Guide to sponsoring your family as a student in the UAE
Last year in January 2021, the UAE Cabinet passed a resolution to facilitate the students studying in the UAE’s universities. As per the resolution, expat students are now eligible to sponsor their families. This enables students to pursue their dream of acquiring higher education while still being connected to their loved ones. Read on to find everything about sponsoring your family members in the UAE as a student.
Please note that some details have not been announced with regards to students sponsoring their families in the UAE. We’ll update this article as and when new announcements are made by the UAE government.
SPONSORING YOUR FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE UAE AS A STUDENT: ABOUT FAMILY SPONSORSHIP IN THE UAE
As per the UAE approved residency and visa rules, expatriate students can sponsor their families while studying in the universities, given that they have the financial means to do so.
The idea to grant a family sponsorship right to students was presented by a council of ministers at a cabinet meeting around 2021. After a brief discussion, it was subsequently approved by the Vice President and Ruler of Dubai, His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum.
REQUIREMENTS OF SPONSORING FAMILY IN THE UAE AS A STUDENT
While the requirements are similar to that of general requisites to sponsoring your family in the UAE, students must have affordable housing to invite their parents or other dependents to the country. You can refer to our guide to learn about family visa cost in Dubai.
HOW DOES THIS POLICY IMPACT FOREIGN STUDENTS IN THE UAE?
According to the His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum,
“The UAE has become a regional educational hub with more than 77 universities and tens of thousands of students annually.”
The updated visa and residency rules are a welcome reprieve for expat students who are married or have dependents.
The families can live with students for the duration of their courses, as long as they can show they have the necessary financial means to support their needs during their time in the UAE.
WHAT WILL BE THE IMPACT OF THIS RESIDENCY POLICY IN THE UAE?
Many experts say that family support is essential during the earlier stages of education. It helps an individual to adapt more easily to the new environs of a learning institute.
The initiative aims to make life easier for students in the UAE so they can encourage more global talent in the country. This will eventually pave way for entrepreneurial ventures and contribute to the local economy.
FAQs ABOUT STUDENTS SPONSORING FAMILY MEMBERS IN THE UAE
HOW DOES THE STUDENT VISA WORK IN THE COUNTRY?
- The UAE issues student visas to expatriate students who are over the age of 18.
- Students are either sponsored by a parent or the university that they initially apply for.
- Students can also apply for the UAE golden visa that allows five- or ten-year-long residency in the country.
WHAT ARE THE CRITERIA TO SPONSOR YOUR FAMILY IN DUBAI AS A STUDENT?
As per the UAE government’s official website, students must have affordable housing to be able to do so. Further requirements have not been announced yet.
WHO CAN SPONSOR FAMILY IN THE UAE?
Both entrepreneurs or employers with valid residency visas can sponsor their family members in the UAE.
HOW MUCH SALARY IS REQUIRED TO SPONSOR A FAMILY IN DUBAI?
The minimum salary to sponsor your family in Dubai is AED 4k or AED 3,000 with accommodation.
That’s all we have for you now. We hope our guide on a family-sponsored visa for students will help you invite your loved ones to the UAE without any inconvenience.
If you need any further guidance, feel free to submit your queries in the comments section. You can also read up on life as an international student in Dubai or check out our guide on moving to Dubai to make the transition easier for yourself and your loved ones.
