In Ras Al Khaimah, both business owners and employees holding valid residence permits in the United Arab Emirates have the chance to secure residence visas for their families, subject to eligibility criteria.
Changes to the foreign entry and residence laws have streamlined the process of sponsoring family members within the country. Residents can now issue residence permits to their family members irrespective of their job titles, provided they meet the minimum required monthly income. Additionally, there is the option to combine the monthly income of both spouses when sponsoring children.
Please be advised that residency laws in the UAE are subject to change. We update our information according to new laws and announcements as they arise. For more specific details, please visit the website of the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship at icp.gov.ae.
Sponsorship Requirements
Foreign residents in the United Arab Emirates have the option to obtain entry-residence permits for their family members, provided they possess a valid residence permit themselves. The head of the family must earn a minimum salary of either 4,000 AED or 3,000 AED with accommodation included. Additionally, there is the option to combine the monthly income of both spouses when sponsoring children.
Examination of Medical Fitness
Male and female family members who are 18 years old and above are required to undergo an examination of medical fitness at recognized health centers in the UAE. It’s a simple assessment by a doctor/nurse that includes a blood test and a chest x-ray. Applicants are checked for diseases like hepatitis, HIV, leprosy, syphilis, and tuberculosis.
RAKEZ Medical Fitness Facilities
Availability of Suitable Accommodation:
When applying to obtain entry-residence permits for family members, the resident must provide a residential lease contract that has been approved by the competent authorities and is suitable for accommodating all family members.
Legal Period Within the Country for Obtaining Residence Permit
The legal period for completing procedures to obtain a residence permit for spouses, children or parents, is 60 days from entry into the country OR the amendment of status on the entry permit within the country – this process is conducted through the official channels of the Authority, via the website, smart application, or its offices.
Validity and Renewal
Residence permits are valid for durations ranging from 2 to 10 years, depending on the principal earner’s occupation or the type of residence permit they hold (worker, investor, green, gold, retired). Should the sponsor’s residence permit be revoked, family members’ permits will either be revoked or retained based on the relocation process to another employer. Parental visas are considered a humanitarian matter and are valid for a single year. Following the expiration or annulment of a residence permit, the resident is granted a grace period within the country, lasting from one to six months, depending on the individual’s occupation and status – renewal or modification of the permit must occur during this period to avoid fines for delays.
Issuing a Residence Permit for Spouse
A foreign resident can obtain a residence permit for their spouse by providing documentation confirming marital status, such as a marriage certificate certified in Arabic or translated into Arabic by an accredited translator.
Issuing a Residence Permit for Children
The resident has the authority to procure entry and residence permits for his/her children, including unmarried males under 25 years old and unmarried females of any age. Children with special needs can also be sponsored regardless of their age. For children born in the UAE, an application for a residence permit must be submitted within 120 days from the date of birth to prevent incurring fines.
Issuing an Entry Permit for Adopted Children to Reside (subject to specific requirements and approval)
Foreign residents have the option to obtain entry permits for residency for adopted children on humanitarian grounds. This involves submitting necessary documents to the Authority for approval by the appropriate committee. The residence visa for adopted children is initially valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
Issuing an Entry Permit for Parents or the Spouse’s Parents to Reside
Foreign residents are eligible to secure entry permits for their parents or the parents of their spouse, allowing for a one-year stay, subject to the specific requirements of the Authority and approval by the relevant committee. Evidence must be provided to demonstrate that the resident represents their sole financial support and that there is no other means of support available in their home country.
Additionally, official documentation is necessary in cases where one of the parents is deceased or divorced.
Important Notes
- Parents or the parents of the spouse can be sponsored regardless of the validity period of the sponsor’s residency, with a residence permit issued annually.
- The occupation type is no longer a prerequisite for foreign workers to sponsor their family members.
- Residence permits will not be issued to individuals who are medically unfit.
- Individuals with inactive pulmonary tuberculosis are deemed medically fit and can obtain a one-year health certificate for residence with a conditional discontinuation of treatment and follow-up.
Documents Required when Sponsoring spouse or Children
- Resident’s passport with a residence permit.
- Passport of the spouse or children must be valid for no less than 6 months.
- Certified marriage contract for the spouse’s sponsorship.
- Certified birth certificate for child sponsorship.
- Financial solvency.
- Health insurance.
- Adequate housing.
- Personal photo.
Cancellation
Family residence permits are dependent on the sponsor’s permit, typically held by the head of the family. In the event of the sponsor’s permit being revoked, the resident is granted a grace period within the country after the expiration or cancellation of their own residence permit. This grace period lasts between one to six months, depending on the individual’s occupation and the type of permit held. During this period, the resident must either depart the country or adjust their status to avoid incurring fines for delays.
To ensure comprehensive medical services are available to all community members, RAKEZ Medical Fitness Center offers medical examinations for convenient visa processing across various categories.
To schedule appointments, please visit the RAKEZ Medical Fitness Center’s appointment booking platform: https://eportal.rakez.com/RAKEZ_Login
Important Note
All UAE visas and residency permits are reviewed, processed, and issued via two Government-led platforms; the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residence, Passports, and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
UAE residency laws are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information regarding sponsorship visas in the UAE, it is advisable to visit the ICP and GDRFA websites directly.
Moreover, a significant portion of these administrative tasks can now be managed and renewed online.
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