Bringing your wife to the UAE is an exciting step for many Filipinos and other expats. It seemed a bit overwhelming, but with the right information, it’s totally manageable. If you’re planning to have your wife join you here, this guide will walk you through the steps and requirements. From gathering documents to understanding the fees, I’ve got you covered.
Complete Guide to Sponsoring Your Wife’s Visa in Dubai (2024 Update)
1. Eligibility Criteria for Sponsorship
- Salary Requirement: To sponsor your wife, your minimum monthly salary should be AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by your employer.
- Legal Marriage: You must have an attested marriage certificate. Here are the steps:
- Have your marriage certificate attested by the Department of Foreign Affairs (or its equivalent) in your home country.
- It must then be attested by the UAE Embassy in your home country.
- Finally, have it further attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) in the UAE.
- Translate the attested marriage certificate into Arabic.
- Valid UAE Residency: As the sponsor, you must hold a valid UAE residency visa.
2. Required Documents
To sponsor your wife’s visa, you’ll need to prepare the following documents:
- Application Form: A typed application form from AMER typing center or through the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) online portal.
- Passport Copies: Clear copies of both your passport and your wife’s passport. Make sure they are valid for at least six months.
- Your UAE Residence Visa: A copy of your valid UAE residence visa.
- Passport-sized Photos: Recent passport-sized photos of your wife with a white background.
- Original Emirates ID: You will need an Original Emirates ID when processing all these applications.
- Attested Marriage Certificate: As mentioned, this needs to be attested by the relevant authorities.
- Tenancy Contract: A registered tenancy contract (Ejari) in your name. If you live in company-provided accommodation, you’ll need to provide a letter from your employer.
- Labour Contract/Salary Certificate:
- If working in mainland UAE, provide your labour contract issued by MOHRE.
- If working in a free zone, provide an Arabic salary certificate issued from the Free Zone Authority.
- Bank IBAN Number: Required for the file opening process.
- Medical Insurance: Proof of medical insurance for your wife is necessary, as health insurance is mandatory in Dubai.
Note: Keep a digital copy of all the requirements. Currently, AMER Typing Centers are requesting digital copies to be sent via email or WhatsApp, making the process even more convenient.
3. Application Process
- Visit a Typing Center : Visit a registered AMER typing centre to make your application. Double check all the details (spelling, correct data) in your application form.
- Pay the Fees: Pay the necessary fees for the Entry permit visa application. The costs include the File Opening (One time fee) and Entry permit
- Receive Entry Permit: Once your application is approved, the entry permit for your wife will be sent to your email. This permit allows her to enter the UAE. It will take 3-5 working days or sometimes faster for the approval
- Medical Examination: After your wife arrives in the UAE, you have two options for completing the medical exam:
- Option 1: You can go directly to an authorized medical center, type the application and complete the medical tests, like the blood test and chest X-ray, in one visit.
- Option 2: Alternatively, you can have the application typed at an AMER Typing Center and then proceed to an authorized medical center for the tests.
- Emirates ID, Medical Health Insurance and Residence Visa: After passing the medical test, go back to the same AMER Toying Center and process your wife’s Emirates ID, basic Medical Insurance and Residence Visa Stamping. Pay the fees and once visa is ready, it will be sent in your registered email. If Emirates ID physical card is ready it will be sent to your home address.
Note: If you want better medical insurance, consider reputable companies like Zurich, Daman, or NextCare, though it may cost more.
4. Fees Involved
Sponsoring a visa involves several fees:
- File Opening: AED 305
- Entry Permit: AED 510
- Medical Examination: AED 325
- Emirates ID: AED 425
- Visa Stamping: AED 510
Total: AED 2075
Note: Prices may vary depending on the typing centre you choose. Additionally, medical insurance fees is not included here as price will differ based on the company and the level of coverage or benefits you select.
5. Processing Time
The entire process can take anywhere from 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly you can gather the necessary documents and how busy the GDRFA is at the time.
6. Renewal of the Visa
Your wife’s visa will typically be valid for 1-2 years, depending on your employment contract. Make sure to renew it at least a month before it expires to avoid fines.
7. Additional Tips
- Keep Digital Copies of All Documents: It’s a good idea to have digital copies of all the required documents on hand. Many AMER Typing Centers now accept documents via email or WhatsApp, making the submission process faster and more convenient.
- Double-Check Form Details: Always double-check all the details on your forms when having them typed at AMER Typing Centers to ensure accuracy and avoid delays in the process.
- Consider Better Medical Insurance: While basic medical insurance is required, you can opt for better coverage from reputable companies like Zurich, Daman, or NextCare, though it will cost more.
- Electronic Emirates ID and Residence Visa: Once your residence visa and Emirates ID are ready, you can have a digital copy by registering with UAE Pass, a national digital identity system that allows secure access to UAE government services online.
- Stay Updated on Rules: UAE visa regulations can change, so it’s wise to regularly check for updates or consult with a PRO if you have one.
Bringing your wife to the UAE is a wonderful step toward starting or continuing your life together in Dubai. By following these steps, you can ensure the process is as smooth and hassle-free as possible.
