The General Directorate of Residence and Foreigners' Affairs has introduced a new rule in relation to obtaining and renewing UAE visa for family members, housemaids and drivers. Accordingly the sponsor is now required to prove his residency and address in the UAE by submission of an attested tenancy contract and utility bill to the Immigration department. This requirement only applies to residency visas and not visits visas.  The papers must be in the name of the sponsor and attested by the Municipality and the utility provider of the Emirate in which the sponsor is resident.

For your nearest Municipality center in Dubai please check the link: http://www.dm.gov.ae/DMEGOV/customer/dm-mp-dmcenters.

The typing centers are reluctant to accept applications and proceed with the same in the absence of such documents. The documents may, however, be taken for the required attestations and submission to the typing centers by anyone holding a valid authorization letter from the sponsor.