Transferring a family visa sponsorship in the UAE can be a necessary step due to changes in employment, residency status, or other personal circumstances. Whether the sponsor is changing jobs or relocating within the Emirates, understanding the proper process for transferring a family visa ensures continuity of legal residency for dependents and avoids potential penalties. This article provides a clear step-by-step guide to transferring family visa sponsorship in the UAE, including required documents, eligibility criteria, and key government procedures.
- Understand When a Transfer is Required
A family visa transfer is usually needed when:
- The current sponsor changes employers and gets a new residence visa.
- The family wishes to shift sponsorship from one family member to another (e.g., from father to mother).
- A sponsor’s visa is canceled, and a new visa is being issued shortly after.
In such cases, the family members’ residency visas must be updated to reflect the new sponsorship to remain valid.
- Check Eligibility and Sponsorship Requirements
To sponsor family members in the UAE, the new sponsor must meet certain criteria:
- Have a valid UAE residence visa.
- Earn a minimum monthly salary (typically AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation).
- Hold a job in an eligible profession (most sectors are acceptable now due to relaxed rules).
- Be able to provide attested tenancy contract (Ejari) and DEWA bill under their name.
It’s important to note that both male and female residents can sponsor dependents, although there may be some profession- or income-specific conditions.
- Prepare the Required Documents
When transferring sponsorship, the following documents are typically required:
- New sponsor’s Emirates ID and valid residence visa
- Original and copy of dependents’ passports and visas
- Sponsor’s salary certificate or labor contract
- Attested tenancy contract and latest utility bill
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Birth certificates of children (attested)
- Passport-sized photos of dependents with white background
- Emirates ID application forms for dependents
- Visa cancellation paper from the previous sponsor (if applicable)
Ensure that all certificates are translated into Arabic and attested by relevant authorities (home country, UAE Embassy, and Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE).
- Visit the Amer or Tasheel Center for Application
Once all documents are in place:
- Visit an Amer (in Dubai) or Tasheel (in other Emirates) center to begin the visa transfer process.
- Submit the application form for visa transfer.
- Pay applicable government fees for visa processing and medical testing.
- Dependents will need to undergo a medical fitness test (if above 18 years).
- Upon approval, a new residence visa will be stamped on the dependent’s passport.
The process usually takes a few working days, depending on documentation completeness and Emirates’ jurisdiction.
Wrapping Up
Transferring a family visa sponsorship in the UAE is a structured but manageable process if approached systematically. Ensuring eligibility, gathering the correct documentation, and engaging with the appropriate immigration service centers (Amer/Tasheel) are crucial for a smooth transition. By staying informed and proactive, sponsors can safeguard their family’s legal residency status and avoid delays or fines. If in doubt, consulting a PRO service or legal advisor can help streamline the process even further.
