If you’ve recently married or settled in Dubai and want your partner to live with you legally, you can apply for a spouse residence visa. This type of visa allows an expat resident to sponsor their husband or wife under Dubai’s family sponsorship program.
In this detailed 2026 guide, you’ll learn who can apply, required salary, documents, attestation, medical test process, costs, and how to apply successfully — all in one place.
What Is the Dubai Spouse Residence Visa?
The Dubai spouse residence visa—also known as the family visa—permits legally married couples to reside together in Dubai. It’s available to both male and female expatriates meeting the salary and housing criteria.
Once approved, the sponsored spouse can live, work (with a valid work permit), and enjoy the same resident privileges as the sponsor.
Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Dubai (Eligibility & Salary Rules)
Minimum Salary Criteria for Sponsorship
To sponsor your spouse in Dubai, the minimum monthly income requirement is:
AED 4,000, or
AED 3,000 + company-provided accommodation.
The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa and a stable source of income.
Female Sponsors and Special Approvals
Female residents can also sponsor their husband or children if they meet the higher salary condition:
Minimum AED 10,000 monthly income, or
AED 8,000 + accommodation.
Additional approvals may be required depending on the profession or emirate. Supporting documents like employment contracts and salary certificates must confirm the sponsor’s financial capability.
Required Documents for Spouse Sponsorship (2026 Checklist)
Below is the updated list of documents you’ll need for spouse visa application in 2026. Ensure all paperwork is accurate and up-to-date before submission.
Identity & Civil Status Documents
Passport copies of sponsor and spouse (valid for at least 6 months)
Passport-size photographs (recent and clear, white background)
Attested marriage certificate (attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs – MOFA and translated into Arabic if not already)
Emirates ID and valid UAE residence visa of the sponsor
Financial & Housing Proof
Salary certificate (in Arabic, stating monthly salary)
Tenancy contract / Ejari attested by authorities
Latest DEWA bill as proof of accommodation
Bank statement for recent months showing financial stability
Medical Fitness & Emirates ID Requirements
Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE medical center
Emirates ID registration form
Proof of medical insurance coverage (mandatory for residence visas)
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Spouse Visa in Dubai
Step 1: Entry Permit (for Spouse Outside UAE)
If your spouse is outside the UAE, first apply for an entry permit through the Amer Typing Center or GDRFA portal. After approval, your spouse can enter the country under your sponsorship.
Step 2: Medical Test & Emirates ID Application
Once your spouse enters Dubai, visit an approved medical center for the mandatory medical fitness test. After receiving a “fit” report, submit biometrics for Emirates ID issuance.
Step 3: Residence Visa Issuance
After successful medical and ID processing, submit all final documents to GDRFA Dubai for visa stamping. As of 2026, visa details are now linked digitally with the Emirates ID, eliminating the need for physical stamping in most cases.
Processing Time, Fees & Validity
Processing Time: Typically 3 – 10 business days after all documents are submitted.
Validity: 1 or 2 years, renewable as long as eligibility criteria are met.
Approximate Costs:
Medical test – AED 300 – 350
Emirates ID – AED 370 – 500 (depending on validity)
Typing & visa issuance – AED 350 – 500
Always keep copies of your receipts and digital confirmation for tracking purposes.
Common Reasons for Delay or Rejection
Incomplete or unattested marriage certificate
Salary below required threshold
Missing tenancy contract or accommodation proof
Medical fitness not completed or failed health test
Incorrect photo or document format
Applying through unverified agents or inaccurate data entry
To avoid rejection, ensure all forms are typed correctly at authorized centers and all documents are current.
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