visit visa for family uae

How do I apply for a visit visa?

Your visit visa has to be applied for by a sponsor, who is a person or organization who will be responsible for you while you are here, and will represent you to the authorities as and when required. For a visit visa, your sponsor could be:

• A 30-Day Tourist Visa, which can be extended to 40 days
• A 14-Day Service Visa, Or
• A 30-Day Visit Visa which can be extended for other 30 days.
• - Airlines and airlines handlers can apply on behalf of their crew members for a 96-hour transit visa
• - Other organizations based in the United Arab Emirates may only apply for Visit Visas and Service Visas
• - Individuals (Relatives Or Friends) already resident in the United Arab Emirates may, subject to guidelines, also apply on your behalf for a Visit Visa

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How to sponsor your family in the UAE – A complete guide

• Family Visa Requirements
• Eligibility Criteria
• Required Documents
• Validity and Renewal

The UAE population, especially its workforce, mainly consists of expatriates. The latest visa regulations simplify the UAE family sponsorship process, provided sponsors fall under a specified income bracket. This handy guide on sponsoring family members in the UAE can help you understand the rules and procedures for obtaining residency for your dependents. So, let’s take a look.

Please note that immigration rules in the UAE are subject to change. We will update our article if and when new laws are introduced, or any announcements are made. Also, note that we’ve only provided an overview of the process; you can visit Amer or GDRFA’s official website(s) for specific information about UAE sponsor visa .

UAE FAMILY VISA – AN OVERVIEW

In 2022, the UAE government announced major changes to its visa policy. Among the changes announced were amendments to the family sponsorship policy for expatriates in the UAE. After changes in rules for a family visa in the UAE, the government announced that residents could sponsor their sons up to 25 years of age.

UAE FAMILY VISA RULES

The family visa UAE rules state that the educational background or profession will not be a condition based on which family visas will be handed out.

Instead, the income of the residents looking to sponsor their family visas will be considered. So, regardless of your job designation, you can sponsor family members if you have the financial means and a valid visa. However, before taking the plunge, check your UAE visa status to know whether you can sponsor your loved ones.

Before the UAE family sponsorship policy amendment of 2019, only individuals from certain professions could sponsor family members. Since 2019, any male residents employed in the UAE can sponsor their immediate family members, such as their wives and children, with a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.

The conditions are slightly different for female residents in Abu Dhabi looking to sponsor their families. A woman should have a valid work visa, and her monthly salary should be at least AED 5,000.

In Dubai, a woman’s salary should be at least AED 4,000 to sponsor her family. She is also required to get her request approved by the GDFRA.

RESIDENCY VISA RULES FOR CHILDREN SPONSORED BY PARENTS

After amendments to family visa Dubai rules in 2022, expats can sponsor male children up to the age of 25. The UAE family visa rules remained unchanged for daughters. There is no age limit on how long parents can sponsor their daughters – they can be sponsored until they get married.

A bonus for this type of visa is that parents will not have to make bank deposits of AED 5,000. The new family visa UAE price will be AED 100 for first-time issuance and renewal.

Children with disabilities will be granted a residence permit permanently, irrespective of their age. Moreover, Green visa residence holders can sponsor any first-degree relatives. The residency of family members will be for the same period as the sponsor residence holder.

The visa for family in UAE regulations have been well received since they were amended and announced in 2022. The new rules continue to contribute to the stability of the UAE’s economy while building a cohesive environment for individuals to start a family in the UAE. 

FAMILY VISA UAE REQUIREMENTS

Let’s take a brief look at family visa UAE requirements you need to fulfill before starting the process.

SPOUSE VISA

If you want to apply for spouse visa for Dubai, here are the requirements you’ll need to fulfill.

• Sponsoring wife: The resident must show proof of the relationship through a marriage certificate (in Arabic) and meet the eligibility criteria mentioned above to sponsor their wife.
• Sponsoring two wives: Male sponsors may be granted permission to sponsor two wives, given they meet the rules and regulations set by GDRFA.

SPONSORING CHILDREN

The requirements for obtaining a UAE residence visa for a child are slightly different for sons, daughters and stepchildren. 

