Living and working in the UAE offers countless opportunities but what truly makes it feel like home is having your partner by your side. A residence visa for Dependent /spouse in UAE is a prerequisite for married couples who want to make a life in the Emirates.
If you are an expat husband or wife or newlywed, acquiring a residence visa for your /depedent / spouse is a necessary step in bringing them to live with you in the UAE. This blog will guide you through the necessary steps to bring your loved ones to the UAE hassle-free, including the required eligibility, expenses, and perks. Without further ado, let us dive right into the process of getting residence visa for spouse in UAE:
What Is a Dependent /Spouse Residence Visa?
A depedent spouse residence visa under UAE regulation permits the married partner of a UAE resident to legally reside within the country. The visa grants spouses and dependents access to dependents’ healthcare, education, banking facilities, driving license and Emirates ID issuance privileges and other benefits
The validity period of this visa extends from 1 to 2 going upto 10 years based on both sponsor visa type and residency emirate. Any person who fulfills the UAE visa eligibility criteria may use it to support their partner’s immigration to the world’s safest and most thrilling country.
Who Can Sponsor a UAE Depedent / Spouse Residence Visa?
Couples with valid UAE residence visas and enough income can find support from either the male or female member of their household in obtaining a depedent / spouse residence visa in the UAE. The UAE government recently implemented gender equality measures which offer valid employed women with adequate income the capability to sponsor their husbands. Following eligibility criteria must meet to sponsor spouse:
- The sponsor (husband or wife) must have a valid UAE residence visa and Emirates ID.
- Minimum salary requirement:
- AED 4,000* per month, or
- AED 3,000* with accommodation provided by the employer.
- A valid tenancy contract (Ejari) is required.
- A legal marriage certificate / birth certificate, attested upto MOFA locally and legally translated into Arabic, must be submitted.
- Sponsor must hold a valid work permit or employment contract.
Following these essential conditions helps spouses complete their application process to legally stay in UAE while benefiting from everything the country has to offer.
Documents Required to Sponsor a Dependent / Spouse
A visa application requires proper documentation as one of its essential components for success. Official authorities should attest all documents within the borders of the home nation and the UAE. A successful application process requires these documented items:
- Passport copies of both sponsor and spouse
- Valid Emirates ID of the sponsor
- Attested marriage/birth certificate (legally translated into Arabic)
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- Medical fitness certificate for spouse/depedent (if over 18)
- Employment contract or salary certificate for sponsor
- Tenancy contract (Ejari)
- No Objection Certificate (NOC)
Note: The documents in non- Arabic language are required to be translated and attested into arabic
Steps to Apply for a dependent / Spouse Residence Visa
Individuals seeking a dependent/spouse residence visa have two application methods including digital submission as well as typing services in authorized centers. Here’s a detailed guide to securing a residence visa for dependent/spouse in UAE:
Step 1: Submit Visa Application
The dependent / spouse residence visa application starts by using ICP Smart Services or GDRFA depending on the emirate or by using a typist accredited by the immigration authority. Incorporate all required documents into the application process especially the spouse’s Emirates ID application forms. Confirm all provided details to be exact in order to prevent delay in visa processing.
Step 2: Undergo Medical Fitness Test
People who turn 18 years or older are required by law to obtain a medical fitness test at authorized centres in UAEChest X-rays combined with blood screenings determine whether an applicant has any communicable diseases like tuberculosis or HIV. The visa application requires these test results for further processing.
Step 3: Apply for Emirates ID
The dependent/spouse who passed their medical fitness examination needs to submit their application for an Emirates ID. The application requires digital fingerprint submission and photograph submission along with biometric data to finish the process.
Step 4: Residency Visa Stamping
The final procedure for residency visa stamping takes effect when all necessary documents receive processing approval. The depenedent/spouse achieves UAE legal residency through the stamping of their passport with the visa which provides full access to live in the country and take up work opportunities with all associated benefits.
