Dubai Family Visa: Your Guide to Apply, Extend, and Cancel

Applying for a Dubai Family Visa is a simple. Whether you are an employer or an employee with a valid UAE residence visa, you can sponsor your family’s stay in the UAE. The process is inclusive, allowing sponsorship regardless of job title, provided you meet the salary requirements.

Also Read: Overstay Fines in the UAE: What You Need to Know

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for a Dubai family visa, you must meet certain criteria. Here are the key requirements:

  • Income threshold: The sponsor (you) must meet a specific minimum income threshold, which varies depending on your profession and the number of family members you are sponsoring. For example, the minimum salary required to sponsor a wife is AED 4,000 per month, while for a child, it is AED 3,000 per month.
  • Medical testing: Family members aged 18 and above must undergo medical testing, which includes a blood test and a chest X-ray.
  • Residence visa: You must have a valid residence visa in Dubai to sponsor your family members.
  • Emirates ID: You must have a valid Emirates ID to sponsor your family members.
  • Labour contract: Your labour contract must be approved by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization.
  • Sponsorship: You must sponsor your family members and provide for their financial needs.
  • Relationship proof: You must provide proof of your relationship with your family members, such as a marriage certificate or birth certificate.
  • Age limit: The age limit for sponsoring family members varies depending on the type of visa. For example, children must be under the age of 18 to be sponsored as dependents.
  • Health insurance: You must have a valid health insurance policy that covers your family members.
  • Residence permit: You must obtain a residence permit for your family members, which is usually issued by the General Directorate for Residency Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai.

    Documents Required

    • Valid residence permit/visa of the sponsor.
    • Attested marriage certificate for sponsoring a spouse.
    • Passport copies of family members.

    Also Read: 60 days UAE Visa Online – 2024 Updates

    Extend a Dubai Family Visa

    To extend a Dubai Family Visa, you need to follow these steps:

    • Collect the required documents, which typically include a passport with at least 6 months’ validity
    • Valid Emirates ID
    • Proof of relationship with the sponsor (e.g., marriage certificate, birth certificate)
    • Proof of income or financial support
    • Medical insurance

    It is important to note that the UAE has implemented a new entry and residence system, which requires travelers to leave the country to extend their visas. Therefore, you may need to plan your extension well in advance and make arrangements to exit the country before your visa expires.

    Additionally, you can also consider the following options to extend your stay in Dubai:

    • Long-stay tourist visa: This type of visa allows you to stay in the UAE for a longer period, typically up to 6 months or a year.
    • Family visa: If you have family members already in Dubai, you may be able to apply for a family visa, which allows you to join them in the country.
    • Work visa: If you have a job offer in Dubai, you may be able to apply for a work visa, which allows you to live and work in the country.

    Cancel a Dubai Family Visa

    To cancel a Dubai family visa, you can follow these steps:

    Step 1: Gather required documents

    You will need to provide the following documents to cancel a family visa:

    • Copy of the passport
    • Emirates ID
    • Application typed out

    Step 2: Choose a typing center or GDRFA office

    You can cancel the visa through one of the following ways:

    • In-person, through one of the typing centers of the GDRFA in the emirate where you live
    • Alternatively, you can submit the application online and process it through a typing center

    Step 3: Submit the application

    Take the required documents to a typing center or GDRFA office and submit the application. The typing center will then submit the application online and process it.

    Step 4: Pay the fees

    The fee for canceling a family visa is AED 266, along with additional typing charges.

    Step 5: Wait for the cancellation

    After submitting the application, wait for the cancellation process to be completed. This may take some time, depending on the complexity of the case.

    Additional information

    • If you are canceling a family visa for a dependent, you do not need to be present in the country.
    • Your employer may also be involved in the cancellation process, especially if you are canceling an employment visa.
    • You can also cancel your visa through an AMER Center in Dubai.

    It is recommended to consult with a typing center or GDRFA office for more information on the cancellation process and any specific requirements that may apply to your case.

    Grace Period

    The grace period for a Dubai family visa refers to the time frame allowed for a family member to stay in the UAE after the visa has expired. According to the search results, the grace period for a Dubai family visa is 30 days. During this period, the sponsor must renew the residence visa before it expires to avoid fines.

    It is essential to note that the grace period is only applicable if the sponsor renews the visa before the end of the 30-day period. If the visa is not renewed within this timeframe, the family member will be considered an overstayer and may face fines and penalties.

    Additionally, the search results highlight that the grace period is also applicable to UAE Green Visa holders, who have a 6-month grace period. However, it’s crucial to note that this information may not be applicable to all types of visas or situations.

    It is recommended to check with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the relevant authorities for the most up-to-date information on the grace period for a Dubai family visa and any specific requirements or regulations that may apply to your situation.

    Conclusion

    To get and cancel the Dubai Family Visa process can be simple with the right information. Whether you are applying, extending, or cancelling a visa, understanding the requirements and procedures will ensure a smooth experience for you and your family.

    People May Ask

    How much does a family visa cost in UAE?

    The cost of a family visa in UAE varies depending on the duration of the visa and the situation of the applicant. According to the search results, the approximate cost of a 2-year visa for a family member who is in Dubai is around AED 3550, while the cost for a family member who is outside of Dubai is around AED 2450.

    For a 3-year visa, the cost is around AED 3750 for a family member in Dubai and AED 2450 for a family member outside of Dubai.

    Is UAE issuing family visa now?

    Yes, the UAE is issuing family visas. According to the search results, the UAE Family Visa Rules 2021 allow men sponsored by wives to qualify for UAE work permits, and expat students can also sponsor families in the UAE.

    What is the salary limit for family visa in UAE?

    The salary limit for a family visa in UAE varies depending on whether the sponsor is male or female. For male sponsors, the minimum salary required is AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation.

    For female sponsors, the minimum salary required is AED 8,000 per month plus accommodation or AED 10,000 per month.

    Who can sponsor family in the UAE?

    The following people can sponsor their families in the UAE:

    • Male residents who earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation
    • Female residents who earn a minimum salary of AED 8,000 per month plus accommodation or AED 10,000 per month
    • Expatriate students who meet certain requirements
    • Women who hold a residence visa with a monthly salary not less than AED 8000 or AED 10,000 plus accommodation and are engineers, nurses, teachers, doctors, or other professionals related to the medical sector.