Family Visa UAE Cost: A Complete Expert Guide for 2024

Latest Facts and News:

• New UAE family visa rules implemented in 2024

• Changes in minimum salary requirements for sponsorship

• Introduction of long-term residence visas for families

• Streamlined application process through online platforms

Living in the UAE can be an interesting experience; however, making sure your family can accompany you is always a big concern for expatriates. Understanding the family visa UAE cost and requirements of the family visa is necessary if you want to make the transition as smooth as possible. This process has to be taken with such intensity as the absence of knowledge can lead to significant problems.

Now, with the new UAE family visa rules coming into effect in 2024, where there are changes in sponsorship requirements and the introduction of long-term residence visas, it is essential to stay informed. Regardless of whether your spouse, children or other dependents are joining you, processes such as the arrangement of a visa are very sensitive and need careful consideration, especially when planning the budget.

In this guide, you will find the latest information on the family visa UAE cost, along with the rules and types of visas for family members, as well as practical steps for getting a visa and uniting your family in Abu Dhabi or Dubai. From application fees to mandatory health insurance and document attestation, you will be able to navigate this process without these glitches and common, costly mistakes to provide comfortable transportation for your family to the UAE.

UAE Family Visa Types

There are different categories available on family visas according to the relation between the sponsored person and the main applicant. These are spousal visas, child visas, parent visas, and any other dependant's visa. There are all sorts of constraints and requirements usually associated with each type of visa, including income, age and documents.

Types of Family Visas Available in the UAE

• Spouse Visa: This visa is typically sponsored by the husband, who must meet the minimum salary requirements for family sponsorship.

• Child Visa: Children under 18 years are eligible. Boys above 18 must show proof of higher education to remain on the visa, while daughters may stay on the visa until they are married.

• Parent Visa: Sponsors can bring their parents to the UAE if they meet the income threshold and provide adequate accommodation.

• Other Dependents: Relatives like siblings may be eligible, but stricter conditions apply.
  

Note: Our in-house expert team researches the above data.

Also Read: UAE Launches 10-Year Blue Residency Visa: Everything You Need to Know

Latest Eligibility Criteria for UAE Family Visa

To sponsor family members in the UAE, applicants must meet certain eligibility requirements, which are subject to updates in 2024. Here are the key factors that determine eligibility for a Family Visa UAE Cost:

• Minimum Salary: A sponsor must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000(91560.48 INR) or AED 3,000(68670.36 INR) with accommodation provided by the employer.

• Profession Restrictions: Some professions are exempt from sponsoring family visas, so it's important to confirm your eligibility.

• Accommodation: Adequate housing must be provided, and attested tenancy contracts are required.

• Relationship Proof: Marriage certificates and birth certificates must be attested and legally translated into Arabic.

Updated Breakdown of Family Visa UAE Costs in 2024

The Family Visa UAE cost in 2024 includes various expenses such as application fees, medical examinations, insurance, and Emirates ID processing. Costs can vary based on the visa duration and specific requirements for each family member.

Latest Application and Processing Fees

In line with the family visa UAE cost, it is as follows: Different types of visas are available depending on their validity. Generally, family visas are granted in 1 year, 2 years, and 3 years of validity. In 2024, the UAE will have an easy moving of the application process as they have streamlined it more, but the visa processing fees remain a key consideration for sponsors.

The first charges are for submission, review, and approval of the visa, and the overall cost depends on the visa duration selected. Here's a breakdown of the family visa UAE cost for different visa durations:

Note: Our in-house expert team researches the above data.

Such fees are normally charged on processes involved in visa acquisition. Still, other charges may be required for the obtaining of Emirates ID, health insurance and medical checks, which are essentials for visa procurement. One always has to choose the right visa type and duration because long-visa options are less expensive/cost-effective in the long run.

Medical Examination and Insurance Costs

The family visa application procedure prescribes that the applicants must undergo a medical examination to prove their health. The average cost of the expenses on UAE visa medical tests may vary from AED 200(4578.02 INR) to AED 400(9156.05 INR) per head.

