UAE Spouse Visa : Family visa in UAE
Spouse Visa UAE: Family Visa Cost, Requirements, Salary & Process
Sponsoring your spouse or family members in the UAE is one of the biggest milestones for any expat. Whether you’re bringing your wife, husband, children, or parents, the process requires the right salary, attested marriage certificate, and proper documentation through GDRFA or Amer centers.
This guide covers everything: eligibility, salary thresholds, complete document checklist, step-by-step application, cost breakdown in AED, and special cases like wife sponsoring husband, Golden Visa families, and converting tourist visa to spouse visa.
Quick Answer:
To sponsor your spouse in the UAE, you need a minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation), an attested marriage certificate, a registered Ejari tenancy contract, and a valid residence visa. Total cost: approximately AED 2,500–3,500. Processing time: 2–4 weeks.
Table of Contents
- What is a UAE Spouse Visa?
- Who Can Sponsor a Spouse?
- Salary Requirements (2026)
- Documents Required — Complete Checklist
- Marriage Certificate Attestation (Critical Step)
- Step-by-Step Application Process
- Convert Tourist Visa to Spouse Visa
- Complete Cost Breakdown (2026)
- Wife Sponsoring Husband — Special Rules
- Sponsoring Children — Age Limits & Rules
- Sponsoring Parents — Requirements & Deposit
- Can You Work on a Spouse Visa?
- Golden Visa, Freelancer & Free Zone Sponsorship
- Visa Renewal, Cancellation & Overstay Fines
- Nationality-Specific Guide
- FAQ (15 Questions)
What is a UAE Spouse Visa?
A UAE spouse visa (also called a family residence visa or dependent visa) is a residency permit that allows an expatriate living and working in the UAE to sponsor their legally married husband or wife. The sponsored spouse receives a residence visa, Emirates ID, and the right to live in the UAE for the duration of the sponsor’s visa (typically 2–3 years).
| Benefit | Details |
| Legal Residency | Spouse can legally reside in the UAE |
| Emirates ID | Issued to the spouse — required for daily life |
| Bank Account | Can open personal bank accounts |
| Driving License | Can apply for a UAE driving license |
| Work Eligibility | Can obtain a work permit through an employer (separate process) |
| Healthcare | Access to UAE healthcare with mandatory insurance |
| Children Sponsorship | Once resident, can co-sponsor children and domestic workers |
| Visa Duration | Matches sponsor’s visa: typically 1, 2, or 3 years |
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in the UAE?
| Sponsor Type | Can Sponsor Spouse? | Key Condition |
| UAE Citizen | Yes — 5-year visa | No salary requirement |
| GCC National | Yes | Spouse must reside in sponsor’s country |
| Male Expat Employee | Yes | Minimum AED 4,000/month salary |
| Female Expat Employee | Yes | Higher salary: AED 8,000–10,000/month (varies by emirate) |
| Investor / Business Owner | Yes | Proof of trade license + income |
| Free Zone Visa Holder | Yes | Salary or business income threshold met |
| Golden Visa Holder | Yes — 5 or 10-year visa | More flexible requirements |
| Freelancer Visa Holder | Yes | Must meet income threshold |
2026 Update: The UAE no longer requires a specific profession or job title to sponsor family members. As of the 2019 reform (still in effect in 2026), any expat meeting the salary threshold can sponsor their spouse regardless of occupation.
Salary Requirements for UAE Spouse Visa (2026)
| Scenario | Minimum Salary | Notes |
| Husband sponsoring wife | AED 4,000/month | Or AED 3,000 + employer-provided accommodation |
| Husband sponsoring wife + children | AED 4,000/month | Same threshold — applies to spouse + children combined |
| Wife sponsoring husband | AED 8,000–10,000/month | Varies by emirate; specific professions may be required |
| Sponsoring parents | AED 20,000/month | Plus refundable deposit (varies by emirate) |
| Golden Visa holders | More flexible | Standard salary rules may be relaxed |
Salary is calculated as gross income before deductions. You prove it with a salary certificate from your employer (issued within 30 days) or employment contract registered with MOHRE.
