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

Sponsoring your spouse in the UAE allows you to live together legally and enjoy full resident benefits including Emirates ID, healthcare, bank account opening, and more. Whether you reside in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Fujairah, Ras Al Khaimah, or Umm Al Quwain, this guide explains everything you need for a Spouse Residence Visa in Emirtaes 2026 — including salary rules, documents, fees, and step-by-step process.

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

Any Emirates resident expatriate (employee or investor) can sponsor their spouse if the following conditions are met:

Salary Requirements (Updated 2026)

Since March 2019, profession restriction removed — all professions can sponsor if salary conditions are met.

Connect to Our Experts

Valid Residence Visa & Emirates ID

Sponsor must hold:

• Valid Emirates residence visa

• Active Emirates ID

• Labor contract or trade license (for investor)

Medical Fitness Test (for spouse)

Mandatory screening includes:

• HIV test

• Tuberculosis test

If results are positive for TB/HIV, visa will not be approved.

Special Rules & Exceptions for Spouse Visa

Sponsoring Your Wife in the Emirates

If you are sponsoring your wife:

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

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

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

Sponsoring Two Wives (for Muslims Only)

Allowed under Sharia Law, only if:

1. Marriage legally recognized in home country

2. Additional documentation approved by GDRFA / ICP

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.

Common Rejection Reasons

• Incomplete or unclear documents

• Salary below required threshold

• Marriage certificate not legally recognized

• Failed medical test

• Typing errors in application

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.

Read Our Helpful Blogs

If Your Emirates Tourist Visa Has Incorrect Name or Gender

Freelance Visa Ras Al Khaimah Complete Guide to Work Legally as a Freelancer in the UAE