So, you’re relocating to Dubai—fantastic news! Making the move is even better when you can bring your partner with you. To do that, you'll need to get familiar with the Dubai spouse visa, which is the official residence permit that allows your legally married partner to live with you in the UAE.
Think of this guide as your complete roadmap. We'll break down every step to make the process as straightforward as possible.
Bringing Your Partner to Dubai: An Overview
Starting a new chapter in Dubai with your loved one is a huge milestone. The spouse visa is the legal cornerstone that lets you build that life together. It gives your partner the right to live here, open a bank account, and sometimes, even work in the UAE. It’s what turns a temporary stay into genuine, long-term stability.
This guide is designed to walk you through the entire process, from figuring out if you're eligible to sponsor, all the way to getting that final visa stamp in their passport. We'll turn what often feels like a complicated task into simple, actionable steps.
What This Guide Covers
Our goal here is to give you practical, real-world advice based on our hands-on experience managing countless visa applications. You'll get a crystal-clear picture of what's required, which will help you sidestep the common mistakes and delays we see all the time.
Here’s a snapshot of what you'll learn:
- Sponsorship Eligibility: We’ll get right into who can sponsor their spouse, laying out the specific salary and accommodation requirements you absolutely must meet.
- Document Checklists: You'll get a detailed list of every single document you'll need, with a special focus on the all-important process of getting your marriage certificate attested.
- The Application Process: We'll guide you step-by-step through the medical fitness test, Emirates ID biometrics, and the final visa stamping.
Family residency is becoming increasingly popular in the UAE. Over the last few years, the number of spouse visas issued in Dubai has climbed, reflecting the city's growing appeal for expatriate families looking to put down roots. Just to give you an idea of the trend, the total number of Golden Visas issued in Dubai alone reached 151,666 between 2019 and 2022, paving the way for a major increase in family-based residency.
While this guide zeroes in on the spouse visa, you might also want to explore other long-term residency options like the Golden Visa to see what best fits your circumstances.
Confirming Your Sponsorship Eligibility in Dubai
Before you even think about gathering documents, the absolute first step is to make sure you're eligible to sponsor your spouse in Dubai. This isn't just a box-ticking exercise; it's the entire foundation of your application. The authorities need solid proof that you can financially support your spouse and provide them with a proper home.
The biggest hurdle for most is the minimum salary requirement. For a male expatriate sponsoring his wife, the general rule is a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000. It's always a good idea to check the latest official requirements for sponsoring family in the UAE, as these figures can be updated.
Your salary has to be proven through your official, ministry-stamped labour contract. Don't assume a few pay slips will cut it—the government wants to see the registered agreement you have with your employer.
Sponsorship Rules for Men and Women
Things are usually quite straightforward for a male sponsor. If he meets the salary threshold and has the right housing, the path is clear. An IT consultant earning AED 15,000 per month, for example, can easily sponsor his wife as long as he has a valid tenancy contract.
For women looking to sponsor their husbands, the criteria are often a bit stricter. The rules typically hinge on the sponsor's profession and a higher salary bracket.
To make this clearer, let's break down the key differences.
Sponsor Eligibility at a Glance: Dubai Spouse Visa
| Requirement | Male Sponsor | Female Sponsor (General Professions) |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum Salary | AED 4,000 per month | AED 10,000 per month |
| Accommodation | Required (e.g., studio apartment) | Required (e.g., one-bedroom apartment) |
| Profession | No specific profession required | Often must be in a specific field (e.g., doctor, engineer, teacher) |
| Additional Documents | Standard application set | May require attested degree certificates |
While these are the general guidelines, it's important to remember that exceptions can sometimes be made on a case-by-case basis. This is especially true for female sponsors who might not fit neatly into one of the specified professions but still have a substantial income. This is where getting professional advice can make all the difference.
A common scenario we handle involves a female doctor wishing to sponsor her husband. In this case, we ensure her attested degree certificates and a higher salary certificate are presented correctly to meet the stricter criteria, avoiding potential rejections.
Proving You Have a Place to Live
Beyond your income, you need to show that you have adequate housing for your family. This is done with a valid Ejari tenancy contract.
The contract must be registered under your name and clearly show the property details. For sponsoring just your spouse, a studio apartment is usually considered sufficient. Having this document sorted is non-negotiable; it proves to the immigration authorities that you have a stable living situation ready for your spouse.
If you can confidently tick off these income and housing requirements, you’ve got the green light to move forward with the rest of the spouse visa application.
Your Essential Dubai Spouse Visa Document Checklist
Getting your paperwork right is, without a doubt, the most critical part of the entire spouse visa process in Dubai. We’ve seen it time and again: a single missing document or an incorrect format can lead to frustrating delays or even an outright rejection.
Think of this checklist as your blueprint for success. It’s designed to make sure every piece of paper is present, correct, and properly authenticated before you even think about submitting your application.
Let’s start with the basics for both you (the sponsor) and your spouse. You'll need clear, coloured copies of each person's passport. A crucial detail here is that they must have at least six months of validity remaining.