Documents Required for Family visa in UAE Complete Checklist
| # | Document | Details |
| 1 | Sponsor’s Passport | Clear colour copy — personal details page + UAE visa page |
| 2 | Sponsor’s Emirates ID | Valid, original + copy |
| 3 | Spouse’s Passport | Valid for at least 6 months, with blank pages |
| 4 | Spouse’s Photo | Passport-size, white background, recent (within 6 months) |
| 5 | Marriage Certificate | Must be attested by: Country of origin → UAE Embassy → MOFA UAE |
| 6 | Arabic Translation | If marriage certificate is not in Arabic/English — legal translation required |
| 7 | Salary Certificate | Issued within last 30 days, on employer letterhead (Arabic) |
| 8 | Employment Contract | Or labour data from MOHRE for private sector employees |
| 9 | Tenancy Contract (Ejari) | Registered Ejari in sponsor’s name — proves adequate housing |
| 10 | Health Insurance | Mandatory for the spouse — must be valid UAE health insurance |
| 11 | Medical Fitness Certificate | Spouse undergoes blood test + chest X-ray at approved UAE centre |
Most Common Rejection Reason: An unattested or incorrectly attested marriage certificate. This is the #1 reason spouse visa applications get delayed or rejected. See the attestation section below.
Marriage Certificate Attestation The Critical Step
Your foreign marriage certificate is NOT recognized in the UAE unless it is fully attested through the proper chain of authorities. This is non-negotiable for any spouse visa application.
Attestation Chain (for Indian Marriage Certificates)
| Step | Authority | Approx. Cost | Timeline |
| 1 | Notary Public (India) | ₹500–1,000 | 1 day |
| 2 | State HRD / SDM / Home Dept | ₹1,000–2,000 | 2–5 days |
| 3 | MEA (Ministry of External Affairs) | ₹1,500–2,000 | 2–3 days |
| 4 | UAE Embassy in India (Now Digital) | ₹3,000–4,000 | 3–5 days |
| 5 | MOFA UAE | AED 150 | 1–2 days |
Total timeline: 7–15 working days if done through a professional service. The September 2025 digital attestation update means UAE Embassy + MOFA are now processed together from India.
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Attestation for Other Nationalities
| Country | Attestation Chain |
| Pakistan | Notary → Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy Pakistan → MOFA UAE |
| Philippines | DFA (Department of Foreign Affairs) → UAE Embassy Manila → MOFA UAE |
| Bangladeshi | Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy Dhaka → MOFA UAE |
| Egypt | Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy Cairo → MOFA UAE |
| UK | Apostille by FCDO → UAE Embassy London → MOFA UAE |
Step-by-Step Application Process (GDRFA / Amer)
- Gather All Documents: Ensure marriage certificate is fully attested. Get salary certificate from employer (within 30 days). Register Ejari if not already done.
- Apply for Entry Permit: If your spouse is outside the UAE: Apply for a spouse entry permit through GDRFA online (gdrfad.gov.ae), Amer centres, or a registered typing centre. If inside the UAE on a tourist visa: Apply for an “inside country” entry permit with status change.
- Spouse Enters UAE / Status Changes: Once the entry permit is approved, your spouse enters the UAE. You have 60 days from entry to complete the residence visa process.
- Medical Fitness Test: Spouse visits a government-approved medical centre (e.g., Al Taj, Muhaisna, or DHA centres). Tests include: blood test (HIV, syphilis screening) and chest X-ray (tuberculosis). Results: 24–48 hours.
- Apply for Emirates ID: Submit biometric data at an ICP centre or typing centre. The Emirates ID is linked to the residence visa.
- Visa Stamping: The residence visa is stamped in the spouse’s passport (or issued digitally). This completes the process. Your spouse is now a legal UAE resident.
Processing Time: Total process takes 2–4 weeks from application to visa stamping, assuming all documents are correct. Entry permit approval: 2–5 working days. Medical test: 1–2 days. Emirates ID + stamping: 5–10 days.