• Sponsoring daughters: Residents can only sponsor daughters if they are unmarried.
• There’s no age limit restriction to sponsor sons with special needs.
• Sponsoring newborns: If your baby is born in the UAE, a residence visa must be applied for, within 120 days of birth. Failure to do so can lead to fines.
• Sponsoring stepchildren: This is possible, given the sponsors submit a deposit for each child and a no-objection certificate from the biological parent. The government grants a residence visa for step-children for one year, but it can be renewed annually. 
• Single or married women can also sponsor their children if they follow the stipulations set by GDRFA for single or married mothers to sponsor children .

SPONSORING PARENTS IN THE UAE

• The sponsor must obtain a medical insurance policy for the parents, which must be renewed each year.
• If you want to sponsor your parents for a year’s stay, you must also pay a deposit for each parent. 
• As per the GDRFA, you must sponsor both parents together, with proof that you are their sole support and they have nobody to look after back home.
• If one of your parents has passed away or is divorced, you must show the official documents as proof or justification of sponsoring only one parent.
• The minimum salary required to sponsor a family of five is AED 10,000 and AED 15,000 for a family of six.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR FAMILY VISA

Any expatriate with a valid residency permit can sponsor their family, per the UAE’s updated family visa rules .

SALARY CRITERIA TO SPONSOR VISA FOR FAMILY IN UAE

• The minimum salary for sponsoring your spouse or children in Dubai/UAE is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation for male sponsors. There is no longer restriction on the applicant’s profession as long as the salary benchmark is met.
• Wives can also sponsor their husbands in the UAE.
• There are no occupational limitations for sponsoring a family in Dubai.
• Husbands sponsored by their wives can also apply for work permits in Dubai/UAE .
• A mother can sponsor her kids in special cases approved and verified by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Ports Security (UAE ICP).
• As per the resolution approved by the UAE Cabinet in January 2021, foreign students studying in universities in the UAE can also sponsor their families. However, those sponsoring their family members in the UAE as a student must have a suitable housing option.

You can download the UAEICP official app for both Apple and Andriod for a hassle-free process.

MEDICAL FITNESS FAMILY VISA UAE REQUIREMENTS

• The UAE government grants and renews residence visas in the UAE for individuals 18 years old and above only after taking a medical fitness test at a government-approved health centre. This involves a blood test and an X-ray. Dependents may also be tested for other health conditions.
• If a person is declared medically unfit, they will not be given a visa. 
• Those detected with inactive or dormant pulmonary tuberculosis are  “considered medically fit” and will be given a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’. This certificate will be contingent on the applicant’s treatment and follow-up check-up by the Department of Preventive Medicine (or any equivalent government health authority).
• Here is how you can check DHA medical fitness result online .

DURATION OF SPONSORSHIP AND TIME LIMIT

• When sponsoring your spouse, children or parents, you have a 90-day window to apply for their residence visa in the UAE after arriving there.
• Upon arrival, they are provided with an entry permit. The sponsor has 60 days to convert this permit into a valid residence visa. To learn more, refer to our blog outlining the differences between entry permits and residence visas .
• In emirates other than Dubai, the entry permit is known as “Tasheera”. You can obtain this online or from a typing centre. 
• You can also sponsor your parents. The residence visa will be given to parents on an annual basis, irrespective of the duration of your visa.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

To sponsor a family member in Dubai, you must submit certain documents. We’ve categorised the required documents to help you in the process.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR THE SPONSOR

• Residence visa copies
• NOC letter from the father in case the mother is the sponsor for boys below 18 years and girls below 21 years (attested by the notary public)
• In case the father is the sponsor, proof of the mother’s status (copy of her residence or Emirates ID)

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR THE DEPENDENT CHILDREN OR PARENTS

• Scan copy of the applicant’s passport (passport should be valid for more than 6 months)
• Scan copy of previous residence visa (if applicable)
• In case a birth certificate is not available, you can get a letter from your consulate to prove the relationship attested by MOFA and translated into Arabic
• The confirmation must be from the consulate
• A digital photo as per ICP’s specifications
• Applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya should bring their National ID card
• Father’s unmarried undertake letter must be signed while you’re applying for the application via the online portal

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS FOR SPOUSE

• The marriage certificate must be legalised by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in the country of origin.
• Applicants from Iran, Pakistan, Iraq, Afghanistan and Libya should bring their National ID cards.

