Step-by-Step Guide to Family Sponsorship in UAE
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Can a wife sponsor a husband in Dubai? Yes (under certain conditions) — and many women are doing so today! Many people come to Dubai for work and a better life. After settling down, the next important goal is to bring their family to live with them. In the past, it was mostly men who sponsored their wives and children. But today, women in the UAE are also taking on this role.
Can a Wife Sponsor Her Husband in Dubai?
Yes, a wife can sponsor her husband in Dubai, but certain conditions must be met.
To sponsor her husband, the wife must meet a minimum salary requirement and have a valid residency visa in the UAE. The rules may vary slightly depending on the emirate, but Dubai has clear guidelines under the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
If the wife works in fields such as medicine, education, or engineering, the approval process is often smoother. However, women in other sectors can also apply, especially if their salary meets the required threshold.
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✅ Tip: If the salary is slightly below the minimum, applying with a strong justification letter or sponsor letter may help — though approval is not guaranteed. |
Minimum Salary for Sponsoring Husband in Dubai
To sponsor her husband in Dubai, a wife must meet the minimum salary requirement set by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
The minimum salary to sponsor a husband in Dubai is:
- AED 10,000 without housing
- AED 8,000 with accommodation (if supported by a valid tenancy contract)
These values apply to most expatriate women living and working in Dubai. However, some professions like doctors, engineers, and teachers may receive more flexibility from immigration authorities.
Salary Requirement Comparison Table
|
Scenario |
Minimum Salary Required |
Housing Requirement |
|
Wife has no housing provided |
AED 10,000 |
Not required |
|
Wife has accommodation (Ejari in her name) |
AED 8,000 |
Valid tenancy contract (Ejari) |
|
Government sector worker (case-by-case) |
Varies (as low as AED 6,000) |
Must have GDRFA approval |
|
Humanitarian or medical professions |
May be relaxed |
Supporting documents recommended |
Important Notes on Housing
- The tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai) must be in the wife's name or under a joint rental agreement
- Shared accommodation is not usually accepted for family sponsorships
- Proof of housing may include —
- Ejari certificate
- DEWA bill
- Letter from the employer (if housing is provided)
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📝 Important According to the UAE’s official government portal, the minimum salary to sponsor family members is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation. However, in Dubai, female sponsors are often required to earn AED 8,000–10,000, especially when sponsoring a husband. Always check with GDRFA Dubai or typing centers for the latest requirements in your case. |

Documents Required to Sponsor Husband in Dubai
To sponsor her husband in Dubai, a wife must prepare and submit several official documents. These documents prove her identity, income, legal residency and ability to support her spouse in the UAE.
The documents fall under three main categories —
✅ Personal Documents
✅ Employment & Salary Proof
✅ Housing & Support Documents
|
Document Type |
Required Document |
|
Personal Documents |
|
|
Employment & Financial |
|
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Housing & Accommodation |
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📝 Notes
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Procedure for Sponsoring Husband in Dubai
Sponsoring your husband in Dubai involves several steps. The process, handled through GDRFA Dubai and AMER Centers, must be done correctly to avoid delays or rejections.
The full process includes document preparation, entry permit (if the husband is outside UAE), medical tests, Emirates ID registration and final visa stamping.
✅ Step 1: Gather All Required Documents
Prepare all personal, financial and housing documents as listed in the previous section
✅ Step 2: Attest Marriage Certificate
If issued outside UAE, the marriage certificate must be —
- Attested in home country (Ministry/Foreign Affairs)
- Attested by the UAE embassy
- Attested in UAE by MOFA
✅ Step 3: Apply for Entry Permit (if the husband is outside UAE)
Visit an AMER Center or apply online via the GDRFA portal
✅ Step 4: Husband Enters UAE (if abroad)
Once the entry permit is approved, the husband can enter the UAE — he must complete the next steps within 60 days
✅ Step 5: Medical Test
Take the husband to an authorised medical fitness center in Dubai for a blood test and chest X-ray — this is required for visa stamping
✅ Step 6: Apply for Emirates ID
Submit biometric data and Emirates ID application through ICP or typing center
✅ Step 7: Health Insurance (if required)
Health insurance is mandatory in Dubai for visa stamping — choose a basic or comprehensive plan unless the employer covers it
✅ Step 8: Final Visa Stamping
Submit all approved documents at AMER or GDRFA — visa stickers will be stamped on the passport
Can a Wife Sponsor Her Child in UAE?
Yes, a wife can sponsor her child in the UAE, but only if specific conditions are met. The UAE has allowed working mothers to sponsor their children if they meet the minimum salary requirement and provide the right legal documents.
This is especially helpful in cases where the father is unemployed, abroad, or does not meet sponsorship requirements.
Key Conditions for Mothers Sponsoring Children
|
Requirement |
Details |
|
Residency |
Mother must hold a valid UAE residence visa |
|
Minimum Salary |
AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + accommodation (federally); AED 8,000 or AED 10,000 in Dubai |
|
Child’s Age |
|
Required Documents (Additional to Standard Set)
- NOC from father (attested by UAE MOFA if the father is abroad)
- Copy of father’s passport and visa/residency status (if applicable)
- Child’s birth certificate (attested and legally translated if needed)
📝 Important Notes
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Is shared accommodation accepted for sponsoring a husband in Dubai?
No, shared or bed-space accommodation is generally not accepted. You must have a valid Ejari tenancy contract in your name or a joint lease agreement, especially in Dubai. This is a key part of housing requirements for sponsoring wife visa in Dubai or husband visas alike.
Can a wife sponsor her husband if she is on a freelance or part-time visa in UAE?
In most cases, no. Freelancers and part-time employees are usually not eligible unless their visa is issued under a registered UAE company or free zone and includes a labor contract and salary certificate that meets the minimum salary for sponsoring a wife in Dubai or husband.
How long does the entire sponsorship process take?
The full process — from application to visa stamping — typically takes 10 to 15 working days, assuming all documents are in order. Delays may occur during busy periods or if document attestation is incomplete.
Can the wife continue sponsoring her husband if she changes jobs in Dubai?
Yes, but she must update her new employment details with immigration. This includes a new:
- Salary certificate
- Labor contract
- Emirates ID update (if applicable)
Failure to update may affect the renewal of the husband's visa.
Can a woman sponsor her husband in other emirates like Abu Dhabi or Sharjah?
Yes, the rule applies across the UAE, not just Dubai. However, each emirate may have slightly different enforcement practices. For instance, Abu Dhabi may accept applications with a lower salary threshold (AED 4,000 + housing), while Dubai enforces a higher limit.
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