Convert Tourist Visa to Spouse Visa (Inside Country)
If your spouse is already in the UAE on a tourist/visit visa, you can convert it to a residence visa without leaving the country. This is called an “inside status change.”
| Step | Details | Cost (Approx.) |
| Status Change Fee | Applied through Amer/GDRFA — changes visa type from tourist to residence | AED 570–650 |
| Entry Permit (Inside) | New entry permit issued while spouse remains in UAE | AED 1,100–1,200 |
| Medical Test | Same as standard process | AED 320 |
| Emirates ID | Biometric submission | AED 170–370 |
| Visa Stamping | Residence visa stamped | AED 100–200 |
Important: Start the status change process before the tourist visa expires. If the tourist visa expires during the process, overstay fines of AED 50/day apply.
Complete Cost Breakdown UAE Spouse Visa (2026)
| Fee Item | From Outside UAE | Inside Country (Status Change) |
| Entry Permit | AED 350–550 | AED 1,100–1,200 |
| Status Change Fee | N/A | AED 570–650 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 290–350 | AED 290–350 |
| Emirates ID (2 years) | AED 170–370 | AED 170–370 |
| Visa Stamping | AED 100–200 | AED 100–200 |
| Health Insurance | AED 500–1,500/year | AED 500–1,500/year |
| Typing / Service Charges | AED 150–300 | AED 150–300 |
| TOTAL (Approx.) | AED 1,560–3,270 | AED 2,880–4,570 |
Note: Fees vary by emirate and are subject to change. Dubai fees are generally higher than other emirates. Marriage certificate attestation costs are additional (see attestation section above).
Wife Sponsoring Husband in UAE Updated Rules
Yes, a female expatriate resident can sponsor her husband for a UAE residence visa.
Under the current regulations issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), family sponsorship rules are no longer based on gender or profession, but on salary, valid residency, and medical fitness
| Requirement | Husband Sponsoring Wife | Wife Sponsoring Husband |
| Minimum Salary | AED 4,000/monthor AED 3,000 + accommodation | AED 4,000/monthor AED 3,000 + accommodation |
| Profession Requirement | Not required | Not required |
| Marriage Proof | Attested marriage certificate (Arabic or legally translated) | Attested marriage certificate (Arabic or legally translated) |
| Medical Fitness (18+) | Mandatory | Mandatory |
| Processing Authority | ICP / GDRFA | ICP / GDRFA |
Sponsoring Children in the UAE — Age Limits & Rules
| Category | Age Limit | Notes |
| Sons | Under 25 years | Above 25 generally not eligible (exceptions for special cases) |
| Unmarried Daughters | No age limit | Can be sponsored regardless of age as long as unmarried |
| Stepchildren | Case-by-case | Requires proof of legal guardianship or custody |
| Newborns (born in UAE) | Within 120 days | Must apply for visa within 120 days of birth |
| Children over 18 | Allowed until 25 (sons) | Must pass medical fitness test; no separate work right |
Children follow the same application process as spouses (entry permit → medical → Emirates ID → stamping). The salary threshold of AED 4,000 covers spouse AND children combined.
Sponsoring Parents in the UAE
| Requirement | Details |
| Minimum Salary | AED 20,000/month |
| Refundable Deposit | Required in most emirates (amount varies: AED 5,000–10,000) |
| Health Insurance | Mandatory — comprehensive coverage for elderly parents |
| Visa Duration | Typically 1 year, renewable annually |
| Medical Test | Mandatory — same blood test + X-ray requirements |
| Alternative Path | Golden Visa holders can sponsor parents with more flexible rules |
Can You Work on a Spouse Visa in the UAE?
A spouse/dependent visa does not automatically grant work permission. However, you can work in the UAE while on a spouse visa — here’s how:
- Employer Issues Work Permit: Your employer applies for a MOHRE work permit under your existing spouse visa. You do NOT need a new visa — the work permit is attached to your dependent visa.
- Free Zone Employment: Free zone employers can issue employment permits for spouse visa holders within their zone.
- Freelancer Permit: You can obtain a freelance work permit while maintaining your spouse visa status.
Key Advantage: Working on a spouse visa means you DON’T need your employer to sponsor your residency saving both you and your employer time and cost. Your residency remains tied to your spouse/sponsor.
