A prominent legal status is accorded to the UAE Family Book, which is an integral part of the nation’s family registration system. The document streamlines various administrative governmental processes and confirms the social status and relations of individual citizens in the country as well as functions as a comprehensive repository of essential family details.
What is the UAE Family Book?
The Family Book, as its name implies, is a comprehensive record containing vital information about UAE citizens’ families. Typically, this document includes information about the family’s head, including their name, nationality, ID number, and information about their spouse(s) and children.
It serves as a form of identification in a number of legal and administrative processes, including marriage, inheritance, and government services.
UAE Family Book Requirements
The process of obtaining a Family Book in the UAE may vary depending on individual circumstances and the purpose for which it is being applied. Below are the specific requirements categorized based on different situations:
Marriage:
- Personal Photos: Recent personal photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm) of both the applicant and their spouse.
- Educational Qualifications: Documentation of the highest educational qualification attained by both spouses.
- Employment Verification: A “To Whom It May Concern” certificate issued by the employer of both spouses.
- Marriage Contract: Official documentation of the marriage contract.
- Passport Copies: Copies of the passports of both the citizen spouse and the foreign spouse.
- Birth Certificates: Copies of the birth certificates of both spouses.
Additional Requirements:
- If the marriage occurred outside the UAE, the marriage contract must be duly certified, and evidence of the marriage’s continuation within the UAE must be provided.
- If more than a year has elapsed since the marriage contract, proof of the marriage’s continuity must be submitted.
- If a citizen intends to include a foreign spouse, both spouses must be present at the service center.
- In cases of unemployment, a declaration from the Sharia Court is required.
- If the citizen spouse is a member of the armed forces, a letter of no objection to marrying a foreign spouse is necessary.
Widowhood:
- Personal Photos: Recent personal photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm) of the widow.
- Employment Verification: A “To Whom It May Concern” certificate from the widow’s employer.
- Documentation of Widowhood: Statement of separation from the Sharia Court confirming widowhood.
- Special Consideration: A new Family Book is issued for the widow if she does not have any children registered under her deceased husband’s family book.
Divorce:
- Personal Photos: Recent personal photos (4.5 x 3.5 cm) of the divorced individuals.
- Employment Verification: A “To Whom It May Concern” certificate from the employer of both the divorced parties.
- Divorce Certificate: Official documentation of the divorce certificate.
- Acknowledgment of Non-Marriage: Statement from the Sharia Court confirming non-marriage after divorce for the divorced woman.
Registration Separation for Those Over 30:
- Educational Qualifications: Documentation of scientific qualifications.
- Employment Verification: A “To Whom It May Concern” certificate from the employer.
- Legal Documentation: Acknowledgment of a case from the Sharia Court, not older than 3 months.
- Birth Certificate: Copy of the birth certificate.
These requirements ensure the smooth processing of Family Book applications in the UAE, providing citizens with essential documentation for legal and administrative purposes.
UAE Family Book Photo Requirements
When submitting photos for your family book application, it’s crucial to ensure they meet specific criteria to facilitate easy identification. Here are the detailed specifications for family book photos:
- Size: Family book photos are 35×45 mm, providing ample space for clear identification.
- Color and Quality: Photos must be colored and high quality. They should not be blurred, pixelated, or distorted to ensure clarity.
- Freshness: The submitted photo should not be older than six months, representing your current appearance.
- Background: The photo background should be plain and light, devoid of shadows or extraneous objects. This ensures that you remain the focal point of the image.
- Head Position: Your head must be positioned straight, and your eyes should look directly into the camera, ensuring visibility and clarity.
- Facial Visibility: Your entire head must be visible in the photo, with no facial features obscured. This ensures easy recognition and identification.
- Glasses and Headwear: While glasses are allowed in the photo, they should not obscure your eyes, and there should be no glare reflecting from them. Headwear is not permitted for religious purposes.
- Clothing: Ensure that your clothing contrasts with the background, aiding clear delineation and identification.
How to Apply For Family Book in UAE?
