Guide for mothers sponsoring their child in Dubai, UAE
The UAE not only boasts a thriving business environment but also promotes a family-friendly lifestyle with equal opportunities for men and women. Expatriate women, whether employed in the private sector or running a business in a free zone, can sponsor their children’s residence visas. If you’re an expat mother looking to sponsor your child in Dubai, we’ve gathered all the essential details on eligibility, required documents and fees to help guide you through the process.
How mothers can sponsor a child in Dubai
Did you know that expat mothers can sponsor their child’s residence visa in Dubai? To qualify, mothers must earn a minimum salary of AED 4,000, or AED 3,500 if employer-provided accommodation is included.
This applies to married, divorced, or single mothers who can provide the necessary custodial documents. However, if the father is also in the UAE and eligible to sponsor, the mother cannot apply for the child’s visa.
Sponsoring a Child as a Divorced Mother in Dubai
Many people wonder, “can a single mother can sponsor her child in Dubai”. The answer is yes. Both single and divorced mothers can sponsor their child’s UAE residence visa.
If a mother is divorced and has full custody, she must provide additional documents like divorce or custody certificates. The process also requires attestation of these documents by the UAE Embassy in the home country and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the UAE, with all documents legally translated into Arabic.
Documents required to sponsor a child in Dubai by the mother
When the mother is the sponsor, a child’s UAE residence visa requirements are slightly different. Here are some of the documents required for sponsoring a child by the mother in Dubai 2024:
- The salary certificate (if the sponsor works in a free zone or government sector) or labour contract (if the sponsor works in the private sector)
- Ejari Tenancy contract or proof of property ownership
- IBAN number
- Original Emirates ID of the sponsor
- Passport copies of the sponsor and sponsored child
- Photo of the sponsored child (passport size against a white background)
- Birth certificate of the sponsored child (attested and Arabic translation)
- In case of divorced single mother: Divorce deed/certificate with related documents (attested by UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
- Marriage certificate of the sponsor (attested by UAE’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation)
- Certified no-objection letter from the husband (for married women)
In addition to the required documents, applicants must provide an original bank statement for the last three months, stamped by the bank where the salary is credited. This requirement is waived for women working as nurses, doctors, engineers, or teachers.
For divorced mothers, a no-objection letter from the father is crucial when sponsoring a child in Dubai. Without it, the father may impose a travel ban on the children.
What are the applicable costs when the mother sponsors a child in Dubai?
The question “Can a mother sponsor her child in the UAE” is a common one for expat families. However, understanding how much the UAE residence visa for child cost is crucial when planning family relocation as well. When sponsoring a child in Dubai, mothers will have to pay the applicable fees for the entry permit, visa stamping and Emirates ID.
Take a look below at the UAE residence visa fees for children.
When sponsoring a child in the UAE, mothers must consider various fees and procedures:
- File Opening: AED 255.
- Entry Permit:
- Child outside UAE: AED 488 (without deposit).
- Child inside UAE: AED 1,170 (with exit and re-entry required).
- Change of Status (optional): AED 650.
- Medical Fitness Test (if child is 18+).
- Emirates ID: Additional fees apply.
- Bank Warranty Deposit: AED 2,000 – AED 2,500.
- Visa Stamping: AED 465 or more.
Check the ICP website for updates before applying.
What is the duration of the UAE residence visa for children when their mothers sponsor them?
The validity of the UAE residence visa for children can be one, two or three years and will depend on the duration of the sponsor’s visa. If the mother’s visa validity is for two years, likely, the child will also get a two-year residence visa.
Where can mothers apply for a UAE residence visa for their children?
For sponsoring a child in Dubai, mothers can submit the UAE residence visa application at Amer centres in Dubai, a semi-government organisation that handles visa-related services. You can find Amer centres in Karama, Al Quoz, Silicon Oasis, JLT, Ibn Battuta Mall and Dubai Investment Park.
FAQs about single mother sponsoring a child in Dubai
How can a mother sponsor a child in Dubai?
A mother can sponsor a child in Dubai by meeting specific salary requirements, providing necessary documents and completing the application process through authorised channels as discussed in detail above.
What is the minimum salary for a mother to sponsor her child in Dubai?
Mothers can sponsor their child in Dubai if they earn a minimum of AED 3,500 per month with the employer’s accommodation. Or she should earn a minimum monthly salary amounting to AED 4,000 without employer accommodation.
Do you need to be in a specific profession to be eligible to sponsor a child in the UAE as a mother?
No, a specific profession is not required to sponsor a child. However, mothers must provide proof of income, stable housing and meet other requirements related to child sponsorship visa regulations.
Where can I find more information about UAE residence visas for children?
If you would like more information about the process, charges or necessary documents for a mother sponsoring a child in Dubai, you can contact Amer centres at 800-5111 or +971-4-230-0500. Apply online for the visa by visiting the Amer official website in the UAE. The online application is also suitable for anyone applying outside the UAE.
IS THERE A WAY TO CHECK MY UAE VISA VALIDITY?
Yes, you can use the UAE visa check by passport number facility provided by ICA Smart Services.
That concludes our guide to sponsoring a child in Dubai by the mother. As you can see, if you have the required documents and meet the eligibility criteria, it’s an easy process for mothers sponsoring children in Dubai. Make sure to check the GDRFA Dubai and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) portals for the latest details and charges.
You may also be interested in our detailed guide on sponsoring your family in the UAE. Find out the requirements for sponsoring your spouse, children or parents for a residence visa in the UAE.
Did you know that men sponsored by their wives in the UAE can also get a work permit? You can learn more about the changes in work permit rules for men sponsored by their wives, making it easier for them to find a job in the UAE.
If you’ve found a job in Dubai and would like to move to the city, you will first need to apply for a work visa in Dubai. On the other hand, if you start your own business, you can apply for an investor visa in Dubai.