VISA FOR FAMILY IN UAE VALIDITY AND RENEWAL

• The validity of the visa is for up to two to three years.
• If the sponsor’s visa lasts three years, the sponsored relatives will likely get the same duration. This excludes parents and adult sons who get a residence visa in the UAE for one year. Likewise, if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the dependents’ visas will also be cancelled.
• When the dependent’s residence visa expires or gets cancelled, they have 30 days to obtain a new permit. If the sponsor fails to renew the visa of his dependents, the dependents will be deemed “illegal residents”. They may also have to pay an overstay fine. 

FAMILY VISA COST

Here’s a look at family visa cost in Dubai.

Please note that the family visa cost in Dubai is subject to change. To know the cost of a specific service, visit Amer’s official website.

FAQS ABOUT FAMILY VISA

What is the family visa price in dubai is it different for every emirate.

The family visa price in Dubai is the same as in the rest of the country. Please refer to the table above for the family visa cost in Dubai.

CAN I PAY FAMILY VISA CHARGES IN DUBAI ONLINE?

Yes, generally, when applying for visas, you can pay via your debit or credit card. So, once you have completed the application, family visa charges in Dubai can be paid online. You can also check your visa status online using via official website .

CAN HUSBANDS SPONSORED BY WIVES WORK IN THE UAE?

According to UAE Family Visa Rules 2021, men sponsored by wives now qualify for UAE work permits .

WHO CAN SPONSOR A FAMILY IN THE UAE?

Those who meet the minimum salary requirements and have a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor their families.

CAN A DUBAI FREELANCER SPONSOR A FAMILY IN THE UAE?

Yes, a freelance visa Dubai allows the holders to sponsor their families.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TIME FOR SPONSORING FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE UAE?

Generally, the processing time is two to three weeks. However, it can vary from case to case.

HOW MUCH DOES THE DEPENDENT VISA COST IN DUBAI?

Dependent visa cost in Dubai or family visa cost depends on the duration of the visa. For instance, a new dependent visa above 18 years costs AED 7,032.25 when the sponsor has a 2-year investor visa. Please refer to the table above for further details.

WHAT IS THE PROCESS TO SPONSOR A MAID IN THE UAE?

You must follow the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) protocols to sponsor a maid in Dubai .

IS THERE A VISA CANCELLATION FEE?

Yes, dependent visa cancellation in UAE will cost you around AED 120.

If you’re coming to the UAE soon, you must know the UAE tourist and residency visa rules. You can also refer to our FAQs on moving to Dubai to help you prepare.

The government can update laws regarding visas periodically. So, it is best to keep yourself updated about the new UAE visa rules for clarity.

If you are planning to leave the country, here’s the UAE residence visa cancellation process . The process is fairly simple, and you don’t need any assistance to get it done. For confirmation, you can check your UAE visa status online .

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Tourist visa, travel requirements for the uae.

A tourist wishing to visit the UAE can apply for a tourist visa through the electronic channels of official and private agencies, after fulfilling the requirements for obtaining the entry visa. You can learn about the requirements for entering the UAE and the procedures regarding COVID-19 tests through the websites of the airlines, which are kept up-to-date.

Government Portals to Apply for a Tourist Visa

You can submit an application for a tourist visa, as well as all types of entry visas to the UAE, electronically through government portals.

• Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship
• General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs

National Airlines

You can apply for a visit visa through national airlines and authorised airlines in the UAE.

• Etihad Airways Visa Services
• Emirates Visa Services
• Flydubai Visa Services
• Air Arabia Visa Services

You can apply for a visit visa through one of the hotels in the UAE, adhering to the visa requirements.

Travel Agencies

You can apply for a visit visa through travel agencies in the UAE.

Embassies and Consulates

UAE embassies and consulates allow you to apply for a tourist visa.

Categories Exempt from Tourist Visa

Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council countries do not need a visa to enter the UAE. They can enter the country after presenting their passport issued by one of the GCC countries. Citizens of a few countries can travel to the UAE and obtain an entry visa upon arrival, and the duration of stay according to this visa is up to 30 days. Citizens of other countries can obtain a visa that allows for a stay of up to 90 days upon arrival.

