Spouse Residence Visa in Emirates: Rules, Requirements & Application Guide (2026)

Sponsoring your spouse in the Emirates is one of the most common family visa requests. Whether you are a resident working in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other emirate, you can apply for a spouse residence visa through Emirates Visa Online. This guide will cover everything you need to know in 2026 – from eligibility rules and salary requirements to the step-by-step application process and required documents.

Why Apply for a Spouse Residence Visa in the Emirates?

A spouse residence visa allows your partner to live legally with you in the Emirates, access healthcare, obtain an Emirates ID, and enjoy family life without restrictions. With family visas being an important part of residency in the UAE, understanding the rules and procedures is essential.

👉 If you are planning to apply for an Emirates Visa online, Emirates Visa Online can guide you through every step with expert support.

Eligibility & Requirements for Sponsoring a Spouse

Before applying for a spouse visa, certain conditions must be met.

Salary Requirements

• Minimum salary: AED 4,000, or AED 3,000 with accommodation provided by employer.

• Profession restriction: Previously, only certain professions could sponsor families, but since March 2019, all residents can sponsor as long as salary conditions are met.

Medical Fitness Test

• Mandatory medical screening for HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis.

• A health fitness certificate from an approved Emirates health authority is required.

• If results are positive, the visa will be rejected.

Sponsorship Rules for Children

• If the father meets sponsorship eligibility, the mother cannot sponsor the children.

• Exceptions may apply in cases approved by immigration authorities.

Sponsoring Your Wife in the Emirates

If you are sponsoring your wife:

• You must provide a valid marriage certificate attested by the home country and translated into Arabic.

• If your marriage certificate is not originally in Arabic, a legal translation into Arabic is mandatory.

• All other general requirements (salary, medical tests, accommodation) must be fulfilled.

Sponsoring Two Wives (for Muslims Only)

Under Sharia law, Muslim expatriates may sponsor two wives if permitted by personal status law and if they meet all residency requirements. Immigration authorities may request additional documents to verify legality.

Women Sponsoring Their Spouse or Children

Women residents can also sponsor their spouse and children, provided they meet stricter criteria:

• Must hold a valid Emirates residence permit.

• Must work in medical, engineering, education, or other professional sectors.

• If not in one of the specified categories, sponsorship is still possible with a salary of AED 10,000 plus accommodation.

Required Documents for Spouse Sponsorship (2026)

Here’s the complete checklist of documents for applying for a spouse visa in the Emirates:

• Completed online application form for residence visa

• Passport copies of both sponsor and spouse

• Recent passport-sized photos of the spouse

• Medical fitness certificate of the spouse

• Copy of employment contract or labor card of the sponsor

• Salary certificate or proof of income

• Marriage certificate (attested and translated into Arabic if necessary)

• Latest utility bill (proof of residence)

• Emirates ID copy of the sponsor

Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a Spouse Visa Online

1. Check Eligibility – Ensure salary and accommodation requirements are met.

2. Prepare Documents – Collect all the required documents in soft copies.

3. Apply Online – Submit the application via Emirates Visa Online.

4. Medical Test & Emirates ID – The spouse undergoes medical screening and Emirates ID biometrics.

5. Visa Stamping – Once approved, the residence visa is stamped on the spouse’s passport.

Processing Time & Validity

• Processing time: Usually 5–10 working days, depending on document accuracy and approvals.

• Validity: Spouse residence visas are generally valid for 2–3 years and can be renewed.

Tips for a Smooth Sponsorship Process

• Ensure all documents are attested and translated where necessary.

• Double-check your salary certificate and employment contract before submission.

• Apply well in advance of visa expiry to avoid penalties.

• Always use trusted portals like Emirates Visa Online to avoid delays or rejections.