Cost of Sponsoring a Dependent / Spouse Residence Visa in UAE
The prices of visas show minor differences based on the situation of being within or outside the UAE as well as the specific emirate in which you reside. The usual costs for this process look like this:
| Service | Estimated Cost (AED) |
| Visa Application | 100* (per year) |
| Residency Visa Fee | 200* |
| Medical Fitness Test | Up to 1200 AED* |
| Emirates ID Application (3 years) | Up to 540 AED* |
| Visa Stamping | 500 AED*Medical insurance starting from 1500/Year |
| Total (approx.) | Up to 7000 AED* |
Additional Costs
- If the spouse is already in the UAE: AED 3,500* approx.
- If applying from outside the UAE: AED 2,500* approx.
Note: The costs remain changeable because they follow emirate-specific regulations alongside all additional urgent processing requests.
Special Cases and Considerations
Sponsoring Husbands
- All documents in addition to the salary benchmark are mandatory for female residents who seek entry.
- Husbands do not need to be employed when their wives sponsor them for residence status.
Children from Previous Marriages
- The dependent child needs valid custody documents accompanied by NOCs from their biological parents.
Expired or Cancelled Visas
- The dependent visa of the spouse becomes invalid upon the cancellation or expiry of the main sponsor’s visa. If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the spouse must either renew or cancel their dependent visa accordingly.
- The UAE administration provides dependent visa holders with a grace period of 6-months to transition to different visa types.
Benefits of a Dependent/Spouse Residence Visa in UAE
The UAE Dependent/pouse Residence Visa sponsorship enables families with multiple legal benefits as well as social, financial advantages that strengthen family life in the UAE. Here are some key benefits:
Legal Residency
Long-term residence privileges in the UAE become possible with a spouse residence visa since it removes requirements for employment or company sponsorship thus ensuring peace of mind and stability for your family.
Access to Healthcare and Insurance
Spouse gains access to top-tier UAE healthcare when added to spouse’ health insurance coverage under terms of a valid residence visa. Excellent medical services provide complete health care coverage for the family through residence visa benefits.
Access to Healthcare and Insurance
The acquisition of a residence visa reveals multiple financial opportunities to its holder. The spouse obtains all the advantages of opening bank accounts together with the ability to get a UAE driving license and it becomes easier to access various financial services which improve everyday conveniences in the UAE.
Employment Opportunities
After getting the residence visa, spouses can obtain a work permit which allows job search and employment opportunities within the UAE alongside financial contribution and professional development.
Family Stability
A spouse visa sponsorship enables family members to live together in UAE territory resulting in enhanced family happiness alongside sculpted community ties throughout the expatriate community.
Conclusion
Residence visa for dependent / spouse in UAE is easy to obtain because of streamlined procedures and simplified regulations together with gender-neutral policies. Completing the straightforward procedures together with proper document preparation enable applicants to obtain a spouse’s residence visa in UAE; providing access to healthcare, banking, and employment opportunities in addition to a legal permit to live in the country. By following the application guidelines together with proper planning the journey to establish a fulfilling life with a partner by side in the Emirates will succeed.
Do you want to get your spouse’s residence visa in the UAE? Let Xpert Advisory’s expert visa services take the hassle out of the process! Our expert consultants specialize in handling family/dependent visas, ensuring smooth documentation, approvals, and a quick, stress-free experience. Contact us today!
FAQs
How Can I Get a Residence Visa for My Dependent / Spouse in the UAE?
To get a residence visa for your dependent / spouse, you must first obtain an entry visa within 60 days of their arrival using a visit permit. This visit visa allows your dependent / spouse to enter the UAE legally. The formalities for dependent / spouse visa issuance start upon your entrance to the country where you need to satisfy medical criteria and do Emirates ID registration before visiting stamping officials.
What Are the Requirements To Get a Dependent / Spouse Visa in the UAE?
To get a spouse visa, the sponsor must earn a minimum monthly salary (usually AED 2000* or AED 3,000* with housing). Requirements may vary slightly, especially in Dubai, for obtaining a spouse visa in the UAE.
Can a Muslim Resident Sponsor Two Wives on a Family Visa in the UAE?
Yes, in rare cases, Muslim residents may obtain family visas for two wives under specific terms and conditions established by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security).
