Residence or Family Visa

The resident visa is valid for 3 years, and upon its expiry, one can renew it without any limitation on how many times it is renewed. If one has a resident visa, then he or she is entitled to permanent residence in the UAE. Besides, one is permitted to obtain a visa for immediate family members such as spouse and minor children. To maintain a resident visa, all one is required to do is enter the Emirates at least once in every six months. Violation of this rule may result into a visa block and, subsequently, the process of unblocking the visa will be entailing compliance with the procedure for its re-activation.

If an individual is a foreign national living in the territory of UAE on a Residence Visa, then he or she is allowed to bring his or her dependents along with the help of a Family Visa. However, everyone cannot bring the dependents along with him or her as a Family Visa for can only be issued for up to 3 years and can be renewed thirty days before the date of expiry. Family Visas depend on the status of the sponsor’s visa hence, if his or her visa expires or gets cancelled, then the related Family Visas will be declared void.

To sponsor family members, the following conditions are required to be fulfilled:

• Male expatriates are required to have a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 excluding accommodation.
• Female expatriates are required to have a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 excluding accommodation.
• Along with the above applicable condition, all adult family members are required to pass a medical fitness test taken at any of the government-approved health centres. They are tested for HIV and Tuberculosis.

• UAE Visa Application Form
• Copies of the passports of the family member(s)
• Passport-size photographs of the family member(s)
• Medical clearance certificate of the adult family member(s)
• A copy of the sponsor’s employment contract or company contract (as applicable)
• Income proof of the sponsor
• Marriage certificate (in case of visa for spouse)
• Proof of accommodation and latest utility bills