Home’s where your family is and most expats agree with that sentiment. Living in UAE while their spouse lives elsewhere leaves them longing for that sense of belonging which only having your family closer provides. Weekend video calls or airport goodbyes really don’t fill that void. But you don’t have to live alone any longer. Knowing how to get a spouse visa in UAE helps you make UAE your home.
You need to know the rules, documents, and application process to bring your partner to the UAE. This guide covers eligibility rules, documents, application steps, and processing time.
What is a Spouse Visa in UAE?
A spouse visa UAE is a residency permit. If you are a UAE resident, it lets you sponsor your husband or wife to live with you legally. It ties your spouse’s residency status to your own visa, which means you act as their official sponsor.
Spouse visa falls under the broader family visa category, with the caveat that the spouse visa specifically applies to married couples. Parents sponsoring children and residents sponsoring parents are required to follow slightly different regulations and criteria, even though they too fall under family sponsorship rules.
Residency sponsorship works on a simple principle. If you hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet certain income and housing requirements, you can sponsor your spouse. Knowing how to get a spouse visa in UAE helps you avoid delays, rejected applications, or missing paperwork that sends you back to square one. Once the application is approved, your spouse can live, travel, and build a life in the UAE under your sponsorship.
Who Can Apply for a Spouse Visa in UAE?
You need to meet a few basic conditions before applying. These requirements confirm that you can support your spouse during their stay. It all starts with your residency status. You should be a valid UAE residence visa holder. Both men and women can sponsor their spouse, which means eligibility works both ways. So the process follows similar principles, no matter if you apply for a wife visa UAE or sponsor your husband.
You also need to prove that you have a stable employment or income. Immigration authorities review your salary certificate or employment contract to confirm your financial stability. This proves you can support your spouse without relying on external assistance.
Accommodation matters too. You must show a tenancy contract or housing proof. This confirms you have suitable living arrangements for your spouse.
Understanding these eligibility rules is the foundation of how to get a spouse visa in UAE. Once you meet them, the rest becomes a step-by-step process.
Documents Required for UAE Spouse Visa Application
You need these documents for your spouse visa application:
- Passport copies of both partners
- Valid Emirates ID of the sponsor
- Passport-size photographs of your spouse
- Attested marriage certificate
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Tenancy contract or housing proof
Marriage certificate is one of the most important documents for your application. If you got married outside the UAE, you must have the certificate attested first from your home country and then again in the UAE. Authorities use this attestation to confirm the marriage is legally recognized.
We always recommend reviewing document quality before submission. Our team makes sure your documents have clear scans, correct names, and consistent details that will help you avoid unnecessary delays.
Marriage Certificate Attestation Requirements
Attestation confirms your marriage certificate is genuine and accepted in the UAE. The process usually involves three stages. Firstly, the certificate gets attested in your home country by relevant authorities. Then, the UAE embassy in that country verifies it. Finally, the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs completes the attestation once the document reaches UAE.
Without attestation, your spouse visa application cannot move forward. Immigration authorities rely on this step to verify your marital status legally. This is a major area where having a professional visa service provider is indispensable.Â
Step-by-Step Application Process – How to Apply for Spouse Visa in UAE
Here’s how you can apply for a spouse visa in UAE:
Online application submission
Apply through UAE immigration platforms or authorized typing centers. Upload all required documents and select the spouse sponsorship category.
Entry Permit Approval
immigration issues an entry permit which allows your spouse to enter the UAE legally under your sponsorship. If your spouse already lives in the UAE on another visa, authorities convert their visa status instead of issuing a fresh entry permit.
Medical test and Biometrics
Your spouse must complete a medical fitness test at an approved medical center. This includes blood tests and a chest scan.
Authorities also collect biometric data for Emirates ID issuance. After passing medical tests, immigration stamps the residency visa. This completes the core process of how to get a spouse visa in UAE.
UAE Spouse Visa Processing Time
After all the document verification, entry permit approval will take a few working days. In addition, medical test results will soon arrive. Emirates ID registration and residency stamping will follow shortly after.
Can a Wife Work on Husband Visa in UAE?
A wife can work on a husband visa in UAE. She won’t need to cancel her dependent visa. Instead, her hiring company will have to apply for a specific kind of work permit. Sometimes a No Objection Certificate (NOC) will be required alongside the work permit.
Spouse Visa Dubai vs Other Emirates
The process for spouse visa Dubai is mostly the same as other emirates. There are only some slight differences. Application channels and administrative offices are mainly where things differ between Dubai and other emirates.
Dubai uses its own immigration system. Whereas other emirates operate under federal authorities. So if you apply for a husband visa Abu Dhabi, the process is largely identical but you will submit your documents through Abu Dhabi immigration platforms.
Regardless of location, eligibility, documents, and medical requirements remain consistent across the UAE.
Cost of Spouse Visa in UAE
Spouse visa expenses vary based on several factors such as emirate, insurance, and application method. Here’s an estimated cost chart, although exact figures may differ:
Cost Component |
What it covers |
Estimated Price (AED) |
| Entry permit | Allows your spouse to enter or change visa status | 500 – 1,500 |
| Medical test | Mandatory health screening | 320 – 500 |
| Emirates ID | Official identity registration | 370 |
| Residency visa issuance | Legal residency authorization | 500 |
| Health insurance | Required for visa approval | 320 – 600 |
Many families choose our professional visa services to handle the process. We reduce errors, prevent delays, and ensure smoother approvals for you. Our team helps clients submit accurate applications.
Health Insurance and Medical Requirements for UAE Spouse Visa
Your spouse must pass a medical fitness test. This confirms they are medically eligible for residency. These tests usually include blood screening and chest imaging, and should be done at approved medical centers.
Health insurance is also mandatory. Insurance protects your spouse and links directly to residency approval. Without medical clearance and insurance, residency stamping cannot proceed.
Common Reasons for Spouse Visa Rejection in UAE
Spouse visa applications usually get rejected due to missing marriage certificate attestation, insufficient salary proof, or incorrect documents. Poor-quality scans and incomplete applications can also cause delays. Shared or outdated tenancy contracts can also create complications.
Renewal and Validity of UAE Spouse Visa
A spouse visa is valid for 2 years. You will have to get it renewed before it expires.
Renewal process is mostly the same as initial approval. Authorities will verify your documents, insurance, and medical fitness again.Â
Final Guide on How to Get Spouse Visa in UAE
Knowing how to get a spouse visa in UAE makes things easier for you. It becomes simpler to meet the eligibility requirements, organize required documents, and follow the steps of the application process.
Family sponsorship gives you stability. It lets you build your life together in the UAE without worrying about separate visas or travel restrictions.
Many families prefer expert guidance because it removes any underlying uncertainty and speeds up approvals. Our visa specialists handle applications daily and help families reunite faster.
If you want a smooth spouse visa process, you should start early and get professional visa assistance. Contact us now for our services
FAQs
What is the minimum salary for a spouse visa UAE?
The minimum salary to be eligible for a spouse visa in UAE is AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 if you have company-provided accommodation.
How long does spouse visa UAE processing take?
It takes between a few days to a few weeks for the processing of a spouse visa.
How to apply for spouse visa in UAE?
Submit your application through immigration portals or authorized centers, upload required documents, complete medical tests, and obtain residency approval.
Can a spouse work on a dependent visa UAE?
Your spouse can work after getting a valid work permit from their employer.
Is a medical test mandatory for a spouse visa UAE?
Medical fitness tests are required before residency approval.
