Yes, women in the UAE can sponsor their husbands and children. Whether you are a wife looking to bring your husband or a mother wanting to sponsor your kids, the process is simple if you meet the requirements.
Eligibility for Sponsorship
According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), women can sponsor their family if they:
- Meet the salary criteria: Earn Dh4,000 per month or Dh3,000 with accommodation.
- Earn below the threshold: Women earning less are not eligible to sponsor family visas.
Documents Needed for Sponsorship
Here’s a detailed list of documents required to sponsor your husband or children:
- Application Form: Fill this out online or at a registered typing center. Include Emirates ID applications for all family members.
- Passport Copies: Provide clear copies of your passport, your husband’s, and your children’s.
- Emirates ID: A copy of your UAE resident ID card.
- Medical Clearance: Certificates for your husband and children aged 18 and above.
- Salary Certificate: Proof of your income from your employer.
- Bank Statement: It’s advisable to attach recent bank statements.
- Marriage Certificate: This must be notarized and legalized in your home country, then verified by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Birth Certificates: Attested and translated copies for children.
- No Objection Certificate (NOC): From your husband, allowing you to sponsor your children.
- Employment Contract: Verified by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation or a salary certificate for free zone jobs.
- Tenancy Contract & Ejari: Proof of your valid rental agreement.
- Passport Photos: Provide three recent photos of your husband and children.
Note: Free zone employees may have slightly different requirements depending on their job roles.
Step-by-Step Process for Sponsorship
Submit the Application
File your application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, the ICP, or the relevant immigration office in your emirate. You can apply in person, online, or through Amer Centers.
Medical Fitness Test
Family members aged 18 or older must undergo a medical fitness test. This includes blood tests and chest X-rays at approved clinics or hospitals.
Apply for Emirates ID
After the medical fitness test, submit applications for Emirates IDs for your husband and children. Biometric data, including fingerprints and photos, will be required.
Visa Stamping
Once all the documents are approved, the residency visa will be stamped into your family’s passports. These visas are typically valid for one to three years and are linked to your visa status.
Residence Visa Approval
When the process is complete, your husband and children will officially become UAE residents under your sponsorship.
Costs of Sponsoring Family Members
Here is a breakdown of the fees involved in sponsoring family members:
Dubai GDRFA Fees:
- Residence permit: Dh200
- Knowledge and Innovation fees: Dh20
- Inside UAE fee: Dh500
- Delivery charges: Dh20
ICP Fees:
- Application fee: Dh100
- Issuance fee: Dh100 per year
- eChannel services: Dh100
Additional Costs:
- If family members are already in the UAE: Around Dh3,500 per person.
- If they are outside the UAE: Approximately Dh2,500 per person.
These fees generally cover application processing, medical tests, and other related services. However, costs may vary depending on your situation or the emirate you apply from.
Important Things to Note
- Stay Updated: Regulations for visas and residency often change, so keep an eye on updates from the GDRFA and ICP.
- Requirements May Vary: Depending on your emirate and individual circumstances, the process may differ slightly.
By meeting the eligibility requirements and providing the necessary documents, women in the UAE can sponsor their husbands and children, ensuring their family stays together legally.
