In the UAE, women can sponsor residency permits for their husbands and children, offering a pathway for family reunification. This article outlines the steps, required documents, and key criteria for women looking to sponsor their family members.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship
Women can sponsor their husbands and children if they meet specific salary requirements. According to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), a woman must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. If her salary falls below this threshold, she will not qualify to sponsor family visas.
Required Documents for Sponsorship
To successfully apply for a family visa, women need to gather the following documents:
- Application Form: Complete the Emirates ID application form and residency visa application for each family member.
- Passport Copies: Provide copies of passports for all family members being sponsored.
- Emirates ID: Include a copy of the wife’s UAE resident ID card.
- Medical Clearance: Obtain medical clearance certificates for the husband and children over 18 years.
- Salary Statement: Submit a salary certificate from the employer confirming the wife’s monthly income.
- Bank Statement: Optional but recommended to include recent bank statements.
- Marriage Certificate: Ensure the marriage certificate is notarized in your home country and legalized by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Birth Certificate: Provide an attested birth certificate of any sponsored child, along with an Arabic translation.
- NOC from Husband: A certified no-objection letter from the husband is required if sponsoring children.
- Employment Contract: Submit a copy of the employment contract, attested by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
- Tenancy Contract & Ejari: Show proof of accommodation through a tenancy contract and Ejari certificate.
- Passport Photos: Provide three passport-sized photos of the husband and children.
Application Process
Step 1: Submit Application
Women can submit their applications at the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or through the ICP or local immigration office in their emirate. Applications can be submitted online or in person at authorized centers like Amer Centres.
Step 2: Medical Fitness Test
Family members must undergo a medical fitness test at approved clinics in the UAE, which includes blood tests and chest X-rays to check for contagious diseases.
Step 3: Obtain Emirates ID
After clearing the medical examination, family members must apply for an Emirates ID, which is mandatory in the UAE.
Step 4: Visa Stamping
Once all approvals are secured, the residency visa will be stamped in the passports of the husband and children.
Visa Fees
The costs associated with obtaining a family visa can vary by emirate. In Dubai, typical fees include:
- Residence Permit Fee: AED 200
- Knowledge Fee: AED 10
- Innovation Fee: AED 10
- Fee Inside Country: AED 500
- Delivery Fee: AED 20
For those applying from outside the UAE, costs may be lower, approximately AED 2,500 per person.
Conclusion
Women in the UAE can successfully sponsor their husbands and children for residency permits by meeting specific eligibility criteria and providing necessary documentation. The process is straightforward as long as all requirements are fulfilled. For any changes or updates regarding residency regulations, always consult with relevant authorities like GDRFA or ICP.
