The UAE is home to a vibrant expatriate community, and many people come to the country with their families in tow. One of the most common ways expatriates bring their families to the UAE is through a family visa, which allows them to sponsor their spouses, children, and in some cases, their parents or domestic helpers.
However, what happens if an expatriate decides to change employers while they are in the UAE? The good news is that it is possible to transfer your family visa to a new employer. While this process can seem complicated, understanding the steps involved will ensure a smooth and efficient transition. Below, we’ll guide you through the necessary steps to transfer your family visa to a new employer in the UAE.
Family Visa Transfer Process
In the UAE, the family visa is tied to the primary visa holder—the sponsor (typically the father or husband). If the sponsor changes employers, they are still the legal sponsor of their family members. However, when the sponsor moves to a new employer, the family visa needs to be transferred or amended to reflect the sponsor’s new employment status. This process involves several steps, including applying for a new residency permit for the sponsor, updating the sponsor’s details with the UAE authorities, and adjusting the family members’ visa status accordingly.
Check Eligibility for Visa Transfer
Before initiating the transfer, the first thing to do is ensure that the new employer is eligible to sponsor your family. In the UAE, sponsorship eligibility is based on the salary and employment status of the sponsor. Typically, a sponsor must have a minimum monthly salary, which can vary depending on the emirate, to be eligible to sponsor their family.
For example:
- To sponsor a spouse, the sponsor usually needs a salary of at least AED 4,000-5,000 per month, depending on the emirate.
- To sponsor children, the salary requirements may be lower, but the sponsor still needs to meet the threshold set by the UAE government.
Additionally, you should confirm with your new employer if they are willing to continue sponsoring your family visa or if the visa transfer will need to be done independently by you.
Complete the Sponsor’s Employment and Residency Process
When you switch employers, the first step is to complete the residency and labor formalities with your new employer. This includes:
- Canceling your old visa: Your old employer needs to cancel your current employment visa before you can apply for a new one. You will need to obtain a cancellation certificate from your previous employer.
- Apply for a new employment visa: Once your old visa is canceled, your new employer will apply for a work visa and labor card in your name. This can typically take a few weeks to process, and you will need to provide various documents, including your passport, photographs, and a copy of your employment contract with the new employer.
Once the new employment visa is approved, you will have the legal status to sponsor your family members under the new visa.
Update Family Visa Details
After obtaining your new residency status, you can proceed to update the details of your family members’ visas. The steps for transferring a family visa to a new employer are as follows:
- Cancel the Existing Family Visa: Before transferring the family visa, you will need to cancel the existing visa associated with your old employer. This involves submitting documents such as your family members’ passports, original residency permits, and your cancellation certificate from your previous employer.
- Submit the Required Documents: You will then need to submit an application to the UAE’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the relevant immigration department in the emirate where you reside. You’ll need to provide documentation like:
- Your new employment contract
- Proof of your updated salary (a salary certificate from your new employer)
- Your family’s original passports and existing visas
- Your valid Emirates ID (if applicable)
- Apply for New Residency Permits for Family Members: Once the cancellation process is complete, you will apply for new residency permits for your family members. This will involve the medical tests for your family members (if required), as well as any health insurance documentation. You will also need to update their Emirates IDs.
- Pay the Necessary Fees: The process of transferring and renewing family visas often involves administrative fees. Fees vary depending on the emirate and the type of visa being processed, but typically, you can expect costs for visa cancellation, new residency permits, and medical exams.
Complete Medical and Emirates ID Procedures
Once the new family visas are approved, your family members will need to undergo medical testing, if required. This is generally required for all expatriates entering or remaining in the UAE. Additionally, you’ll need to apply for new Emirates IDs for your family members, as their previous IDs will be canceled with the old visa.
Once the medical exams are cleared and the Emirates IDs are processed, your family will receive their new residency permits and identification documents, making them officially registered under your new employer’s sponsorship.
6. Final Steps
Once your family visa transfer is complete, make sure to:
- Ensure all documents are updated: Double-check that all necessary documents, including your family’s residency permits, medical certificates, and Emirates IDs, are correct and up-to-date.
- Stay informed: Keep an eye on any changes to immigration laws in the UAE, as these regulations can change periodically. Stay in touch with your employer and the immigration authorities to make sure you’re complying with the latest requirements.
Conclusion
Transferring your family visa to a new employer in the UAE is entirely possible, but it requires careful planning and attention to detail. By ensuring your eligibility with the new employer and completing the necessary employment visa process, you can ensure a smooth transition. If you’re unsure about the specific requirements or need assistance with the family visa transfer, it’s highly recommended to consult with Insight 360 Corporate Consultants. Our experts can guide you through the process, helping you avoid delays or complications.
With proper preparation and expert guidance from Insight 360, transferring your family visa to a new employer in the UAE is a manageable and seamless process, ensuring your family can continue to live with you without any disruption.