As a Green Visa holder, you have the opportunity to sponsor your first-degree relatives in the UAE. The Green Visa, also known as the Green Residency, is a self-sponsored five-year residency permit available to freelancers, skilled employees, and investors and partners in businesses throughout the UAE.
If you are a skilled worker with a Green Visa issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, you can apply for your family’s UAE residence visa through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security (ICP). This process allows your loved ones to join you in the UAE and enjoy all the benefits of living in this vibrant and exciting country.
By sponsoring your family’s residence visa, you can provide them with the opportunity to experience the unique culture, stunning landscapes, and endless opportunities that the UAE has to offer. Whether you are a freelancer, skilled employee, or investor, the Green Visa is an excellent option for those looking to establish themselves in the UAE and build a better future for themselves and their families.
How can one apply for a visa?
There are three ways to apply for a visa:
- You can apply through the ICP Smart Services website at smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
- You can also use the ICP mobile app, called ‘UAEICP’, which is available for both Apple and Android devices.
- Another option is to visit an authorized typing center approved by ICP. You can find a list of these centers in each Emirate by visiting this link: https://icp.gov.ae/en/typing-offices/.
Applying for a visa can be a daunting task, but with these three channels, the process has been made easier and more accessible. Whether you prefer to apply online through the ICP Smart Services website, use the convenient mobile app, or visit an authorized typing center, there is an option that suits your needs. So, take advantage of these channels and apply for your visa.
Documents required
To sponsor their family members, Green Visa holders must submit several important documents. These include the original entry permit of each family member, a valid passport copy, a copy of the family members’ medical fitness test results, a colored passport-sized photograph, a copy of the sponsor’s health insurance card, and a front and back copy of the sponsor’s Emirates ID. Additionally, the sponsor must provide a valid passport copy and proof of relationship documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate.
It’s important to note that if any of these documents are issued by a foreign government, they must be legally translated into Arabic and attested by the UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC), as per ICP regulations.
How to apply for the visa online:
If you’re looking to sponsor your family’s UAE residence visa, the ICP Smart Services platform is the way to go. To get started, simply visit this link: https://smartservices.icp.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/login and follow the steps below:
- Login using your UAE Pass or through an ICP online account if you already have one.
- Once you’re logged in, you’ll be taken to a personal dashboard on the app.
- Click on the ICP department in your Emirate, such as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in Abu Dhabi or Sharjah.
- Search for the ‘Green Residency Visa for Skilled Person Family Members – Issue’ in the search bar. The visa application will appear below.
- Click on ‘Start Service.’
- Fill out the application and upload the required documents.
- Pay the service fee using a credit or debit card.
Once you’ve made the payment, ICP will confirm that your application has been submitted. It typically takes two to five business days for a residency visa to be issued once approved. You’ll receive a digital version of the residency permit at the email address you provided in the application form.
Sponsoring your family’s UAE residence visa has never been easier thanks to the ICP Smart Services platform. Follow these simple steps and you’ll have your visa in no time.
How much does the visa cost?
According to the International Coordinating Platform (ICP), the ultimate cost of the visa will vary based on the specifics of the application, and the sponsor will be required to provide a security deposit. To provide a rough estimate, the ICP has provided the following cost breakdown:
- Request fees: Dh100
- Issue fees: Dh100
- E-services fees: Dh28
- ICP fees: Dh22
- Smart services fee: Dh100
Total cost – Dh350
The aforementioned cost solely pertains to the issuance of the residence permit. However, it is imperative to note that in addition to this process, you will also be obligated to apply for the Emirates ID, which will require a separate payment. Furthermore, individuals who are above the age of 18 must undergo a medical fitness test. This test is also an additional expense that must be covered.
Also Read: The UAE visa process: How freelancers can apply for a five-year Green Visa through ICP