In 2024, obtaining a spouse visa in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become a streamlined process for expatriates, allowing families to reunite and live together in the country. Employers and employees with valid UAE residence visas can now sponsor their spouse, provided they meet certain conditions. This guide will cover the eligibility criteria, required documents, the application process, types of spouse visas, benefits and how to handle visa cancellations.
To sponsor your spouse for a residence visa in the UAE, you must meet the following requirements: 1. Residence visa: The sponsor must have a valid UAE residence visa. 2. Minimum salary: The sponsor must earn at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 if accommodation is provided by the employer. 3. Medical fitness: Your spouse must pass a medical fitness examination at a government-approved health centre in the UAE. 4. Marital status: To sponsor your wife, you will need to prove your marriage by submitting an attested marriage certificate, either in Arabic or translated into Arabic by a certified translator. In rare cases, Muslim residents may be allowed to sponsor two wives, subject to specific terms and conditions set by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security).
• Completed application form (submitted online or through a registered typing office) • Passport copies of both the sponsor and spouse • Passport-size photographs of the spouse • Medical clearance certificate for the spouse • Copy of the sponsor’s employment contract or company contract • Salary certificate from the sponsor’s employer, showing their monthly salary • Attested marriage certificate • Registered tenancy contract to show accommodation arrangements
Here is a step-by-step guide for the spouse visa application process: Step 1: Register / UAE pass The first step is to register for a UAE Pass, which is a digital identity platform that facilitates access to government services. This is mandatory for applying for visas. Step 2: Apply & pay fees Once you have registered, submit the completed application form along with all required documents, either through the relevant government portal or at a registered typing centre. After submitting, you must pay the applicable fees. Step 3: Residency issued Upon approval of the application, the residency visa will be issued for your spouse. This grants them legal residency in the UAE. Step 4: Get ID with visa information The final step is to obtain an Emirates ID for your spouse. This ID will contain their residency visa details and is essential for accessing various services within the country.
In the UAE, expatriates with valid residence visas can sponsor their spouses either through employment or business-related sponsorship. The same eligibility criteria apply regardless of the type of residence visa held by the sponsor.
Holding a spouse visa in the UAE comes with several benefits: • Your spouse is eligible to reside legally in the UAE for the duration of the visa. • Dependents on a spouse visa can access the country’s healthcare services after obtaining health insurance. • The visa allows your spouse to stay with you and potentially pursue their own career or studies, depending on their individual circumstances.
It is important to note that the residence visa of the sponsored spouse is directly linked to the visa status of the sponsor. If the sponsor’s residence visa is cancelled for any reason, it will automatically trigger the need to cancel the spouse’s visa as well. • Grace period: After cancellation or expiry of the sponsor’s visa, dependents are granted a six-month grace period to either renew their visas or leave the country. • Penalties for non-cancellation: If the sponsor fails to renew or cancel the spouse’s visa within the grace period, fines will be imposed. It is important to handle the cancellation or renewal process promptly to avoid unnecessary penalties.
The process takes about eight business days to get a residence visa in the UAE through Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone (RAKEZ). The entry permit arrives within three business days, while Emirates ID and residence approval will be received within the next five business days. Get in touch with us to get a residence visa for your spouse in the UAE. Reach us on: Phone: +971 7 2041111 Email: info@rakez.com
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