Besides the medical examination, getting medical insurance for every family member is mandatory. The cost of health insurance per year depends on the chosen insurance company but usually varies from 600 AED(13734.07 INR) to 1200 AED(27468.14 INR) for the family members.

Medical Exam Cost: AED 200 - 400 per person. (4578.02 - 9156.05 INR)

Health Insurance: It costs between AED 600 - 1,120 per year(13734.07- 27468.14 INR) depending on the chosen plan.

This is important because medical insurance is mandatory and must be obtained before the visa is issued.

Additional Expenses to Consider

In addition to the application and medical expenses and costs incurred during processing, other expenses go with the family visa UAE cost. These include the Emirates ID, visa stamping, and document attestation fees:

• Emirates ID: The fees range between AED 100 and AED 200 to AED 300, depending on the validity of the visa you want to acquire.

• Visa Stamping: The last step of capturing the visa on the passport costs approximately AED 500 – 600.

• Document Attestation: For these documents, including marriage or birth certificates, the attestation fees are between AED 100- AED 200 per document.

These additional expenses must be taken into consideration when putting down some figures to get the total cost of the visa.

Also Read: UAE Visa Photo Size: Latest Requirements & Size 2024

How do You Apply for a family visa in the UAE?

Applying for a Family Visa in the UAE involves preparing essential documents such as passports, salary certificates, and tenancy contracts. The process can be completed online through government portals or at authorised typing centres, ensuring smooth visa issuance.

Step-by-Step Application Process

The UAE government has streamlined the family visa application process, making it more accessible through online platforms like the GDRFA. The process generally involves the following steps:

• Document Preparation: These are the legal documents that are required, such as the attested marriage and birth certificates that should be attached when applying for the visa.

• Submit the Application: After having the documents ready, the next step would be to book or apply through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs)or through an emirate-specific platform.

• Medical Examination: Call in for a medical examination for your dependents, as these reports will also play a crucial role in you getting your visa approved for the family more smoothly.

• Obtain Health Insurance: Another crucial step that you should keep in mind should be to buy an obligatory/mandatory health insurance plan for your family members.

• Visa Approval: Once all the steps above are followed, your visa stands a greater chance of getting approved. If the application is approved, then make the necessary payments and go for the visa stamping.

Required Documents for UAE Family Visa Application: Updated

To successfully apply for a Family Visa in the UAE, you will need to prepare several key documents. Below, we have provided a checklist of documents that you should carry without fail for your easy reference:

• Sponsor's Passport Copy: A clear copy of the sponsor's valid passport.

• Residence Visa Copy: A copy of the sponsor's valid UAE residence visa.

• Emirates ID Copy: A copy of the sponsor's valid Emirates ID.

• Marriage Certificate: Attested marriage certificate for spouse sponsorship.

• Birth Certificates: Attested birth certificates for children's sponsorship.

• Tenancy Contract: Proof of accommodation, such as a valid tenancy contract.

• Salary Certificate: A salary certificate or labour contract proving the sponsor meets the minimum income requirement.

• Medical Fitness Test Results: For dependents aged 18 and above, medical fitness test results are required.

• Health Insurance: Proof of health insurance for each family member.

• Passport Photos: Recent passport-size photos of each dependent.

Now, another pointer that you all should keep in mind is to make sure all documents are attested and translated into Arabic where necessary to avoid delays in visa processing. This part of the application is often missed out on by many, which leads to some issues that could have been avoided.

Tips to Reduce Family Visa Costs in the UAE: Experts Advice

Yes, it is possible to make critical inputs and reduce the family visa UAE cost, but this can only be done with careful planning. It is always advisable to keep track of the timeline you are going to apply for the family visa, as the time or the season you apply for the visa also plays a crucial role. Then you should also explore long-term visa options as they are more cost-effective in the long run.

Timing Your Application Right

It is possible to reduce the costs of applying for a family visa, and that is possible if you apply during certain periods or timelines. For instance, family visa UAE costs for visa processing might be higher during peak seasons (summer months or holiday times of the year) owing to the price brought by the volume of requests. You may end up with quicker and cheaper processing by planning your application during off-peak times or by applying way in advance.

