visas
How to Sponsor a Spouse Residence Visa in Dubai
Compare inside-country and outside-country routes for sponsoring a spouse residence visa in Dubai. Includes full process, fees, and timelines.
Gov. fee
AED 1,800 – 2,200
Timeline
3–6 weeks
For
Dubai residents working in the private sector, free zone, or government sector who…
Steps
7
Start
Attest your marriage certificate in your home country and then at the UAE Ministry of…
Last updated: April 2026
- 1Attest the Marriage Certificate
- 2Open Family File at Amer
- 3Apply for Entry Permit
- 4Spouse Enters the UAE
- 5Complete Medical Fitness Test
- 6Apply for Emirates ID
- 7Finalize Residence Visa
Step by step
Attest the Marriage Certificate
Attest your marriage certificate in your home country and then at the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This is required before starting the visa process.
Where to go
UAE MOFA
Address / portal
https://www.mofa.gov.ae
Est. cost
Varies by country
Est. time
1–4 weeks (varies)
Advice
Typical sequence: notarization → Ministry of Foreign Affairs in your country → UAE Embassy → MOFA UAE.
Note
Unattested marriage certificates are not accepted by Amer or GDRFA.
Open Family File at Amer
Submit your documents at Amer to open a family sponsorship file.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 252
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
Required documents: sponsor passport, Emirates ID (original), residence visa, attested marriage certificate, spouse passport, photo, Ejari, and proof of income — salary certificate (free zone/government) or labour contract (private sector).
Note
Bring the original Emirates ID card. A copy or digital version is not accepted.
Apply for Entry Permit
Apply for a spouse entry permit through Amer. Once approved, your spouse can travel to Dubai.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 400–500
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
The entry permit is issued electronically. Ensure passport validity is at least 6 months.
Spouse Enters the UAE
Your spouse travels to Dubai using the entry permit.
Where to go
Dubai Airport
Address / portal
Dubai International Airport
Est. cost
Free
Est. time
Depends on travel
Advice
Keep a digital and printed copy of the entry permit when traveling.
Complete Medical Fitness Test
Complete a medical fitness test at an approved clinic. Results are sent electronically to immigration.
Where to go
Medical fitness center
Address / portal
Any DHA-approved clinic in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 300–400
Est. time
1–2 days
Advice
Book the test via Amer. Bring passport and entry permit copy.
Note
Residence cannot be issued until medical results are cleared.
Apply for Emirates ID
Submit the Emirates ID application at Amer and complete biometrics.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 370–400
Est. time
2–3 days (card delivery 5–10 days)
Advice
Provide a correct delivery address for courier.
Finalize Residence Visa
Submit the final application to issue the spouse residence visa.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 500–600
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
The residence visa is issued electronically and linked to Emirates ID.
Overview
When your spouse is outside the UAE, the process starts with marriage certificate attestation, then an entry permit application through Amer. Once your spouse enters Dubai, Emirates ID and residence are completed.
Total government fees are approximately AED 1,800–2,200. The main delay is document attestation, which can take 2–3 weeks. The sponsor must meet minimum salary requirements and provide a valid tenancy contract (Ejari).
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