Planning to bring your spouse to the UAE? Here’s a detailed breakdown of the latest visa sponsorship process for husbands looking to sponsor their wives under UAE residency rules. All updates as per 2025 guidelines.
For expatriates in the UAE, sponsoring a spouse to live in the country has always been an important concern. The process, while clearly defined, has undergone several policy refinements over the years. As of 2025, the UAE government has further streamlined and digitized much of the residency process, making it easier for residents to legally bring their spouses under their sponsorship.
Here’s everything residents need to know about how to sponsor their wife for a residence visa in the UAE, including requirements, procedures, documents, and fees.
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Any legally employed male UAE resident (non-citizen), whether in the public or private sector, can sponsor his wife for a residence visa, provided he meets the required criteria, particularly the minimum salary threshold.
According to the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), a husband must earn a minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by the employer.
Profession-based restrictions that previously barred some workers from sponsoring their spouses have been lifted. This means that eligibility is now primarily assessed based on income, not job title or sector.
The following documents must be prepared before starting the sponsorship process:
For applicants in Dubai, documentation should be submitted via GDRFA platforms, while for other Emirates, it will be through the ICP portal or app.
1. Entry Permit Application:
If the wife is currently outside the UAE, the first step is to apply for an entry permit. This can be processed online or through registered typing centers. The permit usually takes a few working days to be issued.
2. Change of Status (if required):
If the wife is already in the UAE on another visa (like a visit visa), her status will need to be changed after the entry permit is approved. This can be done by paying a fee for status adjustment without needing to exit the country.
3. Medical Fitness Test:
All new residents must undergo a medical examination. This includes a blood test and chest X-ray at an approved health center in the UAE.
4. Emirates ID Biometrics:
After the medical test, the wife must submit biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an ICP center.
5. Visa Stamping on Passport:
Once all previous steps are completed, the residence visa will be stamped in the wife’s passport. This process now is often digital and confirmed via official app notifications and portals.
Typically, the entire process from start to finish can take 7–10 working days, depending on the emirate, document readiness, and public holidays. The visa is usually valid for one, two, or three years, depending on the sponsoring husband's visa type and employment contract.
Renewals follow a similar process and must be initiated before the visa expiry to avoid fines.
These figures can vary slightly depending on the Emirate and whether done online or via service centers.
Bringing a loved one to the UAE is an emotional and important step in one’s journey as an expat. With the UAE authorities continuing to digitalize and simplify the process, sponsoring your wife for residency in 2025 is now more efficient than ever—provided all requirements are met and documentation is correctly submitted.
For personalized assistance, it is recommended to visit authorized typing centers or consult the official ICP and GDRFA channels based on your location.
