How Can I Apply for a Family Visa in Abu Dhabi?
Updated: Sep 7
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. 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.
To sponsor a family member, you 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 includes a spouse, children up to 18 years old (or unmarried daughters of any age), and sometimes even parents if you meet the income criteria. Each of these categories has its own list of required documents. A successful application will depend on the paperwork submitted.
Gathering the Right Documents Before You Begin the Process
The smooth application process starts with paperwork. Missing even one document can halt the process for weeks. Here’s what you need:
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 need 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 can 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 checks for infectious diseases and takes about a day. Depending on the child, there may be exemptions for younger children.
Costs to Consider
The visa cost varies 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 occur 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.
Understanding the Family Visa Process
Applying for a family visa in Abu Dhabi can seem daunting. However, with the right preparation and understanding of the requirements, it becomes manageable. You will find that knowing the sponsorship rules and having the necessary documentation simplifies the process significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions
May I sponsor my parents with a family visa in Abu Dhabi?
Yes, however, the sponsor must meet a higher set of income requirements to show that their 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?
Typically, applicants receive a decision within 2-3 weeks, provided that the applications are filed with correct documentation and without hiccups in the medical testing and biometric appointments.
Is one allowed to apply for a family visa during a job switch?
This is a bit risky, as visa sponsorship is tied to a sponsor's job. 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 applying for a family visa must have an insurance policy before the visa is stamped. The sponsor is obliged to maintain it during their stay in the country.
What to do if my family visa is denied?
The good news is that you will know the reason for rejection. You can correct the issue, whether it's documentation- or eligibility-related, and reapply without a lengthy waiting period.
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