UAE Partner/Spouse Visa — Family Sponsorship Complete Guide 2026
UAE residence visa holders can sponsor their spouse and children to join them in UAE. This guide covers the UAE family sponsorship / dependent visa process for spouses and partners in 2026.
UAE Spouse Visa Eligibility Requirements
To sponsor a spouse in UAE, the main visa holder must meet income requirements:
- Dubai: minimum monthly income AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + furnished accommodation)
- Abu Dhabi: minimum monthly income AED 5,000
- Free zone investor visa holders: typically qualify based on business income and UAE bank account balance
- Documents required: marriage certificate (attested), sponsor’s employment contract or trade licence, sponsor’s bank statements, tenancy contract
Marriage Certificate Attestation
Non-UAE marriage certificates must be legally attested before UAE immigration will accept them:
- Step 1: Notarise in home country by relevant authority (e.g., Solicitor/Notary Public in UK)
- Step 2: Legalise at home country Foreign Ministry (Apostille or stamp for Hague Convention countries)
- Step 3: Legalise at UAE Embassy in home country
- Step 4: Translate to Arabic (if not already) by UAE-approved legal translator
- Step 5: Attest at UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE
Spouse Visa Process
- Sponsor submits family visa application via ICA (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) or GDRFA (Dubai)
- Medical fitness test: spouse must complete UAE medical fitness test (blood test for TB and HIV)
- Emirates ID: biometrics and Emirates ID application
- Residence visa stamp: visa stamped in passport or UAE ID issued (most cases now no physical stamp — visa linked to Emirates ID)
- Health insurance: mandatory for Dubai; recommended for all emirates
Can Spouses Work on Dependent Visa?
Spouses on UAE dependent visas can work in UAE by obtaining an employment permit from MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation). Options:
- Employment: UAE employer applies for work permit; dependent visa converted to work residence visa
- Free zone company: spouse can set up their own UAE free zone company under their own investor visa
- Freelancer permit: obtain freelancer permit from UAE free zones without changing sponsor
Unmarried Partners — No Provision in UAE Law
UAE law recognises only legal marriages for spousal sponsorship. Unmarried partners (cohabiting couples, same-sex partners) cannot use the UAE spouse visa route. UAE residence options for unmarried couples: each person must independently qualify for UAE residence visa (employment, free zone investor, Golden Visa, etc.).