How to Sponsor a Child in the UAE?

Sponsoring a child means taking legal and financial responsibility for their care, education and wellbeing. In the UAE, this can mean two things — sponsoring your own child to live with you under your residence visa or helping a child in need through a monthly donation to a charity where you can sponsor a child.read more

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Written ByMousree DasSenior Content Writer (Expertise - Health and Travel Insurance)

Reviewed ByToshita ChauhanBusiness Head - General Insurance

Last updated on 07 August 2025Editorial Standards

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What is the Meaning of Sponsoring a Child in the UAE?

In the UAE, sponsoring a child means applying for a residence visa that allows your son, daughter or stepchild to legally live with you in the country. As a sponsor, you are fully responsible for the child’s living, healthcare, education and visa status throughout their stay.

There are three main types of child sponsorship in the UAE —

Family Sponsorship

Expatriate residents can sponsor their:

Biological children
Stepchildren
Newborns born in the UAE

This is the most common form of sponsorship and is handled either by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), depending on the emirate.

Student Sponsorship

Children studying in UAE schools or universities can stay under:

A parent’s sponsorship (if they meet age and financial conditions)
Or the university’s sponsorship

Charity Sponsorship

You can also sponsor a child through global charities. This type of sponsorship supports children in need with education, food, and safety but does not provide UAE residency.

In the UAE, any resident (employee or employer) with a valid residence visa can sponsor their child — if they meet the income, housing and legal requirements. The rules apply to fathers, mothers (in special cases) and even UAE citizens sponsoring foreign children or family members.

Father (Primary Sponsor)

Must hold a valid UAE residence visa
Must meet the minimum salary requirement
Required to sponsor biological or stepchildren

Mother (In Special Cases)

Can sponsor the child if the father is not available (e.g., divorce, death or legal custody)
Must have legal custody and approval from ICP
Same salary and housing conditions apply

UAE Citizens

Can sponsor a foreign spouse, parent or child for a 5-year visa
The family member does not need to work in the UAE
Special provisions also apply to widows or divorced mothers of UAE citizens

Universities and Colleges

Accredited universities can sponsor students directly
Parents can also sponsor student children if they meet age and study conditions

🔎 Key Notes for Sponsoring a Child in the UAE —

Job title no longer matters — any profession can sponsor if income criteria are met.
Muslim residents may sponsor two wives with ICP approval.
Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 (if studying); no age limit for daughters if unmarried.
Children of determination (with special needs) can be sponsored at any age.

Eligibility Criteria for Sponsoring a Child in the UAE

To legally sponsor a child in the UAE, the following conditions must be met, depending on your situation as a parent or resident.

Condition	Details
Valid Residency	Sponsor must have a valid UAE residence visa
Minimum Salary	AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + company-provided accommodation
Housing Requirement	Valid tenancy contract or registered Ejari
Medical Fitness Test	Required for children 18+; must be done at a government-approved center
Entry Permit Deadline	The visa must be processed within 60 days of the child's entry into the UAE.
Emirates ID Application	Mandatory; submitted with residence visa application.
Health Exceptions	Children with dormant TB may still get a 1-year visa (with follow-up).

Special Case Conditions for Sponsoring a Child —

Sponsor Type	Additional Rules
Mother Sponsoring Child	Must prove legal custody and may need NOC from father. ICP approval needed
Stepchildren	Must submit custody documents + no-objection letter from biological parents
Daughters (Any Age)	Can be sponsored indefinitely if unmarried
Sons (Up to 25)	Must provide proof of full-time education if over 18
Children of Determination	No age limit; submit medical proof of condition

Listed below are a stack of documents you need to legally sponsor a child in the UAE –

Basic Documents (Required in All Cases)

Copy of sponsor’s passport and residence visa
Copy of child’s passport (valid for at least 6 months)
Passport-size photo of the child (white background)
Tenancy contract or Ejari certificate (in sponsor’s name)
Salary certificate from employer (mentioning monthly income)
Copy of employment contract or trade license (if self-employed)
Emirates ID application form
Medical fitness certificate (for children aged 18 and above)

Additional Documents by Case

For Stepchildren:

Attested marriage certificate (translated into Arabic if needed)
No-objection certificate (NOC) from biological parent
Custody papers or proof of legal guardianship
Deposit payment receipt (as per GDRFA requirement)

For Newborns (Born in UAE):

Birth certificate (attested)
Copy of baby’s passport
Residence visas of both parents
Application must be filed within 120 days of birth

For Sons (Above 18):

Proof of university or college enrollment
Student ID or letter of study from institution

For Daughters (Any Age):

Unmarried status declaration (can be self-declared or notarised)

For Children of Determination (Special Needs):

Medical report confirming special needs status

For Mothers Sponsoring Children:

Proof of legal custody
NOC from father
Case approval from ICP

Note:

Any documents not in Arabic must be officially translated and attested in the UAE.
Keep both digital and physical copies during application.

If you’re wondering how to sponsor a child in the UAE, the process is clear and regulated by ICP (Federal Authority) and GDRFA (Emirate-level authority). This applies to biological children, stepchildren, students and newborns.

What to Do	Where to Do It
Step 1: Check Eligibility: Confirm salary, housing and visa status.	Personal review
Step 2: Apply for Entry Permit (if child is outside UAE)	ICP portal, GDRFA website or typing center
Step 3: Child Enters UAE on entry permit	Airport immigration
Step 4: Undergo Medical Test (for children 18+)	Approved government health centers
Step 5: Submit Emirates ID Application	ICP system or typing center
Step 6: Submit Residence Visa Application (stamping)	GDRFA or ICP, depending on emirate
Step 7: Visa Issued & Stamped in Passport	Immigration authority
Step 8: Collect Emirates ID once ready	ICA office or delivery

Important Timelines for Sponsoring Child in the UAE

60-day limit to complete all procedures after a child enters the UAE.
120 days to apply for a newborn's visa from date of birth.
Visa validity: usually 1–2 years, matching the sponsor’s visa.

All services are available online (ICP / GDRFA) or through registered typing centers in the UAE.

Sponsoring Stepchildren in the UAE

Expatriate residents in the UAE can sponsor their stepchildren if certain conditions are met.

The sponsor must hold a valid UAE residence visa and meet the salary requirement of AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 with accommodation. A legally attested marriage certificate is required, along with a no-objection certificate (NOC) from the biological parent and, in some cases, custody papers.

Stepchildren’s residence visas are issued for one year at a time and are renewable annually. The child must live with the sponsor in the UAE and applications are subject to approval by immigration authorities.

Sponsoring Newborns Born in the UAE

If a child is born in the UAE, the parents must apply for the baby’s residence visa within 120 days from the date of birth to avoid fines. Either parent who holds a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor the newborn, provided they meet the income and housing requirements. The child’s visa will generally match the sponsor’s visa duration.

Golden Visa for Outstanding Students

The UAE offers a Golden Visa to outstanding students, allowing them long-term residency without the need for a sponsor.

High school students who score 95% or above, and university students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher (from approved universities) are eligible. Graduates from top 100 international universities may also qualify, provided they meet academic and certification criteria. The visa is valid for 5 or 10 years, depending on the level of achievement and can be extended.

Golden Visa holders can also sponsor their family members, including children, for the same duration.

No, UAE residence visa sponsorship is limited to immediate family members only — your biological children, stepchildren, spouse or parents. You cannot sponsor a relative or orphan unless you have legal guardianship and court-approved custody documents, which must be submitted to ICP or GDRFA.

Yes, self-employed individuals or business owners can sponsor their children. You must present your valid trade license, proof of income and meet the salary requirement (AED 4,000 or AED 3,000 + housing).

If your residence visa is cancelled, the dependent child’s visa is also cancelled. However, your child will get a 6-month grace period to change visa status, transfer sponsorship or leave the UAE.

No, charity sponsorships are humanitarian programs. They help support a child’s health, education and safety in other countries, but they do not grant UAE residency or legal guardianship.

Yes, but only if the adoption is legally recognised in the child’s home country and attested documents are provided. UAE authorities will assess such cases individually. A court-issued custody or adoption certificate is required.

Once all documents are submitted, the process usually takes 5–7 working days. Delays may happen if additional documents or approvals are required.