You’ll also need recent passport-sized photos with a crisp white background. Be really strict with the specified dimensions—non-compliant photos are a surprisingly common reason for applications to be sent back.
The Sponsor’s Core Documents
As the sponsor, the burden of proof is on you to show you’re eligible to bring your spouse to Dubai. You’ll need to have these documents ready:
- Your Stamped Labour Contract: This is the official document that verifies your profession and, most importantly, your monthly salary.
- A Valid Ejari Tenancy Contract: This proves you have suitable accommodation and must be registered in your name.
- Recent Utility Bill: A DEWA bill, for example, is perfect for providing additional proof of your address in Dubai.
- Bank Statements: You'll typically need to show your last three months of statements to demonstrate consistent salary credits into your account.
Documents for Your Spouse
For your partner, the main documents are simply their passport and photos. If your spouse is a different nationality from you, the process is largely the same, but it pays to be extra meticulous with all their personal information to ensure there are no discrepancies.
A common mistake we often see is submitting an expired passport or a tenancy contract that's about to expire. Always double-check expiry dates on all your documents before submission to avoid unnecessary setbacks. This simple check can save you weeks of processing time.
The All-Important Attested Marriage Certificate
This document deserves its own spotlight because it's where many applications falter. Your original marriage certificate, on its own, is not enough. To be legally recognised in the UAE, it has to go through a specific, two-step attestation process.
- Home Country Attestation: First, the certificate must be attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (or equivalent body) in the country where you were married. After that, it needs to be stamped by the UAE Embassy in that same country.
- UAE Attestation: Once the document arrives in Dubai, it requires one final attestation from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) here in the UAE.
This multi-step verification confirms the authenticity of your marriage for the UAE authorities. The whole process can be quite time-consuming, so it's a very good idea to get this started well in advance.
Legal Translation and Other Considerations
If any of your documents are not in Arabic or English—especially your marriage certificate—you’ll need to get them translated into Arabic by an official legal translator. The translated copy must then be submitted along with the original attested document.
For some sponsorships, you might need a few extra papers. If the sponsor is a partner in a company, for instance, you'll likely need to provide the company's trade licence and Memorandum of Association (MOA).
In certain situations, particularly for female sponsors working in specific professions, their employer may need to provide a letter of no objection. You can learn more about what a No Objection Certificate in Dubai entails and why it's sometimes required.
From Entry Permit to Visa Stamping: The Core Application Steps
Once you have all your documents perfectly organised, you're ready to get into the heart of the application process for the Dubai spouse visa. Think of it as a clear sequence of events, starting with getting permission for your spouse to enter the country and finishing with the official residence visa stamped right in their passport.
This journey has several key milestones, each with its own timeline and specific things you need to do. Knowing this flow inside and out is the best way to ensure a smooth, predictable experience. It helps you plan everything from travel dates to medical appointments without any last-minute surprises.
Securing the Initial Entry Permit
The very first official step is to apply for an entry permit. This is a temporary document that allows your spouse to enter the UAE specifically for residency purposes. It doesn't matter if your spouse is currently outside the UAE or already here on a tourist visa—this is the starting line for everyone.
You'll typically submit this application through an approved channel, like an Amer centre in Dubai. The permit is usually issued within a few days and remains valid for 60 days, giving you a two-month window to get the rest of the steps done.
This infographic breaks down the essential prep work you need to do before you even get to this stage.
As you can see, a successful application is built on a solid foundation: getting the sponsor's documents, the spouse's documents, and all the necessary attestations in order before you begin.
The In-Country Status Change
Here’s a really common scenario: your spouse arrives in Dubai on a tourist visa, and you start the residence visa process while they are here. If this sounds like your plan, you'll need to do what's called an 'in-country status change' as soon as the entry permit is approved.
This procedure officially switches your spouse's visa status from tourist to resident without them having to leave and re-enter the country. It's incredibly convenient but also time-sensitive. You absolutely must complete this to move forward.
Our PRO team always advises clients to apply for the status change the moment the entry permit is issued. Any delay can lead to overstay fines if the tourist visa expires, which just adds unnecessary costs and complications to the process.
The Mandatory Medical Fitness Test
With the status officially changed, the next stop is the medical fitness test. This is a standard requirement for all new residents in the UAE and is designed to screen for certain communicable diseases.
The test itself is quite simple and involves two main parts:
- A blood test to check for conditions like HIV and Hepatitis B.
- A chest X-ray to screen for Tuberculosis.
You'll usually get the results back within 24 to 48 hours. If you're on a tight schedule, most medical fitness centres offer VIP services that can get you the results even faster.
Emirates ID Application and Biometrics
Right after the medical test is passed, you need to move directly to the Emirates ID application. This is the UAE’s mandatory identification card for every resident. You simply cannot get the final visa stamp in the passport without starting this process first.
The application involves submitting the necessary paperwork and then booking an appointment for biometrics, which is where your spouse’s fingerprints and photo will be taken. Getting a firm grip on how to get an Emirates ID is crucial, as this is a completely integrated part of becoming a resident.
The Final Visa Stamping
This is the final hurdle! Once the medical results are out and the Emirates ID application is logged in the system, you can submit the passport to have the residence visa stamped inside. This stamp is the official, legal confirmation of your spouse’s residency in Dubai.
