The United Arab Emirates (UAE) is home to a large Filipino community, many of whom aspire to reunite with their families—even briefly—by sponsoring a visit visa for their children or parents.
Recent updates to UAE immigration policy have simplified the process, but there are still clear requirements and steps to follow. This article provides Filipinos in the UAE a detailed, up-to-date guide, addressing eligibility, application procedures, costs, documentation, and practical tips for a smooth and successful family visit.
1. Who Can Sponsor Family Members for a UAE Visit Visa?
As of 2025, Filipino expatriates legally residing in the UAE are eligible to sponsor visa applications for their parents or children to visit. The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residency visa, typically as an employee, professional, or business owner.
Who Can Be Sponsored:
- Biological or legally adopted children (usually up to a certain age unless dependent for health or education reasons)
- Both mother and father (usually together, though individual sponsorship is possible with justification)
Who is Not Typically Covered by This Process:
- Extended relatives (siblings, cousins) require higher minimum salaries and additional approvals
- Friends or unrelated individuals
2. Salary Requirements for Sponsoring Parents or Children
UAE authorities set minimum monthly salary requirements for Filipino (and other expatriate) sponsors. These thresholds ensure the sponsor has adequate financial means to support their visiting relatives.
- Some emirates or visa types allow substitution of salary with a combination of salary and company-provided housing.
- Salary is proven by a certificate from the employer (in Arabic) or an official employment contract.
3. Documents Required for Sponsoring Parents or Children
For the Sponsor (UAE Filipino resident):
- Passport (valid at least 6 months)
- Residency visa copy (valid UAE residence)
- Emirates ID (original and copy)
- Recent salary certificate from employer
- Tenancy contract (proof of accommodation, if required)
- Labour contract or similar proof of employment (for private sector workers)
- IBAN/bank statement (sometimes requested to prove financial capacity)
For the Applicant (Parent or Child):
- Passport copy (valid at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photographs (recent, color)
- Birth certificate (for children)/Marriage certificate (for parents); must be attested if non-English/Arabic
- Proof of relationship (official documents, e.g., birth certificate, family book, etc.)
- Health/travel insurance (mandatory for visit visa)
- Return air ticket (usually required for final visa stamping but not for initial application)
4. How to Apply: Step-by-Step Process
Step 1: Prepare and Authenticate Documents
Gather and attest all documents (birth/marriage certificates may need to be attested by the Philippine DFA and UAE Embassy before use).
Step 2: Apply Online or via Authorized Center
- Log in to UAE’s official smart services portal (e.g., ICP, GDRFA Dubai) or visit an AMER center or Customer Happiness Center.
- Search for the “Family Visit Visa” or “Relative Visit Visa” application form.
- Fill in the required information for both sponsor and applicant.
Step 3: Upload Documents
Attach scanned copies of all required documents.
Include color photos, passport, proof of relationship, and sponsor’s salary certificate.
Step 4: Pay Visa Fees and Security Deposits
- Visa fees (2025): 30 days: ~AED 200-250, 60 days: ~AED 300, 90 days: ~AED 400 (plus VAT).
- Security deposit: AED 1,000 (refundable upon visitor’s exit), plus small service/collection fees.
- Health insurance (mandatory): AED 40-90, depending on visa duration.
Step 5: Await Approval and Receive e-Visa
Average processing time is 2–7 working days. The approved visa is sent by email; print a copy to send to your family member.
Step 6: Support Your Family’s Arrival
Your parent or child presents the visit visa and a copy of their return air ticket at check-in and UAE immigration. Upon entry, remind them to keep all documents handy.
5. Visa Validity, Extensions, and Conditions
- Visit visas are now available for 30, 60, or 90 days (single or multiple entry), offering greater flexibility.
- Extensions are possible for a fee, but the total visit stay cannot exceed 180 days in a year under most circumstances.
- Overstaying can lead to heavy fines, so it’s critical to track visa validity closely.
6. Additional Considerations for Parents
When sponsoring both parents, UAE authorities prefer they travel together. If only one parent is present, provide official justification (e.g., death certificate, divorce, or proof of sole custody).
Dependent elderly parents may qualify for repeated or longer visit stays, but this often requires extra documentation and justification.
7. Key Tips for Filipino Sponsors
- Start early. Document attestation from the Philippines can take several weeks.
- Submit proof of relationship. Birth certificates, family books, or affidavits must be clear and, if possible, translated into English or Arabic.
- Prepare for deposits and fees. Most fees are paid by card during application or at the center.
- Insurance is compulsory. The UAE requires all visa applicants to have medical/travel insurance for the entire stay.
- Maintain clean immigration records. Previous visa overstays by relatives can negatively impact future applications.
- Use official portals. Apply only through authorized channels (ICP, GDRFA, AMER, or Customer Happiness Centers) to avoid scams.
8. Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I sponsor my parents even if both are retired in the Philippines?
A: Yes, as long as you meet the salary, accommodation, and documentation requirements, retirement status of parents is not an obstacle.
Q: How soon should I begin the application process?
A: Start preparations at least two months before the intended visit, as attestation and application processing may take several weeks.
Q: Is a return ticket required for the visa?
A: Most applications do not require a return ticket for approval, but airlines and UAE immigration will typically require one before boarding.
Q: What happens if my family member overstays?
A: Overstaying incurs daily fines and can affect future visa applications. Ensure they leave before their visa expires.
Q: Can I extend my parents’ visit beyond 90 days?
A: Yes, but total stay in one calendar year must not exceed 180 days, and extensions require additional fees and approval.
9. Conclusion
Sponsoring a visit for parents or children is one of the most rewarding aspects of being a Filipino expatriate in the UAE. In 2025, the process is more straightforward and transparent, with greater flexibility in visa durations and more accessible digital application systems.
By understanding and preparing for the salary requirements, documentation, and application steps outlined above, Filipinos in the UAE can confidently bring their loved ones for cherished family reunions—while ensuring a smooth and lawful visit, every time.