Golden Visa, Freelancer & Free Zone Family Sponsorship
| Visa Type | Can Sponsor Family? | Special Notes |
| Golden Visa (5 or 10 year) | Yes | Family members get same visa duration. More flexible salary/income rules. |
| Freelancer Visa | Yes | Must meet income threshold. Show trade license + bank statements. |
| Free Zone Visa | Yes | Salary certificate replaced by trade license + business proof. |
| Investor Visa | Yes | Proof of investment + business ownership required. |
Visa Renewal, Cancellation & Overstay Fines
| Topic | Details |
| Renewal | Apply 30 days before expiry through GDRFA/Amer. Same documents + updated salary certificate. |
| Renewal Cost | Similar to initial application (AED 1,500–3,000 depending on emirate) |
| Grace Period After Expiry | 30 days to either renew or exit the UAE without fines |
| Overstay Fine | AED 50/day after grace period (standardized across UAE) |
| Cancellation | Required if spouse leaves UAE permanently or if sponsor’s visa is cancelled |
| Cancellation Grace | 30 days after cancellation to exit or switch to a new visa |
Spouse Visa Guide by Nationality
| Nationality | Marriage Cert. Attestation | Special Notes |
| Indian | Notary → State HRD → MEA → UAE Embassy (Digital) → MOFA | Most common. GloboPrime handles end-to-end attestation for all Indian states. |
| Pakistani | Notary → Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Nikkahnama must be attested. Union Council certificate also accepted. |
| Filipino | PSA → DFA → UAE Embassy Manila → MOFA | PSA-issued marriage certificate required (not local civil registrar). |
| Bangladeshi | Notary → Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Kabin Nama needs attestation + certified Arabic translation. |
| Egyptian | Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy Cairo → MOFA | Certificate must be in Arabic (typically no translation needed). |
| Sri Lankan | Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy → MOFA | Both Muslim marriage and general marriage certificates accepted. |
| British | Apostille (FCDO) → UAE Embassy London → MOFA | UK marriage certificates require apostille, not standard attestation. |
UAE Family Sponsorship Salary Requirements 2026 Complete Breakdown by Sponsor Type
Understanding UAE family sponsorship salary requirements can be confusing because rules vary based on who you are sponsoring, your visa category, and your residency status. This consolidated 2026 salary matrix presents all sponsorship scenarios in one place, making it easier to determine eligibility at a glance.
| Sponsorship Type | Male Sponsor | Female Sponsor | Golden Visa Holder | Green Visa Holder |
| Spouse Only | AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation | AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation | No fixed salary (proof of financial capability) | AED 15,000/month |
| Spouse + Children | AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation | AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 + accommodation | Flexible with financial proof | AED 15,000/month |
| Parents | AED 20,000/month + security deposit | AED 20,000/month + security deposit | Case-by-case approval | Not standard |
| Visit Visa – 1st Degree Relatives | AED 4,000/month | AED 4,000/month | N/A | N/A |
| Visit Visa – 2nd / 3rd Degree Relatives | AED 8,000/month | AED 8,000/month | N/A | N/A |
| Visit Visa – Friends | AED 15,000/month | AED 15,000/month | N/A | N/A |
Major 2026 Update: Male and female expatriates are now assessed under the same salary threshold for sponsoring spouses and children. Gender-based salary differences and profession restrictions have largely been removed.
September 2025 ICP Framework Changes What Changed for Family Sponsorship
In late 2025, UAE immigration authorities implemented one of the most significant reforms to residency and visit visa rules in recent years. These updates standardized salary thresholds, introduced tiered visit visa requirements, and clarified humanitarian and exceptional cases.
Visit Visa Salary Rules (Introduced September 2025)
| Relationship Type | Minimum Salary Required |
| 1st Degree (Parents, Spouse, Children) | AED 4,000/month |
| 2nd / 3rd Degree (Siblings, Grandparents, Uncles, Cousins) | AED 8,000/month |
| Friends (Non-relatives) | AED 15,000/month |
New Visit Visa Categories Added
- Events Visit Visa: Conferences, exhibitions, festivals, and seminars with official host sponsorship.
- Cruise & Leisure Tourism Visa: Multiple-entry tourism visas for cruise ship and pleasure boat passengers.
- Business Opportunity Exploration Visa: For entrepreneurs and professionals assessing UAE business opportunities.
- Truck Driver Entry Visa: Single or multiple-entry permits for logistics and transport professionals.
Humanitarian & Exceptional Sponsorship Cases
- Widows or divorcees may remain in the UAE temporarily without a sponsor under defined conditions.
