How Long Are Kids Sponsored in UAE?
How Long Can Parents Sponsor Their Children's Residence Visa?
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has become an increasingly attractive destination for expats from all around the world, who seek to establish a new home not only for themselves but also for their families. However, sponsoring family members, particularly children, raises numerous questions. How long can children be sponsored? What age limits apply to them? In this blog post, we will detail how children's residence visa sponsorship works in the UAE, and what aspects need attention.
The Basics of Sponsoring in the UAE
According to UAE laws, the possibility of sponsorship extends not only to workers but also to their family members. The Federal Law by Decree No. 29 of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners states that foreigners with a residence permit can sponsor their family members, including spouses and children. However, the conditions for sponsorship are strictly regulated, with the age limit for children being one of the most important aspects.
Sponsoring Children: Boys and Girls
Cabinet Resolution No. 65 of 2022 provides detailed regulations on how children can be sponsored. According to the law:
For boys, sponsorship is possible up to the age of 25. This means that once a boy reaches this age, the parent can no longer sponsor him unless there is a special reason, such as disability.
For girls, there is no age limit as long as they are unmarried. If a girl gets married, she loses the right to be sponsored and must obtain her own residence permit.
It is important to highlight that for children with special needs, there is no age limit, so parents can sponsor them for life if authorized by relevant authorities such as the ICA – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
The Validity of Residence Permits
The validity of family members' residence permits always matches that of the sponsor’s permit. So if the parent has a two-year residence permit, then the children's permits are also valid for two years and can be renewed alongside the parent’s permit. It is important to note that family members' permits can never be longer than the sponsor’s.
In Case of a Green Residence Permit
For those holding a Green Residence Permit, additional options are available. In this case, not only immediate family members (spouse, children) but also first-degree relatives can be sponsored, provided they are financially dependent on the sponsor. This can be especially beneficial for families wishing to reunite more broadly in the UAE.
Practical Advice for Parents
If you wish to sponsor your children in the UAE as a parent, consider the following steps:
Stay Informed About the Laws: Keep updated with current regulations, as they often change. The official websites of the ICA or the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) are reliable sources.
Prepare the Documents: A variety of documents will be necessary for sponsorship, such as passport copies, proof of family status, and documentation verifying your children.
Contact Authorities: If you have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out to GDRFA Dubai or the ICA. These organizations can provide accurate information on the sponsorship process.
Plan Ahead: As your child approaches the age of 25, it is wise to think ahead about how they might extend their residence permit, possibly through employment or studies.
Conclusion
The UAE offers flexible regulations for sponsoring family members, but strict age limits apply to children. While girls can be sponsored indefinitely, boys have a limit of 25 years. There is no age limit for children with special needs, which is a significant benefit for them. It is crucial to stay informed and maintain close communication with authorities to ensure family residence permits remain valid.
