Dubai continues to attract professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors from around the world. For many expatriates, relocating to the UAE is not just about career growth — it is about building a stable life with family. If you are planning to bring your husband or wife to the UAE, understanding the Dubai spouse visa rules and latest updates is essential.

The UAE government has introduced several changes in recent years to make family sponsorship more flexible and accessible. In this complete guide, we will explain eligibility criteria, salary requirements, documents, processing time, renewal rules, and important updates related to spouse visas in Dubai.

What Is a Spouse Visa in Dubai

A spouse visa in Dubai is a dependent residence visa that allows a UAE resident to sponsor their legally married husband or wife. The sponsored spouse receives legal residency status and can live in the UAE for the duration of the visa validity.

The visa is usually valid for:

• 2 years (commonly linked to the sponsor’s visa)
• Same duration as the sponsor’s residency status

The spouse visa remains valid as long as the sponsor’s residence visa is active.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Dubai

Both male and female residents can sponsor their spouse, provided they meet certain conditions.

Valid Residence Visa

The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa. Tourist or visit visa holders cannot sponsor a spouse.

Minimum Salary Requirement

The sponsor must meet the minimum salary threshold set by UAE authorities. Proof of income is required through salary certificate or labor contract.

Salary requirements may vary depending on current regulations and individual circumstances.

Attested Marriage Certificate

A legally attested marriage certificate is mandatory. The document must be:

• Issued by the home country
• Attested by relevant authorities
• Legally translated into Arabic if required

Without proper attestation, the application may be rejected.

Latest Updates in Dubai Spouse Visa Rules

The UAE government has introduced reforms to make family sponsorship more inclusive and flexible.

Equal Sponsorship Rights

Both men and women can now sponsor their spouse if they meet income and residency requirements.

Increased Flexibility for Professionals

Certain professional categories may benefit from simplified procedures.

Grace Period After Visa Cancellation

Recent updates have extended grace periods after visa cancellation, allowing families more time to adjust their residency status.

Golden Visa Holders

Golden Visa holders enjoy additional benefits, including longer validity and more flexible family sponsorship options.

Staying updated with regulatory changes is important to avoid delays.

Step by Step Process to Apply for a Spouse Visa in Dubai

Understanding the process helps ensure smooth approval.

Step 1 Gather Required Documents

Typically required documents include:

• Sponsor passport copy
• Sponsor Emirates ID copy
• Valid residence visa copy
• Attested marriage certificate
• Passport copy of spouse
• Passport-size photographs
• Tenancy contract
• Salary certificate or labor contract

All documents must be clear and valid.

Step 2 Entry Permit Application

If the spouse is outside the UAE, an entry permit must be issued first. This allows legal entry under dependent status.

If the spouse is already in the UAE on a visit visa, a status change application may be processed internally.

Entry permit approval usually takes a few working days.

Step 3 Medical Fitness Test

After arrival in the UAE, the spouse must complete a medical fitness test, including blood screening and chest X-ray.

Medical clearance is mandatory before residency stamping.

Step 4 Emirates ID Registration

Biometric data is collected for Emirates ID issuance.

Step 5 Visa Stamping

Once medical results are approved, the residence visa is stamped in the passport. At this stage, the spouse legally resides in Dubai.

The complete process generally takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on documentation and approvals.

Processing Time for Dubai Spouse Visa

On average, the spouse visa process takes:

• 3 to 7 working days for entry permit
• 2 to 5 days for medical testing
• 3 to 7 days for visa stamping

Total estimated time: 2 to 4 weeks

Delays may occur if documents are incomplete or incorrectly attested.

Can a Spouse Work in Dubai

A spouse holding a dependent visa can work in the UAE, but they must obtain a valid work permit from an employer.

The employer will process the necessary labor approval while the spouse remains under family sponsorship.

Spouse Visa Validity and Renewal

The spouse visa validity usually matches the sponsor’s visa.

Before expiry, renewal requires:

• Updated tenancy contract
• Valid salary proof
• Medical test
• Emirates ID renewal

Renewal should be initiated before the visa expires to avoid fines.

Spouse Visa Cancellation Rules

If the sponsor’s visa is cancelled, the spouse’s visa must also be cancelled.

After cancellation, a grace period is granted. During this period, the spouse can:

• Transfer to a work visa
• Switch to another sponsorship
• Exit the UAE

Failure to act within the grace period may result in penalties.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Many spouse visa applications face delays due to simple errors.

• Marriage certificate not properly attested
• Salary requirement not met
• Incomplete tenancy contract
• Delayed medical testing
• Incorrect document translation

Careful preparation ensures faster approval.

Why Professional Assistance Is Helpful

Although the spouse visa process is straightforward, documentation requirements and regulation updates can be complex. Many residents choose professional assistance to ensure smooth processing.

Takween Advisory assists families in managing documentation, verifying eligibility, handling application submissions, and ensuring compliance with the latest immigration rules. Professional guidance helps avoid delays and rejection.

Having expert support simplifies the entire process and provides peace of mind.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the minimum salary required to sponsor a spouse in Dubai?
A: The sponsor must meet the minimum salary threshold set by authorities. Proof of stable income through salary certificate or labor contract is required.

Q: How long does it take to get a spouse visa in Dubai?
A: The complete process typically takes 2 to 4 weeks, depending on documentation and government approvals.

Q: Can a wife sponsor her husband in Dubai?
A: Yes, female residents can sponsor their husband if they meet salary and residency requirements.

Q: Can a spouse work on a dependent visa in Dubai?
A: Yes, but they must obtain a valid work permit from an employer while remaining under family sponsorship.

Q: Is marriage certificate attestation mandatory for spouse visa?
A: Yes, a properly attested marriage certificate is required for visa approval.

Q: What happens if the sponsor’s visa is cancelled?
A: The spouse visa must also be cancelled, and a grace period is granted to change status or exit the UAE.

Q: Can I convert a visit visa to a spouse visa in Dubai?
A: Yes, status change inside the UAE is possible without exiting the country, subject to approval.

Final Thoughts

spouse visa in Dubai rules are designed to allow families to live together legally while maintaining compliance with UAE immigration laws. With recent updates making sponsorship more flexible, the process has become more accessible for expatriates.

Understanding eligibility criteria, salary requirements, documentation rules, and latest updates ensures a smooth and stress free application process.

If you want professional guidance and a streamlined experience, Takween Advisory can assist you in managing your spouse visa application efficiently and accurately.

Bringing your spouse to Dubai is not just about paperwork. It is about building your future together in one of the world’s most dynamic and opportunity driven cities.