A Dubai spouse visa serves as the official authorization permitting an expatriate resident of Dubai to bring their legally married spouse to reside with them in the emirate. This process is governed by specific regulations and procedures established by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFAD) in Dubai, which operates under the broader framework of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
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A Dubai spouse visa or UAE spouse visa is a specific category of family residence sponsorship that allows an expatriate residing in the Emirates to bring their married partner into the country. Whether you live in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, or any other Emirate, the process and requirements are largely standardized, although certain details can differ based on regional regulations under each Emirate
To be eligible to sponsor a husband or wife for a family visa in Dubai, an expatriate resident must satisfy several criteria primarily related to their financial standing and residency status.
A fundamental requirement for sponsoring a spouse is meeting a specific minimum salary threshold. For male sponsors, the stipulated minimum monthly salary is AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by the employer. This consistent requirement across numerous sources indicates a well-established regulation reflecting the financial capacity deemed necessary to support a spouse. For female sponsors, the minimum monthly salary requirement is significantly higher, set at AED 10,000, or AED 8,000 plus accommodation. This disparity, along with the potential need for female sponsors to hold specific professional roles such as engineer, teacher, or medical professional, suggests a stricter set of criteria aimed at ensuring financial independence and potentially addressing historical gender roles in sponsorship. It is important to note that since March 2019, the type of profession is generally no longer a condition for male expatriate workers to sponsor their families. The primary focus has shifted towards the financial capacity of the sponsor to adequately support their dependents.
The sponsoring resident must hold a valid UAE residence visa. This can be an employment visa, an investor visa, or another permissible category that grants the individual the right to reside in the UAE. The validity of the sponsor’s visa is paramount as the sponsored spouse’s visa is directly linked to it. While long-term residency options such as the Golden Visa exist, the specific details and conditions for sponsoring a spouse under this category are not extensively covered in the provided research material. Individuals holding a Golden Visa should consult the official ICP website for precise information regarding spouse sponsorship.
The sponsoring resident is required to have suitable housing that is deemed adequate for the family size. This must be officially documented through a registered tenancy contract (Ejari) or a title deed if the property is owned by the sponsor. This requirement ensures that the sponsored spouse will have appropriate living arrangements that meet the standards set by the Dubai authorities.
In addition to the primary requirements, there are other factors to consider. The sponsor must be at least 18 years old. For Muslim male residents, sponsoring up to two wives is permissible under strict terms and conditions set by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and/or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). These conditions typically involve demonstrating the financial capacity to support multiple spouses and adhering to specific legal and religious guidelines.
| Document Name | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|
| Original Passport and Copy | Must be valid for at least six months from the date of application. |
| Original Emirates ID and Copy | Serves as the primary identification document for residents in the UAE. |
| Visa Application Form | Completed form, available online or at registered typing offices. |
| Employment/Company Contract Copy | Provides details of the sponsor’s employment status, profession, and salary. |
| Salary Certificate | Official certificate from the employer stating the sponsor’s monthly salary. |
| Registered Tenancy Contract (Ejari) | Proof of suitable accommodation; alternatively, a copy of the title deed if the property is owned. |
| Recent Utility Bill (Optional) | May be required as additional proof of residence (e.g., DEWA bill). |
| Bank Statements (Last 3 Months) | To demonstrate financial stability, particularly for investors or partners. |
| Sponsor’s IBAN | International Bank Account Number, potentially required for fee payments. |
| No Objection Certificate (Specific Cases) | May be required in certain situations, such as when a mother sponsors under an investor visa, requiring a notarized NOC from the father. |
| Document Name | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|
| Original Passport and Copy | Must be valid for at least six months from the date of application. |
| Passport-Sized Photographs | Recent photographs with a white background (number may vary). |
| Medical Clearance Certificate | Required for spouses above 18 years of age, from a government-approved health center in the UAE. |
| Attested Marriage Certificate | Original certificate, must be in Arabic or officially translated into Arabic by a certified translator; attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or relevant authorities in the home country may be required. |
| Copy of Current Visa/Entry Permit | If the spouse is already inside the UAE, a copy of their current visa or entry permit is required. |
| Proof of Marital Status (Specific Cases) | For daughters over 18 years old being sponsored under an investor visa, proof of marital status from Dubai Courts might be required. |
The process of applying for a family visa to sponsor a spouse in Dubai involves several key steps that must be followed meticulously.
Begin by gathering all the necessary documents for both the sponsor and the spouse. Ensure that the marriage certificate is attested and translated into Arabic as required. Having all documents in order at the outset is crucial for a smooth application process.
If the spouse is currently outside the UAE, the sponsor needs to apply for an entry permit. This can be done through the official ICP website (icp.gov.ae), the GDRFA website (gdrfad.gov.ae) or smart application, or by visiting authorized typing centers such as Amer Centers. The entry permit allows the spouse to legally enter the UAE while their residence visa application is being finalized.
Once the entry permit is approved, the spouse can travel to the UAE.
Upon arrival (or if already in the UAE), the spouse (if over 18 years old) must undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center. Appointments for these tests can often be scheduled online or through the application centers. Passing this medical examination is a mandatory requirement for obtaining the residence visa.