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UAE Residency Visas for Family Members No Longer Tied to Job Type

The digital government of the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has clarified that the type of occupation or job is no longer a requirement for expatriates to obtain residency visas for their family members. Foreign residents in the UAE can now apply for family residence visas, allowing their relatives to live and reside with them, as long as they hold valid residencies within the country.

The head of the household, who is a resident, must meet specific conditions. These include a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or a salary of AED 3,000 along with accommodation. Additionally, all family members above the age of 18 are required to undergo a medical fitness examination at approved health centers.

Mothers can sponsor their children under certain circumstances defined by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security. Similarly, residents can sponsor their parents, and the residence visa can be granted annually, regardless of the sponsor's residency duration.

For those wishing to transfer their family's sponsorship from a temporary entry permit to a residence visa, the modification process must be completed within a maximum of 60 days from entry into the country.

It's important to note that residence permits are not issued to individuals who are medically unfit. Regarding tuberculosis (TB) testing, if an old or inactive pulmonary TB is detected during residency renewal examinations, the person is considered medically fit. They receive a health fitness certificate for residence, indicating "under treatment," and are granted a one-year residence visa. It is advisable to undergo the mentioned health checks in the country of origin before coming to the UAE.

The specific conditions and regulations for residence visas may change over time. Individuals can stay informed by contacting the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. Several electronic channels facilitate entry permits and residence visa applications, including E-channels, the Dubai General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs website, and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security app available on Google Play and the App Store. Additionally, the UAE has implemented an updated visa system since October 2022, enhancing the experience for foreigners in terms of entry and residency, with simplified procedures and added benefits.

The updated visa system in the UAE offers various types of residencies, including new categories to accommodate investors, entrepreneurs, talented professionals, scientists, students, humanitarian workers, first responders, and skilled labor across different fields. By easing administrative burdens and separating residence from the employer, the UAE aims to enhance the quality of life and create a positive living, working, and investment experience for residents.

Source: Al-Bayan newspaper

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UAE family group tourist visa, kids under 18 go free

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Official gives lowdown on how to avail of this family group visa option

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Dubai: If you are planning to visit the UAE as one family — parents and their children — there is good news. 

The family group visa application allows parents and their children to apply for visas as a group through authorised travel agencies.

The initiative extends exemptions from visa fees to children under 18 years when accompanied by their parents. This offer is exclusively accessible through approved travel agencies within and outside the UAE, a senior official explained.

The option is only available when applying for the tourist visa through travel agencies inside and outside the country, Brigadier General Khalaf Al-Ghaith, Assistant Director General of the Entry and Residence Permits Sector, told Gulf News .

UAE family group visa

The family group visa is available for one-time applications for families traveling together, the official said.

Travel agencies can now apply for short-term tourist visas, with a duration of 30 to 60 days, which can be extended to a maximum of 120 days, if necessary.

Visa extension can be applied for before the visa expires.

Tourist visa type:

Short term tourist visa of 30-60 days – can be extended to 120 days.

Group visa (for family members):

Application through authorised travel agency.

How to apply for the visa:

To apply for the visa, you would need to provide the following documents to the travel agency:

• Passport copy, where the passport is valid for at least six months
• Passport-sized photograph
• All information and required documents can be found on the GDFRA website (website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae.)

Entry visa for residents of GCC countries and their companions

This service allows a foreigner residing in one of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries to be granted an entry visa to the country as a visitor for a period not exceeding 30 days, extendable only once.

It can be applied through digital channels (website/smart application).

The service is available 24/7

Requirements:

• Valid passport or travel document to enter the country.
• A copy of the residence permit or an electronic extract stating the profession and validity of residence.
• Personal photo (white background)
• Log in to the website https://smart.gdrfad.gov.ae
• Register as a user,
• Choose the service,
• Fill in the data,
• The data must fill correctly (full name),
• Pay the due fees,
• After approval, the visa is sent to the user’s email.
• The residency must be valid for more than 3 months.
• The passport must be valid for more than six months.
• If there is missing data, the application will be rejected.

In the past, visitors arriving in the UAE would obtain a yellow paper and apply for a visa, a process that typically took an hour or two to receive approval.

