For mothers residing in the UAE, the process of sponsoring a child’s visa is a crucial aspect of family life. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the eligibility criteria, required documentation, and associated costs for sponsoring a child’s visa in 2026.

Eligibility for Sponsoring a Child’s Visa

Residency and Legal Requirements

According to Awatif Al Khouri, a senior advocate at Awatif Mohammad Shoqi Advocates & Legal Consultants, mothers who hold a valid UAE residence permit are permitted to sponsor their children’s visas. This permission applies regardless of the mother’s marital status, provided she adheres to UAE immigration regulations.

Financial Criteria

To sponsor a child’s visa, a mother must meet specific financial requirements. The minimum salary required is Dh4,000, or Dh3,000 with provided accommodation. This income threshold ensures that the sponsor can support the child’s living expenses in the UAE.

Age Considerations

There are particular age-related conditions for sponsoring children. Unmarried daughters can be sponsored without an age limit. Sons, however, can be sponsored up to the age of 25, provided they are enrolled at an accredited educational institution. Notably, Golden Visa holders are exempt from these age restrictions, offering greater flexibility for long-term sponsorship.

Documentation Required for Visa Sponsorship

Standard Documentation

The documentation required for a child’s visa sponsorship aligns closely with that for a family residence visa. Key documents include:

• Completed application form, submitted either online or via a registered typing office.
• Passport copies and recent photographs of the child.
• The mother’s Emirates ID, passport, and employment contract.
• A salary certificate from the employer confirming the monthly income.
• Attested birth certificates for the children, translated into Arabic if necessary.
• Proof of suitable accommodation, such as a registered tenancy contract.
• Bank statements from the last three months.

Additional Requirements

In addition to standard documents, specific cases may require further documentation:

• No Objection Certificate (NOC): This document is necessary if the father is also a UAE resident. It must be attested by relevant authorities, with translations into Arabic if required.
• Custody Documents: For divorced mothers or single parents, a court-issued child custody declaration or an affidavit from the home country’s consulate is necessary. These documents must be attested and translated into Arabic.

The Application Process

Once the eligibility and documentation are in place, mothers can begin the application process for their child’s residence visa. This involves a series of steps:

• Initiating the application through official channels.
• Scheduling and completing a medical fitness test for children over 18 years old.
• Applying for and collecting the child’s Emirates ID.
• Submitting the required documents for visa stamping.
• Paying the necessary fees for processing and stamping.

Visa Sponsorship Costs

The costs associated with sponsoring a child’s visa in the UAE are outlined by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security. The average expenses include:

• Entry Permit Fee: Dh548.90, if applicable.
• Other Service Charges: Dh300.
• Emirates ID Fee: Dh270 for a two-year period.
• Medical Fitness Test Fee: Dh320, applicable for children over 18.
• Visa Stamping Fee: Dh580.

Understanding these requirements and costs is essential for mothers seeking to sponsor their children in the UAE, ensuring a smooth and compliant process for family reunification.