Several Indians working in the UAE live away from their families, leaving their husbands, wives, and children behind. As long as you comply with the UAE's requirements, getting a spouse visa is an easy and inexpensive process. Generally, employers sponsor your spouse's and children's residence visas, but you can also sponsor your spouse's visa if required.
It is normally the husband who sponsors the visa of his wife. However, if the husband loses his job, the question arises whether the wife will be able to sponsor the husband's residency visa. The answer is yes.
If you meet certain eligibility criteria, you can sponsor your husband's residence visa regardless of whether you have a full-time job or are a businesswoman.
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai is responsible for issuing visas in Dubai. How to sponsor your husband in Dubai is explained here in detail.
Eligibility Criteria for a Wife Sponsoring Her Husband's Residency Visa
A resident may sponsor their spouse if they meet certain criteria. The wife sponsoring her husband and children should earn at least AED 3,500 and be able to provide proof of accommodation.
Certain applicants may be required to pay a security deposit. The sponsor's profession or designation determines whether a deposit is required. It is not always necessary, and the decision is made on a case-by-case basis by the immigration authority.
Documents Required to Sponsor Husband's Residency Visa in UAE:
Ensure you have the following documents before applying for a visa
1. Sponsor's Emirates ID (wife).
2. Copies of the husband's and wife's passports.
3. Wife's salary certificate and employment contract.
4. The tenancy contract or Ejari is registered in the wife’s name.
5. Husband’s passport photo on a white background.
6. Attested marriage certificate translated into Arabic.
7. As applicable, a copy of the husband's entry permit or residence visa.
8. IBAN (International Bank Account Number).
Where do I Need to Apply for the Residence Visa Process
Upon having all the required documents in place, you can apply for the visa:
1. By visiting an Amer centre.
2. By visiting a registered typing center.
3. Online, via DubaiNow.
How You Can Apply for Your Husband's Visa
Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit
In case your husband is outside the UAE: You need to obtain an entry permit by visiting an Amer center or a registered typing center. On this entry permit, your husband can travel to the UAE, and then you can apply for his residence visa.
In case your husband is inside the UAE: You can still apply for an entry permit. However, you must also complete a process called 'change status' so that you may receive an entry permit from the immigration authorities if your husband is already here.
Step 2: Complete the Visa Application
The next step is to apply for a visa, which can also be done at the Amer center or typing center. During the visa application process, you can also obtain a typed copy of the medical fitness test application, which will help you in the next step.
Step 3: Complete a Medical Fitness Test
In order to pass the medical fitness test, your husband will need to go to a DHA Medical Fitness testing center near you.
The following is a list of all medical fitness centers operated by the DHA: (Click on the links for location and contact details)
Karama Medical Fitness Express Service Center
Bur Dubai Medical Fitness Center
Al Muhaisnah Medical Fitness Center
Al Quoz Mall Medical Fitness Center
Al Yalayis Medical Fitness Center
Al Nahda Occupational Health Screening & Medical Fitness Center
Al Garhoud Medical Fitness Center
Al Rashidiya Medical Fitness Center
Dubai Airport Free Zone Authority
Dubai International Financial Center
AXS medical Fitness Center, Dubai Knowledge Park
Emirates Medical Fitness Center, Dubai Health Care City
Al Lusaily Medical Fitness Center
Dubai Land Department Medical Fitness Center, Baniyas Rd, Near Etisalat Building, Deira
There are a few tests you'll have to undergo at the medical fitness center, including a blood test and a chest X-ray. It will take 24 hours for the results to be available. You can also request express or VIP delivery if you want them sooner.
Step 4: Apply for the Emirates ID
The next step is to fill out an Emirates ID application form at an Amer Center or typing center. Your husband will need to provide a thumbprint for the biometric data if this is his first time getting a residence visa in the UAE. When he had a previous visa from the UAE, his biometric information would already be on file at ICP, so he would not have to provide it.
You will need to provide your address to receive the Emirates ID when applying for it.
ICP customer happiness centers in UAE (To apply for an Emirates ID)
Read: How To Apply For An Emirates ID: All You Need To Know About Emirates ID 2023
How To Get New Emirates ID Within Few Hours: Emirates ID Renewal
A Guide To Emirates ID: New Emirates ID Features And How To Use Them
Step 5: Obtain Health Insurance
Following the Dubai Health Insurance Law, which took effect in January 2014, health insurance became mandatory in Dubai. In accordance with the law, the sponsor must provide health insurance.
Check your employment contract to determine if your company offers spouse insurance, if it is included in its company policy, or not. If it is included, you should ask them to apply for your spouse's health insurance. Otherwise, you would have to apply for the policy yourself.
Read: What Is The Process To Obtain Health Insurance In The UAE
Step 6: Obtain Your Emirates ID
Your visa application process will be completed once you receive your Emirates ID.
Cost of the Residence Visa Application Process
-Cost of Entry permit if the husband is inside the country: AED 1,138
-Cost of Entry permit for outside the country: AED 492
-Cost of changing status: AED 642
-Cost of Medical Fitness Test: Around 300 AED
-Cost of health insurance: depends on your policy's coverage
Here is the conclusion to our guide on how a wife can sponsor her husband. Feel free to comment if there is any error. You can also email us @ info@arablocal.com.
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