All about UAE work permit for men sponsored by wives
The economic and business opportunities in the UAE attracts professionals from across the globe. The UAE government has maintained a liberal visa policy and a streamlined processing system that allows people to come to the country and contribute to the economy. Women have also played a major role and the UAE government allows UAE work permit for men sponsored by wives. Here’s what you need to know about UAE work permit for husband sponsored by wife.
About UAE work permit for men sponsored by wives
In July 2019, the UAE’s new family sponsorship policy expanded to allow men, sponsored by their wives, daughters or mothers to attain a UAE work permit and seek employment. This was part of the initiative to improve gender equality in the country.
Over the past six years, the introduction of UAE work permit for men on family visa has allowed more families to think of the long term potential of the UAE, but also offered employers a wider talent pool to choose from. It has aided companies looking to reduce operational costs as employers haven’t had to depend on recruiting from overseas and offered UAE work permit for men on family visas.
After the change in rules, companies have been able to apply for a labour card for them, similar to the procedure followed for wives and daughters sponsored by husbands and fathers respectively. Traditionally, husbands, fathers and sons over a certain age had to be under the company’s visa to be employed. Even for a temporary working permit in the UAE, this was mandated.
Let’s take a look at some of the questions pertaining to this policy and see how this UAE work permit rule for men has benefited professionals in the city.

Family sponsorship work permit in the UAE: Sponsorship requirements
For family sponsorship work permit in the UAE, the sponsor has to meet certain requirements:
- Minimum salary for a sponsor is AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation
- Applicants of the work permit have to pass medical fitness tests
Please note that the profession of the sponsor was previously a criterion for eligibility, but that requirement is no longer enforced.
HOW TO APPLY FOR A WORK PERMIT?
Work permit for men on spousal visa in the UAE can only be applied by companies to MoHRE. This rule is also applicable for teenage students, who can now get internships and training jobs while being sponsored by their mothers.
If you are wondering about how to get a work permit in the UAE, it is obtained by the company based on the rules defined by the MoHRE.
Generally the documents to be submitted include:
- A photo with a white background
- Copy of a valid passport (At least six months validity)
- Copy of a valid UAE residency visa
- Approved employment contract (endorsed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), notarised and UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs
- Approval of contract from the International Co-operation attested academic certificate (if required based on the designation/profession)
What were the old family sponsorship rules pertaining to labour cards and work permits in the UAE?
Up until this policy change was formalised, only wives and daughters sponsored by their husbands or fathers could get work permits. Men could not work unless they had a company or investor visa or freelance permit.

FAQs
What are the minimum salary requirements for a wife to sponsor her husband in the UAE?
As discussed, the minimum salary of a sponsor has to be AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
Does a spouse visa automatically grant the right to work in the UAE?
There are certain conditions that need to be met for the right to work for spouses.
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT UAE FAMILY VISA?
Read our detailed blog on the updated family visa UAE requirements that answers all your questions.
I AM MOVING TO DUBAI WITH MY FAMILY. WHAT SHOULD I KNOW?
Here is our list of things to consider before moving to Dubai with family that may come handy.
By offering UAE work permit for men sponsored by wives family sponsorship, the government has allowed more stability for expat families. UAE Family visas are more attractive for professionals across the world thanks to this policy change.
From the employer’s perspective, it has widened the pool of options when it comes to finding jobs in the UAE for men. Companies too can rely on talent locally instead of looking to outsource from abroad.
Stay tuned to MyBayut to hear about all the latest law and regulations in the country.