Don’t Get Sticker Shock! The True Cost of a Family Visa in Dubai

In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), there is a dazzling metropolis called Dubai which possesses luxurious lifestyle, magnificent skyscrapers and vibrant culture. No wonder it is one of the dreams of many expatriates to live and work in this fast moving city. But when you have a family it becomes difficult for you to reunite with your loved ones using a family visa. Don’t worry! You can however manage your finances well if you know the amount each aspect incurs so that you can have an efficient plan for meeting your dream of having a family reunion in Dubai.

Decoding Dubai’s Family Visa Fees: A Breakdown

The good thing here is that Dubai has a relatively easy family visa process. But let us look at each fee individually as there are numerous ones to consider:

• Visa Processing Fee: This charge paid to the Dubai Immigration Department is for administration costs during processing your application and it is currently fixed at AED 1100 (about USD $300) per person for each and every member of the family.
• Medical Test Fee: Any applicant over 18 years must do a medical fitness test which is compulsory. The cost will be around 350 Dirhams (approximately 95 Dollars).
• Emirates ID Fee: As soon as visa is approved, each family member will need an Emirates ID card which serves as their national identification card. The issuance payment is about 300 Dirhams ($82 approx.) per person.
• Typing Fee: It caters for typing done in different offices while applying for the visa. This service can be obtained by paying about AED 250 ($68 approximately).
• Medical Insurance: Although not specifically stated as such, health insurance is obligatory for all holders of a family visa in Dubai. However, depending on the chosen plan and provider, prices change and a budget between AED 500-1000 ($136-$272) annually per person should be allowed.

Additional Considerations:

• Visa Sponsorship: As the visa sponsor (normally a spouse or parent staying in Dubai), certain income thresholds must be met. These differ according to your employment status, but mostly stipulate a minimum monthly salary.
• Medical Report Translation: If your medical test report is not in English or Arabic, you will need to consider translation costs which range from AED 100 to AED 200 (about USD $27 to USD $54).
• Visa Typing Speed: It takes about 30 days for standard processing time of family visas. Nonetheless, expedited options are available at an extra cost.

Beyond the Fees: Hidden Costs to Consider

However, there exist quite a number of secret costs to think about when applying for a family Dubai visa, other than the above mentioned charges.

• Accommodation: Dubai parades a versatile assortment of domiciles though providing suitable accommodation for your family will keep on costing you. Verifying the cost of apartment rentals in the neighborhood of your choice is essential.
• Cost of Living: Despite the good life associated with this City, there are many hidden costs such as food, energy, and transportation. As such, you may need to do some research about how much it costs to live in Dubai before you establish your daily budget.
• Schooling: For parents with school-age children, they must consider the expense related to education. The majority of public schools in Dubai teach through Arabic language which makes many expatriates prefer private schools that are expensive.

Planning for a Smooth Family Reunion:

Considering the costs associated with each process, here are some hints to follow if you want a successful family visa cost Dubai experience:

• Start Planning Early: Collect documents needed, research yourself about medical tests as well as choose health insurance ahead of time.
• Meet Sponsorship Requirements: Confirm that the minimum income set by the immigration is equal to your annual salary.
• Compare Insurance Options: Shop around for health insurance plans that best fit your requirements and budget.
• Consider Long-Term Costs: Take into account monthly expenses like housing, cost of living and perhaps education expenses.
• Seek Professional Help: In case you feel overwhelmed by this process, seek assistance from an expert who deals in visas.

True Cost of Family: Priceless

However, besides the financial implications of this Dubai family visa application, what one can get out of it is more precious than money. Dubai is a unique place where families can live happily because it has a mixture of cultures, modern conveniences and many people from different countries live there.

You can make your family reunion in Dubai a reality by organizing your finances well and being aware of the associated visa fees. So don’t let sticker shock deter you, with proper budgeting and preparation, you can navigate the process and embrace the rewards of living in Dubai with your family.

Beyond the Basics: Additional Expenses to Consider

In addition to these basic costs incurred in relation to visa applications, having successful family reunions in Dubai requires provision for extra expenditure beyond those which were originally included. These have been illustrated below:

Flight Tickets: 

The excitement that comes with reuniting with loved ones may be shadowed by expensive flight prices. How much will it cost me to bring my family over to Dubai? Some factors include:

• Origin Country: The distance factor plays a huge role in determining how cheap or costly flights will be. Flights originating from Europe, North America or Asia are usually more expensive compared to those from other neighboring countries in the Middle East.
• Choosing an airline: The prices of various airlines vary. Budget airlines will be cost effective but they may have some limitations with regard to baggage allowance and in-flight services. Full service airlines on the other hand may be more expensive but they offer a comfortable flying experience.
• Travel Season: High flight prices normally coincide with peak tourist seasons in Dubai, which are usually winter months. Purchasing tickets well in advance, particularly during off-peak times, can result in significant savings.

Here’s a breakdown of some important expenses to consider:

Living Expense: 

Living in Dubai is costly because of the high quality of living there. However, if you know the rough amount required for your stay, it will help you plan better because even a city like Dubai has pockets that suit all budgets.

• Accommodation: There is a wide variety of dwellings available in this Emirate ranging from affordable apartments to lavish villas. In addition to location and size, other amenities are also factors that affect rent.
• Meal expenditures: Depending on your shopping preferences and dietary requirements, the price of groceries can vary. Local supermarkets offer a wider selection of affordable options, while imported goods or specialty stores will come at a premium.

Utilities: Electricity, water and internet costs should add up in your monthly bills. This depends on where you live and how much energy you consume each month, thus figures can change upwards or downwards accordingly.