UAE Residence Visa for a Child in 2026

The United Arab Emirates offers a residence visa for children, allowing expatriate families to legally reside in the country with their dependent offspring. This visa is an essential aspect for families looking to establish a stable and long-term presence in the UAE.

Eligibility Criteria for Residence Visa for Child in the UAE

The UAE allows parents to sponsor their children for residence visas under specific conditions. Below are the key eligibility requirements based on the latest regulations.

Age Limits

• Children must generally be under 18 years old to be sponsored by parents holding a standard residence visa.
• Sons can be sponsored until 25 years old if enrolled in higher education (proof of enrolment required).
• Daughters have no age limit if unmarried, even if not studying.
• Parents with a Golden Visa can sponsor children of any age, including adult sons over 25 and married daughters.

Sponsor’s Requirements

• The sponsoring parent must hold a valid UAE residence visa (work, business, or partner visa) or be a UAE citizen.
• A monthly income of AED 4,000–5,000 (varies by emirate and visa type).
• A valid tenancy contract (Ejari) or property ownership documents confirming adequate living space.

Required Documents

Child’s documents:

• Passport (valid for at least 6 months).
• Birth certificate (attested if issued outside the UAE).
• Passport-sized photos with white background.

Sponsor’s documents:

• Valid residency visa or Emirates ID.
• Salary certificate/employment contract.
• Health insurance covering the child.

Additional for students:

• Enrolment proof from an accredited UAE institution.

Special Cases

UAE citizens can sponsor foreign-passport-holding children for a 5-year residence visa without employment requirements. Golden Visa holders exempt from age limits and marital status restrictions for sponsored children.

Application Process for a Child Residence Visa in the UAE

Applying for a child residence visa in the UAE involves several clear steps to ensure compliance with government regulations and smooth processing. Below is a detailed breakdown based on the latest 2025 guidelines.

1. Sponsorship Eligibility Check

• The sponsoring parent must have a valid UAE residence visa.
• Must meet minimum salary requirements (usually AED 4,000–5,000 monthly).
• Provide proof of suitable accommodation (Ejari tenancy contract or property ownership).
• Ensure the child meets age criteria (generally under 18, with exceptions for students and Golden Visa holders).

2. Gather Required Documents

• Child’s passport with at least 6 months validity.
• Recent passport-sized photos (white background).
• Attested birth certificate (translated to Arabic if necessary and attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs).
• Sponsor’s valid passport copy and Emirates ID.
• Proof of accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract).
• Sponsor’s salary certificate or employment contract.
• Valid health insurance covering the child.
• Proof of enrolment if the child is a student over 18.

3. Apply for Entry Permit (if Child is Outside the UAE)

• Submit application through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or via the government’s e-channel system.
• Provide all required documents, including passport copies and sponsor details.
• Pay applicable fees for the entry permit.

4. Medical Examination

• Required for children over 6 years old (TB test mandatory).
• Conducted at an accredited health centre in the UAE.
• Results must be submitted as part of the visa application.

5. Submit Residence Visa Application

• Submit the full application with all documents to the GDRFA or a registered typing centre.
• Pay visa processing fees.
• The child’s passport will be stamped with the residence visa once approved.

6. Apply for Emirates ID

• After visa approval, apply for the child’s Emirates ID, which is mandatory for all residents.
• Biometrics may be required depending on the child’s age.

7. Activate the Visa

• If the child is outside the UAE, enter the country within the validity period of the entry permit to activate the visa.
• If already in the UAE, the visa becomes active upon stamping.

Additional Notes

• The child’s residence visa is typically valid for 1 to 3 years, depending on the sponsor’s visa type and emirate regulations.
• Renewal must be done before expiry to avoid fines.
• Health insurance is mandatory and must comply with UAE standards.
• In special cases, such as mother sponsorship or custody issues, additional documents like No Objection Certificates (NOC) or custody proof may be required.

Education Visa for Children in the UAE

A student can stay in the UAE for studying, either under the sponsorship of their parents, who should be a resident of the UAE or under the sponsorship of the accredited university or college they are studying at. A student visa is given for a duration of one year, at a time, renewable for a similar period upon proof of continuation of a study.

UAE Residence Visa Renewal Fees for Child

Renewing a child’s residence visa in the UAE involves several components. The total fee depends on the child’s age, the sponsor’s visa type and duration, and whether the application is standard or urgent. Below is a summary of the typical costs.

Total Estimated Cost

• For standard applications: AED 2,000 – 3,000 (mainland UAE).
• Costs may be slightly different in free zones.

Special Cases (Investor/Golden Visa Holders)

• Renewal fee for dependent above 18 years (2-year investor visa): AED 5,353.25
• Renewal fee for dependent under 18 years (2-year investor visa): AED 4,653.25

Additionally

• Renewal fees are similar to the initial application cost.
• Additional costs may apply for document clearing, attestation, or if the application is urgent.
• Health insurance is mandatory and must be renewed for the child before visa renewal.
• Apply for renewal at least 30 days before expiry to avoid late fines.

UAE Residence Visa for a Child Cost

The cost of obtaining a UAE residence visa for a child depends on several factors, including visa duration (typically 1, 2, or 3 years), the emirate, and whether the application is standard or urgent.

Typical Total Cost

• Standard application: AED 2,000 – 3,000 for mainland UAE (for 1–2 years, including all main fees).
• Family visa packages: some sources cite a broader range of AED 3,500 – 5,500 if including longer durations, extra services, or premium insurance.
• Golden Visa holders: sponsoring children under a Golden Visa may have different (often higher) fees, especially for longer durations.

Additional Notes

• Health insurance is mandatory and must be renewed annually.
• Fees may be slightly higher in free zones or for urgent/express processing.
• Renewal fees are generally similar to the initial application cost.
• The sponsor must also meet minimum salary and accommodation requirements.

Understanding the process and requirements for obtaining a residence visa for a child in the UAE is crucial for expatriate families. It provides a legal framework for families to live and thrive in this dynamic and diverse community of the UAE residents.