For numerous expatriates in the UAE, one of the hardest sacrifices is staying away from parents and loved ones. Visits and temporary stay might not feel sufficient most of the time, especially when parents would require constant attention on a more daily basis as they age.
To solve this, the government of the UAE, through a special provision known as the Parents Visa, offers expats the chance to sponsor their parents and enable them to reside in the Emirates.
Not only does this visa keep families together, but it also gives the parents freedom to indulge in the modern lifestyle available in the UAE, receive the best healthcare and enjoy a safe environment. However, for sponsoring the parents, one has to ensure that they meet certain eligibility criteria, prepare crucial documents and follow an orderly application procedure.
In this detailed blog, we will discuss all that you should know about getting a Parents’ Visa in the UAE, from requirements and fees to step-by-step procedures, and tips for visa renewal.
Why Apply for a Parents’ Visa in the UAE?
Being away from home is not easy, particularly when your parents are ageing and you need to be there to take care of them. By sponsoring your parents to come over to the UAE, you will be able to guarantee:
- Family Togetherness – You would not only be able to have your parents with you for emotional support, but they would also be with you physically, so you could provide all the love, care and attention you want.
- Healthcare Access – Your parents will have access to quality health facilities in the UAE, as they will be covered by medical insurance.
- Legal Residency – A Parent’s Visa presents your parents with legal citizenship and provides them with lawful residency, ensuring their stay is secure and stress-free.
- Peace of Mind – Your parents will be able to live with you permanently, as opposed to having to make frequent short trips back and forth.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring Parents in the UAE
Before applying, you need to be sure that you meet the eligibility criteria to sponsor of your parents. Here are certain general requirements;
- Salary Requirements – A Dubai resident needs to earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation. The salary requirement may vary depending on the updates in the immigration rules. Salary certificates and employment contracts are mandatory proofs to show the income.
- Accommodation Requirement – You will need to offer them appropriate accommodation, and must submit a copy of the tenancy contract (Ejari).
- Medical Insurance – Parents should be insured by a health care plan that satisfies the mandatory insurance requirements of the UAE. Given their age, comprehensive insurance coverage may be required to ensure they are adequately protected.
- Both Parents Must Be Sponsored Together – In the UAE, residents are normally expected to sponsor both parents. In case of one parent being dead or parents separated, you should provide the corresponding death certificate or papers of the divorce.
- Proof of Relationship – A legalised birth certificate will be needed to establish the sponsor’s relationship with their parents.
After ensuring you meet all the requirements, you can collect all the required documents and move ahead with the process of applying for the visa.
Also Read:- Reasons of Dubai Visa Rejections
Documents Required
Documentation is a crucial part of the process since incorrect or incomplete documentation may result in rejection. The typical documents that you might need are as follows:
- Passport copies of both parents (with a minimum validity of atleast six months)
- Passport-sized photographs (as per the specifications)
- An attested birth certificate of the sponsor to prove the parent-child relationship
- Marriage certificate of the parents (if applicable)
- Death certificate (if sponsoring a single surviving parent)
- Sponsor’s passport copy and residence visa page
- Sponsor’s Emirates ID copy
- Salary certificate or labour contract (issued by employer or free zone authority)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) as proof of accommodation
- Latest utility bill as address proof
- Health insurance documents for parents
- Bank statements of the sponsor (usually the last three months)
Step-by-Step Process of Sponsoring Parents’ Visa in the UAE
The process of applying to sponsor parents can be lengthy and complicated. Here are the simplified steps one can follow;
- Entry Permit Application
- If your parents do not reside within the UAE, the first thing you should do is apply to get an entry permit at GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) in Dubai or the ICA in other Emirates.
- This will enable your parents to successfully enter the country legally before the residential visa is issued.
- Pay the Security Deposit
- Candidates applying to sponsor their parents are required to submit a deposit of AED 2,500 (USD 680) per parent. The fee is refundable upon visa cancellation.
