What is the age limit for sponsoring children in UAE?
In the United Arab Emirates (UAE), parents can sponsor their children up to the age of 25, provided they meet specific conditions. This extension beyond the previous age limit of 18 allows young adults to remain under their parents’ sponsorship while completing their education or beginning their careers.
How Does Sponsorship Work for Children in the UAE?
Sponsoring children in the UAE involves several legal and procedural steps. Parents working in the UAE can sponsor their children if they hold valid residency permits and meet the minimum salary requirements. Here are the key steps involved:
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Eligibility: Parents must be UAE residents with a valid residency visa and earn a minimum monthly salary, typically around AED 4,000 to AED 6,000, depending on the emirate.
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Age Limit: Children can be sponsored up to the age of 25, allowing them to complete higher education or start their careers.
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Documentation: Required documents include the child’s birth certificate, passport copies, and passport-sized photographs, along with the parent’s residency permit and salary certificate.
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Application Process: The application for sponsorship is submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), depending on the emirate.
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Visa Renewal: Children’s residency visas must be renewed every two to three years, depending on the parent’s visa status.
What Are the Benefits of Sponsoring Children in the UAE?
Sponsoring children in the UAE provides several advantages that help ensure family stability and continuity. These benefits include:
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Educational Opportunities: Sponsored children can continue their education in the UAE, benefiting from the country’s robust educational system.
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Healthcare Access: Children under sponsorship have access to healthcare facilities, ensuring their well-being.
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Family Cohesion: Keeping families together under one roof strengthens family bonds and offers emotional support.
What Are the Requirements for Sponsoring Children Over 18?
Sponsoring children over the age of 18 requires additional documentation and conditions to be met. Here’s what parents need to know:
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Proof of Education: Parents must provide proof that their child is enrolled in a full-time educational program, such as a university or college.
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Medical Insurance: Children over 18 must have medical insurance coverage, which is mandatory in the UAE.
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Financial Dependence: The child must remain financially dependent on the parent, evidenced through financial statements or affidavits.
What Are the Costs Involved in Sponsoring Children?
Sponsoring children in the UAE involves several fees that parents should be aware of:
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Visa Fees: The cost of obtaining a residency visa for children varies by emirate but generally ranges from AED 1,000 to AED 2,000.
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Medical Examination: A mandatory medical examination for the child costs around AED 300 to AED 500.
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Emirates ID: Issuing an Emirates ID for the child typically costs between AED 100 and AED 200.
| Expense Type | Estimated Cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa Fees | 1,000 – 2,000 |
| Medical Examination | 300 – 500 |
| Emirates ID | 100 – 200 |
What Are the Alternatives if Sponsorship Is Not Possible?
If sponsorship is not feasible, there are alternative options for children to remain in the UAE:
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Student Visa: Children enrolled in higher education institutions can apply for a student visa, which allows them to stay in the UAE independently.
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Work Visa: Once children start working, they can obtain a work visa through their employer.
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Dependent Visa: For children who are married, a dependent visa through their spouse is an option.
People Also Ask
What documents are needed to sponsor a child in UAE?
To sponsor a child in the UAE, parents need to provide the child’s birth certificate, passport copies, passport-sized photographs, the parent’s residency permit, salary certificate, and proof of education if the child is over 18.
Can a mother sponsor her child in UAE?
Yes, a mother can sponsor her child in the UAE if she meets the residency and salary requirements. Typically, the mother must earn a minimum monthly salary and have a valid residency visa.
How long does it take to process a child’s residency visa in UAE?
The processing time for a child’s residency visa in the UAE usually takes between 10 to 15 working days, depending on the completeness of the documentation and the emirate in which the application is submitted.
What happens if the child’s visa expires?
If a child’s visa expires, parents must renew it promptly to avoid fines. Overstaying can lead to penalties, and the child may face restrictions on re-entering the UAE.
Can children work while under sponsorship in UAE?
Children under sponsorship can work part-time if they are over 18 and have obtained a work permit through their educational institution. Full-time work requires a separate work visa.
Conclusion
Understanding the age limit for sponsoring children in the UAE is crucial for expatriate families seeking to maintain family unity while residing in the country. By meeting the necessary requirements and understanding the procedural steps, parents can ensure their children enjoy the benefits of living and studying in the UAE. For more information on UAE residency and visa processes, consider consulting with immigration experts or visiting the official GDRFA or ICP websites.
