The United Arab Emirates (UAE) offers various residence visa options for spouses, allowing families to live together legally in the country.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about obtaining and maintaining a UAE residence visa for your spouse in 2025, including eligibility criteria, application procedures, documentation requirements, costs, and important considerations.
Types of Spouse Visas in the UAE
1. Standard Spouse Visa
This is the most common type of visa for spouses of UAE residents. It allows the spouse to live in the UAE as a dependent of the sponsor and is typically valid for 1-3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa duration.
2. UAE National’s Spouse Visa
Foreign spouses of UAE nationals receive special benefits, including a 5-year residence visa without the requirement to work in the UAE. In this case, the UAE citizen serves as the sponsor.
3. Golden Visa Spouse Benefits
Holders of the UAE Golden Visa (10-year visa) can sponsor their spouses and children regardless of their ages, with the benefit that family members can remain in the UAE until the end of their permit duration, even if the primary holder passes away.
4. Blue Visa Family Sponsorship (New for 2025)
The newly introduced Blue Visa, a 10-year residency permit for individuals and organizations contributing to environmental sustainability, also includes family sponsorship benefits.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Spouse
For Expatriate Residents
- The sponsor must have a valid UAE residency visa
- Minimum salary requirement:
- AED 4,000 per month, or
- AED 3,000 per month with employer-provided accommodation
- Suitable accommodation for the spouse (proven through a tenancy contract/Ejari)
- Valid health insurance coverage for the spouse
- Proof of a legitimate marital relationship through an attested marriage certificate
For UAE Nationals
- UAE citizenship documentation
- Salary certificate or court-verified evidence if unemployed
- Attested marriage certificate
- Suitable accommodation proof
For Women Sponsoring Their Husbands
Women working in the UAE with valid residence visas and work permits can sponsor their husbands by meeting these criteria:
- Minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation
- Valid Emirates ID and residence visa
- Tenancy contract to prove accommodation
- In some cases, a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the husband may be required
Required Documentation
Documents for the Sponsor:
- Passport (original and copy)
- Valid UAE residence visa copy
- Emirates ID
- Visa application form
- Employment contract or company contract copy
- Salary certificate from the employer stating the monthly salary
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari)
Documents for the Spouse:
- Passport (original and copy, valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-sized photographs with a white background
- Attested marriage certificate translated into Arabic by a certified translator
- Medical clearance certificate (after completing the required medical tests)
Additional Documents (If Applicable):
- For sponsoring two wives (Muslim residents only): Additional documentation as per ICP requirements
- For women sponsoring their husbands: NOC from the husband, if applicable
- For stepchildren: Deposit for each child and a written no-objection certificate from the biological parent
The Application Process
Step 1: Entry Permit Application
- Complete the application form through one of the following channels:
- Online through the UAE Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website or app
- Through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) platform
- Via the Dubai Now app (for Dubai residents)
- Through an Amer service center
- Through a registered typing office
- Submit the required documents
- Pay the entry permit fee
Step 2: Spouse Enters the UAE
The spouse can enter the UAE on the entry permit, which is valid for 60 days from the date of issuance.
Step 3: Medical Fitness Test
Once in the UAE, the spouse must undergo mandatory medical testing:
- Blood test for HIV
- Chest X-ray for tuberculosis
- Other tests to screen for communicable diseases like Syphilis, Leprosy, Hepatitis A, B, and C
Step 4: Health Insurance
Arrange valid health insurance for the spouse, which is mandatory and must meet minimum coverage requirements, including:
- General practitioner visits
- Emergency treatments
- Specialists and surgical procedures
- Investigative procedures
- Medical emergencies
Step 5: Emirates ID Application
Apply for an Emirates ID card for the spouse after obtaining medical clearance.
Step 6: Visa Stamping
Submit all documents for visa stamping in the spouse’s passport to complete the process.
