Minimum Salary Required to Bring Your Spouse to Dubai in 2025

You’re living the dream in Dubai—breathtaking skyscrapers, the desert sunsets, and the bustling souks. But wait… isn’t something (or someone) missing? Like your spouse? If you’re contemplating calling your better half to join you in the glamorous UAE, it’s time to face the numbers. And let’s be real, while love might be priceless, the cost of bringing your family to Dubai has a price tag.

The Salary Talk: Your Ticket to Togetherness

Before you pick up the phone and say, “Pack your bags, love!” you’ll need to check if your salary makes the cut. Here’s the golden rule:

• For Male Sponsors: You’ll need a minimum salary of AED 4,000 (around USD 1,090) per month or AED 3,000 (about USD 820) plus accommodation provided by your employer.
• For Female Sponsors: The requirements are more specific. Ladies, if you’re in Dubai, you’ll need a minimum monthly salary of AED 10,000 (roughly USD 2,725). Yes, equality has its quirks here.

Got Kids? The Cost Gets Cuter (But Pricier)

If you’re planning on bringing your child(ren) along too, brace yourself. You’ll need to factor in additional expenses like child visa fees, schooling costs (if applicable), and daycare services. On average, school fees can range from AED 20,000 to AED 100,000 annually, depending on the school’s reputation and curriculum. Yes, that’s a lot of dirhams for little math lessons!

Bringing Your Spouse and Child to the UAE: Costs Snapshot

1. Residence Visa for Spouse: Approx. AED 1,100 – AED 1,500.
2. Visa for Child: Approx. AED 1,100 – AED 1,500.
3. Health Insurance: It’s mandatory for dependents. Basic coverage costs AED 700 – AED 1,500 per year, while premium insurance can go much higher.
4. Medical Testing Fees (for spouse): Around AED 300 – AED 500.

Living the Dubai Dream: What Does It Really Cost?

So you’ve sorted out the visa and decided to call your family over. Now, let’s talk about the cost of living in and around Dubai. Here’s a peek at how life would shape up within a 100km radius.

1# Accommodation Costs

• One-Bedroom Apartment (In Dubai): Rent in central Dubai averages around AED 5,000 – AED 9,000 per month. Moving to the suburbs? Prices drop to around AED 2,500 – AED 4,500 per month.
• Utilities (Electricity, Water, Cooling): Expect bills of AED 500 – AED 1,000 per month, though summer months can spike due to A/C usage.

2# Grocery Shopping

• Monthly grocery bills can range between AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 for a family of three, depending on eating habits and whether you prefer local dates over imported caviar (hint: dates are cheaper).

3# Public Transport & Travel Costs

• Public Transport Pass: A monthly pass for Dubai Metro, buses, and trams costs around AED 300 – AED 400.
• Fuel: If you own a car, petrol is relatively affordable, hovering around AED 3.00 – 4.00 per liter.

4# Medical Costs

• While basic insurance covers regular checkups, you might end up paying AED 150 – AED 400 for doctor visits outside coverage. Prescription medicines are another cost to keep in mind.

5# Other Miscellaneous Costs

• Dining Out: A dinner for two at a mid-range restaurant could set you back AED 150 – AED 300.
• Entertainment (Cinema, Parks, etc.): Average cinema tickets cost around AED 35 – AED 50 per person.

References

• https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/visa-and-emirates-id/residence-visas/residence-visa-for-family-members
• https://www.khaleejtimes.com/life-and-living/dubai-visa-what-is-the-minimum-salary-eligibility-to-sponsor-family-in-the-uae
• https://gulfnews.com/living-in-uae/visa-immigration/uae-family-visa-minimum-salary-process-and-requirements-explained-2024-guide-1.1731327989671.