How Much Is Spouse Visa in UAE 2026

Quick answer

A UAE spouse visa costs roughly AED 4,500–AED 6,500 per person in 2026, including medical test, Emirates ID, and stamping. Exact totals depend on your sponsor’s emirate and whether you add health insurance. Always verify current fees with ICP or GDRFA before paying.

Who can sponsor a spouse visa?

Only residents holding a valid residence visa can sponsor their partner. Your own visa must be valid for at least six months and you must earn a minimum salary—usually AED 4,000 plus accommodation, or AED 10,000 without accommodation. Higher thresholds apply in Abu Dhabi and for certain free-zone visas.

2026 cost breakdown

Inside Dubai and Northern Emirates (ICP/GDRFA)

• Entry permit: AED 300–350
• Medical fitness test: AED 300–750
• Emirates ID: AED 370 (one year) or AED 570 (two years)
• Visa stamping: AED 650–1,000
• Health insurance (minimum cover): AED 1,200–2,000

Total per spouse: AED 4,500–6,500 depending on insurer and emirate.

Abu Dhabi (ICF)

• Entry permit: AED 300
• Medical test: AED 400–800
• Emirates ID: AED 370–570
• Visa stamping: AED 650
• Health insurance: AED 1,500–2,500

Expect a similar final range of AED 4,800–7,000. Check current fees with the Abu Dhabi Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

Step-by-step application

1. Secure your own residence visa and meet the salary threshold.
2. Log into ICP or GDRFA portals and create an entry-permit request.
3. Pay the entry-permit fee and receive an approved PDF.
4. Book a medical fitness test at an approved DHA or HAAD centre.
5. Apply for Emirates ID and pay stamping fees once the test is passed.
6. Collect the stamped visa and Emirates ID from the typing centre or online portal.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting an expired passport—must be valid for at least six months.
• Forgetting to add health insurance before stamping; the visa will be rejected.
• Using a free-zone sponsor salary certificate that lists only basic pay without accommodation allowance.
• Assuming the same fee applies across all emirates; Abu Dhabi medical centres charge more.

Health-insurance rules in 2026

Every spouse visa holder must show a DHA- or HAAD-compliant policy. Minimum cover is AED 150,000 for Dubai and Abu Dhabi. Premiums range AED 1,200–2,500 yearly for adults aged 18–40. Compare networks and co-pay percentages before buying; some clinics outside the network still charge cash.

Renewal versus new application

Renewing a spouse visa inside the UAE saves the entry-permit fee (AED 300) but you still pay medical, Emirates ID, and stamping. Budget AED 3,200–4,800. If your visa has already expired, you must pay a daily fine of AED 25 up to a maximum of AED 600 before renewal.

Free-zone versus mainland sponsors

Mainland companies use GDRFA or ICP. Free-zone sponsors (DMCC, IFZA, ADGM) follow the same ICP rules but may require an extra company letter confirming your salary. Some free zones bundle visa services into an annual package priced AED 2,500–3,500; read the fine print so you do not pay twice.

Adding children later

Once the spouse visa is stamped, adding children costs AED 3,800–5,200 each. The same medical, Emirates ID, and stamping steps apply. Keep copies of both parents’ marriage certificate and the sponsor’s salary certificate to speed up future applications.

Key takeaway

Plan on AED 5,000–6,500 for the first spouse visa in 2026, then AED 3,500–4,800 for each renewal. Start with ICP or GDRFA portals, factor in health insurance, and always double-check fees on the official site before you pay.