Living in Dubai as an expat with your family requires a valid family visa, also known as a dependant visa. Here is a guide for expats seeking the latest information on UAE family visa renewals in 2024.

Understanding Family Visa Requirements

The UAE implements specific guidelines for family visa sponsorship. Here’s a breakdown of the key requirements (as of 2024):

• Sponsorship Eligibility:
  • Valid residence visa for the sponsor.
  • Minimum salary requirement:
    • AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with company accommodation (male sponsor).
    • AED 10,000 or AED 8,000 with accommodation (female sponsor).
  • Suitable accommodation for dependents.
• Dependent Eligibility:
  • Age above 18: Medical fitness test from a UAE-approved medical facility.
  • Spouse: Authenticated marriage certificate translated into Arabic.
  • Daughter: Must be unmarried (no age limit).
  • Son: Sponsorship valid until age 25 (if unmarried).
  • Disabled Child: No age limit for sponsorship.
  • Parents: Each requires a guarantee as stipulated by immigration authorities.

Family Visa Costs: A Range, Not a Fixed Price

The total cost of a Dubai family visa in 2024 can vary depending on several factors. Here’s a general estimate:

• Average Cost (without insurance): AED 4,500 – 5,500 (within Dubai).
• Average Cost (with insurance, outside Dubai): AED 5,000 – 6,000.

Remember, this is just an estimate. Additional charges for services, documentation, and attestation can influence the final cost.

Family Visa Validity and Renewal

The average validity of a UAE family visa is two years. However, it’s crucial to renew the visa before expiry to maintain legal residency. Family visas are tethered to the sponsor’s visa; they become invalid if the sponsor’s visa expires or is revoked. The UAE offers a 30-day grace period for visa renewal. It’s highly advisable to renew before this period ends to avoid penalties.

Renewal Process Considerations

Before initiating the renewal process, ensure you meet the following conditions:

• Sponsor’s Employment: Valid residence visa and minimum salary (as per sponsor gender).
• Medical Fitness: Approved medical test report for sponsored dependents over 18.
• Emirates ID Renewal: Sponsor’s Emirates ID must be renewed before visa renewal.
• Health Insurance: Basic health coverage is mandatory for family members in Dubai.

UAE Family Visa Regulations: Key Updates for 2024

Here are some essential points regarding the 2024 UAE family visa regulations:

• Sponsor Eligibility: Both employers and employees with valid residence visas and meeting the minimum salary criteria can sponsor family members. Profession is no longer a determining factor.
• Mother as Sponsor: If the father resides in the UAE and sponsors the children, the mother cannot sponsor them.
• Visa Validity: The type of family visa issued depends on the nature of the sponsor’s work and their labor contract.
• Application Timeline: Resident sponsors have 60 days after dependents enter the UAE to apply for their residence visas.

Important Reminders

• Women can sponsor their families if they hold a residence visa with a minimum monthly salary of AED 8,000 and suitable accommodation. Specific professions like doctor, engineer, or teacher are typically preferred for female sponsors.
• Strict regulations govern Muslim men sponsoring multiple wives. All necessary conditions must be met.
• Sponsorship of stepchildren is subject to guidelines set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA).

Seeking Professional Guidance

The UAE family visa process can involve complexities. Consulting with experienced immigration consultants can ensure a smooth and efficient experience.

Reach out now:https://reliableexperts.ae/