Consider that you are thinking of renovating your life in the UAE with a partner? I know what you’re thinking. The UAE has established itself as a premier destination for expatriates worldwide. Gigging, tax free income and luxury living standards aside – the level of safety alone in Dubai, Abu Dhabi or another Emirate is what drives millions out of their comfort zones.
Nevertheless, relocating is a really great experience followed by an extraordinary amount of paperwork, especially when your spouse wants to join in. Most important step? Understanding the procedure and correctly completing the application for a spouse visa in uae.
Let us lay out all information about this in simple terms so you can start focusing on laying foundations of your future life rather than constantly dealing with the paperwork.
Why So Many Expats Choose the UAE
We are going to touch base with expat goldmine, the UAE in advance of the visa details
Excellent opportunities are available for your career — Tech to finance, Tourism to construction — and the job market appears to be growing.
Tax-Free Income — You get to keep your entire salary.
Most luxurious life like the famous world class restaurant, best healthcare system and there are endless options of entertainment.
Safety, The UAE has long been one of the safest countries in the Middle East.
Moving to greener jobs or the business side of life, your spouse will most likely be at your elbow — and that is the Spouse Visa for.
What Exactly is a Spouse Visa?
Spouse Visa UAE is a family residence visa which allows you, as the sponsor, to legally bring your husband/wife into the country. Once you get approval, your spouse is authorized to live and work in the UAE and furthermore, open a bank account, get driving license, and even apply for other dependents as necessary.
It is typically issued for 1, 2 and 3 year visas which are then renewable as long you adhere to the eligibility criteria.
Who Can Sponsor Their Spouse?
Good question! Not everyone can be a sponsor—for you need to fulfill certain criteria. These expectations the UAE authorities have of you;
- Minimum income: You need to earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 if your employer provides housing.
- Valid residency: You must hold a current UAE residence visa.
- Legally married: Your marriage must be officially recognized and documented.
- Suitable housing: A one-bedroom apartment or larger is typically required.
Fun fact: Sponsoring your wife is very common but women can sponsor their husbands…as long as the income is higher with a cut off of usually over AED 10,000+.
What Documents Do You Need?
One thing many would rather do than gather the docs, but it is absolutely necessary. A quick checklist to help you get in order:
- Valid passports are required for both you and your spouse.
- Passport-size photos (with a white background)
- An attested marriage certificate, verified by both the UAE and your country of origin, is required.
- Your Emirates ID and residency visa copy
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai)
- Recent utility bill
- Medical fitness certificate for your spouse
One will have everything ready beforehand for the whole process to be easier.
How to Apply: A Step-by-Step Guide
Here’s a step-by-step outline of the entire process:
Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit
If your spouse is not in the UAE, you need to get an entry permit first before applying for an entry permit because you have to apply to enter legally as a spouse.
Step 2: Medical Fitness Test
Where you are in the UAE, the spouse has to undergo a medical there. This involves a blood test and a chest x-ray to screen for infectious diseases.
Step 3: Biometric Scanning for Emirates ID
Your spouse will then visit an official center to provide biometric data (fingerprints, photo) for their Emirates ID.
Step 4: Visa Stamping
After completing all the steps above, you’ll submit the final documents for visa stamping in the passport. After approval, your spouse will be granted official residency in the UAE.
What Does It Cost?
Let’s talk about money. Below is an estimated overview of the common expenses involved:
- Entry Permit: AED 500 – 1,200
- Medical Test: AED 300 – 500
- Emirates ID Fee: AED 270 – 370 (per year)
- Visa Stamping: AED 500 – 1,000
Remember they are average costs. Your emirate and whether you use a typing centre or consultant will determine how much everything costs quite a bit.
How Long Does It Take?
All clear, then the right way process (entry permit to visa stamp) can finish in 10-20 working days. But there will be delays if any documents are absent or not accurate. so, again double-check before submitting!
Can My Spouse Work in the UAE?
YES! Once Your Spouse has Received Resident Visa, they can apply for a work permit by an employer. Upon approval, he/she will get a labor card and can start working in the UAE legally.
Common Issues and How to Avoid Them
These are some of the problems foreign expats face—and how to avoid them:
- Incomplete documents – Be sure to carefully review the required paperwork checklist.
- Unverified Marriage Certificates – Marriage certificates of both you and your home country and UAE must be verified.
- Salary cap – if you’re not within the salary limitation look into company sponsored or professional help.
Need Help? Visa Consultants Can Save You Time & Stress
UAE visa on arrival must be a maze -let us face that. This is why so many people take the help of professional consultants to do everything from A to Z.
If you really want to get the spouse visa in UAE hassle-free and not go through the tedium, work with a reputable visa service such as SPC Free Zone. They will lighten your burden and not let the process of stress bump.
Final Thoughts
Spouse visa in UAE — it might sound scary, especially when you have to go for several rounds at the ministry to get it right but once you know about the process and steps nothing is going to make it impossible. Whether you move to Dubai, Abu Dhabi or another emirate, it’s a great adventure to be with your spouse in the new country like always.
The secret is research. Be Prepared. Organize the Getting Started and know the rules, if required use an expert. Then you will have sunsets, shawarma and maybe even skyscrapers to share in the heart of UAE fingers crossed.
FAQs About Spouse Visas in the UAE
Q: How long is the spouse visa valid?
A: Usually between 1 and 3 years, depending on your visa type and job.
Q: Can I renew it?
A: Yes, provided you continue to fulfill the eligibility criteria.
