Indian Spouse Dependent Visa Dubai: Your Step-by-Step Guide

Getting your spouse to join you in Dubai is a significant step, and navigating the visa process can feel a bit overwhelming. This guide is designed to break down the Indian spouse dependent visa process in Dubai into clear, manageable steps, offering practical insights from someone who understands the journey. We'll cover everything from what you need to prepare to the final visa stamping, ensuring you feel confident and prepared.

Who Can Sponsor a Spouse in Dubai?

First things first: you, as the sponsoring spouse, need to meet specific criteria. Generally, you must hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet a minimum salary requirement.

• Minimum Salary: The most crucial requirement is an attested salary of at least AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 plus accommodation provided by your company. This salary must be reflected on your employment contract.
• Profession: While most professions can sponsor, certain low-skilled professions might face challenges or require higher salary proofs.
• Housing: You'll need a tenancy contract (Ejari) registered in your name for accommodation in Dubai.

Essential Documents You'll Need

Gathering your documents early is key to a smooth process. Make sure you have both original and multiple photocopies of everything.

From the Sponsoring Spouse (You):

• Passport: Original and copy (valid for at least 6 months).
• Residence Visa: Copy of your valid UAE residence visa.
• Emirates ID: Original and copy.
• Employment Contract: Original and copy, attested by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or free zone authority.
• Salary Certificate: Original, issued by your employer and attested by your free zone authority or chamber of commerce if required.
• Bank Statements: Last 3-6 months' statements, if requested, showing salary credits.
• Ejari Certificate: Copy of your registered tenancy contract for your accommodation in Dubai.
• Utility Bill: A recent DEWA bill or similar utility bill in your name.
• Marriage Certificate: Original and copy. This is critical and must be attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India and the UAE Embassy in India, then finally by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFAIC) in the UAE.

From the Dependent Spouse (Your Partner):

• Passport: Original and copy (valid for at least 6 months), including any previous UAE visa pages if applicable.
• Passport-Sized Photos: Several recent passport-sized photographs with a white background (typically 6-8 copies).
• Marriage Certificate: Copy of the same attested marriage certificate.
• Entry Permit (later in the process): Copy of the initial entry permit issued for them.

Important Note on Attestation: The attestation of your marriage certificate is often the most time-consuming part. Start this process well in advance while your spouse is still in India. You'll need to go through notary, home department, MEA, and UAE Embassy in India, followed by MoFAIC in the UAE.

The Step-by-Step Dependent Visa Process

The entire process involves several stages, typically starting with an entry permit and ending with the residence visa stamping in your spouse's passport. This can be done through an Amer Centre, a typing center, or online via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) website or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai website.

Step 1: Apply for an Entry Permit (Inside or Outside the UAE)

This is the initial approval for your spouse to enter the UAE.

• If your spouse is outside the UAE: You'll apply for an "Entry Permit for Residence" (also known as a pink visa or visit visa for residence purposes). Once approved, this permit allows them to enter Dubai. They typically have 60 days from issuance to enter the country.
• If your spouse is inside the UAE: They might have entered on a tourist visa. You can apply for a "Change Status" application. This allows them to switch from a tourist to a residence visa without leaving the country. There's usually an additional fee for this.

Process:

1. Visit an Amer Centre (recommended for guidance) or a typing center. You can also apply online through the ICP or GDRFA portal.
2. Submit all required documents, including your attested marriage certificate.
3. Pay the application fees.
4. You'll receive the entry permit via email (e-visa). This can take from a few hours (express) to a few working days.

Cost: Approximately AED 500 - AED 1,000 for the entry permit, depending on regular or express service, and whether it's an inside country change status.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test

Once your spouse is in the UAE (or their status has been changed if they were already here), the next crucial step is the medical fitness test.

1. Visit an Authorized Medical Centre: Go to a government-approved medical fitness centre (e.g., DHA Medical Fitness Centre).
2. Required Documents: Your spouse will need their original passport, a copy of the entry permit, and passport-sized photos.
3. Tests: The test involves a blood test for communicable diseases (like HIV, Hepatitis B & C) and a chest X-ray for tuberculosis.
4. Results: Results are usually available within 24-48 hours (express service) or a few days (regular service) and are often sent directly to the ICP/GDRFA system.

