United Arab Emirates•Asia

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Family Visa - Spouse

Residency Pathway

At a Glance

Processing Time

2 days

Estimated Cost

AED 2,000 AED

Varies by filing options

Stay Duration

3 years

Renewable

Renewal

Renewable

Family

No dependents

PR Pathway

None

Sponsor

No job offer needed

Work

Remote not required

Official Information

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living

20% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryAED 140,400

Quality of Life

176/200

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 grant

3 years

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

United Arab Emirates

Employment Visa

Validity2 years

Processing2 days

View Visa Details

United Arab Emirates

Freelance Permit

Validity3 years

Processing2–4 weeks

View Visa Details

Green Residence for Freelancers/Self-Employed

United Arab Emirates

Green Residence for Freelancers/Self-Employed

Validity5 years (renewable)

Processing2-4 weeks

View Visa Details

United 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 EUR/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

Verify sponsor qualification: Confirm parent has valid residence visa and required income

Prepare documents: Gather child's documents and birth certificate

Apply for entry permit: Sponsor applies for child entry permit

Travel to UAE: Child enters on entry permit

Medical examination: Child undergoes health screening if 18+

Register residency: Complete residence registration

Get residence stamp: Receive child residence visa

Application Forms

Family Visa Application - Dependent Children

—

Verified Claims (3)

Last verified Jun 20, 2026

Included Nationalities

null

u.ae

Petitioner

family

gdrfad.gov.ae

Processing Estimates

{"minDays":2,"maxDays":2}

gdrfad.gov.ae

Official Information

Living in United Arab Emirates

Cost of Living

20% cheaper than United States

Avg SalaryAED 140,400

Quality of Life

176/200

Full Country Guide

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Overview

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

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

Conversion Paths

Visas you can typically switch to from this status.

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