How to Get a Spouse Visa in UAE?

A Spouse Visa in the UAE is a legal residency permit allowing expatriates to sponsor their spouse and children to live there. This family visa facilitates the reunification of families and provides the sponsored spouse with various benefits, including healthcare and employment opportunities. The visa process involves meeting specific eligibility criteria and submitting the necessary documentation to the UAE immigration authorities. In this article, you will get the complete details about the Spouse visa in UAE, its benefits, the documents required and the procedure.

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What is a Spouse Visa in UAE?

A Spouse Visa in the UAE allows a resident to sponsor their spouse's residency, enabling them to live legally in the country. It is a type of family visa issued to support the reunification of families in the UAE. The sponsoring spouse, whether employed or self-employed, must meet specific eligibility criteria, including minimum income requirements. This visa grants the sponsored spouse rights to reside, access healthcare, and even work in the UAE, provided they secure a work permit from their employer. The process involves submitting necessary documents, such as marriage certificates and income proof, to the relevant immigration authorities.

Benefits of Spouse Visa in UAE

We have given below several benefits that come with Spouse Visa in UAE,

• Residency for Dependents: A spouse visa allows the holder to sponsor their spouse and children, providing them with legal residency in the UAE.
• Access to Healthcare: Residents with a spouse visa can access the UAE's high-quality healthcare facilities through mandatory health insurance coverage.
• Employment Opportunities: With a valid work permit, spouses on a visa can seek employment in the UAE, enhancing financial stability.
• Educational Access: Spouses and children can enroll in schools or universities, ensuring access to quality education.
• Travel Convenience: Spouse visa holders can enjoy hassle-free entry and exit from the UAE without the need for additional visas.
• Family Reunification: The visa promotes family unity, allowing families to live together and thrive in a secure environment.

Eligibility Criteria to Obtain a Spouse Visa in UAE

To obtain a spouse visa in the UAE, sponsors must meet specific eligibility requirements:

• Valid Residency of the Sponsor: The sponsor must be an employee or employer holding a valid UAE residence visa.
• Minimum Salary Requirement: Male expatriates must earn a minimum salary of AED 3,000 to AED 4,000 per month, with accommodation. And, the female expatriates must have a minimum salary of AED 8000 to AED 10,000 with accommodation.
• Medical Fitness Examination: All family members aged 18 and above must undergo and pass a medical fitness test at a UAE-approved medical facility to ensure they are free from communicable diseases like HIV and tuberculosis. 

Documents Required to Acquire a UAE Spouse Visa

The following documents are necessary to successfully apply for a spouse visa in the UAE. Ensure the submitted documents are complete, accurate and up-to-date.:

• Application Form: Submit an online application or visit a registered typing office in the UAE. The application form must be attested with a salary certificate, which must be in English/Arabic language. 
• Passport Copies: Clear copies of the spouse's and any dependent children's passports.
• Photographs: Recent passport-sized photographs of the spouse and children, meeting UAE visa photo specifications.
• Medical Clearance Certificate: A certificate for the spouse and any children above 18 years issued by a UAE-recognized medical facility.
• Employment or Company Contract: A copy of the sponsor's employment contract or company license translated into English and Arabic.
• Bank Statement: The sponsor's bank statement for the last three months showing salary transactions.
• Attested Marriage Certificate: The marriage certificate must be attested in the home country and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA).
• Tenancy Contract: An attested tenancy contract for proof of residence.
• Utility Bill: The latest utility bill, such as electricity or water, confirming the sponsor's address

How to Get a Spouse Visa in UAE?

Acquiring a spouse visa in the UAE involves a step-by-step process:

Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit

Begin by applying for an entry permit for your spouse and children. Once they enter the UAE, you have 30 days to proceed with their residence visa application.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test

Ensure your spouse and children above 18 years undergo a medical fitness test at a government-approved health centre. Obtain their medical clearance certificates, which are mandatory for the visa process.

Step 3: Typing the Residence Visa Application

Visit an authorised typing centre with medical clearance certificates. Pay the required fees to have your residence visa application form typed.

Step 4: Submit the Application to GDRFA

Submit the completed residence visa application form, entry permit, medical clearance certificate, and supporting documents to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) for approval.

Step 5: Apply for the Emirates ID

Finally, apply for an Emirates ID through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security website, AMER typing centers, or the immigration department. The Emirates ID is essential for residency in the UAE.

Following these steps carefully ensures a smooth process for obtaining a spouse visa in the UAE.

How Long does it take to obtain a Spouse Visa in UAE?

The process of obtaining a spouse visa in the UAE typically takes 10 to 15 working days, provided all required documents are submitted, and eligibility criteria are met. However, additional time may be needed to secure approvals from the Immigration Department of the respective emirate, depending on the complexity of the application or specific circumstances.

Validity of Spouse Visa in UAE and the Renewal Process

The validity of a spouse visa in the UAE typically ranges from one to three years, depending on the sponsor's visa and the specific circumstances of the sponsored individual. Upon the visa's expiration or cancellation, there is a 30-day grace period to renew the residence permit. Failing to renew or cancel the visa within this period may result in the dependents being classified as unlawful residents and subject to fines. The renewal process follows the same steps and requirements as obtaining a new visa, ensuring continuity of residency.

Can a Spouse under Sponsorship legally work in the UAE?

Yes, a spouse sponsored by their partner in the UAE can legally work, provided they meet the required legal conditions. According to Article 6(1)(c) of the Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, residents sponsored by their families are eligible for a work permit. This work permit allows them to be employed in establishments registered with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).

Additionally, 'Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022' outlines the documentation required for the spouse to work, including a valid passport, residency visa, a signed employment contract, and, in some instances, attested academic qualifications.

It is important to note that under UAE employment and immigration laws, individuals must obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation before starting any employment. Without this permit, working is not permitted, as stated in Article 6(1) of the Employment Law and Article 5(4) of the Immigration Law.

Conclusion

In conclusion, obtaining a Spouse Visa in the UAE not only provides legal residency for spouses and children but also offers numerous benefits like healthcare access and the possibility to work with a valid permit. By following the required steps and meeting the eligibility criteria, families can enjoy a smooth transition into life in the UAE. It's essential to stay informed about the visa's validity and renewal process to maintain lawful residency.

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