Costs Involved
Entry Permit Fees:
- Visa fee: AED 200 plus 5% VAT
- Knowledge dirham: AED 10
- Innovation dirham: AED 10
- If the sponsored person is inside the country: Additional AED 500
Residence Visa Fees (Approximate):
- 1-Year Visa: AED 700 – AED 1,000
- Application fee: AED 500 – AED 700
- Processing fee: AED 200 – AED 300
- 2-Year Visa: AED 1,100 – AED 1,600
- Application fee: AED 800 – AED 1,200
- Processing fee: AED 300 – AED 400
- 3-Year Visa: AED 1,900 – AED 2,500
- Application fee: AED 1,500 – AED 2,000
- Processing fee: AED 400 – AED 500
Additional Costs:
- Medical examination: AED 200 – AED 400 per person
- Health insurance: AED 600 – AED 1,120 per year
- Emirates ID fees: AED 100 – AED 300
- Visa stamping: AED 500 – AED 600
- Document attestation: AED 100 – AED 200 per document
Validity and Renewal
Validity Period
- Standard spouse visas are typically valid for 1, 2, or 3 years
- UAE nationals’ foreign spouses receive 5-year visas
- Golden Visa dependents receive 10-year visas
- Blue Visa dependents receive 10-year visas
Renewal Process
- The sponsor must initiate the renewal before the visa expires
- A grace period of up to 6 months is allowed after visa expiration or cancellation
- Standardized overstaying fines are AED 50 per day
- Renewal requires updated medical tests and health insurance
- For early renewals (1-6 months before expiry) due to travel reasons, special permission from ICP is required
Rights and Limitations
Rights of Spouse Visa Holders
- Legal residency in the UAE for the visa duration
- Access to essential services like healthcare and education
- Ability to apply for a work permit without changing visa status (through a No Objection Certificate from the sponsor)
- Travel in and out of the UAE (subject to residency rules)
Limitations and Restrictions
- Cannot stay outside the UAE for more than 180 consecutive days (with certain exceptions)
- Visa is dependent on the sponsor’s status; if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the dependent’s visa must also be cancelled
- Must maintain valid health insurance
- Work is permitted only after obtaining a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE)
Special Cases and Considerations
Sponsoring Two Wives
Muslim residents may sponsor two wives under strict conditions set by the ICP.
Women Sponsoring Husbands
Women in the UAE with valid work permits can sponsor their husbands, provided they meet the minimum salary requirements.
Spouse Visa Holder Seeking Employment
A spouse visa holder can work in the UAE after obtaining a work permit from MoHRE, without changing their visa status.
Divorce or Death of Sponsor
If the sponsor passes away or in case of divorce:
- With a standard visa, A 6-month grace period is granted to either obtain a new residence permit or exit the country
- With a Golden Visa, Family members can stay until the end of their permit duration even after the primary holder passes away
Staying Outside the UAE
The general rule is that expatriate residents cannot continuously stay outside the UAE for more than 180 days without having their residence visa automatically nullified. Exceptions exist for specific categories.
Recent Changes and Updates for 2025
UAE Blue Visa
A new 10-year residency visa has been introduced for individuals and organizations contributing to environmental sustainability, with family sponsorship benefits.
Extended Grace Periods
UAE residents are now granted flexible grace periods of up to 6 months (depending on resident category) to stay in the country after the residence permit is cancelled or expires.
Standardized Overstaying Fines
Overstaying fines have been standardized at AED 50 per day for residence visa holders.
Tips for a Successful Application
- Ensure all documents are properly attested, especially those issued outside the UAE
- Translate all non-Arabic documents into Arabic through certified translators
- Apply for the entry permit well in advance of the planned arrival
- Complete the medical examination promptly after arrival
- Arrange for health insurance before applying for the residence visa
- Keep track of visa expiry dates to avoid overstay fines
- For complex cases, consider using professional visa services
Online Platforms and Smart Services
Official Channels for Application:
- Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) website and mobile app
- General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) platform
- Dubai Now app (for Dubai residents)
- UAE Pass for a unified digital identity
Customer Happiness Centers:
- Visit the nearest Customer Happiness Center for in-person assistance
- Get automated tickets and submit applications to customer service employees
Amer Service Centers:
- Specialized centers providing visa-related services
- Available during their standard operating hours
Conclusion
Obtaining a UAE residence visa for your spouse involves a structured process with specific requirements. By following this guide and ensuring you meet all eligibility criteria and document requirements, you can successfully sponsor your spouse to live with you in the UAE. Remember that visa regulations may change, so it’s advisable to check with official sources for the most up-to-date information.
For additional assistance with visa applications, consider consulting with typing centers, AmeriService centers, or professional visa service providers who can guide you through the process and help ensure a smooth application experience.