- Exceptional approvals may be granted for urgent family or humanitarian cases despite standard salary limits.
Extended Grace Period (Key Change)
The post-expiry or cancellation grace period for residence visas has been extended to 60 days, giving residents additional time to renew, exit, or change status without penalties.
Salary Verification — How Authorities Assess Eligibility
- Salary certificates must be issued within the last 30 days
- Gross salary (before deductions) is considered
- Certificates must be in Arabic or accompanied by certified Arabic translation
- Business owners and investors must provide trade licenses and recent bank statements
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Frequently Asked Questions UAE Spouse & Family Visa
Who is eligible for a family visa in the UAE?
Any UAE resident with a valid residence visa and minimum salary of AED 4,000/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) can sponsor their spouse and children. No specific profession is required since 2019.
How much does a family visa cost in the UAE?
Approximately AED 1,560–3,270 for sponsoring from outside the UAE, or AED 2,880–4,570 for inside-country status change. This includes entry permit, medical, Emirates ID, stamping, and insurance.
How many days does it take to get a family visa in the UAE?
Typically 2–4 weeks. Entry permit: 2–5 days, medical test: 1–2 days, Emirates ID + stamping: 5–10 days.
How to open a file for family visa in UAE?
Visit an Amer centre or GDRFA service centre with all required documents. The typing centre opens a new file, submits the entry permit application, and starts the sponsorship process.
Can a wife sponsor her husband in the UAE?
Yes. A female expat can sponsor her husband, but the salary requirement is typically higher (AED 8,000–10,000/month). She may also need to be in a specific profession and provide additional documentation.
Can I work on a spouse/dependent visa in the UAE?
The visa itself doesn’t grant work rights. However, an employer can issue a work permit (through MOHRE) linked to your spouse visa — you don’t need a separate employment visa.
Does my marriage certificate need attestation for UAE family visa?
Yes. A foreign marriage certificate must be attested through the proper chain: country of origin authorities → UAE Embassy in that country → MOFA UAE. Unattested certificates will be rejected.
What is the minimum salary for family visa in UAE?
AED 4,000/month for sponsoring spouse and children, or AED 3,000/month if employer provides accommodation. For sponsoring parents: AED 20,000/month.
Can I convert a tourist visa to spouse visa without leaving UAE?
Yes. This is called an “inside country status change.” Your spouse applies for a new entry permit and residence visa while remaining in the UAE. Extra fees apply (AED 570–650 status change fee).
What is the 2-year family visa price in Dubai?
Approximately AED 2,500–3,500 total including entry permit, medical test, Emirates ID, visa stamping, and basic health insurance.
What is the validity of a spouse visa in the UAE?
Usually 2–3 years, matching the sponsor’s residence visa. For UAE citizens sponsoring foreign spouses: 5 years. For Golden Visa holders: 5 or 10 years.
What happens if my spouse visa expires?
There’s a 30-day grace period after expiry. During this time, you can renew without fines. After the grace period, an overstay fine of AED 50/day applies.
Can I sponsor my son who is over 18?
Yes, sons can be sponsored up to age 25. Unmarried daughters have no age limit. Children over 18 must pass a medical fitness test.
Is Ejari mandatory for family visa?
Yes. You must have a registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi) under the sponsor’s name to prove adequate housing.
Can Golden Visa holders sponsor family members?
Yes. Golden Visa holders can sponsor spouse, children, and parents with more flexible income requirements. The family members receive the same visa duration (5 or 10 years).
Related Guides
- Marriage Certificate Attestation in Dubai — Process & Fees
- Dubai Spouse Visa — Eligibility, Salary & Application Guide
- Dubai Children Visa — Sponsorship Rules & Age Limits
- Birth Certificate Attestation for UAE Family Visa
- Singleness Certificate Attestation for UAE Marriage & Visa
- Marriage & Family Affidavit Attestation in UAE
- Legal Translation for Marriage & Family Visa Documents
Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only. UAE immigration rules and fees may change. Always verify the latest requirements on official UAE government portals (u.ae, gdrfad.gov.ae). GloboPrime provides document attestation for spouse visa and assist with family visa services and does not issue visas.