The UAE Residence Visa for Spouse allows expatriate residents to legally sponsor their husband or wife, enabling families to live together in the Emirates. This visa not only ensures legal residency for the spouse but also opens access to essential services like healthcare, banking, and employment (with proper work permits).
To sponsor a spouse, the resident must meet specific income requirements, typically earning a minimum of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 with accommodation. The process involves submitting a valid attested marriage certificate, salary proof, Ejari tenancy contract, and undergoing medical tests and Emirates ID registration.
The visa is generally valid for 2 to 3 years, depending on whether the sponsor is employed or self-employed, with golden visa holders eligible for longer terms. Costs range from AED 2,000 to AED 3,500, including all application, medical, and stamping fees.
Spouses can work in the UAE only after securing a valid work permit. Violations of this or staying outside the UAE for more than six months may lead to visa cancellation. Common reasons for rejection include unattested documents, insufficient salary, or missing paperwork.
Overall, this visa is essential for families seeking a stable life in the UAE. For smooth processing and to avoid delays or errors, many residents choose to work with business setup consultants who handle visa filing, translations, and approvals professionally.
What is a UAE Residence Visa for Spouse?
The UAE Residence Visa for Spouse is a permit that allows expatriate residents to legally sponsor their husband or wife to live with them in the United Arab Emirates. It helps families stay together and provides legal residency for spouses, enabling them to access healthcare, banking services, and employment opportunities. Whether you’re a working professional or a business owner in the UAE, bringing your spouse on a residence visa is not just a benefit—it’s an essential part of long-term family life in the Emirates.
Overview of the Spouse Sponsorship Visa
The spouse sponsorship visa in UAE is part of the UAE’s family visa system. It is issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and sponsored by the resident spouse who holds a valid work, investor, or freelance visa. The visa can be issued for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type and emirate of residence.
Why This Visa is Important for Families
For many expatriates, Dubai and other UAE cities are long-term homes. A UAE spouse visa allows couples to live under one roof, build a future, and enjoy social security in the country. It also supports mental wellbeing, emotional bonding, and reduces long-distance marital challenges—especially for working professionals who relocate here for long durations.
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in the UAE?
Not everyone in the UAE is eligible to sponsor a spouse. The sponsor must meet certain criteria, including visa status, profession, and minimum salary threshold. These rules ensure financial stability and responsible sponsorship.
Eligibility Criteria for the Sponsor
To apply for a UAE residence visa for spouse, the sponsor must:
- Hold a valid UAE residency visa (employment, investor, freelancer, or golden visa)
- Be residing in the UAE at the time of application
- Have valid accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract in the sponsor’s name)
- Submit proof of marital relationship (attested marriage certificate)
Minimum Salary Requirement for Sponsorship
The minimum salary to sponsor a spouse in UAE is:
- AED 4,000 per month without accommodation
- AED 3,000 per month with company-provided housing
Note: Some professions or emirates may require higher income for added dependents or to ensure financial ability to support the family.
Documents Required for UAE Spouse Visa
Proper documentation is key to getting a spouse visa approved in UAE. All papers must be complete, current, and—if issued abroad—properly attested.
List of Documents for the Sponsor
- Copy of sponsor’s passport and residence visa page
- Emirates ID of the sponsor
- Salary certificate or labor contract (if employed)
- Tenancy contract (Ejari) or proof of housing
- Latest utility bill as proof of residence
List of Documents for the Spouse
- Copy of spouse’s passport
- Passport-size photographs (white background)
- Marriage certificate (attested by UAE Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
- Entry permit (if already in UAE)
- Medical fitness certificate (after testing)
Translation and Attestation Requirements
If the marriage certificate is issued outside the UAE:
- Must be translated into Arabic
- Attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country
- Attested by the UAE Embassy abroad and again by MOFA UAE
This proves the legitimacy of the relationship under UAE law.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for UAE Spouse Visa
The process involves several stages, each requiring official paperwork and approvals from different authorities. Here is a clear breakdown:
Step 1: Get Entry Permit
If the spouse is outside the UAE:
- Apply for a family entry permit
- This is a temporary visa valid for 60 days
- Allows the spouse to enter and start the visa process
If already inside the UAE:
- Apply for status adjustment
Step 2: Complete Medical Test
After entry or status change:
- Spouse must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized center
- Includes blood test and chest X-ray
- Results are uploaded to the system automatically
Step 3: Apply for Emirates ID
- Submit biometrics (fingerprints and photo)
- Attach documents to Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP)
- Emirates ID will be issued once visa stamping is complete
Step 4: Submit Residence Visa Application
- Upload all required documents via typing centers or online portals
- Submit to GDRFA for visa processing
- Receive approval and e-visa within days
Step 5: Visa Stamping on Passport
Once approved:
- Passport is submitted to immigration
- Residence visa is stamped onto the passport
- Emirates ID gets activated automatically
Processing time: 5 to 10 working days (can vary)
How Long is the UAE Spouse Visa Valid?