However, in a significant improvement, the UAE government has launched a user-friendly website, allowing travelers to apply for visas electronically.

This innovative approach enables individuals to secure their visas within a matter of minutes, even if they are outside the country.

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Dubai: How to apply for Golden Visa as a student; process explained

A detailed guide on where to apply, the steps involved, and criteria for eligibility, by poojaraj maniyeri.

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Are you a student who recently graduated from the UAE and is looking to sponsor your visa based on your academics? The Golden Visa issued by UAE is a long-term, renewable residence visa that enables you to stay in the country for a duration of 5 or 10 years, depending on the application category.

Students or graduates who excel in academics can apply for this visa. Khaleej Times spoke to an Amer agent to outline the application process for applicants in the UAE.

Stay up to date with the latest news. Follow KT on WhatsApp Channels.

Am I eligible?

Applicants must apply for the Golden visa within the same emirate where their current visa was issued.

University graduates

Outstanding graduates of universities in the UAE

According to the UAE’s government portal, students of universities in the UAE may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years, if:

• It has not been more than 2 years since graduation
• The university must be rated either A or B class by Ministry of Education
• A recommendation letter from the university or an accredited graduation certificate or an accredited academic record stating that the student’s cumulative GPA (CGPA) is no less than 3.5 for class A universities and no less than 3.8 for class B universities is submitted.

Outstanding graduates of foreign universities

According to the UAE’s government portal, students in foreign universities may be granted a Golden visa for a period of 10 years, if:

• Graduation certificate is accredited by the Ministry of Education
• The university is rated among the best 100 universities global according to the rating system recognized by Ministry of Education
• The student’s cumulative GPA is not less than 3.5

High school students

High school students are eligible for a Golden Visa of 5 years, if:

• The student is a national-level topper (with a minimum grade of 95 per cent in public or private secondary school)
• A recommendation letter from Ministry of Education (Emirates Schools Establishment) is submitted.

The Golden Visa is for a duration of 5 years, but may be extended if the student is enrolled in one of the majors or colleges in the country that requires a study period of more than 5 years.

How do I know if my university is rated A or B?

To know the university's classification, the applicant can access the university website, or contact their admin department.

Speaking to Khaleej Times, a Technical Support Specialist at Amer247 messaging platform said:

However, for applications through Amer, the classification is "specifically contingent upon the governing authority under which the educational institution" is based.

This classification can significantly influence the documents required.

The support specialist added: "Notably, for outstanding university students under KHDA, the school must liaise with KHDA for certificate attestation, followed by MOFA attestation, and the issuance of an equivalency certificate to conform with the mandatory Ministerial grading system, typically graded out of 4 or 5."

How do I apply?

Students can expect a faster process if they first receive ICP nomination approval and then visit an Amer centre. According to the Amer agent, the application process can indeed be "expedited and made more efficient" if the student obtains a UAE ICP nomination approval prior to visiting Amer, or utilises the GDRFA platform.

The agent said that the GPA threshold is set at 3.8 to "facilitate a seamless application process." However, certain universities in the UAE are categorized by ICP as exempt from the 3.8 benchmark.

Graduates from these universities can apply for the Golden visa with a GPA of 3.5 if they secure a nomination from ICP, he added.

To apply for a Golden Visa in Dubai, visit icp.com

• On the homepage, stay logged out. Scroll until you see the left side menu, and click on “Golden Visa” under Services.
• Click on “start service” under “high school students/college students”
• Then, go to “Visa – Golden Residence – Nomination Request for Golden Residence – New Request” and click on “Start Service”
• Fill in the application form, attach the required documents and pay the application fees.
• Once you receive ICP approval for the nomination request, take a screenshot of the approval email and head to your nearest Amer service centre, with the required documents. Alternatively, you can apply through the GDRFA website, smart application or Customer Happiness Centres.

According to Amer's technical support specialist, students holding the Golden Visa can "extend the visa to their parents, spouses, and children without any prejudice."

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• Visit Dubai
• Retirement in Dubai

Retire in Dubai

About the programme, why retire in dubai, how does it work, how do i apply.

Located in the United Arab Emirates, Dubai is an exciting destination with incredible attractions and an upbeat energy.

