UAE has been a nation that captivates a global audience, providing opportunities to build a lucrative career, business, and pursue a superior standard of lifestyle. With more than 80% of its residents being expatriates, the UAE is known as a migrant-friendly nation.
If you're planning to move to the UAE or are already working there, bringing your family along is likely one of your top priorities. To do this, you will need to obtain a dependent visa or a UAE Residence Visa for your family members.
Here, we’ll break down everything to know about a dependent visa in UAE, including the types, key requirements, costs, and application processes.
Understanding Dependent Visa in UAE
A Dependent Visa allows expatriates (residing or working in Dubai or any one of the Emirates) to bring their family members, such as spouses, kids, or parents, to live with them. While staying in UAE, this visa play a key role when it comes to granting legal residency to dependents.
This spouse visa in UAE enables expatriates and their family members to access services such as healthcare, education, and banking. Besides, there are several other benefits associated with this dependent visa. Let us explore:
Benefits of a Dependent Visa in UAE
Below are the benefits that come with a partnership visa in UAE:
Legal Residency: With a spouse visa, the visa holder can provide their partner and kids with legal residency in the UAE.
Career Opportunities: This valid document helps spouses seek employment in Dubai or any other Emirate, ensuring financial stability.
Healthcare Services: This visa offers some mandatory health insurance coverage. Hence, residents with a wife visa or husband visa can gain access to the high-quality healthcare services in UAE.
Travel Convenience: Dependent visa holders can travel anywhere in the UAE and enjoy seamless entry and exit procedure from the UAE.
Educational Opportunities: Your spouse and kids willing to access quality education, can enroll in advanced schools or universities in UAE.
Different Types of Dependent Visas in UAE
The type of Residence Visa depends on the type of relationship between the dependent and the family member. Here are the different types of UAE Residence Visas available in this nation.
- Husband sponsoring his spouse and kid
- An individual sponsoring his parents
- Wife sponsoring her spouse and kid
What Documents Are Required to Apply for a Dependent Visa in UAE?
Here are the dependent visa UAE requirements mentioned:
- Original identity proof of the sponsor.
- A sponsor’s passport copy.
- A valid residence visa copy.
- Employment contract of the sponsor (for the private sector) or salary certificate for government or semi-government organizations.
- UAE Business Trade license copy with the Memorandum of Association if the sponsor is a partner or investor.
- Marriage certificate copy for the partner (must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Birth certificate copy for the kids (must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
- Sponsored passport copy
- A current photo with a white background
- The GDRFA approval
Now, it is time to explore the steps to obtain a UAE visa for dependents.
What are the Steps to Apply for a Dependent Visa in UAE?
The process of application for a dependent visa in Dubai involves multiple steps:
1. Gather Required Documents
At first, you need to collect all essential documents that are mentioned above.
2. File the Application
Submit the application through the GDRFA’s online portal. Make sure you have submitted all information, including the GDRFA unified number, are correct.
3. Pay the Dependent Visa Fees UAE
The application fees typically vary depending on the visa duration (1, 2, or 3 years).
4. Medical Test
Spouse and other dependents (over 18 years) must go through a medical test at a certified centre.
5. ID Application
After getting approval form GDRFA, sponsor needs to obtain an UAE Emirates ID for every dependent.
6. Visa Receiving
Upon following all the above-mentioned steps, the sponsor ensures the UAE dependent visa is stamped in the dependent’s passport.
What is the Cost of Dependent Visa in Dubai?
The cost for dependent visa UAE depend on multiple factors, including the type of dependent, the visa duration and other costs. They include:
Application Fees: Approximately AED 100 to AED 300 for each dependent.
Medical Examination Fees: Approximately AED 300 to AED 350.
Emirates ID Fees: It can be around AED 150 for one year, AED 250 for two years, and AED 350 for three years.
Other Charges: Processing fees for dependent visa in UAE may range between AED 200 to AED 500.
Tips for a Smooth Dependent Visa Process
To make the Dubai dependent visa process seamless and hassle-free, you can utilize the following tips:
- Organise documents beforehand
- Check eligibility criteria
- Check GDRFA guidelines to keep yourself updated
- Mark renewal dates to avoid hassle
- Hire a prominent consulting company to assist you with easy visa processing
How to Cancel a Dependent Visa in Dubai?
The process for cancelling dependent visa in Dubai involves:
- Visit the GDRFA online portal or service centre.
- Submit the request for cancellation with sponsor’s unique Emirates ID and dependent’s passport.
- Pay the cancellation charges, which can range between AED 100 and AED 300.
- Receive the confirmation.
- Make sure that the dependent (spouse, kid or parents) exits the country within the specific period to avoid penalties.
Obtaining a dependent visa in UAE is necessary for expatriates want to bring their families to them. Understanding the key requirements, processes, and costs can make the overall experience stress-free. You typically need to wait 10 days to 3 weeks to obtain the UAE Residence Visa and enjoy the benefits associated with it. Out team at Gryffin Capitalist can assist you with business setup in Dubai and obtaining different visas.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who are eligible for a dependent visa in the UAE?
The dependent family members such as spouse, unmarried daughters, sons below 18 years and parents of a sponsor who is living in UAE can apply for a dependent visa.
How soon can I get a dependent visa in the UAE?
After application, you need to wait 10 days to 3 weeks for all the verifications.
Is there any age limit for a dependent visa in Dubai?
The age criteria only is applicable to a dependent son. He must be below 18 years of age to obtain the dependent visa in UAE.
Can I travel to another Emirate while having a dependent visa?
Yes, you can travel to another emirate while holding a dependent visa in the UAE.
Is IELTS certificate mandatory for a spouse visa in the UAE?
Having an IELTS certificate is not mandatory for a spouse visa in Dubai.