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 2,700 – 3,200
Timeline
3–6 weeks
For
Dubai residents employed in private sector, free zone, or government entities who…
Steps
7
Start
Attest your marriage certificate through your home country authorities, UAE Embassy, and…
Last updated: April 2026
- 1Attest the Marriage Certificate
- 2Open Family File at Amer
- 3Apply for Entry Permit
- 4Complete Change of Status
- 5Complete Medical Fitness Test
- 6Apply for Emirates ID
- 7Finalize Residence Visa
Step by step
Attest the Marriage Certificate
Attest your marriage certificate through your home country authorities, UAE Embassy, and UAE MOFA. This must be completed before applying in Dubai.
Where to go
UAE MOFA
Address / portal
Any MOFA center or mofa.gov.ae
Est. cost
Varies by country
Est. time
1–4 weeks (varies)
Advice
The usual sequence is notarization → Ministry of Foreign Affairs → UAE Embassy → UAE MOFA. Both Arabic and English versions are required.
Note
Applications will be rejected at Amer if the certificate is not fully attested.
Open Family File at Amer
Submit sponsor and spouse 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 include sponsor passport, Emirates ID (original), residence visa, spouse passport, attested marriage certificate, photo, Ejari, and proof of income.
Note
Bring the original Emirates ID card. A copy or digital version is not accepted.
Apply for Entry Permit
Amer submits an inside-country entry permit application allowing the spouse to proceed with residence without leaving the UAE.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 1,100 (approx.)
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
The spouse's current visa must be valid when this application is submitted.
Complete Change of Status
Convert the spouse's current visa into a residence process without exiting the UAE.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 640 (approx.)
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
Complete Medical Fitness Test
Complete a medical fitness test at an approved clinic arranged through Amer.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 320 (approx.)
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
Bring passport and application details. Results are sent electronically to immigration.
Note
Residence cannot be issued without passing the medical test.
Apply for Emirates ID
Submit Emirates ID application and complete biometric enrollment.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 385
Est. time
2–3 days (card delivery 5–10 days)
Advice
Provide a delivery address and active phone number for courier updates.
Finalize Residence Visa
Submit the final residence visa application and complete stamping in the spouse's passport.
Where to go
Amer service center
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 510
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
The passport is held temporarily during stamping and returned after completion.
Note
The spouse must remain inside the UAE until the residence visa is issued.
Overview
For sponsors whose spouse is already in the UAE — the residence process runs entirely in-country via Amer service centers. All submissions go through Amer: family file, entry permit, change of status, medical, Emirates ID, and residence stamping.
Total government fees are approximately AED 2,700–3,200 depending on typing center charges and processing options. The process takes 3–6 weeks. The main delay is marriage certificate attestation, which must be completed before starting.
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