Dependant Visa UK (For Emiratis)
United Arab Emirates nationals need a UK visa if they’re coming to the UK for more than six months. If your family member has been settled in the UK for at least six months and holds a qualifying visa, you can apply for the UK Dependent Visa.
Total Law can assist you with a Dependent Visa application and help make the visa application process hassle-free. Contact Total Law by calling +44 (0)333 305 9375 or use our online chat.
Overview of the UK Dependent Visa
The UK Dependent Visa aims to reunite families and allow people living in the UK to bring close family members to live in the UK together.
If a family member residing in the UK is eligible to become your sponsor, they can bring you to the UK as their dependent. The Dependent Visa is available to United Arab Emirates nationals, fulfilling the required eligibility criteria.
Dependent Visa holders cannot claim benefits or work as doctors or dentists in training, professional sportspersons, or professional sports coaches. However, after living in the UK for five years, they can settle in the UK by applying for Indefinite Leave to Remain status.
Page Contents
- Overview of the UK Dependent Visa
- Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a UK Dependent Visa
- UK Dependant Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
- Other Dependent Visa Requirements UK
- Dependent Visa UK Documents
- How to Apply for a Dependent Visa to the UK from the UAE?
- Cost of the UK Dependent Visa
- Visa Appointment
- UK Dependent Visa Processing Time for United Arab Emirates Nationals
- UK Dependent Visa Validity Period and Renewal/Extending Options
- How Can Total Law Help?
- Frequently Asked Questions
Eligibility Criteria for Applying for a UK Dependent Visa
You can apply for a Dependent Visa as:
- Husband, wife, or civil partner
- Unmarried partner – living together in a relationship for at least two years
- Child under 18
- Child over 18 if they are currently depending on their parent(s) and residing in the UK
Visa Categories Eligible to Bring Dependents to the UK
Your partner, spouse or parent must hold a qualifying UK visa such as:
- Skilled Worker Visa
- Senior or Specialist Worker Visa
- Minister of Religion Visa
- International Sportsperson Visa
- Charity Worker Visa
- Creative and Sporting Visa
- Government Authorised Exchange Visa
- International Agreement Worker Visa
- Religious Worker Visa
- Innovator Founder Visa
- Global Talent Visa
- Start-Up Visa
- High Potential Individual (HPI) Visa
- Ancestry Visa
UK Dependant Visa Requirements for UAE Residents
You may be eligible for the UK Dependant Visa for UAE residents if you meet the following requirements:
Spouse or a Partner
- You and your partner or spouse are over the age of 18
- Demonstrate your genuine relationship with your spouse or partner
- If you have been in a relationship for at least two years but not married, you may be eligible for the Dependent Visa if you provide any of the following documents to show that you and your partner have been living together:
- Residential mortgage statements or tenancy agreements
- Bank statements, utility bills, or council tax
- Official letters or documents between you and your partner
Children
For a child under 18 to apply for the UK Dependent Visa, both parents must be in the UK or apply for entry clearance simultaneously. If one parent is in the UK, the other must apply for entry clearance to join them with the child.
Some children can apply as dependents of a sole parent. In this case, the parent must:
- Be the only surviving parent
- Have the sole responsibility for the child
- Present serious reasons to demonstrate that granting the child permission to stay in the UK is favourable
Children Over 18 or Born in the UK
Children over the age of 18 may be eligible to apply for a Dependent Visa if they meet the following requirements:
- They have been living in the UK on a different visa when they were under 18
- Are dependent on their parents and have not left home
Please note that children born in the UK are not required to apply for immigration permission unless they leave the UK and wish to re-enter.
Other Dependent Visa Requirements UK
One of the essential requirements for the Dependent Visa is to financially support yourself as a family while you stay in the UK. You must provide evidence supporting your application to show that you have enough money in savings and won’t rely on public funds.
You must have the money for 28 consecutive days, ending at most 31 days before the day of your application.
Please note that you do not need proof of funds if you have been staying in the UK on a valid visa for at least 12 months.
