For expatriates living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), bringing their children to live with them is often a top priority.
To do this legally, a parent must apply for a dependent visa for their child. Dependent visa allows children to reside, study, and access healthcare services in the UAE. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of applying for a UAE dependent visa for children, including requirements, documentation, and key steps.
Who Can Sponsor a Child in the UAE?
In the UAE, both fathers and mothers with valid UAE residency visas can sponsor their children, provided they meet certain eligibility conditions:
- Minimum salary: AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 plus accommodation.
- Valid employment/residency visa.
- Housing: A registered tenancy contract (Ejari).
- Children’s age:
- Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 (if studying).
- Daughters can be sponsored until they are married, regardless of age.
- Newborn baby must be sponsored within 120 days of birth.
Required Documents
Here’s what you need to prepare before applying for a dependent visa for your child:
- Sponsor’s passport and UAE residence visa copy.
- Child’s passport copy (must be valid).
- Passport-size photo of the child (white background).
- Birth certificate, attested by the UAE Embassy in the home country and UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Emirates ID of the sponsor.
- Tenancy contract (Ejari or equivalent).
- Salary certificate or labour contract of the sponsor.
- Recent utility bill as proof of residence.
- Health insurance (if required).
- Medical test report (only for children above 18).
Requirements may vary slightly based on the emirate (Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, etc.).
Step-by-Step Process to Apply
1. Entry Permit Application
Tabseer corporate services LLC told us If your child is outside the UAE, begin by applying for an entry permit via the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) or a licensed typing center. This is the first approval needed for your child to enter the UAE on a dependent visa.
- Processing time: 2–3 working days
- Fee: AED 500–1,000 (varies by emirate)
If your child is already in the UAE on a visit visa, you will need to apply for a status change instead of an entry permit.
2. Medical Test (if applicable)
Children under 18 usually do not need a medical test. However, those aged 18 or above may be required to undergo a medical fitness test at an approved health center.
3. Emirates ID Application
You’ll need to submit an Emirates ID application for your child. This can be done through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) or a typing center. Children below 15 typically do not require biometric data.
4. Visa Stamping
Once the above steps are completed, you can apply for visa stamping in your child’s passport. Submit all documents to the immigration department (GDRFA or ICP), and once approved, your child will receive a UAE residence visa.
- Processing time: 2–5 working days
- Validity: Usually linked to the sponsor’s visa (1 to 3 years)
Key Points to Remember
- Sponsor newborns within 120 days to avoid late fines (AED 25 per day).
- Keep documents attested and translated when required.
- Health insurance can be mandatory depending on the emirate.
- If your child plans to study in the UAE, their dependent visa is sufficient—no need for a separate student visa
Conclusion
Applying for a dependent visa for your child in the UAE is a straightforward but detailed process. As long as you meet the eligibility requirements and submit the proper documentation, your child can live and thrive with you in the UAE. Always check with your local immigration authority or a typing center for the most recent updates, as regulations may change.
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