How Women in the UAE Can Sponsor Family Residency Visas

In the UAE, women with valid work permits are eligible to sponsor residency visas for their husbands and children. This opportunity reflects the country’s inclusive policies, allowing both men and women to bring their families to live and work in the Emirates.

Eligibility Criteria

As per the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), a woman can sponsor her family if she earns a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. Meeting this financial requirement is essential to proceed with the sponsorship process.

Required Documents

Here’s a checklist of documents women need to sponsor their husbands or children:

Application Forms: Completed residency visa and Emirates ID application forms for each family member.
Passport Copies: Copies of the wife’s, husband’s, and children’s passports.
Emirates ID: A copy of the sponsor’s valid Emirates ID.
Medical Clearance: Health certificates for the husband and children over 18 years old.
Salary Statement: A salary certificate issued by the sponsor’s employer.
Bank Statements: Optional but helpful to demonstrate financial stability.
Marriage Certificate: Notarized and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Birth Certificates: Attested birth certificates of children, translated into Arabic if needed.
No Objection Certificate (NOC): Certified NOC from the husband if the wife is sponsoring children.
Employment Contract: Attested contract from the Ministry of Human Resources or a salary certificate for free zone employees.
Tenancy Contract & Ejari: Proof of valid housing arrangements.
Passport Photos: Three recent photos of each family member.

Application Process

1. Submit the Application
Applications can be submitted to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the ICP in other emirates. This can be done in person, online, or through Amer Centers or typing offices, depending on the emirate.

2. Medical Fitness Test
Family members over 18 must undergo medical tests, including blood work and chest X-rays, to screen for contagious diseases such as tuberculosis.

3. Obtain Emirates ID
Once the medical test is cleared, family members must apply for an Emirates ID. This includes submitting biometric data such as fingerprints and photographs.

4. Visa Stamping
After approval, the residency visa will be stamped on the passports of the sponsored family members. Visas are typically valid for one to three years, linked to the sponsor’s visa status.

Costs and Fees

The cost of a family visa in the UAE varies by emirate and situation. Below are approximate fees:

Inside the UAE: Around AED 3,500 per person
Outside the UAE: Approximately AED 2,500 per person

These costs cover processing, medical tests, Emirates ID issuance, and other administrative services.

Additional Notes

The process may differ slightly for free zone employees or depending on specific emirate requirements. It’s advisable to check with local authorities like the GDRFA or ICP for the latest updates.

By following these steps and ensuring all required documents are in order, women in the UAE can successfully sponsor their husbands and children, reuniting their families under one roof.

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