The UAE Golden Visa lets expatriates and investors live in the country for a long time with stability and security. If one spouse holds a Golden Visa, they can sponsor their husband or wife to live with them. This allows families to stay together and enjoy long-term residency benefits.
To do this, you need to understand the eligibility, required documents, and responsibilities of sponsorship. Stay tuned with us, we explain how a spouse can get a Golden Visa and what families need to know to settle in the UAE.
What Is The UAE Golden Visa?
The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency program introduced to attract skilled professionals, investors, entrepreneurs, and outstanding students. It allows individuals to live, work, and study in the UAE without needing a local sponsor.
Unlike traditional residence visas that last two or three years, the Golden Visa offers residency for 5 or 10 years, depending on the category. This visa is renewable and provides the flexibility to sponsor family members — including spouses, children, and even parents.
Can Your Spouse Obtain A Golden Visa Through Family Sponsorship In The UAE?
Yes, a spouse can get a Golden Visa in the UAE through family sponsorship. If one spouse holds a valid Golden Visa, they can sponsor their husband or wife to live with them legally in the country.
This inclusion ensures that families stay together, enjoying the same privileges and benefits that come with long-term residency. The sponsored spouse receives a residence permit that is directly linked to the main Golden Visa holder’s validity.
Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Spouse Under the UAE Golden Visa – How To Qualify!
While the UAE’s visa system is highly inclusive, there are specific eligibility requirements that the main Golden Visa holder must meet to sponsor their spouse. Below are the key conditions:
- Valid Golden Visa Holder: The sponsor must hold a valid Golden Visa issued under any eligible category such as investment, entrepreneurship, specialized talent, or skilled professional.
- Legally Recognized Marriage Certificate: To prove the marital relationship, an attested marriage certificate is mandatory. The document must be attested by the relevant authorities in the applicant’s home country as well as the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Income and Financial Stability: The sponsor must demonstrate sufficient income to support the spouse. While exact income thresholds may vary depending on the emirate, generally, a monthly income of AED 4,000–AED 10,000 (or equivalent with accommodation) is recommended to meet sponsorship criteria.
- Suitable Accommodation: The Golden Visa holder must have suitable housing in the UAE to accommodate family members. Rental contracts or property ownership documents may be requested as proof.
- Medical Clearance: Spouses above the age of 18 must undergo a medical fitness test at an authorized UAE health center. A clean bill of health is required to finalize the visa application.
What Are The Required Documents To Sponsor A Spouse Under The UAE Golden Visa?
When applying for a spouse visa under the Golden Visa family sponsorship, the following documents are generally required:
| Document | Purpose |
| Passport copies (both) | Identity verification |
| Attested marriage certificate | Proof of marriage |
| Passport-size photos | For visa and ID process |
| Emirates ID & Golden Visa copy | Confirms sponsor’s residency |
| Tenancy contract / property proof | Shows valid accommodation |
| Salary certificate / job contract | Confirms financial stability |
| Medical test results | Health clearance for spouse |
| Health insurance | Mandatory for residency |
Having all documents ready before application submission ensures a smooth and faster approval process.
How To Apply For A Spouse’s Golden Visa In The UAE?
The process of sponsoring your spouse under your UAE Golden Visa is straightforward. Here’s how it works step-by-step:
- Gather Required Documents: Collect all the required paperwork, including the attested marriage certificate, income proof, and Emirates ID.
- Medical Screening: Your spouse will need to complete a medical fitness test at an approved government medical center.
- Apply for the Entry Permit: If your spouse is outside the UAE, apply for an entry permit through ICP or GDRFA. If they’re already in the country, simply request a status change instead.
- Submit Application for Residency: After your spouse enters the country or changes status, apply for the residence visa under your sponsorship. Attach all supporting documents and pay the applicable fees.
- Biometrics and Emirates ID: Once approved, your spouse will complete biometric verification for the Emirates ID issuance.
- Receive Residency Visa: The residence permit (linked to your Golden Visa) will be stamped on the spouse’s passport.
How Long Is The Duration And Validity Of A Spouse’s Residency Visa In The UAE?
The spouse’s residency permit is linked to the sponsor’s Golden Visa validity. If the sponsor holds a 10-year Golden Visa, the spouse receives the same duration. Similarly, a 5-year Golden Visa sponsorship provides a 5-year dependent visa.
If the main visa is cancelled, expired, or revoked, the dependent visas will also need to be cancelled or renewed accordingly.
Benefits Of Sponsoring A Spouse Under The Golden Visa – Why It’s Worth It!
Sponsoring your spouse under the UAE Golden Visa brings many valuable benefits. It offers long-term residency stability for 5 or 10 years, eliminating the need for frequent renewals. Your spouse can freely work, study, or even start a business after obtaining the necessary permits.
The visa also ensures family security, allowing loved ones to live together without interruptions. In addition, it provides easy travel in and out of the UAE and access to premium healthcare, banking, and government services reserved for Golden Visa holders.
Common Challenges In Spouse Visa Sponsorship – Avoid Mistakes And Delays!
While sponsoring a spouse under the UAE Golden Visa is generally straightforward, applicants may encounter a few challenges along the way. Common issues include:
- Incomplete or unverified documents: Especially missing attestation on the marriage certificate.
- Delays in attestation: Waiting for embassy or consulate verification can slow down the process.
- Inconsistent income proof: Not meeting the required financial criteria for sponsorship.
- Incorrect accommodation details: Issues with tenancy contracts or inadequate housing proof.
- Medical test delays: Pending or failed medical fitness results for the spouse.
- Application errors: Incorrect information entered during online submission.
- Processing delays: Longer approval times during busy immigration periods.
- Visa linkage issues: Dependent visas not correctly tied to the sponsor’s Golden Visa.
Ensuring all documents are up to date, properly attested, and submitted through official UAE government channels helps minimize these challenges and speed up approval.
Can Both Spouses Have Individual Golden Visas?
Yes. In certain cases, both spouses can qualify for individual Golden Visas if they meet the eligibility criteria separately — such as through professional achievements, real estate investment, or specialized skills.
This allows both partners to enjoy independent sponsorships while still living together in the UAE. It’s particularly beneficial for couples where both individuals have strong professional or financial standings.
FAQs:
What Happens if the Golden Visa Holder’s Status Changes?
If the Golden Visa holder’s status changes, the spouse’s visa stays valid as long as the main visa remains active, but if it’s cancelled or expires, dependents have 30 days to renew their status or leave the UAE.
How Can You Renew Your Spouse’s Golden Visa in the UAE?
You can renew your spouse’s Golden Visa through GDRFA or ICP portals before expiry, as long as your own Golden Visa is valid and all updated documents are provided.
Can a Spouse Work in the UAE With a Golden Visa?
Yes, a spouse can work in the UAE under a dependent Golden Visa after obtaining a work permit from MOHRE, while keeping their residency linked to the main sponsor’s visa.
What Is the Cost of Sponsoring a Spouse Under the UAE Golden Visa?
Sponsoring a spouse under the UAE Golden Visa typically costs between AED 2,000–3,000, depending on the emirate and excluding attestation or translation fees.
Conclusion:
So, can a spouse get a Golden Visa in the UAE? Yes, definitely. The UAE makes it easy for families to stay together with its simple and flexible residency rules. The process is straightforward, the benefits are great, and life in the UAE offers many opportunities.
By allowing spouses to be sponsored, the UAE ensures that families can live, work, and grow together comfortably.
