How Much Spouse Visa Cost in Dubai 2026

Quick answer

A Dubai spouse visa costs AED 3,650–AED 4,650 in 2026 when you apply through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) or Dubai’s ICP portal. This covers medical fitness, Emirates ID, and the visa stamp. Prices vary slightly if you add typing-centre fees, health-insurance premiums, or need a new Emirates ID for the first time.

Who can sponsor a spouse visa?

Only UAE residents holding a valid residence visa can sponsor a spouse. Your own visa must be valid for at least six months, and your salary must meet the minimum threshold set by GDRFA—currently AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 if you also provide employer-provided accommodation.

Breakdown of spouse visa costs in Dubai 2026

Official GDRFA fees

• Entry permit (sponsorship approval): AED 300
• Change of status (if already inside the UAE): AED 750
• Medical fitness test: AED 300–AED 500 (DHA-approved centres)
• Emirates ID issuance (3-year): AED 370
• Visa stamp (3-year): AED 600
• Typing centre service fee: AED 200–AED 300

Total official cost: AED 3,650–AED 4,650. All figures are published on the ICP website; verify current fee with GDRFA before you pay.

Optional but common extras

• Health insurance (minimum plan): AED 650–AED 1,200 per year
• Document attestation (marriage certificate): AED 150–AED 300 via UAE embassy or MOFA
• Return flight ticket (sometimes requested): AED 1,200–AED 2,500

Step-by-step: how to apply for a spouse visa in Dubai

1. Check eligibility. Confirm your salary meets the threshold and your tenancy contract is Ejari-registered.
2. Prepare documents. Passport copies, marriage certificate, salary certificate, tenancy contract, and photos.
3. Enter application online. Log into the ICP self-service portal or visit an Amer centre. Pay for the entry permit.
4. Medical test & Emirates ID. Book a DHA medical fitness test; fingerprints are taken for the Emirates ID at the same time.
5. Visa stamping. Once results are ready, GDRFA issues the stamped visa label in the passport.
6. Collect Emirates ID card. Usually ready within 7–10 days; collect it from any ICP centre.

Common mistakes that inflate the cost

• Using an unapproved medical centre and having to repeat the test.
• Forgetting to attest the marriage certificate abroad, causing application rejection and extra courier fees.
• Letting your own residence visa lapse; renewal first is mandatory and costs AED 1,000+.
• Choosing a typing centre that charges double the standard GDRFA fee.

Tips to keep spouse visa costs down

• Apply online via the ICP portal to skip typing-centre mark-ups.
• Bundle medical test and Emirates ID appointment on the same day.
• Compare annual health-insurance quotes on DHA’s approved list; the cheapest compliant plan is often AED 650.
• Renew early—late fines are AED 50 per day after 30 days.

Spouse visa vs. visit visa: which is cheaper long-term?

A 90-day visit visa costs AED 300–AED 650 per entry, but you must leave every 90 days. For couples staying longer than six months, the spouse visa is more economical once you factor in flight tickets and the stress of visa runs. Over two years, the spouse visa saves roughly AED 4,000–AED 6,000 compared with repeated visit-visa travel.

Key takeaway

Budget AED 4,000–AED 5,000 all-in for a Dubai spouse visa in 2026. Apply online, keep documents attested, and renew on time to avoid fines. The process is straightforward once you know the official fees and the right sequence of medical, Emirates ID, and stamping steps.