Relatives or friends residing in the UAE can sponsor UAE visa. The relative or friend can visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) under the Ministry of Interior located in each emirate to apply for it.
The following are the steps in applying visit visa for a family member:
- Visit any of the 50 Amer centers, a one-stop shop that allows residents to complete all visa and residency transactions under one roof. Many typing centres were already disabled to process visa applications. For the approved list of typing centers, you may refer to the list below. Note that it is subject for change.
• Take note that sponsors in the UAE may also apply through through the Ministry of Interior’s website-eServices section and the UAE-MOI app on smartphones.
• Visit residency departments and submit it, along with required documents to the visa section.
• Send a copy/original visa document to your relative and submit the original at the airport.
IMPORTANT THINGS SPONSORS MUST KNOW:
• Visit visas for immediate family members or relatives or friends can be obtained by a resident sponsor living in the UAE provided he earns the minimum stipulated salary.
• The short-term visit visas are valid for 30 days, while the long-term visas are valid for 90 days.
• These visas require the sponsor to keep a stipulated deposit fee with the immigration authorities. The deposit is refunded on showing proof of legitimate exit.
• The visa can be renewed against a stipulated fee.
• Once the visa is issued, your sponsor should give you a copy of your permit online and submit the original copy to the airport.
• You may collect the original permit upon arrival at the airport. Remember to bring the copy sent to you online by your friend or relative.
• This process might take few days. After the visa is issued, your sponsor should send you a copy of your permit through fax or email. He should submit the original permit to the airport.
• When you arrive at the airport, you can collect it from there. It is necessary for you to receive a copy of your entry permit before you leave your country.
Requirements for family member to be sponsored:
• Clear scanned passport copy (the bio page and the last page). Must have at least 6 months validity.
• Scanned colored passport-size photo. 4.3 x 5.5cm. White background. At least 80% of your face must be visible.
• Accomplished application form. It is usually the sponsor (travel agency, host) who does this.
Requirements for UAE sponsor (family member or friend):
• If you’re sponsored by someone in the UAE, they will also be asked for a copy of their Resident Visa and their Emirates ID (resident card).
• If you’re a parent traveling with a minor (18 years old and below), you must also submit a copy of birth certificate of the minor.
Source: Government.ae
