The UAE Golden Visa has transformed how people live and work in the Emirates, offering long-term residency benefits to investors, professionals, and talented individuals. One of its key features is the ability to bring your family, including your spouse, under the same visa. This opens up incredible opportunities for families to live and thrive in the UAE.
Stay tuned with us, we’ll walk you through the simple steps to include your spouse in the UAE Golden Visa application. Whether you’re new to the process or looking to update your visa, we’ve got you covered. Let’s explore how you can secure a Golden Visa for your spouse with ease.
What Is The UAE Golden Visa?
The Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa, usually valid for 5 or 10 years. It’s designed for investors, skilled professionals, entrepreneurs, and talented individuals. One of the biggest perks? You can bring your immediate family, including your spouse, to live with you in the UAE.
Benefits for spouses include:
- Secure residency in the UAE for the duration of the sponsor’s visa.
- Access to healthcare, education, and employment opportunities (depending on UAE regulations).
- Eligibility for Emirates ID and other government services.
Understanding these benefits makes it clear why including your spouse in your Golden Visa application is an essential step for many families relocating to the UAE.
Who Can Apply For The UAE Golden Visa?
Before exploring how to include your spouse in the UAE Golden Visa application, it’s important to understand who is eligible for this visa. Golden Visa applicants include:
- Investors in UAE companies or real estate.
- Entrepreneurs and business owners.
- Talented professionals in fields such as healthcare, engineering, science, and technology.
- Outstanding students, researchers, and scholars.
Each category requires specific documentation and criteria. Once you have your Golden Visa, you can proceed to include your spouse as a dependent.
How To Include Spouses In Uae Golden Visa Application? – A Step-By-Step Guide!
Including your spouse in your UAE Golden Visa application is a straightforward process once you meet all the necessary prerequisites. Below is a detailed step-by-step guide on how to include a spouse in the UAE Golden Visa application.
Secure Your Own Golden Visa
Ensure your Golden Visa is active and approved, as dependent applications cannot be processed otherwise.
To secure your Golden Visa:
- Complete the application for your category (investor, professional, entrepreneur, or exceptional talent).
- Submit required documents (educational certificates, employment contracts, or investment proofs).
- Pay the visa fees.
- Receive visa approval and Emirates ID.
Tip: Keep digital and physical copies of your Golden Visa and Emirates ID ready for your spouse’s application.
Create a Sponsor File for Your Spouse:
Once your visa is active, create a sponsor record for your spouse via UAE portals:
- ICP Smart Services Portal: For most emirates outside Dubai.
- GDRFA Portal: For Dubai residents.
Steps:
- Log in with your Golden Visa credentials.
- Create a dependent sponsorship record linking your spouse.
- Verify your personal and visa details.
After the sponsor file is ready, proceed to document preparation and application submission.
Prepare Required Documents:
Proper documentation is critical to avoid delays. Here’s what you need:
| Document Type | Requirements |
| Marriage Certificate | Attested by UAE-recognized authorities/embassy; translated into Arabic |
| Spouse Documents | Passport copies (≥6 months validity); recent passport-sized photos (white background) |
| Financial Proof | Salary certificate or employment contract; bank statements may be requested |
| Accommodation Proof | Registered tenancy contract or property ownership document |
Tip: Double-check all attested and translated documents. Even minor mistakes can cause delays.
Submit the Dependent Application Online:
With documents ready, you can submit your spouse’s application online:
- Access the ICP or GDRFA portal using your sponsor login.
- Fill out the dependent application form with accurate details.
- Upload all documents, including marriage certificate, passport copies, photos, financial proof, and accommodation proof.
- Submit the application and keep the tracking number for updates.
Tip: Avoid last-minute submissions. Technical issues or verification delays are common if you rush.
Medical Fitness and Biometric Procedures:
Your spouse must complete mandatory health and identity checks:
- Medical fitness test: Includes blood tests, general health screening, and sometimes a chest X-ray.
- Biometric procedures: Fingerprints and photos for the Emirates ID.
Important: If your spouse is already in the UAE on a different visa, you may need to convert their visa status to a dependent before starting these procedures.
Pay Fees and Finalize Residency:
After medical clearance and biometrics:
- Pay the dependent visa fees (fees vary by emirate and visa duration).
- Complete post-approval procedures.
- Receive the Emirates ID for your spouse.
- Get your spouse’s residency stamped in their passport.
Once completed, your spouse becomes a fully recognized UAE Golden Visa resident.
What Are The Common Challenges Applicants Face? – Find Solutions Here
While the process of including your spouse in a UAE Golden Visa application is straightforward, many applicants encounter hurdles that can cause delays or complications. Being aware of these challenges helps you prepare in advance.
- Document Attestation Delays: Attesting marriage certificates and other documents can take longer than expected.
- Income Verification Issues: Insufficient or unclear proof of income may delay approval.
- Medical Test Complications: Failing or delaying medical fitness tests can hold up the process.
- Technical Errors on Portals: Online forms on ICP or GDRFA may have glitches or require corrections.
- Accommodation Proof Issues: Providing inadequate or unregistered housing documents can cause rejection.
Benefits Of Including Your Spouse In A Golden Visa Application – Don’t Miss Out!
Including your spouse in your UAE Golden Visa comes with many advantages that make life in the UAE easier and more secure. They get long-term residency, which means no frequent visa renewals. Your spouse can also access healthcare and education, ensuring a comfortable lifestyle.
Travel becomes simpler, as they can enter and exit the UAE freely. Having your spouse on your visa also makes banking, leasing, and official paperwork much smoother. Overall, it helps your family settle and integrate comfortably into life in the UAE.
How Long Does The Process Take?
The timeline for including your spouse in a UAE Golden Visa can vary depending on several factors, so it’s important to plan carefully and stay organized.From submission to residency stamping, the process may take anywhere from 2 to 6 weeks, depending on:
- Efficiency of document attestation.
- Medical fitness test scheduling.
- Portal verification and approval timelines.
Being prepared and starting early helps avoid unnecessary delays and ensures a smooth process for your family’s relocation.
FAQs:
Can my spouse work in the UAE on a dependent visa?
Dependent spouses may apply for a work permit, subject to UAE labor regulations. Check local rules or consult authorities to understand eligibility and procedure.
What happens if my documents are incorrect or incomplete?
Incorrect or incomplete documents can cause delays or even rejection of the application. Authorities may ask for corrections or additional documents. Always double-check all documents before submission.
Can the application be done entirely online?
Yes, most steps, including application submission and document uploads, can be done online. However, medical tests and Emirates ID collection require in-person visits.
What if my spouse is currently outside the UAE?
You can submit the dependent application online even if your spouse is abroad. Once approved, your spouse will complete medical tests and visa stamping upon arrival in the UAE. Planning travel accordingly is essential.
Conclusion:
Including your spouse in your UAE Golden Visa application is a vital step toward family stability and security in the UAE. While it requires careful preparation, document attestation, online submissions, and medical tests, the process is manageable with proper planning.
By following this step-by-step guide, your spouse can enjoy all the benefits of the Golden Visa—from healthcare and education to travel freedom and long-term residency—allowing your family to fully embrace life in one of the world’s most dynamic countries.
