When applying for a UAE spouse visa in Abu Dhab , Dubai or anywhere in UAE, understanding the detailed process and requirements is essential. Whether you’re sponsoring your spouse as a UAE resident or applying for a family visa, the steps involved are straightforward, but certain documents and eligibility criteria must be met. The UAE spouse visa, also known as a family visa or dependent visa, allows residents to sponsor their spouse for residency in the UAE. It’s a testament to the UAE’s commitment to family values and its desire to support its diverse expatriate community.
The United Arab Emirates offers a welcoming environment for expatriates to bring their families and settle down. The Spouse UAE Visa allows legally married couples to live together in the UAE, with one partner sponsoring the other. Our dedicated team in Abu Dhabi and Dubai simplifies this process for you, ensuring you meet all spouse visa requirements in UAE.
For a UAE Spouse Visa, the salary requirements differ based on the sponsor’s gender and employment type:
These requirements ensure the sponsor can support their spouse financially in the UAE.
For sponsoring parents, the sponsor must prove he is the sole provider and that there is no one to take care of them in their home country, unless one parent has passed away or the parents are legally separated, in which case additional documents will be required.
To be eligible to sponsor your spouse for a visa in the UAE, you must meet the following criteria:
For Spouse visa application in the uae the specific documents may vary slightly between UAE emirates. However, the following documents are generally required:
To start your UAE spouse visa application, you must first meet all the required criteria to sponsor your spouse for a residency visa in the UAE, the process involves meeting certain financial and legal requirements. A UAE resident (either a male or female) who is working in the UAE can sponsor their spouse.
Step-by-Step Process for UAE Spouse Visa Application:
Expected Processing Time:
The visa process typically takes around 10 to 15 working days from submission to approval, provided all documents are complete
To cancel a spouse visa, the sponsor must visit the GDRFA or a registered typing center and file for cancellation. The spouse has a grace period of 30 days to change visa status or leave the UAE before fines are applied
A valid marriage certificate attested by relevant authorities is essential. Attestation can be done through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFA Attestation UAE) in the UAE or the equivalent authority in your home country before presenting the documents to UAE authorities.
Health Insurance: It’s mandatory to have health insurance for all sponsored family members.
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Expatriates with a valid employee or investor visa can sponsor their families in Abu Dhabi. You must meet the minimum salary requirements and provide proper documentation to support your sponsorship.
Special conditions apply in certain cases, such as sponsoring a second wife or older children. Here’s what to note:
Here’s the list of required documents to sponsor a spouse visa in Abu Dhabi:
The application process involves multiple steps. Here’s a quick overview of the process to sponsor a family member for residency in Abu Dhabi:
As part of the UAE spouse visa application process, all individuals over the age of 18 are required to undergo a medical fitness test. This examination is conducted by the Emirates Health Services (EHS) to ensure that applicants are free from communicable and infectious diseases, thereby safeguarding public health.
The medical fitness test for residency visas includes screening for the following:
We assist with UAE Family visa services, translation services and Certificate attestation in UAE, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al Khaima, Ajman & Across UAE
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Applicants for a UAE Spouse Visa must undergo a comprehensive medical fitness test, which includes screening for HIV, tuberculosis, and in some cases, hepatitis. These tests are mandatory for anyone over the age of 18. If the applicant tests positive for HIV or active tuberculosis, they will not qualify for the visa. Those with dormant tuberculosis may still qualify but will need to undergo treatment and regular follow-up.
Sponsoring stepchildren in the UAE requires the sponsor to provide a no-objection certificate from the biological parent along with the usual sponsorship documents. Visas for stepchildren are valid for one year and can be renewed annually.
For children with special needs, there are no age restrictions for sponsorship. The process involves standard sponsorship documentation, and special provisions are often made to facilitate the residency and integration of special needs individuals in the UAE.
If a sponsor changes jobs in the UAE, it can affect the spouse visa status. The new job must still meet the salary and other requirements for sponsorship. If the new job does not meet these criteria, the spouse's visa may need to be reevaluated, which could potentially lead to its cancellation unless alternative arrangements that meet regulatory requirements are made.
To renew a spouse visa in the UAE, the sponsor must submit the current visa, a new sponsorship application, the sponsor’s recent salary certificates, and proof of continued marital relationship and accommodation. Common issues that can arise include delays in application submission, which can lead to fines, or failure to update personal details like changes in salary or job position, leading to potential visa rejection.
Converting a tourist visa to a spouse visa within the UAE involves several steps:
It is advisable to start this process well before the tourist visa expires to ensure a smooth transition without the need to leave the UAE.
To sponsor your spouse, you must have a valid UAE residence visa and meet the income requirements. Generally, male expatriates must earn at least AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with company-provided accommodation
The application can be initiated either through a GDRFA office or an authorized typing center, and involves completing and submitting several forms, along with supporting documents.
No, a spouse visa itself does not automatically grant your spouse the right to work in the UAE. However, it paves the way for them to obtain legal employment.
Once your spouse has their UAE residence visa, they become eligible to apply for a work permit. The process typically involves their prospective employer applying on their behalf. The employer will need to secure the necessary approvals from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MOHRE) and complete the work permit application.
Yes, a wife can sponsor her husband under certain conditions. The minimum salary requirement for women to sponsor their husbands is generally AED 10,000 per month or AED 8,000 with company-provided accommodation. Some professions like teachers, doctors, or engineers may have lower thresholds.
Yes, an expatriate resident can sponsor their stepchildren, but specific conditions apply. You will need to provide a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the biological parent and deposit a security amount for each child. The stepchild’s residence visa is typically granted for one year and is renewable annually. The required documents include the stepchild’s birth certificate, passport copies, and medical fitness certificate (for children over 18)