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Family Visa - Spouse
United Arab EmiratesUnited Arab Emirates•Asia
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Family Visa - Spouse

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED 2,000

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

Not specified

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information
United Arab Emirates flag

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living
20% cheaper than United States
Avg SalaryAED 126,000
Quality of Life
169/200
Full Country Guide

Overview

Residence visa for spouse of employment or investor visa holder; sponsor requires minimum AED 4,000 monthly income.

The Family Visa for a Spouse enables UAE residents to sponsor their husband or wife to live together in the country. This visa promotes family unity by allowing spouses to reside under sponsorship of a primary visa holder—whether employed or investor. The spouse's visa is linked to the sponsor's residency status, ensuring families remain together throughout the sponsor's legal stay.

To qualify, the primary resident must earn a minimum AED 4,000 monthly and provide an attested marriage certificate legalized by relevant authorities. The sponsor must prove suitable accommodation and the spouse must pass medical fitness examination. The visa fee is AED 200 plus 5% VAT. Processing takes just 2 days. Once approved, the spouse receives a residency permit and Emirates ID.

This visa is ideal for spouses of employed professionals or investors seeking family reunification in the United Arab Emirates.

Stay & Extensions

Initial grant3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

Employment Visa
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity2 years
Processing2 days
View Visa Details
Freelance Permit
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Freelance Permit

Validity3 years
Processing2–4 weeks
View Visa Details
Green Residence for Freelancers/Self-Employed
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Green Residence for Freelancers/Self-Employed

Validity5 years (renewable)
Processing2-4 weeks
View Visa Details
Golden Visa (5/10 Year)
United Arab Emirates flagUnited Arab Emirates

Golden Visa (5/10 Year)

Validity10 years
Processing2–5 days
View Visa Details

Requirements

PUBLISHED REQUIREMENTS

Marriage certificate

Sponsor min salary AED 4,000/month

Health insurance

KEY CRITERIA

Min. Income

48,000 AED/yr

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS

Valid passport

Passport photos

Birth certificate

Medical test

Residence visa copy (sponsor)

Income proof (sponsor)

Guardianship proof (sponsor)

Advantages & Considerations

Key Benefits

  • Fast processing: approved in just 2 days
  • Low financial threshold: sponsor needs only AED 4,000/month minimum salary
  • Renewable: can extend as long as sponsor remains in UAE
  • No language or education requirements for applicant
  • Health insurance and accommodation provided through sponsor
  • Simplified application: requires only marriage cert, medical test, and basic docs
  • Access to UAE services: Emirates ID and legal residency status granted immediately

Worth Knowing

  • Work authorization is limited; separate permit needed for employment
  • Visa validity tied to sponsor's residency — cancellation if sponsor leaves UAE
  • Marriage certificate must be attested by home country authorities and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
  • Sponsor must maintain AED 4,000/month income continuously throughout visa validity
  • Dependent status means limited autonomy in visa decisions or conversion pathways
  • Not a pathway to permanent residency or UAE citizenship
  • Limited work rights restrict economic independence for spouse during visa term

Application Process

1

Verify sponsor qualification

Confirm parent has valid residence visa and required income

2

Prepare documents

Gather child's documents and birth certificate

3

Apply for entry permit

Sponsor applies for child entry permit

4

Travel to UAE

Child enters on entry permit

5

Medical examination

Child undergoes health screening if 18+

6

Register residency

Complete residence registration

7

Get residence stamp

Receive child residence visa

Application Forms

Family Visa Application - Dependent Children—

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