How to Apply for Spouse Visa in Sharjah 2026

Quick answer

You need a valid UAE residence visa sponsor (your spouse) who lives or works in Sharjah, a marriage certificate attested by the UAE Embassy and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, medical fitness and Emirates ID. Submit everything via the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) portal or Amer centres in Sharjah. Processing takes 5–15 working days and costs start from AED 4,500.

Who can sponsor a spouse visa in Sharjah?

Only residents with a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor spouses. In Sharjah this includes employees sponsored by a company registered in Sharjah, free-zone employees under Sharjah Airport International Free Zone (SAIF), government staff, and property owners who hold a property valued at AED 1 million or more. Tourists on 30- or 60-day visas cannot sponsor anyone.

Documents you need in 2026

• Valid passport (minimum six months validity)
• Marriage certificate attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of issue and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA)
• Passport copies of both spouses
• Passport-size photos (white background)
• Medical fitness certificate from a DHA-approved centre in Sharjah
• Emirates ID application form
• Sponsor’s tenancy contract (Ejari) and DEWA bill
• Sponsor’s salary certificate or trade licence (if self-employed)

Step-by-step application process

Step 1 – Get your marriage certificate attested

Start outside the UAE. Take your marriage certificate to the UAE Embassy in the country where you married, then courier it to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Abu Dhabi for final attestation. This step usually takes 2–4 weeks.

Step 2 – Enter the UAE on a visit visa

Your spouse should already hold a valid Sharjah residence visa. Apply for a 60-day visit visa on arrival or via GDRFA online if you need extra time. You must be inside the UAE to complete medical and Emirates ID steps.

Step 3 – Medical fitness test

Book an appointment at Al Baraha Medical Fitness Centre or Al Qassimi Hospital in Sharjah. Bring your passport and pay AED 500. The test screens for HIV, hepatitis B & C, tuberculosis and pregnancy. Results are usually ready in 3–5 days.

Step 4 – Emirates ID and visa application

Log in to the GDRFA portal or visit an Amer centre in Sharjah. Upload all documents, pay the fees and book an Emirates ID biometrics appointment. Current fees start at AED 4,500 for a 3-year visa, including medical, Emirates ID and stamping.

Step 5 – Biometrics and visa stamping

Visit the Amer centre for fingerprints and photo. Within 5–10 working days your passport will be stamped with the residence visa and you will receive the Emirates ID card.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a non-attested marriage certificate – GDRFA will reject the file.
• Using a tourist visa instead of entering on a proper visit visa sponsored by your spouse.
• Forgetting to get your tenancy contract attested by Ejari before submission.
• Choosing a medical centre not approved by DHA – results will not be accepted.

Sharjah vs Dubai vs Abu Dhabi – quick comparison

Cost breakdown (2026 fees)

• Entry permit: AED 1,000
• Medical fitness: AED 500
• Emirates ID (3 years): AED 370
• Visa stamping: AED 650
• Insurance (minimum): AED 800–1,200
• Typing & service charges: AED 500–800

Total: verify current fee with GDRFA before payment.

Tips for a smooth application

• Book medical and Amer appointments online the same day to save time.
• Keep digital copies of every attested document on your phone.
• If your marriage certificate is in another language, get a certified Arabic translation first.
• Check your sponsor’s visa validity – it must be valid for at least six months.

Key takeaway

Applying for a spouse visa in Sharjah is straightforward once your marriage certificate is attested and you complete the medical and Emirates ID steps. Start early, double-check GDRFA requirements, and budget AED 4,500–6,000 for a 3-year visa.