Spouse Visa UK (for Emiratis)
Emiratis who wish to settle with their settled partner in the UK must usually apply for a Spouse Visa.
For advice on how to apply for the Marriage Visa, get in contact with the team at Total Law. We can help with your application for a visa and provide tailored support. Call us today on 0333 305 9375
Overview of UK Spouse Visa
To live in the UK with your spouse or long-term partner, you must apply for the correct visa permissions. The UK Spouse Visa, also known as a Family Visa, allows a partner to move to the UK to join either their UK citizen partner or a settled partner.
The Spouse Visa is initially granted for 33 months, and holders are permitted to work or study in the UK. It is also possible to renew the visa. After living in the UK continuously for five years, holders may apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) and eventually UK citizenship if they meet the requirements.
UK Spouse Visa Requirements
Overview
To qualify for a Spouse Visa as a UAE citizen, both you and your partner must meet several requirements.
You must ensure your UK-based partner meets the criteria for sponsoring you. Therefore, they should be able to demonstrate they are at least one of the following:
- A British or Irish citizen
- A foreign national permanently settled in the UK with ILR or proof of permanent residence or having a settled status
- An EEA national having pre-settled status in the UK
- A foreign national holding a Turkish Businessperson visa or Turkish Worker visa
- A foreign national with protection status in the UK (e.g. a recognised refugee or person with humanitarian protection)
- A foreign national with permission to remain in the UK as a stateless person
In addition, the following requirements must be met before the UK Home Office will consider granting a UK Spouse Visa:
- You are in a civil partnership or marriage that is recognised in the UK
- Are both aged over 18 years of age
- Been living together in a relationship for at least two years and that the relationship is genuine
- Plan to live together in the UK after leaving the United Arab Emirates
- Have a good knowledge of the English language
- Able to provide proof of financial status
UK Spouse Visa Financial Requirement
You must have sufficient financial means to support yourself and any dependents to be eligible to apply for a UK spouse visa. Your and your spouse/partner’s combined gross annual income must be at least £29,000.
The funds can come from a number of sources, including savings and pensions. You must be able to provide proof you have access to the income when making your UK Spouse Visa application.
Accommodation Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa
You or your spouse/partner must have a suitable housing arrangement in place in the UK. The accommodation can be rented or owned but must provide enough space for you, your partner and any dependents.
English Language Requirement for a UK Spouse Visa
The Spouse Visa requires those applying from the Emirates to demonstrate they have sufficient knowledge of the English language.
You may opt to prove your knowledge of English by passing an approved test. You must pass at least level A1 on the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) scale.
Some applicants are not required to prove their English language skills. For example, they have a degree from a UK university or college. Reach out to the Total Law team for further details on exemptions to this requirement.
UK Spouse Visa Supporting Documents for United Arab Emirates Citizens
A key part of applying for a UK Spouse Visa from the United Arab Emirates is providing supporting documents to the Home Office so they assess your eligibility.
During the application process, you will be asked to provide documents including:
- A marriage or civil partnership certificate
- Tenancy agreements, rent receipts, utility bills or tax bills having both your names and your shared address
- Bank statements from a joint account, having both your names and your shared address
- Any other document confirming that you both live in the same address, e.g. voting register etc.
- If not currently living together, evidence of a genuine relationship such as letters/emails, details of holidays together, etc
- Current passport (or any other valid travel document) with at least one blank page on which to put the visa
- Copies of the photo page and any visa or entry stamps in your previous passports
- Proof of financial income
If the original documents are not in English or Welsh, you must ensure you submit translated and certified copies.
UK Spouse Visa Application Process
It is possible to apply from outside the UK for a UK Spouse Visa, which can be done from the United Arab Emirates.
You can apply online, but you must book an appointment at an approved visa center in the Emirates to submit your biometric information and all supporting documents.
it is possible you may also be required to attend an interview to answer questions about your UK visa application.
There are a number of visa centres in the United Arab Emirates including in Dubai, Al Ain and Abu Dhabi.
Spouse Visa UK Processing Time and Fees
The current processing time for a UK Spouse Visa is 24 weeks when making an application from outside the UK. This reduces to eight weeks if applied from within the UK.
However, if your UK visa application is incomplete or inaccurate, you may be asked to submit further evidence, which could delay the decision.
Only applicants within the UK can opt for the super priority service, which allows them to get a decision in one working day. This service costs an additional .
The UK Spouse Visa application fee is when applied from the United Arab Emirates or £1,321 if applied from within the UK.
This is the same cost for any dependents applying alongside the main application. All applicants must also pay the annual health surcharge fee of to access the UK’s healthcare system.
Extending and Renewing Spouse Visa UK
It is possible to apply to renew or extend a UK Spouse Visa. You will need to pay the application fee and demonstrate that you continue to meet the visa criteria.
In most cases, the visa will be renewed for a further 30 months, after which you may be able to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain status if you are eligible.
Reach out to Total Law for support in applying to renew your Spouse Visa.
How Can Total Law Help?
The Total Law team of experienced immigration lawyers have the required expertise and legal knowledge to help you immigrate to the UK to join your spouse/partner, regardless of your personal circumstances or the complexity of your case.
We have helped many Emirates clients with their UK Spouse Visa applications and other immigration issues.
Whether you are looking for assistance with your UK Spouse Visa application, are uncertain of the process, need more advice on arranging the necessary documents or simply need overall advice regarding your immigration case, we are here to provide support.
We can also help if you are getting a divorce and looking to switch to another type of visa to continue staying in the UK or if you are looking for professional legal help to appeal a UK Spouse Visa refusal decision.
Call us today at 0333 305 9375 to learn more about the services we provide and how our team of experienced lawyers can help you with your immigration case.
Advice Package
Comprehensive immigration advice tailored to your circumstances and goals.
Application Package
Designed to make your visa application as smooth and stress-free as possible.
Fast Track Package
Premium application service that ensures your visa application is submitted to meet your deadline.
Appeal Package
Ensure you have the greatest chance of a successful appeal. We will represent you in any case.
The Advice Package
During this untimed Advice Session with our professional immigration lawyers in London, you will receive our comprehensive advice, completely tailored to your needs and your situation.
The Application Package
With our Application Package, your dedicated immigration lawyer will advise you on your application process and eligibility. Your caseworker will then complete and submit your forms to the Home Office on your behalf.
The Fast Track Package
Our Fast-Track Application Package is a premium service for those who need to submit their application in time with their deadlines. Your case will become a top priority for our lawyers and you will benefit from our highest-quality services.
The Appeal Package
By choosing our Appeal Package, you can rely on our lawyers’ legal knowledge and experience to ensure you have the highest chance of a successful appeal. We will also fully represent you in any hearings/tribunals.
Related pages for your continued reading.
Frequently Asked Questions
The Home Office may refuse your UK spouse visa applications if they have reason(s) to believe that your relationship is not genuine or you do not meet the financial or accommodation requirements. Your visa application may be rejected on technical grounds, e.g. an inaccurate application form, lack of evidence or inability to pay the visa fees/surcharge. You may also not get a visa if you have a criminal record or medical issues that may prove to be not conducive to the public good in the UK.
If your relationship with your sponsor ends, you must inform the Home Office. Your Spouse Visa may be curtailed (shortened), and you might need to leave the UK unless you can switch to another visa category. It’s advisable to seek legal advice in such situations.
Yes, you can work in the UK on a Spouse Visa. This includes full-time, part-time, or self-employment without any restrictions on the type of job or number of hours you can work.