- Medical Fitness Test
- On arrival in the UAE, your parents would have to undergo a medical test at a government-approved health centre.
- The tests normally involve a blood test and a chest X-ray to screen for infectious diseases such as TB and HIV.
- Emirates ID Registration
- Your parents will have to get Emirates ID cards. It can be applied both online and offline. Biometrics are taken in the form of fingerprints along with photographs.
- Health Insurance Purchase
- Before applying for a residence visa, it is compulsory to buy a medical insurance plan on behalf of both parents.
- Due to their age, it is imperative to secure health coverage, and it needs to be renewed annually.
- Visa Stamping
- Submit the entire documents required along with the medical fitness certificate, the Emirates ID application and the insurance documents to the immigration authority.
- On official approval, the residence visa shall be stamped on the passports of your parents.
Duration and Renewal of Parents’ Visa
Also Read:- How to get Medical Certificate
- Parents’ Visa has an expiry date, generally valid for up to one or two years from the date of issue, depending on the Emirate and particular regulations.
- Renewal requires submission of updated documents such as insurance, tenancy contract, salary proof, and medical test results.
- It is very important to request an extension before the end of the visa in order to avoid penalties or cancellation.
Fees for Parents’ Visa in the UAE
The exact fee involved in sponsoring your parents will vary depending on the emirate. Generally, the following are the common costs involved;
- Entry permit fee
- Visa stamping fee
- Medical fitness test fee
- Emirates ID fee
- Health insurance premiums
- Typing and service centre charges
Depending on the insurance coverage, the total cost can range anywhere from AED 5000 to AED 7000 per parent.
Challenges You May Encounter
Although the procedure might appear easy, candidates might encounter certain difficulties. Some of the common ones are as follows;
- Not meeting the high salary demand
- Problems in finding a suitable accommodation of adequate size
- Presenting legal evidence in cases of sponsoring one parent only
- Delays and complications in attestation or verification of the documents
Tips for a Smooth Application Procedure
- Plan Early – Start the procedure early, especially if your parent are visiting on a visa that is about to expire.
- Keep the Updated Documents Ready – Ensure that the important documents required for the application procedure, such as Ejari, the salary certificates, insurance documents, etc, are updated.
- Choose the Correct Insurance – It is important to get the right insurance. You can opt for a policy that is extensive in its coverage, yet not too expensive.
- Stay Informed – The visa regulations in the UAE are liable to change. Always verify with GDRFA or a trusted service provider like SEPL Dubai.
- Seek Professional Advice – Professional services can prove to be useful for saving time as well as avoiding making costly mistakes.
Conclusion
Sponsoring your parents in the UAE can be considered one of the most important things to do as an expatriate. Although the procedure can appear to be complex, mainly due to the sheer amount of paperwork involved, salary requirements and official procedure, it will ultimately enable you to bring your family under a single roof in a nation that can provide safety, stability, and top-notch amenities.
Are you intending to apply for a Parents’ Visa in Dubai? Well, trust SEPL Dubai to make it an easy process. Our professional visa and documents clearance services will make the application process smooth, so you can focus on creating memorable moments with your loved ones.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I sponsor only one parent in the UAE?
It is usually required that both parents be sponsored. There are exceptions to this rule, in case one of the parents has died or is legally separated; however, in that case, you need to submit the corresponding legal documents.
- How long does it take to process a Parent’s Visa?
The time taken for the application procedure can take anywhere between a few days to a few weeks, depending on document availability and government approvals.
- Is health insurance mandatory for Parents’ visas in Dubai?
Yes, it is compulsory. Without proper health insurance, the visa application cannot be processed, leading to eventual rejection of the request.
- Can parents work in the UAE on a Parents Visa?
This type of visa is strictly a residency visa. The parents are not allowed to start any employment unless they change their visa to an employment visa sponsored by a company.
- What happens if my Parents’ Visa expires?
Overstaying after visa expiry leads to fines and deportation. Always renew the visa before it expires to avoid any legal issues.