How to sponsor your family in the UAE
Are you planning to bring your family to the UAE? Family sponsorship could be the answer! Sponsoring your family in the UAE is a great way to keep them close and enjoy quality time together. Although it may sound like a daunting task, with proper guidance, it can be easy as ABC. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about sponsoring your family in the UAE – from eligibility requirements to application procedures and benefits. So, sit tight and read along for an insightful guide on how to sponsor your loved ones in the beautiful Emirates!
What is family sponsorship in the UAE?
Family sponsorship in the UAE is a process that allows expatriates living and working in the country to bring their family members, including spouses, children, and parents, to stay with them. This program aims to strengthen family bonds by enabling them to live together under one roof.
The UAE government provides this opportunity as part of its efforts to support and promote family values among its residents. The process involves obtaining a residency visa for each sponsored member, which enables them to legally reside in the UAE without having to leave every few months.
Family sponsorship is an excellent option for those who want their loved ones close by while they work or study in the country. It also offers peace of mind knowing that your family members are nearby if you need assistance or care.
However, it’s important to note that sponsoring your family requires meeting specific eligibility criteria and fulfilling various requirements set forth by immigration authorities. We will discuss these requirements later on in this article.
Who is eligible to sponsor their family in the UAE?
Only expatriates who hold valid residency visas are eligible to sponsor their families. This means that individuals on visit visas or tourist visas cannot apply for sponsorship.
Sponsors must meet certain income requirements set by the government. For example, if an individual wants to sponsor his/her spouse and children, he/she must earn a minimum of AED 4,000 per month.
Sponsors must have suitable accommodation for their families as part of the requirements for sponsoring. The living conditions should be appropriate and comply with local regulations.
There are age restrictions when it comes to sponsoring dependent children. Sponsors can only sponsor children under 18 years of age or above 18 if they are unmarried and studying at a university or college in the UAE.
It’s important for potential sponsors to check all eligibility criteria before submitting an application as failure to meet any one requirement may lead to rejection of your application.
Who can be sponsored?
When it comes to family sponsorship in the UAE, not everyone can be sponsored. First and foremost, the sponsor must have a valid residency visa in order to apply for family sponsorship.
The following family members are eligible for sponsorship: spouse, children (up to 18 years old), unmarried daughters over 18 years old, parents (if the sponsor is male and has a minimum salary of AED 10k plus accommodation or AED 12k without accommodation), and domestic workers.
It’s worth noting that sponsoring siblings or extended relatives such as cousins, grandparents, or uncles/aunts are not permitted under UAE law. However, exceptions may be made on a case-by-case basis if there are special circumstances involved.
Additionally, each family member being sponsored will have their own set of requirements that need to be met before they can obtain their residency visa. For example, children over six years old must undergo medical testing as part of the visa application process.
It’s important to understand who can and cannot be sponsored when considering applying for family sponsorship in the UAE.
The sponsorship application process
The sponsorship application process in the UAE can seem daunting at first, but it’s a straightforward and streamlined procedure that doesn’t take too much time to complete. Here’s what you need to know about the sponsorship application process.
To start with, you’ll need to collect all the necessary documents required for your application. These include your Emirates ID card, passport copies of both sponsor and sponsored individuals, marriage certificate (if applicable), birth certificates of children (if applicable), salary certificate or employment contract, tenancy contract or proof of accommodation ownership.
Once you have all these documents ready, you’ll need to fill out an online application form on the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website. Make sure you provide accurate information and double-check everything before submitting.
After submitting your application, pay the relevant fees using any of the payment options provided by the government portal. Your application will then be reviewed by authorities who may ask for additional documentation if needed.
If everything is in order and your request is approved, authorities will issue residence visas for each member under family sponsorship. The whole process usually takes around 2-3 weeks depending on how quickly you can gather all necessary documents.
What are the sponsorship requirements?
To sponsor your family in the UAE, there are certain requirements that you need to meet. These requirements may vary depending on your visa status and the type of family member you plan to sponsor.
One of the main requirements is a minimum salary requirement which varies based on whether you live in Dubai or other emirates. You must also have a valid residency permit or an employment visa with at least six months of validity remaining.
You will also need to provide proof of relationship between yourself and the family member(s) you wish to sponsor, such as marriage certificates or birth certificates. If your spouse is outside of the UAE, they will need to submit their medical certificate along with their passport copy for approval from authorities before entering into UAE.
Additionally, it’s important that all sponsored family members undergo medical testing and obtain health insurance coverage before arriving in the country.
If you’re sponsoring children who are over 18 years old but still dependent on you financially due to studying full-time within UAE or other countries then additional documents like education fees receipt etc have to be submitted.
By meeting these sponsorship requirements, you’ll be able to successfully bring your loved ones closer together while living and working in this great country.
The benefits of sponsoring your family in the UAE
Sponsoring your family in the UAE can bring numerous benefits to both you and your loved ones. Firstly, it allows you to live together without the hassle of frequent visits or long periods of separation. This is particularly important for families with young children who need their parents’ support and guidance on a daily basis.
Moreover, sponsoring your family also means that they will have access to high-quality healthcare facilities provided by the government. This includes free medical treatment at public hospitals and clinics, as well as affordable private healthcare options.
In addition, sponsored family members can also apply for education visas which enable them to study in some of the best schools and universities in the region. With access to world-class educational institutions, they can acquire valuable skills and knowledge that will benefit them throughout their lives.
Furthermore, having your family close by can provide emotional support during challenging times such as illness or personal crises. It helps create a sense of belongingness among all family members leading to stronger bonds between one another.
Last but not least, sponsoring your family demonstrates love and care towards them which makes it an ultimate fulfilling experience when living abroad in UAE!
How to sponsor your family in the UAE – A complete guide
Sponsoring your family in the UAE can be a complicated process, but with some guidance and preparation, it can be done smoothly. Here are the steps you need to take to sponsor your family:
1. Check if you meet the eligibility requirements: You must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus accommodation), hold a valid residence visa, and possess suitable accommodation.
2. Gather all required documents: You will need to obtain various documents such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, and passports for yourself and your sponsored family members.
3. Submit an online application for sponsorship: This requires filling out forms on the Ministry of Interior website or using an authorized typing center.
4. Pay any applicable fees: The cost of sponsoring your family depends on factors such as their age and visa length.
5. Wait for approval: Processing times vary but expect at least two weeks before receiving a response.
6. Collect visas from the residency department or post office
7. Apply for Emirates ID cards within 30 days of arrival
By following these steps carefully, you can successfully sponsor your loved ones in the UAE!
Conclusion
Sponsoring your family in the UAE can be a challenging task, but it’s worth the effort. The process may seem daunting and complex, but with proper guidance and preparation, you can easily sponsor your loved ones in the country. Remember to follow all the rules and regulations set by the authorities to ensure a smooth application process.
Ultimately, having your family close by is one of life’s greatest blessings. Therefore, if you meet all the requirements for sponsorship as outlined in this guide, don’t hesitate to start planning for their arrival. We hope that this guide has been informative and helpful in providing valuable insights into how to sponsor your family in UAE successfully!
