Want to sponsor your wife in UAE? Here is what you need

Question: I live with my flatmate in a two-bedroom apartment situated in Downtown Dubai. The tenancy contract and Ejari are in the name of my friend, who is also my flatmate. We were told by the real estate agent that the contract can be made only in the name of one individual. Further, my name is mentioned in the contract as a permanent occupant of the apartment and the landlord is completely aware of this arrangement. I equally share the rent and utility bills along with my flatmate, but this has not been mentioned in the contract. Now, I intend to bring my wife under my sponsorship to be resident in the UAE. 
Answer: It should be understood that in the emirate of Dubai, an individual requires an Ejari and tenancy contract in his name to sponsor his wife or immediate family members like parents and children in the UAE. You have mentioned that your name is mentioned in the tenancy contract as an occupant. The tenancy contract may be different from an Ejari and only an Ejari is accepted as a valid document. A tenancy contract may not be enough for you to apply for residence visa of your wife under your sponsorship. You may contact The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs in Dubai to seek their opinion on this matter. Alternatively, you may rent another apartment and obtain an Ejari in your name; or arrange with your flatmate to move out of the apartment and obtain a new Ejari with your name on it, for the same flat where you are residing. 
Know the law
An individual requires an Ejari and tenancy contract in his name to sponsor his wife or immediate family members like parents and children in the UAE
Ashish Mehta is the founder and Managing Partner of Ashish Mehta & Associates. He is qualified to practise law in Dubai, the United Kingdom, Singapore and India. Full details of his firm on: www.amalawyers.com. Readers may e-mail their questions to: news@khaleejtimes.com or send them to Legal View, Khaleej Times, PO Box 11243, Dubai.