized below:
- For women: mother, sister, aunt, grandmother, sister-in-law, and wife
- For men: father, grandfather, uncle, brother-in-law, spouse, son, and brother
Key Requirements for a Family Visit Visa
Criteria for Salary
- For parents: A valid Ejari (rental contract) that demonstrates a two-bedroom condo or villa, as well as a minimum monthly income of Dh8,000, is required.
- For Spouses and Children: A minimum monthly wage of Dh4,000 and proof of residency, such as a one-bedroom flat with a valid Ejari, are required.
Evidence of Kinship
The following documentation must be submitted to substantiate your relationship with the individual you are sponsoring:
- Child: Birth Certificate
- Spouse: a marriage license
- Parents: Their relationship is confirmed by the second page of their passport, which contains their parents’ names.
Note of Caution: Birth certificates and marriage licenses acquired outside of the United Arab Emirates must be certified by the consulate of your home country, followed by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) of the United Arab Emirates, and finally translated into Arabic.
Required Documents
To apply, you will need to submit the following documents:
- Attested Salary Certificate: If you are employed in a free zone, please provide a certificate from the applicable authority.
- Applicant’s Record: Emirates ID, employment contract, copy of passport, and photo are required for the sponsor’s documents.
- Records of the Applicant: copies of passports that contain personal information.
- Proof of Kinship: As previously mentioned (marriage license, birth certificate, etc.)
- Additional Documents: GDRFAD may request additional documents during the application process, contingent upon your unique circumstances.
Visa Fees and Refundable Reservations
Family Visit Visa with Single Entry
- 30 days: Dh436.75 (refundable deposit: Dh1,000)
- 60 days: Dh556.75 (refundable deposit: Dh1,000)
- 90 days: Dh686.75 (refundable deposit: Dh1,000)
It is important to note that the service fees at each Amer center may vary.
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Refund Procedure
The Dh1,000 security deposit of your family member will be reimbursed upon their departure from the United Arab Emirates. You have one month to request a refund and submit the original receipt as identification after they depart. Refunds may be processed through either the GDRFAD website or an Amer center.
Benefits of How to Secure a Family Visit Visa
- Reunion with Family: The primary advantage is the opportunity to visit and spend time with family members who are currently living in a different country.
- Cultural Exchange: Visiting family members in a foreign country facilitates cultural exchange, which aids in the comprehension and appreciation of diverse customs and traditions.
- Support System: Visiting a family member who is experiencing a challenging period can offer essential emotional support.
- Special Occasions: A family visit visa enables you to participate in significant family events, including weddings, birthdays, and other celebrations.
- Tourism: During your visit, you have the opportunity to explore the country as a tourist, in addition to visiting family.
How to Apply for the Family Visit Visa
1. Online Application
The official website of the GDRFAD is gdrfad.gov.ae, where residents of Dubai may apply. To access a comprehensive application process, simply click on the provided link.
2. Amer Centers
Another method of applying is through Amer centers, which oversee immigration applications on behalf of the GDRFAD. A directory of Approved Amer Centers is available on the GDRFAD website.
3. Tourist Visa Option
An alternative is to register for a tourist visa through an authorized travel agency, designating the agency as the sponsor of the visa. Additional information regarding this procedure may be obtained by visiting this website.
Important Information
Contact an Amer center or the GDRFAD call center at 800 5111 to obtain the most recent requirements and conditions before applying.
By adhering to these guidelines and ensuring that all of your paperwork is in order, you can effortlessly accommodate your loved ones in Dubai.
Frequently Asked Questions:
How do I get a family visa in Dubai?
You can apply for a family visa in the UAE online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. The online application process is simple and convenient, and you can track your application’s status online.
What is the new rule for family visas in Dubai?
Here are the 2024 rules for UAE family visas:Â Employers and employees with valid residence visas and a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation can sponsor their families. Professionality no longer affects eligibility for a family visa. Fathers in the UAE can sponsor children; mothers cannot.
Who can be a sponsor for a family visa in Dubai?
Both employers and employees with valid UAE residence visas can sponsor residence visas for their families. Unlike before, 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.