The passport is usually returned with the visa stamp within a few working days. With that in hand, the process is officially complete—your spouse is now a resident of the UAE.
Getting to Grips with Costs and Timelines
When you're applying for a spouse visa in Dubai, two things are front of mind: how much it will cost and how long it will take. Getting a clear handle on the budget and the timeline is key to a smooth process, especially if your partner’s current visa is ticking down.
You should budget somewhere between AED 3,000 and AED 5,000 for a standard two or three-year spouse residence visa. The final figure can shift a bit depending on which emirate you're in, the services you use, and whether you opt for any urgent processing. This range covers all the essentials: government fees, the Emirates ID application, the medical fitness test, and the mandatory health insurance for your spouse.
A Breakdown of the Main Fees
To help you plan, it's useful to see where that money goes. While these are estimates and can fluctuate, they give you a solid idea of what to expect.
Here’s a look at the costs you'll encounter during the application.
| Service/Fee | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Entry Permit Application | AED 1,100 – 1,300 |
| Status Change (if inside UAE) | AED 650 – 750 |
| Medical Fitness Test | AED 320 (Standard) – 750 (VIP) |
| Emirates ID Application | AED 272 (2 years) – 372 (3 years) |
| Visa Stamping Fee | AED 550 – 750 |
| PRO Service/Typing Fees | Varies |
Note: These are approximate costs and are subject to change by government authorities.
Keep in mind these fees are just for the visa process itself. It's always a good idea to factor this into your broader financial planning by understanding the overall cost of living in Dubai.
Managing the Timeline for Each Step
Just as crucial as the cost is the clock. The entire process, from start to finish, can often wrap up within two to three weeks, but it's important to know the timeline for each individual stage.
Once the entry permit is issued, a 60-day countdown begins. Within this window, you must complete the medical test, the Emirates ID biometrics appointment, and get the final visa stamped in the passport.
Typically, medical results are back within 24-48 hours, and the visa stamping itself takes another few working days. Tackling these steps one after the other ensures you easily meet the official deadlines and avoid any last-minute stress or fines.
Working with a professional PRO service can be a game-changer here. Our team handles all the submissions and follow-ups, making sure there are no costly delays from incorrect paperwork or missed deadlines. It’s an investment that pays for itself in peace of mind.
When to Partner with a PRO for a Seamless Process
Let's be honest, while you can tackle the Dubai spouse visa application on your own, it often feels like you're trying to solve a complex puzzle with constantly changing pieces. The paperwork, the deadlines, the back-and-forth—it can be overwhelming.
This is where bringing in a professional PRO service like ours makes a world of difference. We live and breathe these procedures every day. Our team steps in to manage the entire process, making sure every single document is perfect before it even gets submitted.
We handle it all, from the initial application typing to the persistent follow-ups with government departments. This kind of hands-on experience is crucial, especially if you hit a snag, like missing paperwork or needing a special approval that requires an expert to intervene. It’s not just about saving time; it's about eliminating the stress and uncertainty.
The real value of a professional service is the confidence you get from having an expert in your corner. We provide 24/7 Support Service, meaning we are always here when you need us for any query or concern, big or small.
Our deep knowledge of UAE immigration law means we can anticipate potential issues and ensure your spouse's visa journey is as smooth as it can possibly be. We know exactly what's needed, including navigating all the requirements for our specialised documents clearing services.
Ready to make your spouse visa application effortless? Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
Your Spouse Visa Questions Answered
Even with the clearest instructions, you’re bound to have questions pop up during the application. It’s completely normal. To give you a head start, we’ve put together answers to some of the most frequent queries we handle for our clients.
Can I Sponsor My Spouse if They Are Already in the UAE on a Visit Visa?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of the most common situations we see.
If your spouse is in the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, you can start the residence visa process right away without them needing to leave the country. Once the initial entry permit is out, you'll go through a process called an in-country status change. It’s a straightforward step that involves paying a fee to switch their status from visitor to resident, which means no need to exit and re-enter the UAE.
What Is the Process for Renewing a Spouse Visa in Dubai?
The good news is that renewing a spouse visa is much simpler than the first-time application.
You’ll want to kick off the renewal process at least 30 days before the current visa expires to steer clear of any late fees. The core documents you’ll need are a renewed tenancy contract (Ejari), valid passports for both you and your spouse, a new Emirates ID application, and a repeat of the medical fitness test for your spouse. You'll also need to show your latest salary certificate and employment contract to confirm you still meet the sponsorship requirements.
What if the visa application is rejected? A rejection can feel stressful, but it's usually fixable. Most of the time, it comes down to simple mistakes like missing documents, a failed medical test, or a typo in the application. This is where a professional PRO service is a lifesaver—we can talk directly with the authorities to pinpoint the exact issue and walk you through the steps to get it corrected and resubmitted successfully.
Navigating the ins and outs of a spouse visa in Dubai doesn’t have to be a headache. At PRO Deskk, our entire focus is on making this process painless, from getting your documents attested to the final visa stamp in the passport. We are specialists in:
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