Exploring Long-Term Visa Options

A long-term residence visa in the UAE can help to cut overall costs. For example, if you want to invest 3 years, your upfront cost might be higher. Still, it will reduce your repeated expenses or having to spend the same amount for visa renewal, Emirates ID costs, and medical examinations again and again. A long-term visa means that you spend less on these extra expenses each time.

How to Renew UAE Family Visa?

Renewing a family visa in UAE involves submitting updated documents, including medical test results and renewed Emirates IDs, before the visa expires. The renewal process can be done online or through authorised centres, with fees varying based on the visa duration.

Family Visa UAE Costs and Procedures

If you wish to renew your family visa in UAE, have your dependents take a medical test and collect Emirates ID and passport copies. The process of renewal can be done on the Internet using GDRFA or at authorised typing centres. The cost will be from AED 300 – AED 1,000(6867.04 - 22890.12 INR), depending upon the duration of the visa selected, one to three years. There are also fees for medical exams and renewing an Emirates ID that comes to around AED 250–500 (5722.53 - 11445.06 INR) per person.

Also Read: Apply UAE Work Visa For Indians: Requirements, Fees and More

Common Challenges While Applying for a UAE Family Visa and How to Overcome Them

There will be some challenges on the way to applying for a UAE family visa, but with the right approach, those can be avoided. Below, we have discussed some of the common examples of what you might have to keep in mind when going through the process.

Dealing with Salary Requirement Issues for a UAE Family Visa

Suppose you don't qualify or meet the minimum salary criteria for the family visa to the UAE. In that case, there are other options available that you can opt for, such as getting a long-term visa or getting accommodation that you can share with others to meet housing conditions. Some professionals have successfully negotiated salary adjustments with employers to get up to the required threshold.

Expert advice includes looking at higher-income roles or consulting visa specialists to see if there are legal exemptions. Moreover, case studies reveal that when dual-earner families reach the sponsorship threshold, sometimes they pool both their incomes to reach it.

Navigating Document Attestation for a UAE Family Visa

Attestation of all foreign documents, such as marriage and birth certificates, must be done to apply for a family visa in the UAE. They are thus made legally valid in the UAE. However, the process is multistep, and it includes attestation from the country of origin's foreign ministry, the UAE embassy, and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE.

The charges for document attestation depend on the country of origin; the costs can hover between AED 150 and AED 500(3433.52 - 11445.06 INR) per document. However, a region-wise guide would provide a breakdown of how the various countries have their attestation requirements, as some nations have specific layouts for each nation.

Future Trends in UAE Family Visa Policies: Experts Insights

Family visa policies are expected to change soon, with the ever-growing growth of the UAE and the attraction of more expatriates. These changes may entail changing some of the eligibility criteria, for example, by increasing or decreasing minimum salary requirements for sponsors and changing the duration of long-term residence visas as well as making such new visa categories to simplify family reunification. Additionally, the government expects to simplify the application process by streamlining it more, which will cut all related costs.

Anticipated Changes in UAE Visa Regulations

This is one of the main factors that many are anticipating and expecting for it to become possible, which is to expand long-term residence visas for families, meaning they would have more stability in staying in the country. Also, given the continued digitalisation efforts on the part of the government, the application process will become even more efficient, and this will eliminate paperwork and time.

The last few years have already brought major changes, even ones as recent as 2023, updates on long-term visas and lowered minimum salary requirements. A chronology of these changes would chart the evolution of regulations to accommodate more families, and indeed, such trends are likely to continue in the future years.

Conclusion

The family visa process in the UAE requires you to know about the family visa UAE costs, visa types, eligibility criteria, and all the required documents, which depend on the sponsor's earnings and the visa duration. In 2024, the UAE has switched up with new long-term visa options, minimum salary changes and easier application procedures for 2024.

In light of that, it's important to know the costs, the application fees, the medical exams, the insurance and everything else so that you can budget accordingly. However, by timing applications, choosing long-term options, and anticipating future policy changes, families can better the transition to life in the Emirates.

To know more about the family visa process in the UAE, you must contact TerraTern immediately. Offering many services related to immigration, TerraTern offers many services to make sure that your immigration dreams are turned into reality!