Spouse Residence Visa in UAE – Sponsor Your Partner for Residency

To sponsor a residence visa for a spouse in the UAE, the sponsor must: — Be a UAE resident with a valid Emirates ID and visa — Earn at least AED 4,000/month or AED 3,000 plus employer-provided housing — Hold a valid tenancy contract or title deed in their name — Provide an attested marriage certificate (in Arabic or legally translated) — Be physically present in the UAE on a valid residence visa (not tourist or visit) The spouse must also pass a medical fitness test and apply for an Emirates ID. Sponsorship rules apply across the UAE and are regulated by the GDRFA in Dubai. EGSH assists with the whole application process, including document preparation, attestations, and coordination with GDRFA.

The typical processing time for a spouse visa in the UAE is 1–2 working days after all required documents have been submitted and approved by the authorities. Timelines may vary depending on individual cases and the completeness of documentation. EGSH ensures that all submissions meet official standards, helping you avoid delays and rejections.

A husband visa in the UAE is valid for 1, 2, or 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa category and the issuing authority. The residence visa must be renewed before it expires to maintain legal status. A spouse residence visa in the UAE is subject to regular GDRFA renewal requirements, including medical fitness and Emirates ID renewal. EGSH assists with timely renewals and ensures that all documentation is accurate and compliant with government regulations.

A wife can work under her husband’s visa, but only after obtaining a work permit (labour card) from the MoHRE. Being sponsored as a dependent does not automatically grant the right to work in the country of sponsorship. The employer must apply for the permit on her behalf. Once issued, she is legally allowed to work while holding a residence visa for her spouse in the UAE. EGSH assists in verifying eligibility and guiding you through the process of securing the required permits.

To complete a marriage certificate attestation in the UAE, follow a three-step legalisation process: Attest the certificate in the country of issuance (usually through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the UAE Embassy in that country). Authenticate it in the UAE via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MoFAIC). Translate the certificate into Arabic, if not already in Arabic, through a certified legal translator. This attested certificate is mandatory for the spouse visa applications.

The UAE spouse visa cost depends on the visa validity period (1, 2, or 3 years), medical test and Emirates ID fees, document attestation, and the applicant’s visa type. Additional costs may apply for urgent processing or legal translations. Before submission, your EGSH advisor provides a transparent cost breakdown tailored to your case.

If the marriage ends through divorce, the residence visa for the sponsored spouse becomes invalid. According to UAE immigration law, the sponsorship relationship ceases to exist upon termination of the legal marriage. The ex-spouse is granted a grace period (30 days) to either leave the country or switch to a different visa category, such as an employment or investor visa. EGSH provides legal guidance and alternative visa arrangements in the event of such a situation.

A medical fitness test is mandatory when you apply for a spouse visa in Dubai. This includes screening for infectious diseases (tuberculosis and HIV), as required by health regulations. As part of the spouse visa requirements in the UAE, the test must be completed at an authorised medical centre after the initial visa application is submitted. A passed result is necessary to proceed with the Emirates ID and final residency stamping. EGSH assists applicants in scheduling medical appointments and ensuring the timely completion of all steps.

To sponsor a spouse in the UAE, the minimum salary requirement is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000, provided the accommodation is company-provided. These thresholds are part of the spouse visa requirements in the UAE and must be supported by official salary proof.