Can Wife Work on Husband Visa in UAE?

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Are you wondering if your wife can work while staying under your sponsorship in the UAE? This is a common question many expatriates in the UAE ask, especially when their spouses want to contribute professionally without changing their visa status.

The laws and regulations surrounding work eligibility for spouses on dependent visas have evolved significantly over the years, making it more accessible and straightforward for wives to legally work while being sponsored by their husbands.

In the UAE, particularly in Dubai, family-sponsored individuals have the potential to work legally provided they meet specific conditions, primarily obtaining a work permit through their employer.

If you or your spouse are exploring job opportunities while on a dependent visa, this blog will give you a comprehensive breakdown of how it works, the documents required, costs involved, and the legal framework that governs this process.

What Is a Dependent Visa in the UAE?

A dependent visa, also known as a family visa in the UAE, is a type of residency visa issued to immediate family members of a resident expatriate. If you’re living and working in the UAE, you’re allowed to sponsor your spouse, children, and in some cases, parents, to reside with you in the country.

To qualify for this visa, you as the sponsor must meet specific income requirements and hold a valid UAE residence visa. The application process involves submitting supporting documents that verify your relationship, employment, and ability to provide accommodation.

How Does a Family Visa Differ From a Partner Visa?

While a family visa is typically issued to legally married couples, a partner visa may apply in cases where unmarried couples meet local legal criteria. However, both visa types fall under the UAE’s broader family sponsorship framework and allow the dependent to reside in the UAE.

What Are the Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Spouse?

To sponsor your wife in the UAE, you must meet the following conditions:

Hold a valid UAE residence visa
Earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with company-provided accommodation
Provide a legally attested marriage certificate
Possess valid tenancy contract (Ejari) and utility bills

Understanding this is crucial before considering whether your wife can work on her current visa. Once she is legally residing under your sponsorship, the next step is obtaining the necessary work permit.

Can a Wife Legally Work on Her Husband’s Visa in the UAE?

Yes, a wife can legally work on her husband’s visa in the UAE, provided she obtains a valid work permit through her prospective employer. Being under your sponsorship does not restrict her from employment as long as all legal steps are taken in compliance with UAE labor and immigration laws.

The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) issues work permits for individuals sponsored by family members. These permits authorize them to work in companies registered with the Ministry.

This regulation is supported by Article 6(1)(c) of Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, which clearly states that residents sponsored by family members are eligible for employment with a valid permit.

Employers hiring individuals on dependent visas are responsible for applying for this permit and covering any associated costs. Without a valid permit, it is illegal to work even if the person resides in the UAE legally under a spouse’s sponsorship.

What Is the Legal Process to Get a Work Permit for a Wife Sponsored by Her Husband?

Once your wife receives a job offer in the UAE, her employer must initiate the work permit process through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation. This permit allows her to legally work without changing her visa sponsorship status. The work permit is typically valid for either 6 months (short-term) or 1–2 years (long-term), depending on the contract and employer.

What Documents Are Required to Apply for the Work Permit?

Here are the documents usually required by the employer:

No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the husband (sponsor)
Valid passport copy of the wife (minimum 6 months validity)
UAE residence visa copy
Emirates ID of the wife
Passport-size photo with a white background
Copy of husband’s passport and visa page
Signed employment contract
Attested academic certificates (depending on the role)

How Does the Employer Initiate the Work Permit Process?

Your wife’s employer will submit all required documents through a Tas’heel center or MoHRE-approved online platform. The employer must also ensure the employment contract is compliant with UAE labor law.

The application includes:

Employment details (salary, job title, duration)
Copy of all required documents
Confirmation of sponsorship status
Payment of applicable government fees

Once approved, your wife can legally start working while remaining under your sponsorship.

Is a No Objection Certificate (NOC) Required for a Wife to Work in Dubai?

Yes, obtaining a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the sponsor is a mandatory step in the process. As her husband and legal sponsor, you need to provide a signed document explicitly stating you have no objection to your wife working in a specific company or sector.

This NOC is submitted to the employer, who then includes it in the work permit application to the Ministry. The NOC ensures transparency and confirms that the sponsor is fully aware and approves of the dependent taking up employment in the UAE.