The UAE spouse visa is typically valid for 2 or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type. Employment visa holders usually get 2 years, while investors may receive 3 years. The visa must be renewed before expiry, and renewal requires a medical test, Emirates ID update, and visa stamping.
Visa Duration Based on Sponsor Type
- 2 years: If sponsor holds an employment visa
- 3 years: If sponsor is a business owner or investor
- 10 years: If sponsor has a UAE Golden Visa
Always check validity before planning renewals or exits from UAE.
Renewal Process and Timelines
- Renewal must be started 30 days before expiry
- Repeat medical test and Emirates ID update
- No need for new entry permit if spouse is already in the UAE
Renewal is usually faster and smoother than the first-time application.
Cost of UAE Spouse Visa
The cost of a UAE spouse visa ranges between AED 2,000 to AED 3,500, depending on the visa duration and emirate. Fees include entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, and typing services. Optional express or VIP services may increase the total cost slightly but speed up processing.
Breakdown of Visa Fees
- Entry permit: AED 500–1,000
- Medical test: AED 300–400
- Emirates ID: AED 370 (1 year) to AED 1,070 (3 years)
- Visa stamping: AED 300–600
- Typing center service fee: AED 100–200
Total cost: AED 2,000–3,500, depending on emirate and duration.
Optional Services and Typing Charges
- Tadbeer services or agents may charge an additional AED 500–1,000
- Express service adds urgency fees
- Medical test VIP options also available
Always use authorized agents or GDRFA centers for accuracy.
Important Rules for UAE Spouse Visa Holders
UAE spouse visa holders must reside with their sponsor and cannot stay outside the country for over six consecutive months, or the visa may be cancelled. While spouses can work legally, they must obtain a valid work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources to avoid penalties or legal issues.
Residence Requirements
- The spouse must enter UAE within the entry permit’s validity
- They must reside with the sponsor
- Overstaying or leaving for over 6 months may result in visa cancellation
Rules About Employment and Work Permits
- A spouse can work in the UAE, but only after getting a valid work permit
- The company hiring the spouse must apply for this permit from MOHRE
- Without this, employment is considered illegal
Children Sponsorship by Spouse Visa Holders
- A woman on a spouse visa cannot sponsor children unless under special approval
- A man on a spouse visa may sponsor children if he meets income and housing requirements
Always consult with business setup consultants or legal advisors when adding dependents.
Common Reasons for UAE Spouse Visa Rejection
UAE spouse visa applications may be rejected due to insufficient income, unattested marriage certificates, or incomplete documentation. Errors in application forms, mismatched details, or non-recognized marital status can also lead to denial. Ensuring accurate paperwork, proper translations, and meeting salary criteria is key to avoiding visa rejection.
Income-Related Issues
- Not meeting the minimum salary
- Unclear or unverifiable job documentation
Missing Documents or Invalid Proof
- Unattested marriage certificate
- Expired tenancy contract or utility bill
- Errors in forms or mismatched data
Incorrect Relationship Evidence
- Non-recognized marriages (e.g., common-law marriages)
- Lack of Arabic translation or verified certificates
Avoid delays by preparing complete and attested documentation.
Conclusion
The UAE spouse residence visa is an essential pathway for families wanting to live together in the Emirates. From application to visa stamping, every step requires proper paperwork, timely action, and legal compliance. Whether you’re a salaried employee, investor, or freelancer, sponsoring your spouse enhances family life and provides stability.
To make this process easy, many people rely on business setup consultants who handle visa filing, attestation, translations, and renewals. They help reduce errors, save time, and ensure smooth processing for your UAE Residence Visa for Spouse.
FAQs
Can I sponsor my wife if I earn AED 3,000 per month?
Yes, but only if your employer provides accommodation. Otherwise, the minimum income is AED 4,000 per month.
How long does it take to get a spouse visa in the UAE?
The full process can take 7 to 15 working days, depending on documentation, medical clearance, and Emirates ID approval.
Can my spouse work on a UAE dependent visa?
Yes, but your spouse must obtain a valid work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.
Do I need to renew the visa every year?
It depends. Employment-based spouse visas are valid for 2 years, and investor visas for 3 years. Renewal must be done before expiry.
Is the spouse visa process different in Dubai and Abu Dhabi?
The core process is the same, but fees, processing times, and authority platforms may vary slightly by emirate.
