A Dubai spouse visa (also known as a family visa or marriage visa) is an official residency permit that allows UAE residents to legally bring their husband or wife to live with them in Dubai. This visa is processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) for residents in other emirates.
With the latest 2025 regulations, Dubai spouse visas are typically issued with a validity of 2–3 years and can be renewed multiple times as long as the sponsor maintains their UAE residency status and continues to meet all requirements.
A Dubai spouse visa (also known as a family visa or marriage visa) is an official residency permit that allows UAE residents to legally bring their husband or wife to live with them in Dubai. The Dubai spouse visa is a residency permit that allows expatriates legally residing in Dubai to sponsor their husband or wife for long-term residence in the United Arab Emirates. Governed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), this visa category facilitates family reunification while ensuring compliance with stringent eligibility criteria, documentation standards, and evolving immigration policies.
A Dubai spouse visa offers numerous advantages for expatriates:
Live together with your spouse legally in Dubai.
Renewable residency for 2-3 years at a time.
Ability to work with a work permit (no visa transfer required).
Open bank accounts, rent property, and access healthcare.
Multiple entry privileges for convenient international travel.
Enroll in educational programs without student visa requirements.
Potential eligibility for Golden Visa options.
To sponsor a husband or wife for a family visa in Dubai, the sponsoring resident must meet certain criteria based on income, visa type, accommodation, and legal status. These requirements vary slightly depending on whether the sponsor is male, female, or a UAE citizen.
A fundamental criterion is meeting a minimum income threshold, which varies based on the sponsor’s gender:
The higher threshold for women reflects policy emphasis on financial self-sufficiency. GDRFA approval is typically required for women sponsoring husbands.
The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa in one of the following categories:
The sponsor must provide suitable housing proven through official documentation:
| Document Name | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|
| Original Passport and Copy | Valid for at least 6 months from the application date |
| Emirates ID and Copy | Primary ID for all UAE residents |
| Visa Application Form | Completed form via typing center or online |
| Employment Contract / Company License | Proves job and salary details; attested by MOHRE or free zone |
| Salary Certificate | In Arabic, issued by employer |
| Ejari Tenancy Contract | Registered and valid for at least 60 days |
| Utility Bill (DEWA) | Optional but often requested for proof of residence |
| Bank Statements (3 Months) | Important for investor/partner visa holders |
| Sponsor’s IBAN | Required for fee payment in some cases |
| No Objection Certificate (NOC) | For mothers sponsoring children, or unique cases |
| Document Name | Purpose/Details |
|---|---|
| Original Passport and Copy | Minimum 6-month validity required |
| Passport Photos | Recent, white background (2–4 copies) |
| Medical Fitness Certificate | From government-approved UAE medical center |
| Attested Marriage Certificate | Arabic or translated + attested by MOFA & home country |
| Visa/Entry Permit Copy | If already inside UAE |
| Proof of Marital Status | Required for daughters above 18 being sponsored |
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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The process of applying for a spouse visa in Dubai differs depending on whether your spouse is currently inside or outside the UAE. Below is a breakdown of both scenarios, including timelines, costs, and required steps.
If your spouse is in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, you can either change their visa status inside the country or choose the “visa run” option:
While a Dubai spouse visa allows your partner to legally reside in the UAE, it does not automatically grant the right to work. To begin employment, the individual must obtain a work permit sponsored by a UAE-licensed employer and supported by a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the spouse (the sponsor).
Once the employer submits the work permit application along with the required documents and NOC, and upon approval from MoHRE, the spouse may legally begin working in the UAE. It’s important to note that the residence visa remains under the family sponsorship; only the work authorization is handled separately.
Many expatriates consider whether to maintain a regular spouse visa or upgrade to a Golden Visa. Here’s a detailed comparison:
| Feature | Regular Spouse Visa | Golden Visa |
|---|---|---|
| Validity | 2-3 years | 5-10 years |
| Minimum Salary | AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation | Varies by category (investment-based) |
| Sponsorship Required | Yes | No |
| Travel Flexibility | Must enter UAE every 6 months | Can stay outside UAE for longer periods |
| Work Permission | Requires separate work permit | Included for primary holder |
| Child Sponsorship | Until age 18 (boys) / Unmarried (girls) | Children of any age |
| Application Complexity | Moderate | Higher |
| Cost | AED 3,500-6,000 | AED 2,800-4,800+ (plus investment) |
| Investment Requirement | None | Yes (typically AED 2 million+) |
All spouse visa applicants aged 18 and above are required to undergo a mandatory medical fitness test as part of the UAE residence visa application process. The test is designed to screen for communicable diseases and assess general health status.
Spouse visa renewal in the UAE must be initiated 30 to 60 days before the visa’s expiry. The process involves medical re-evaluation, updated documentation, and fee payment. Here’s how to renew a UAE spouse visa step by step.
You can apply for a UAE spouse or family visa online using official government portals. The process differs slightly depending on whether you are applying from Dubai or another emirate.
For all emirates except Dubai, applications are submitted through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) Smart Services portal.
If you’re applying from Dubai, use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal or mobile apps.
In 2025, the UAE government implemented several major enhancements to the spouse visa system to improve flexibility, efficiency, and digital accessibility:
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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