UAE Family Visa Application Made Easy: A Guide for Business Owners

 

For entrepreneurs living and working in the UAE, one of the most important goals is to bring their family to live with them. Sponsorship of immediate family members by residents is allowed in the UAE, based on specific requirements. This blog provides a complete and simple guide to the UAE family visa process, especially for business owners and entrepreneurs.

You will learn about the required documents, eligibility criteria, visa rules for dependents in UAE, and the exact step-by-step process to sponsor your family in Dubai and other emirates. We will also cover the cost and documents needed for UAE family visa for entrepreneurs and answer some common questions.

What is a Family Visa in UAE?

The family visa allows residents in the UAE to sponsor their immediate family for living together. This includes spouses, children, and sometimes parents. Entrepreneurs and investors with a valid UAE residency visa can apply for a family visa, just like salaried employees.

The duration of a family visa usually matches the sponsor’s visa and can range from one to three years, with renewal options before it expires.

 

Who Can Legally Sponsor a Family Member in the UAE?

If you are an entrepreneur, business owner, or investor with a valid UAE residence visa, you are eligible to apply for a family visa. The main conditions are:

• A valid trade license or investor visa is essential for applicants.
• Applicants must have an income that meets the set minimum threshold.
• You should have proper accommodation in the UAE
• You must submit all required documents

Most importantly, the sponsor must already hold a valid UAE residency before they can apply for family sponsorship.

Family Visa Application Process for Entrepreneurs in the UAE

Many business owners often ask, how to apply for a family visa in UAE as an entrepreneur. Here’s a simple stepwise explanation of the entire process:

Step 1: Get Your Own UAE Residency Visa

Before sponsoring your family, make sure you have a valid UAE residence visa. Entrepreneurs usually get an investor visa or partner visa through their business setup.

Step 2: Collect the Required Documents

Prepare the required documents for family visa UAE. These include:

• Passport copies of spouse and children
• Passport-size photographs with white background
• Attested marriage certificate (for spouse)
• Attested birth certificates (for children)
• Valid tenancy contract (EJARI)
• Submission of Emirates ID and residence visa page copies of the sponsor is mandatory.
• Trade license of the business (for entrepreneurs)
• Documents proving income, like salary slips or bank statements, may be requested.

It is mandatory that marriage and birth certificates are attested by both the home country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy, and then translated into Arabic by a certified translator in the UAE.

Step 3: Apply for Entry Permit

Once the documents are ready, you can apply for an entry permit for your family. The application can be submitted either online via official government websites or at a licensed typing center. This permit acts as formal approval for your family’s entry into the UAE.

It is possible to change the visa status of visiting family members without them having to leave the UAE.

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test

After arrival, all family members above 18 years must undergo a medical fitness test. A standard health check includes a blood test and chest X-ray. The test must be taken at a government-approved medical center.

Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID

Once the medical test is completed, submit the Emirates ID application for your family. This involves biometric data (fingerprint and photo) and is usually done at official Emirates ID centers.

Step 6: Apply for Residency Visa Stamping

Submit all required documents, including the medical report, Emirates ID form, and passport, for visa stamping. After all formalities are done, the visa will be affixed to your family member’s passport.

A Step-by-Step Guide to Sponsoring Your Family in Dubai

Let us now summarize the step-by-step process to sponsor your family in Dubai or any other emirate in the UAE:

1. Make sure your UAE residence visa is valid before starting the process.
2. Make sure your earnings and living arrangements satisfy the necessary conditions.
3. Gather all required documents
4. Apply for an entry permit
5. Your family members enter the UAE
6. Undergo medical fitness test (if above 18 years)
7. Submit Emirates ID application and biometrics
8. Submit all documents for visa stamping
9. Collect your passport with the approved visa stamp.

Key Requirements for Business Owners Applying for a Family Visa in the UAE

As a business owner, you need to meet specific conditions to apply for a family visa. These include:

• You must hold an active UAE residence visa and a current Emirates ID to sponsor your family
• Valid business license (mainland or freezone)
• Family sponsorship in the UAE requires a monthly income of AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 if the sponsor provides living arrangements.
• Legal tenancy contract (EJARI)
• Attested relationship documents
• Insurance for family members (optional but recommended)

Here are the necessary requirements for business owners to obtain a family visa in the UAE. Some emirates require further evidence of income, including a bank statement or a salary certificate.

Visa Rules for Dependents in UAE

Understanding the visa rules for dependents in UAE is important before applying. Some of the main rules include:

• Children under 18 do not require a medical test
• Male children who are pursuing education can be sponsored until the age of 25.
• Unmarried daughters can be sponsored without any age restriction.
• Newborn babies born in UAE must get their visa within 120 days
• Parents can be sponsored, but higher income and other conditions apply

The visa must be renewed before it expires. If the visa is not renewed within the allowed time, it may attract fines and other issues.

Cost and Documents Needed for UAE Family Visa for Entrepreneurs

Many entrepreneurs are concerned about the expenses involved. Below is a breakdown of the cost and documents needed for UAE family visa for entrepreneurs.

Cost Estimate:

•  Entry permits are usually priced between AED 500 and AED 1,200.
•  Fees for medical examinations are generally set between AED 300 and AED 350 per person.
•  Emirates ID charges are usually in the range of AED 270 to AED 370.
•  The cost to stamp the visa usually ranges from AED 500 to AED 800
•  The cost for typing and administrative services is typically AED 150 to AED 300
•  These costs vary depending on emirate, visa validity, urgency, and number of applicants.

Required Documents:

• Sponsors need to submit their passport, valid UAE visa, and Emirates ID copies
• Passport copies of spouse and children
• Passport-size photographs
• Attested marriage and birth certificates
• Valid tenancy contract or accommodation proof
• Trade license copy or investor documents
• Medical fitness test results are required for applicants aged 18 and above
• Emirates ID application form

All documents must be valid, clear, and properly attested.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does the family visa process take?
It usually takes 5 to 10 working days to complete the procedure, provided all documents are correctly arranged.

Is family sponsorship allowed for individuals with an investor visa in the UAE?

Yes, business owners and investors with valid UAE residency can sponsor their spouse and children.

 

Is there a salary limit set for sponsoring dependents in the UAE?

Family sponsorship is allowed if the sponsor earns a minimum of AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation.

 

Is an annual renewal needed for a family visa?

It depends on the visa duration. Some visas are issued for one, two, or even three years, depending on their classification. Renew before the expiry to avoid fines.

Conclusion

Bringing your family to live with you in the UAE is a major step that brings comfort and peace of mind. The UAE family visa process is simple and clear, especially when you understand the requirements and follow the steps correctly. From understanding the visa rules for dependents in UAE to the step-by-step process to sponsor your family in Dubai, everything has been explained in a simple and practical way.

Entrepreneurs and investors should make sure they meet the criteria, gather the required documents for family visa UAE, and apply through trusted channels. If you need expert help, professional service providers like Irha Businessmen Services can assist with the entire process.

A well-guided application can save you time, effort, and avoid costly mistakes.