Introduction
Foreign expatriates with valid UAE residence visas have the privilege of sponsoring residence visas for their families. This comprehensive guide provides insight into the eligibility criteria, procedures, and essential documentation for family sponsorship in the UAE.
Importance of Family Sponsorship for Expatriates
Sponsoring family members holds significant importance for expatriates in the UAE for several reasons:
- Emotional Support: Having family members close provides emotional support, making the expatriate feel more connected and secure in their new environment.
- Cultural Continuity: Family sponsorship allows expatriates to maintain and pass on their cultural traditions, ensuring a sense of continuity for future generations.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Family members contribute to an improved quality of life, fostering a sense of belonging and community within the expatriate’s household.
- Child Education: Sponsoring children enables them to access the UAE’s educational facilities, contributing to their academic and personal development.
- Social Integration: Family members can actively participate in the local community, facilitating social integration and a deeper understanding of the UAE’s diverse culture.
- Safety and Security: The UAE is known for its high level of safety and security, providing a stable environment for families to thrive.
- World-Class Healthcare and Education: The UAE offers access to top-notch healthcare facilities and renowned educational institutions, ensuring the well-being and academic growth of family members.
- Cultural Diversity: The UAE’s cultural diversity provides a unique environment for families to learn about and appreciate different cultures, fostering a global perspective.
- Career Opportunities: Expatriates in the UAE often find ample career opportunities, contributing to overall family well-being and financial stability.
Sponsoring Family Members
An expatriate resident can sponsor the residence visa for their husband or wife, children, daughters, sons, newborns, and stepchildren. The specific requirements and conditions for each category are as follows:
- Sponsoring Wife
- The expatriate resident must prove an existing marital relationship by submitting an attested marriage certificate in Arabic or a translation by a certified translator.
- Sponsoring Daughters
- Daughters can be sponsored if they are unmarried, with no age restrictions.
- Sponsoring Sons
- Sons can be sponsored until the age of 25, with no restrictions for sons of determination (those with special needs).
- Sponsoring Newborns
- For babies born in the UAE, a residence visa must be applied for within 120 days of birth to avoid fines.
- Sponsoring Stepchildren
- Sponsorship of stepchildren is subject to GDRFA’s conditions, including a deposit for each child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent. Their residence visas are valid for one year, renewable annually.
Eligibility and Financial Requirements
- The sponsoring resident must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
- Wife or husband , and children aged 18 and above must undergo and pass medical fitness tests within the authorize Medical Fitness Centre in the UAE.
- Marriage certificate attested by UAE authorities, translated into Arabic
- Birth Certificate attested by the UAE authorities , translated into Arabic
- Original Passports, and copies, of both sponsor and family member/s.
- Tenancy contract ( Ejari )
- Original Emirates ID of the sponsor and labour contract of sponsor/labour card
- Salary certificate or Labour Contract
- Passport size photo of the family member.
Conclusion
Family sponsorship in the UAE is not merely a legal process but a fundamental aspect of an expatriate’s journey. Beyond meeting regulatory requirements, it plays a pivotal role in creating a well-rounded and fulfilling life for expatriates and their families. Understanding the eligibility criteria, documentation requirements, and the associated benefits underscores the significance of family sponsorship in the expatriate experience. The UAE’s commitment to safety, cultural diversity, and overall quality of life makes it one of the best places for families to establish residency.
