United Arab Emirates Spouse of a citizen

For a foreign spouse, parent or child of a UAE citizen. It gives a 5-year renewable UAE residence permit sponsored by the citizen, with no need to work in the UAE. ^{1 2}

Requirements

• The applicant is the spouse of a UAE national and holds a foreign passport. ^{1 2}
• The UAE citizen acts as sponsor of the residence permit. ^{1 2}
• The applicant is 18 or older and passes the medical fitness test and a security check. ^{1 2}
• Passport valid for at least 6 months and a personal photo. ^{1 2}
• Attested marriage contract, or a marriage continuity certificate. ^{1 2}
• Medical report and valid health insurance. ^{1 2}
• Copy of the personal identification card for applicants from Afghanistan, Iran or Iraq. ^{1 2}
• Residence issuance is completed within 60 days of entry to the UAE, or overstay fines apply. ^{1 2}
• The applicant applies for an Emirates ID card from the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. ^{1 2}
• The permit is a 5-year renewable residence permit tied to the UAE national sponsor. ^{1 2}

Stay

• 5-year renewable residence permit for the sponsor category of UAE nationals. Residence issuance must be completed within 60 days of entry.
• Visa validity: 60 months. Validity is the window to use the visa, not the length you may stay.
• Renewable, subject to the conditions in force at renewal.

Work

Residence is granted without having to work in the UAE.

Family

The UAE citizen's foreign parent or child may also receive the 5-year permit; a foreign widow or divorced mother of a UAE citizen is sponsored by the eldest child.

Checked 2026-10-12

Official sources

1. Residence visa for families of employees (includes UAE citizen's spouse, parent and child) · UAE Government Portal (u.ae) · checked 2026-10-11
2. Issuing Residency Permit (terms, fees and documents for each applicant category) · Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) · checked 2026-10-12
3. General provisions for the residence visa · UAE Government Portal (u.ae) · checked 2026-10-11