Dependent Visa UK Documents
When applying for a Dependent Visa, you will need to provide the following documents:
- Valid passport with three blank pages and any previous passports you may have
- Two recent colour passport photographs
- Marriage certificate, if applicable
- Evidence of a genuine relationship between you and the visa holder
- Birth or adoption certificate, if applicable
- Court order, if applicable
- Proof of income from the sponsor (income tax returns for the last three years) or bank statements from the last six months
- Evidence of accommodation
- Documents showing your English language proficiency – Academic certificates that were taught or researched in English or English language exam certificate at CEFR level 1 or above
How to Apply for a Dependent Visa to the UK from the UAE?
Emirati nationals can apply for the UK Dependent Visa from the United Arab Emirates or the UK. Many applicants seek assistance from immigration advisers to make the application process hassle-free and guarantee the highest chances of visa approval.
When applying for the Dependent Visa as an Emirati, you must do so online through the official UK Government website.
Gathering and preparing the required supporting documents for your application is important. If you still need to decide what documents to provide, contact Total Law advisers, who can help you with the process and ensure you have the required documents to prove your eligibility.
To discuss how our immigration lawyers can help you with your UK visa application, call +44 (0)333 305 9375 or contact us online.
Cost of the UK Dependent Visa
The UK Dependent visa fee is £1,938 per person if you apply from outside the UAE and £1,321 per person if you apply from the UK.
In addition to the application fee, you must pay the Immigration Healthcare Surcharge, which allows you to use NHS services. The Immigration Healthcare costs £776 per year for applicants under 18 and £1035 per year for all other visa applications.
The UAE offers UK Visa Priority Service for Emiratis looking to travel to the UK quickly or wanting a faster decision. The Priority Service significantly reduces the visa processing time for applicants who need to obtain their visa as soon as possible.
The Priority Service may not be available for all applicants, and you may wish to seek advice before opting for the fast-track service.
If you’re eligible, you can choose the Priority Service when you apply for a visa decision within five working days. This service costs an additional £500.
If you need a visa decision within one working day (if you apply on a weekday) or two working days (if you apply on the weekend or a bank holiday), you can choose the Super Priority Service when you apply. This service costs an additional £1000.
Visa Appointment
Once you have submitted your visa application, you will be prompted to book and attend visa appointments at your local visa application centre. In the United Arab Emirates, seven visa centres are available: Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Ain, Radisson Blu Abu Dhabi, Radisson Blu Ajman, Radisson Damac, Radisson Red DSO, and Sharjah PAC.
UK Dependent Visa Processing Time for United Arab Emirates Nationals
The processing time of the UK Dependent Visa depends on the type of visa the main applicant holds or applies for. It usually takes 24 weeks for UK Family Visas to be processed; however, depending on your circumstances, it can take longer for the UK Visas and Immigration to decide on your visa application.
Processing an applicant may be delayed if your submission is incomplete, information or supporting documents are missing, or the Home Office has a backlog of applications.
UK Dependent Visa Validity Period and Renewal/Extending Options
Your Dependent Visa or Spouse Visa UK validity period depends on the type of visa the main applicant holds. You can renew or extend your visa anytime before your current visa expires. The Dependent Visa is usually extended for two years and six months. The exact cost will depend on your situation.
How Can Total Law Help?
Joining your family in the UK is exciting. However, the visa application process can be complex and stressful for many applicants who want to come to the UK. Total Law immigration lawyers know this and offer reliable immigration advice to assist you during this process.
Total Law immigration advisers can assess your eligibility and help you with the visa application process. This includes gathering the correct supporting documents, guiding you through the process, and ensuring you meet the visa requirements to guarantee the highest chance of visa approval and minimise delays so you can join your family in the UK as soon as possible.
For more information about our services and how we can help your case, call +44 (0)333 305 9375 or chat with one of our advisers online.
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Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, if you’re already in the UK on a Dependent Visa and are eligible for a different visa, you can switch while in the UK.
If your visa application is refused or rejected, you may be able to rectify any errors and appeal the decision. If you are not eligible to appeal or decide not to appeal, you can re-apply by submitting a new application and paying the full application fee again.