A sunshine-filled city, Dubai offers an outstanding quality of life for retirees. The city is famed for its friendly, multicultural population and array of lifestyle experiences that put convenience at the forefront – think on-demand home services and food delivery at the touch of a button.

The Dubai retirement visa is your chance to live in one of the world’s fastest growing, safest and most culturally-diverse places. It's time to enjoy your next exciting chapter.

Valid for 5 years, the renewable retirement visa is open to retired applicants who are at least 55 years old. They must also fulfil one of these financial options: 

Option 1 Minimum yearly income of AED180,000 (approx. US$49,000 annually or AED15,000/US$4,100 per month)

Option 2 AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit

Option 3 AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) unmortgaged property OR mortgaged property, for which the payment to date is at least AED1 million Option 4 A combination of Options 2 and 3, with a minimum value of AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit and property (worth at least AED500,000 each)

With the multiple-entry visa, you’ll be regarded as a resident of the UAE and can therefore freely travel and enter the country at your convenience. You’ll also have access to all the standard services that residents benefit from, including telecommunications and utilities.

Once you've decided which one of the three financial options you want to apply under – savings , property or a combination of both, you'll need to prepare official documentation that proves your financial status.

All international applicants will need to send their passport copy and those of their dependents (if any), along with a copy of their marriage certificate if sponsoring their spouse. UAE residents will need to additionally provide copies of their current visa and Emirates ID, both for themselves and any dependents. 

Once all your documents are ready, submit your application to one of two relevant authorities, based on which financial option you choose.

Financial criteria

Option 1: income.

A sustainable yearly income of at least AED180,000 (approx. US$49,000), which equates to AED15,000 (approx. US$4,100) per month.

Option 2: Savings

AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) savings in a 3-year fixed deposit

Option 3: Property

AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) in unmortgaged property or mortgaged property, for which the payment to date is at least AED1 million

Option 4: Savings & Property

A combination of Options 2 & 3 valued for at least AED1 million (approx. US$275,000) in a 3-year fixed deposit and property, worth AED500,000 each

Frequently asked questions

What is the retirement visa?

Will I have multiple entry to the UAE?

How long is the application process?

What is the cost of the retirement visa?

Do local health insurance providers cover COVID-19 expenses?

With the retirement visa, who am I allowed to sponsor? Is there a limit to the number of people that I can sponsor?

Whether you want to enjoy the sunshine, stay active by the sea or simply explore the city's hotspots with your family, there's never a dull moment in Dubai.

Let us guide you

Health insurance

Find top international healthcare specialists, supported by a robust health insurance system. Rest easy knowing that all your medical needs are taken care of.

Property in Dubai

By the beach or in the city centre, Dubai’s villas and apartments are stunning, and will make you want to spend quality time in the comfort of your own home.

Legacy management

There are many ways in which you are able to secure your assets and register your will while in Dubai. Let us guide you through the essentials.

Dubai Retirement Visa

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• Residence visas
• Residence visa for family members

Sponsorship requirements

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 18 need to undergo and pass medical fitness tests at approved health centres  (PDF, 1 MB) in the UAE.

• A mother can sponsor her children in special cases approved by the ICP.
• A resident sponsor has 60 days to apply for his dependents’ residence visa after they enter the UAE under an entry permit.
• A resident can sponsor his parents, and the residence visa will be granted on a yearly basis regardless of the duration of the sponsor’s visa.
• The  type of profession is no longer a condition  for an expatriate worker to be able to sponsor his family visas.
• Medically unfit people will not be granted a residence visa.
• Residents who are detected with dormant or inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are also considered medically fit and are granted a one-year ‘Health Fitness Certificate for Residence’ subject to treatment and follow-up by the respective health authority.

The conditions are subject to change from time to time. Kindly check with Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or GDRFA .

Locate government medical fitness centres of:

• Disease Prevention & Screening Center - Abu Dhabi
• Dubai Health Authority
• Emirates Health Services

Useful links:

• Health conditions for a UAE residence visa  - UAE Government portal
• Resolution No. 5 of 2016 amending provisions of the Cabinet Decree No. 7 of 2008
• Communicable Diseases Bulletin  (PDF, 2.65 MB) - Department of Health – Abu Dhabi

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