Cost: Approximately AED 250 - AED 500, depending on the service speed.

Step 3: Apply for Emirates ID

Simultaneously or immediately after the medical test, you should apply for the Emirates ID for your spouse.

1. Visit an Amer Centre/Typing Centre: Go with your spouse.
2. Required Documents: Original passport, entry permit copy, medical fitness results (or proof of application), and passport-sized photos.
3. Fingerprinting and Biometrics: Your spouse will need to undergo fingerprinting and iris scans at an authorized centre.
4. Application: The application form will be filled out, and fees paid.
5. Confirmation: You'll receive an application number (UID) and often an SMS confirmation.

Cost: Approximately AED 270 - AED 370 for a two-year validity.

Step 4: Residence Visa Stamping

This is the final step, where the residence visa is officially stamped into your spouse's passport.

1. Gather Documents:
   • Sponsor's original Emirates ID.
   • Sponsor's original passport.
   • Sponsor's salary certificate/contract copy.
   • Spouse's original passport.
   • Copy of the entry permit.
   • Medical fitness report.
   • Emirates ID application form/receipt.
   • Attested marriage certificate.
   • Ejari copy.
   • Passport-sized photos of the dependent.
2. Submit Application: Visit an Amer Centre or submit online via ICP or GDRFA Dubai.
3. Pay Fees: Pay the final visa stamping fees.
4. Passport Submission: In some cases, you might need to submit your spouse's original passport for stamping. This can be done at the Amer Centre or via courier.
5. Visa Stamped: Once approved, the residence visa will be stamped into your spouse's passport. This typically grants a 2-year validity.

Cost: Approximately AED 500 - AED 1,000, depending on the service type and validity period.

Total Estimated Costs & Timeframes

• Total Cost: Expect a range of AED 2,000 - AED 4,000 for the entire process, excluding the initial attestation of the marriage certificate which can be another AED 500 - AED 1,500 in India. These are estimates and can vary.
• Total Timeframe: From entry permit application to final visa stamping, the process can take anywhere from 2-4 weeks if everything goes smoothly and you opt for regular services. Express services can expedite certain steps. The longest part is often waiting for medical results or Emirates ID processing.

Practical Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Start Early: Especially with document attestation. It's better to have everything ready than to rush.
• Photocopies are Your Friend: Always carry multiple copies of all documents.
• Keep Receipts: Keep all payment receipts and application forms.
• Check Validity: Ensure all passports and existing visas have sufficient validity (at least 6 months).
• Online Tracking: You can track the status of your applications on the ICP or GDRFA websites using the application number (UID).
• Amer Centres for Guidance: If you're unsure, Amer Centres are government-authorized service providers that can guide you through the process and help with applications. They charge a service fee, but it can be worth it for peace of mind.
• Be Honest: Provide accurate information. Any discrepancies can lead to delays or rejection.
• Salary Certificate Accuracy: Ensure your salary certificate precisely matches your employment contract and bank statements if requested.
• Translation: Any non-English/Arabic documents (like your marriage certificate if not originally in English) must be legally translated and attested.

Common Questions Answered

• Can my spouse work on a dependent visa? Yes, after obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from you (the sponsor) and a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), your spouse can work.
• What if I change jobs? If you change jobs, your spouse's visa will need to be cancelled and re-applied for under your new sponsorship. This involves additional costs and steps.
• How long can my spouse stay after visa expiry/cancellation? Typically, a grace period of 30 days is granted after visa expiry or cancellation. Overstaying incurs fines.

After the Visa Stamping: What's Next?

Once your spouse's residence visa is stamped in their passport, and they receive their Emirates ID card, they are officially a resident of Dubai!

• Bank Account: They can now open a bank account in their name.
• Driving License: If they have an eligible foreign driving license, they might be able to easily convert it to a UAE driving license.
• Health Insurance: While you, as the sponsor, are responsible for providing health insurance, ensure your spouse is covered.
• Enjoy Dubai: With all the formalities out of the way, you can both settle into life in Dubai.

Navigating the Indian spouse dependent visa process in Dubai requires patience and attention to detail. By following this guide and preparing thoroughly, you can make the journey much smoother for you and your partner. Welcome to Dubai!