After successfully clearing the medical fitness test, the sponsor needs to proceed with the application for the spouse’s Emirates ID. This is typically done at an accredited typing center and involves the capture of biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs.
The final step in the process is to submit the spouse’s original passport, along with all the required documents, including the medical fitness certificate and the Emirates ID application confirmation, to the GDRFA for the residence visa to be stamped in the passport. This submission can be made in person at authorized centers or, increasingly, online through the official ICP and GDRFA portals or the “DubaiNow” app.
It is crucial to arrange for valid health insurance coverage for the sponsored spouse. This is a mandatory requirement that must be in place before the visa stamping and maintained throughout the validity of the residence visa. The UAE government emphasizes healthcare access for all residents, making health insurance an integral part of the residency process.
| Fee Type | Estimated Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Permit Fee (if outside UAE) | 450 – 1,500 | Varies based on type and processing speed. |
| Sponsorship File Opening Charges | 200 – 380 | Initial administrative fee. |
| Medical Fitness Test Fees | 300 – 900 | Standard and express options available. |
| Emirates ID Fees | 255 – 385 | Depending on 1 or 2-year validity. |
| Visa Stamping Fees | 500 – 1,500 | Fee for placing the residence visa in the passport. |
| Health Insurance Costs | Starting from 450 per month or 700 – 3,000 per year | Varies significantly based on coverage and provider. |
| Visa Status Change Fee (if inside UAE) | Approximately 661 -700 | Applicable when changing from a visit or tourist visa. |
| Typing Center/Administrative Fees | 300 – 800 | Service charges by authorized centers. |
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A spouse who has been sponsored on a family visa in Dubai is generally permitted to work in the emirate; however, they are required to obtain a separate work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
To secure a work permit for a family-sponsored dependent, the prospective employer typically needs to apply on their behalf through MOHRE’s online portal or smart application.
The employer must possess a valid establishment license that is free of any registered violations. The job offer extended to the spouse should be compatible with their qualifications and the scope of activities permitted under the employer’s license.
The documents usually required for this process include the spouse’s passport copy, visa copy, Emirates ID, a recent colored photograph, and potentially academic or professional qualifications depending on the nature of the job.
Standard fees are applicable for the application and issuance of the work permit.
It is advisable for both the employer and the employee to confirm the exact fee structure through MOHRE before proceeding with the application.
While some sources may mention the necessity of obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor for the spouse to be eligible to work, it is recommended to verify the most current regulations regarding this requirement directly with MOHRE, as labor laws in the UAE are subject to updates.
For further information or assistance with the work permit application process, please visit the official MOHRE website or contact your authorized application center.
The processing time for the spouse visa in Dubai is 2 weeks approx. (paperwork application and medicals).
The pasting of the visa on the passport takes a minimum of 2 weeks.
However, if you wish to cancel the spouse visa, that could only be done at an authorized typing centre or an immigration office. If you choose a typing centre for the cancellation, you would be given a cancellation copy printout only upon approval. Alternatively, you can contact us and we will take care of the entire cancellation process for you.
Generally, cancellation approval arrives within an hour. Although you will not receive a cancellation stamp on your visa. However, if you wish to get the cancellation stamp on your visa, there are only two ways.
Either you can go directly to the immigration office or bring your cancellation copy and the applicant’s original passport to get it done. The only document required is the original passport of the applicant, the original ID, and an e-vision form.
If the sponsor wishes to renew the spouse visa Dubai, there are some easy to follow steps put together by our expert visa team to understand the visa application process. To save you the hassle & stress, we will take care of all the paperwork and deliver your spouse visa to your home.
If you wish to renew your spouse visa, you need to provide the following details.
Additionally, there are certain charges that are associated with the renewal of spouse visa Dubai that must be paid so that your spouse could continue living in the UAE. In case your spouse overstays without the visa renewal, you will incur fines. The details of the fines are given below.
Yes, in the UAE, a working wife can sponsor her husband for residency.
To sponsor her husband, a working wife must:
Documents required to sponsor wife and children include:
Application form either online or through a registered typing office in Dubai or Emirate you reside in.
Passport copies of the wife and children
3 Photos of the wife and children
medical clearance certificate of the wife and children above 18 years
copy of the husband’s employment contract or company contract
salary certificate from the employer stating the husband’s monthly salary
attested marriage certificate
registered tenancy contract.
Can a wife work in Dubai on her husband’s visa? Yes, but she must obtain a separate work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The residency visa itself doesn’t allow her to work.
Do I need health insurance for my wife in Dubai? Yes, health insurance is mandatory for all residents in the UAE, including wives on their husband’s visa. You must obtain a health insurance plan that meets the minimum requirements for residency visas. This is a separate cost from the visa fees.
How much does a wife’s visa cost in Dubai? The total cost depends on several factors, including nationality, visa duration, and application method. Contact GDRFA directly for the most current fees. Expect to pay several thousand dirhams, excluding health insurance, which is a separate and often significant cost.
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