The UAE’s Golden Visa program is a special opportunity designed to bring skilled workers, business owners, and their families to live and work in the country. A major benefit of this visa is that it lets you bring your dependents (like children or spouse) with you, giving them long-term residency in the UAE. This article will explain how to apply for the Golden Visa for your dependents, including the steps, rules, and advantages.
What is the UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa that gives a 5 or 10-year residence permit to skilled workers, investors, students, and business owners. Unlike regular work visas or residency permits, the Golden Visa offers more freedom in working, owning a business, and living in the UAE for a long time. It’s meant to attract people who can help the UAE grow in areas like business, culture, and technology.
One great thing about the Golden Visa is that it also covers the family members of the main visa holder. This means that spouses, children, and sometimes even parents or close relatives can join the application and enjoy long-term residency in the UAE.
Who is Eligible to Apply for a Golden Visa?
Before we discuss the process for dependents, it’s important to understand who is eligible for the UAE Golden Visa. The main applicant, who will sponsor their dependents, must meet one of the following categories:
- Investors and Entrepreneurs: Individuals who have invested in the UAE economy by starting businesses or buying real estate.
- Highly Skilled Professionals: Those who are in demand in fields like science, medicine, technology, and education.
- Outstanding Students: High-achieving students from recognized institutions.
- Researchers and Scientists: Individuals working in fields related to innovation, technology, and research.
- Doctors and Medical Staff: Professionals working in the medical field, particularly those specializing in high-demand areas.
Once the primary applicant qualifies for the Golden Visa, they can apply to include their dependents under the same residency status.
Who Can Be Considered a Dependent?
In the context of the UAE Golden Visa, dependents include the following:
- Spouse: The husband or wife of the Golden Visa holder.
- Children: Biological or adopted children of the Golden Visa holder, typically up to the age of 18 (or up to 21 in some cases, if they are still studying).
- Parents: In some cases, parents of the primary visa holder can also be included if they are financially dependent on the applicant.
- Siblings: In specific circumstances, siblings of the main visa holder may be considered as dependents.
It’s important to note that the dependents must meet certain eligibility requirements, and each family member’s status may be subject to approval based on their relationship with the main visa holder.
Step-By-Step Process To Apply For The Golden Visa For Dependents:
Here is a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a Golden Visa for your dependents in the UAE:
Step 1: Ensure Eligibility for the Golden Visa
Before applying for your dependents, you must first ensure that you (the primary visa holder) are eligible for the Golden Visa. You must meet one of the eligible categories, such as being an investor, entrepreneur, highly skilled professional, or other qualifying individuals.
Once you have successfully secured your own Golden Visa, you can move ahead with the application for your dependents.
Step 2: Prepare Required Documents
To apply for a Golden Visa for dependents, certain documents are required. These include:
- Copy of your Golden Visa: Proof that you are the primary visa holder.
- Passport Copies: Copies of passports for each dependent (spouse, children, parents).
- Marriage Certificate: For spouses, a legal marriage certificate must be provided.
- Birth Certificates: For children, their birth certificates are required to prove the relationship.
- Proof of Financial Support: For parents or other dependent relatives, proof that you are financially supporting them may be necessary.
- Health Insurance: Health insurance coverage for your dependents may also be needed, especially for medical staff or senior dependents.
- Educational Documents: If applying for children or students, proof of enrollment in an accredited school or university may be required.
All documents must be translated into Arabic or English, as per the UAE’s regulations, and authenticated as needed.
Step 3: Apply through the Official Channels
Applications for the Golden Visa for dependents can be submitted through the UAE’s official channels. These channels include:
- UAE Immigration Website: The official government portal for visa applications.
- Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA): If applying through Dubai.
- Other Emirates’ Immigration Offices: Depending on where the main visa holder is based in the UAE, applications may need to be submitted to the relevant emirate’s immigration office.
The application process for dependents typically involves filling out an online form and uploading the necessary documents. After the initial submission, there may be a processing time for each dependent’s visa application.
Step 4: Pay the Application Fees
There are application fees associated with the Golden Visa for both the primary applicant and their dependents. These fees can vary depending on the number of dependents and the length of the visa. Payments can usually be made online through the official government portals.
Step 5: Await Approval
Once the application is submitted, it will undergo a review process by the UAE immigration authorities. The authorities will assess the eligibility of your dependents and verify the submitted documents. The processing time for dependents may take a few weeks, depending on the complexity of the application.
Step 6: Receive Your Golden Visa
Once the application is approved, the dependents will be issued their Golden Visas. This can include the actual visa document, which will be valid for the same duration as the primary applicant’s Golden Visa (typically 5 to 10 years). The dependents can then proceed with finalizing their residency in the UAE.
Benefits of the Golden Visa for Dependents – Don’t Miss This!
The Golden Visa for dependents offers several advantages, including:
- Long-Term Residency: Dependents can enjoy long-term residence in the UAE for up to 10 years.
- Access to Healthcare and Education: Dependents can access healthcare services and are entitled to study in top schools and universities in the UAE.
- Employment Opportunities: Dependent spouses are allowed to work in the UAE, unlike other visa types where spouses are typically not permitted to work.
- Stability and Security: The Golden Visa provides long-term stability and security for families, as it is renewable and not tied to the employer.
FAQ:
1. Can my children over 18 still apply for the Golden Visa?
Yes, if your children are over 18 but still studying full-time, they can still apply for the Golden Visa. Generally, children can stay under the visa until they are 21 if they are in school.
2. Do I need to apply for a separate Golden Visa for each dependent?
No, you can apply for your dependents all at once in one application, as long as they meet the requirements. However, each dependent will need to submit their own documents, like proof of identity and family connection.
3. What happens if my dependent’s Golden Visa expires?
If your dependent’s Golden Visa expires, they will need to renew it before it lapses. The renewal process is similar to the initial application, and you will need to submit updated documents and pay the required fees to extend their residency.
Conclusion:
The UAE Golden Visa program offers a valuable opportunity for individuals to secure long-term residency in the UAE, along with their dependents. The application process is straightforward but requires careful preparation of documents and submission through the official channels.
Once granted, dependents can enjoy the many benefits of long-term residency, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities. Make sure to consult with the relevant authorities or legal experts to ensure a smooth application process for your family members.
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