Follow the steps below to apply for the Family Book UAE based on your location:
For Dubai
Dubai residents can apply online for the Family Book through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) website by following the steps below:
- Visit the GDRFA official website
- Log in with your UAE Pass or username to access smart services.
- Please provide the reason for your application for a Family Book.
- Fill out the application form
- Pay the application fee.
- Submit your application.
- Once your request is processed and your Family Book is ready, you will receive a notification to collect it.
Alternatively, if you prefer to obtain your Family Book through a Customer Happiness Center:
- Visit your nearest Customer Happiness Center.
- Obtain your turn ticket and wait for your turn.
- Apply with all the necessary documents and meet the conditions for a Family Book.
- Pay the applicable service fee.
For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah
You can apply for the UAE Family Book through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website by following the steps below:
- Visit the ICP official website
- Use the UAE Pass or ICP to register and login.
- Choose the Family Book service and the reason.
- Submit the application and pay the fees.
- You will receive notification of the electronic Family Book issuance.
How to Modify UAE Family Book Data?
Modify your family book data using Smart Services or the UAEICP Smart App.
- Sign up for Smart Services or log in if you already have one.
- Choose the Family Book services.
- Pay the fees and complete the application form.
- Once your family book is updated, you’ll be notified.
Make sure your application is accurate and valid to avoid delays. Ensure that the ID number, expiration date, and other vital details such as phone number, email address, and preferred delivery method are correct when applying for renewal or replacement.
UAE Family book Fees
Family Books in the UAE cost:
- New family books – AED 50 plus VAT (5%)
- Collected as the application fee for the statistical statement – AED 25
- Electronic services fee – AED 50
UAE Family Book For Expats
The UAE family book contains all the relevant financial and other information about citizens and residents and their families. The policy applies to both citizens and expats living in the country.
UAE Passport Without Family Book
In recent years, the UAE government has implemented various initiatives to modernize its legal and administrative processes.
As part of this modernization drive, certain requirements, such as the need for a family book, have been revised or eliminated. This is aiming to streamline procedures and attract foreign talent and investment.
Individuals in the UAE who do not have a family book can still apply for and obtain a UAE passport. The absence of a family book does not hinder citizenship or residency status, provided all other legal requirements are met.
This development signifies a significant shift in the UAE’s approach towards inclusivity and diversity. This allows individuals from diverse backgrounds to fully integrate into society without unnecessary bureaucratic hurdles.
Electronic Family Book UAE
As a rule, family records in the UAE were stored in physical documents, often leading to complex processes and logistical challenges. However, with the advent of electronic systems, the concept of an Electronic Family Book emerged as a streamlined solution. Essentially, an Electronic Family Book serves as a digital repository of vital family information, accessible through secure online platforms.
UAE Family Book Meaning
As its name implies, the Family Book contains vital information about the families of UAE citizens. Typically, this document contains information about the family’s head, including their name, nationality, ID number, and information about their spouse(s) and children.
Who Needs a UAE Family Book?
Any individual residing in the UAE who is married or has children should possess a family book. This includes both Emirati citizens and expatriate residents. It is especially important for those who intend to settle in the UAE long-term or have family members dependent on them.
FAQs About UAE Family book
What is a family book in the UAE?
As part of the UAE legal system, a family book serves as an official record of a family unit. Documents usually include information about parents, children, and their marital status. Obtaining certain benefits, enrolling children in school, or applying for government services may require this record.
What’s the meaning of family book?
Citizenship with all rights and obligations means having a family book. According to UAE law, a passport is not a citizenship document. You can travel and stay in the country with a passport. However, without a family book, you are not eligible for state benefits, such as jobs, financial assistance, etc.
What is the purpose of a family book?
The register records the relationship between parents and children, births, adoptions, deaths, separations, divorces, and much more.
Conclusion
The UAE Family Book holds a prominent legal status, serving as a vital component of the nation’s family registration system. It simplifies administrative processes, confirming citizens’ social status and relations, while also acting as a comprehensive repository of essential family details.
