Partner Visa in Dubai
Obtaining a partner visa in Dubai is a process that allows individuals to bring their spouses or dependents to live with them in the city. The Dubai partner visa, also known as the residence visa, offers an opportunity for couples to enjoy the region together. From daily life to conducting business in the UAE, this partner visa is crucial to bringing friends, family, and business investors to the UAE.
In this blog, we’ll dive deeper into obtaining a partner visa in Dubai, including the benefits and frequently asked questions about the subject. If you’re considering bringing family or investors to the UAE, you’ll want to keep reading.
What is Dubai’s Partner Visa?
A Partner Visa in Dubai is a business sponsorship, not a family one. It is for co-owners or investors in a company. If you establish a business in Dubai, this visa allows you to sponsor a business partner—an associate who holds a stake in your venture—to live and work in the UAE to help run the company.
What it is for: Business Partners: It sponsors a fellow shareholder or investor in your Dubai-based company. Active Involvement: The sponsored partner is expected to be actively involved in the business operations.
What it is NOT for: It is not for sponsoring a spouse or dependents. Those family members come under a separate Family Sponsorship Visa, which is sponsored by the primary residency visa holder (like the business owner).
Once the Partner Visa is approved, your business associate can relocate to Dubai. They gain the right to live and work for the sponsored business, access healthcare, and sponsor their own family in turn.
The visa's validity is tied to the company's trade license, typically issued for two or three years, and must be renewed alongside the business license.
How to Secure Dubai’s Partner Visa
Securing a partner visa in Dubai is a significant step towards reuniting with your loved one and embarking on a new chapter of life together in this bustling city. To help you navigate the process smoothly, here are the essential steps to obtain a Dubai partner visa:
Submit visa application
Start by applying for an Entry Permit for your spouse through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). You will need your valid residency visa, passport, proof of salary, tenancy contract (Ejari), and your attested marriage certificate. Complete the forms online or via the typing center and pay the initial fees.
Complete the request for a status change
Once your spouse enters the UAE on the Entry Permit, you must apply to change their status from a visitor to a resident. This is done at the GDRFA or through the Amer service. It formally grants them a residence visa sponsored by you.
Obtain a medical examination
Your spouse must undergo a mandatory medical fitness test at an approved health center in the UAE. This screens for certain communicable diseases. You cannot complete the visa process without the medical clearance certificate.
Apply for Emirates ID
After passing the medical, apply for your spouse's Emirates ID at a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) service center. This requires biometrics (photograph and fingerprints). The Emirates ID is their official proof of residency and is needed for almost all official transactions.
Important: This process is for spousal sponsorship. A Partner Visa is a different category for business investors sponsoring a co-owner of their company.
Secure the partner visa stamp
Once the previous steps are completed successfully, you must obtain the partner visa stamp in your partner’s passport. This is typically done by visiting the immigration office or a visa service center with the required documents, including the visa application form, original passport, visa fees, and any additional supporting documents per the specific requirements.
How can I sponsor my partner in Dubai?
To sponsor your partner in Dubai, you need to meet certain criteria and follow specific steps. Here is a general outline of the process:
a. Have a valid residence visa:
As the sponsor, you must hold an active UAE residence visa, whether from employment, business ownership, or investment. This is your legal foundation for sponsoring anyone.
b. Meet minimum salary requirements:
The standard rule is a minimum salary of AED 4,000 per month or AED 3,000 per month plus accommodation provided by your employer. This is the government's benchmark to ensure you can financially support your dependents.
c. Pass a fitness test at a government-approved health center:
They must visit an authorized health center in the UAE for a screening, which primarily checks for infectious diseases. You, as the sponsor, do not need to retake this test if you already have a valid residence visa. Passing this medical is a non-negotiable condition for their visa approval.
d. Submit required documents:
Gather all the necessary documents, such as a valid marriage certificate or proof of relationship, passport copies, photographs, and any other supporting documents as per the specific requirements.
e. Pay visa fees:
Pay all required government fees. The total cost includes charges for the Entry Permit, Status Change, Medical Test, Emirates ID, and the final Visa Stamping. The exact amount depends on service type and processing speed.
It’s important to note that these steps are a general guideline, and the specific requirements and procedures may vary. It is recommended to refer to official government sources or seek professional advice from business consultants like MSZ Consultancy to ensure accurate and up-to-date information when sponsoring your partner in Dubai.
Looking to Secure a Partner Visa in Dubai? MSZ Consultancy Can Help!
Whether you’re seeking guidance on the requirements and procedures for a Dubai partner visa or you need assistance with business licensing and setup, MSZ Consultancy has the knowledge and resources to streamline the process. Our team of professionals understands the intricacies of the legal and regulatory framework in Dubai, ensuring that your visa and business endeavors fully comply with the local laws.
Don’t let the complexities of managing day-to-day operations and improving your business overwhelm you. MSZ Consultancy can assist you with a wide range of services, including accounting, PRO services, VAT registration, and more. By outsourcing these essential tasks to professionals, you can focus on growing your business and achieving your goals.
Take the next step towards a successful business journey in Dubai by reaching out to MSZ Consultancy today at +971 52 544 1248. We’ll be happy to provide you with a free quote and a customized roadmap for your business success.
Zubair Sultan Mohammed
CEO - MSZ Corporate Services
Zubair Sultan Mohammed is a seasoned business consultant specializing in company formation and regulatory compliance in the UAE and Saudi Arabia. With over 15 years of experience, he has guided entrepreneurs, SMEs, and multinational firms through the complexities of regional business laws and market entry strategies. His deep understanding of local licensing, taxation, and free zone structures ensures clients make informed, strategic decisions. Zubair Sultan Mohammed regularly contributes insights on corporate setup, investment trends, and regional economic developments.
FAQs
Yes, you can begin as soon as your own UAE residence visa is active. Have your employment contract, recent salary certificate, and registered tenancy contract (Ejari) ready to meet the financial and accommodation requirements upfront.
The standard timeline is 4 to 8 weeks from submission to the final passport stamp. Delays almost always come from incomplete paperwork or slow attestations. An experienced PRO can frequently streamline this to 2-3 weeks.
Gather these without exception:
- Your original marriage certificate, fully attested and translated into Arabic.
- Clear photocopies of both your passports.
- Recent passport-sized photos with a white background.
- Your original Emirates ID and residence visa.
- An official salary certificate from your employer.
- Your current, registered tenancy contract (Ejari).
UAE law only recognizes marriage for family sponsorship. There is no visa category for unmarried partners. Any appeal for an exception is a lengthy legal process with a very low chance of approval.
Yes. Once your spouse's visa is stamped, you can apply for your children. They will get dependent residency visas, which allows them to live here, attend school, and access the healthcare system.
Yes. Your spouse must complete a medical fitness test at a government-approved health center. It screens for specific infectious diseases like tuberculosis and HIV. You, as the sponsor, are not required to be tested again.
Your sponsorship is a continuous financial commitment. If your income drops below the AED 4,000 (or AED 3,000 + company accommodation) minimum, you must notify the authorities. Failure to maintain the requirement will lead to visa renewal being denied.
Yes, renewals are processed locally. Begin at least one month before expiry. You'll need to submit updated documents: a new salary certificate, a valid tenancy contract, and sometimes a new medical fitness report for your spouse.
Yes. If your spouse secures a job, their new employer will initiate a sponsorship transfer. This changes their visa status from a family-dependent to an employee. The process must be timed precisely so their residency does not lapse between visas.