Family sponsorship rules in Dubai
Family sponsorship is an important aspect of life in Dubai for many expats looking to bring their loved ones to the UAE. These rules will help you understand the legal requirements to sponsor relatives. In this article, you will learn everything you need to know about the family sponsorship rules in Dubai, including the requirements and processes.
What is family sponsorship?
Family sponsorship allows a Dubai resident to invite their family members, such as spouses, children or other close relatives, to Dubai and apply for a visa for them. The sponsorship scheme was introduced to promote family life in the Emirates.
Legal requirements for family sponsorship
In order to successfully sponsor family members, certain requirements must be met:
- Residence status: the sponsor must have a valid residence visa or work permit.
- Proof of income: The sponsor must provide proof of a minimum salary in order to fulfil the financial requirements for supporting the sponsored persons.
- Housing: It is required that the sponsor has sufficient housing in Dubai for themselves and the sponsored persons.
Requirements for the application
To apply for family sponsorship, the following documents are required:
- Copy of the passport of the sponsor and the sponsored persons
- Proof of income (e.g. salary certificate)
- Certificate of residence
- Health check certificates of the sponsored persons
- Marriage certificate or birth certificates
The application process
The application for family sponsorship takes place in several steps:
- Submission of the required documents to Dubai Economy.
- Waiting for the application to be approved, which usually takes a few days to weeks.
- After approval, the visa for the sponsored persons must be applied for.
Important notes on family sponsorship rules
There are some special points to note:
- Family sponsorship is not available to all individuals; some national and religious restrictions apply.
- Sponsorship may be refused if the requirements are not met or if there are missing documents.
Illustrative example on the topic: Family sponsorship rules
Let’s assume that John, a British citizen, is working in Dubai and wants to apply for family sponsorship for his wife Sarah and two children. John has a valid work visa and earns more than the minimum required salary. He also has sufficient housing to support his family.
To submit the application, he prepares the necessary documents, including his salary slips and marriage certificate. After submitting the application to Dubai Economy, he waits for approval. After a few days, John receives the good news: his application has been approved.
He then goes ahead and applies for the visas for his wife and children that will allow them to move to Dubai. Through the family sponsorship process, John is finally able to bring his family to join him and they enjoy life together in Dubai.
Conclusion
The family sponsorship rules in Dubai ensure that family members can be reunited smoothly. By understanding the required documents and process, you can ensure that your application is successful. It is important to fulfil all requirements and submit all documents correctly to ensure a smooth approval.