How Can I Apply for a Family Visa in Abu Dhabi?

Are you living in Abu Dhabi and want your family to be with you? With a family visa, you don’t need to count days between visits or squint at a calendar for the next reunion. You're going to gain all the information you need if you've been wondering how to apply for a family visa in Abu Dhabi. Continue reading because once you understand exactly which steps to follow, the procedure becomes much smoother.

Who Can Actually Sponsor a Family Visa in Abu Dhabi?

Not everyone can bring their loved ones to the UAE; therefore, it is important to check if you are eligible for sponsorship. The eligibility for sponsorship is usually determined based on income level, job type, and residency status.

In order to sponsor a family member, the sponsor must have a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month (or AED 3,000 plus free accommodation from the employer). This applies to anyone intending to sponsor a spouse, children, or, in some cases, parents.

Sponsorship eligibility in relation to family members includes a spouse, children up to 18 years old (or unmarried daughters of any age), but sometimes even parents if the sponsor meets the other income criteria. Each of these categories has its own list of required documents.

A successful application will depend on the paperwork to be submitted.

Gathering the Right Documents Before You Begin the Process

The smooth application process starts with paperwork, and the process may come to a halt for weeks in case of missing even one of the documents listed below:

●      Passport copies for both the sponsor and all family members included in the application.

●      Copies of the sponsor's Emirates ID and a valid residency visa.

●      Work contract or recent salary statement confirming the sponsor's income.

●      Attested marriage certificate for spouse sponsorship.

●      Attested copies of the birth certificates for any sponsored children.

●      Recent passport-sized photos meeting the UAE visa specifications.

The Importance of Attestation

For documents like birth and marriage certificates, attestation is required from both the sender country and the UAE embassy responsible there. Failing to attest documents is one of the most common reasons for rejection or delay of applications.

Application Process

Once you have received your documents, you will be required to go through several bureaucratic channels before submitting them.

Application Process via ICP or Typing Center in Abu Dhabi

Applications are done through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship portal or app. Many residents of the UAE prefer to visit a typing center in Abu Dhabi so that their staff will fill the forms properly.

Getting an Entry Permit

You will also need to get an entry permit for your family members before their arrival. 

Completing the Medical and Biometric Steps

Once your family arrives in the country, only a few final in-country steps need to be completed before the visa is officially complete.

●      Medical exam at a designated medical facility (including blood work and a chest X-ray)

●      Biometric registration of Emirates ID

●      Stamping the visa in the passport

Budgeting for the Medical Test

The medical exam is used to check for infectious diseases and only takes about a day. Depending on the child, the medical check may have exemptions for younger children.

Costs to Consider

The visa cost is variable depending on the emirate policy and length of the visa, so it is best to budget carefully.

Possible expenses include charges for the entry permit, status change, medical exam, Emirates ID issuance, and stamping of the visa. Although 2-year visas are costly, they make renewals less frequent.

Renewing or Adjusting Your Family Visa Later

Obtaining a family visa does not have to be a one-time event. Generally, renewals are either every one to three years, depending on the kind of visa granted.

What Happens If Your Circumstances Change

When your financial situation changes such that your salary is below the sponsorship requirements or your employment situation changes, you need to determine whether you still meet the requirements. Make sure to inform the authorities promptly to prevent fines or complications with your family's residency status.

Conclusion

In conclusion, applying for a family visa in Abu Dhabi is easier if you are prepared and have the right documentation to help you through the process, as long as you understand the sponsorship rules of the process.

Frequently Asked Questions

May I sponsor my parents with a family visa in Abu Dhabi?

Yes, however, the sponsor will also have to meet a higher set of income requirements to show that his or her parents do not have a sponsor and that they are provided with a specific insurance policy implied by such sponsorship.

For how long does the family visa processing usually take?

Usually, the applicants get a decision within 2-3 weeks, provided that the applications were filed with correct documentation and with no hiccups in the process of medical testing and biometric appointments.

Is one allowed to apply for a family visa during the job switch?

This is a bit risky, as visa sponsorship is tied to a sponsor's job, which means switching jobs during an application for a family visa may halt or complicate the application process.

Do sponsored family members have to obtain their own medical coverage?

Yes, every family member who applies for a family visa must have an insurance policy before the visa is stamped, and the sponsor is obliged to maintain it during their stay in the country.

What to do in case my family visa is denied?

The good news is that you will get to know the reason for rejection. So you can correct the issue, whether it's documentation- or eligibility-related, and you can reapply without a lengthy waiting period.