It is important to ensure that the NOC includes:

Full name of the sponsor and dependent
Relationship (e.g., husband and wife)
Purpose of the NOC (to allow employment)
Name of the company where the wife will be employed
Date and signature of the sponsor

Providing a clear and concise NOC can help streamline the permit approval process.

What Are the Rules and Laws That Govern Employment on a Spouse Visa?

Several laws and regulations govern employment under a spouse visa in the UAE. These legal frameworks ensure that dependents work in accordance with national policies.

Here’s a brief overview of the relevant legal provisions:

Law/Regulation	Purpose
Federal Decree Law No. 33 of 2021	Regulates employment relations in the private sector
Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022	Outlines types of work permits, including for dependents
Administrative Resolution No. 38 of 2022	Guidelines for work permits and employment contracts
Federal Decree Law No. 29 of 2021	Regulates entry and residence of foreigners

According to Article 6(1) of the Employment Law:

“No work may be performed in the UAE, and no employee may be recruited or employed by any employer without obtaining the work permit from the Ministry.”

So, even though your wife is legally residing under your sponsorship, she cannot legally work unless she obtains a work permit issued by the MoHRE.

What Are the Costs Associated With Working Under a Spouse Visa?

While your wife won’t need to change her visa status, the employer is still responsible for covering all associated costs of hiring a dependent visa holder. The UAE labor law mandates this through Article 6(a) of Ministerial Resolution No. 52 of 1989.

Here’s a table that outlines the typical costs for obtaining a work permit under a spouse visa:

Fee Type	Estimated Cost (AED)	Paid By
Work Permit Fee	300–600	Employer
MoHRE Processing	500–1,000	Employer
Labour Card Fee	300–400	Employer
Emirates ID (if renewed)	370	Employee (optional)

The total cost usually falls between AED 1,200 and AED 2,000, and it’s crucial that all costs are transparently communicated between the employer and employee.

What Are the Steps to Apply for a Spouse Visa in the UAE?

If you’re planning to bring your wife to the UAE or ensure her stay is legally recognized, getting a spouse visa is the first step before applying for a work permit.

Here’s a step-by-step process to obtain a spouse visa:

Prepare required documents (passport copies, marriage certificate, Ejari)
Apply for an entry permit
Complete medical fitness testing
Apply for Emirates ID
Submit visa stamping request

Once the visa is issued and stamped in the passport, your wife becomes a legal resident under your sponsorship. This status allows her to proceed with the process of applying for a work permit through a potential employer.

Can a Wife Maintain Her Husband’s Sponsorship While Working?

Yes, she can. This is one of the major advantages of the UAE’s current visa and employment system. A wife does not need to transfer her sponsorship to her employer to work legally. Instead, she can remain under your sponsorship as long as her employer obtains a valid work permit.

This approach offers multiple benefits:

Simplifies the visa renewal process
Allows continued access to dependent benefits from the primary sponsor’s employer
Ensures flexibility in switching jobs without visa transfer complexities

Employers hiring family-sponsored individuals often appreciate this setup as it reduces their sponsorship obligations while still providing access to skilled talent.

Conclusion

Understanding whether a wife can work on a husband’s visa in the UAE involves navigating a structured yet accessible legal framework. While sponsorship by the husband allows legal residence, employment is only permitted once a valid work permit is obtained through a licensed employer.

The UAE’s progressive visa system supports family unity while empowering spouses to contribute professionally. With the correct documentation, a clear No Objection Certificate, and a compliant employer, your wife can legally work and advance her career under your sponsorship.

Whether you’re new to the UAE or planning to bring your spouse into the workforce, being informed about the latest labor regulations ensures compliance and reduces the risk of penalties. Always consult official government portals or legal experts for the most updated guidance. This way, you ensure that every step taken is not only legal but also beneficial for your family’s long-term plans in the UAE.

FAQs

Can a dependent visa holder work in Dubai?

Yes, dependent visa holders can work legally in Dubai if they obtain a work permit from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation through a registered employer.

What professions can a wife work in under her husband’s sponsorship?

There is no restriction on professions. Wives can work in healthcare, education, retail, corporate sectors, and even start a licensed business if they hold a valid work permit.