visas
How to Sponsor a Child Dependent Visa in Dubai
Step-by-step guide to sponsoring a child residence visa in Dubai. Two routes: outside the UAE (child travels in on a permit) and inside the UAE (change of status, no travel required).
Gov. fee
AED 1,586 (government fees, excl. attestation)
Timeline
3–6 weeks
For
Residents in Dubai working in the private sector, a free zone, or government sector,…
Steps
6
Start
Have the child's birth certificate authenticated for UAE use.
Last updated: April 2025
- 1Attest the Child's Birth Certificate
- 2Open Family File at Amer
- 3Apply for Entry Permit
- 4Child Enters the UAE
- 5Apply for Emirates ID
- 6Finalize Residence Visa
Step by step
Attest the Child's Birth Certificate
Have the child's birth certificate authenticated for UAE use. Steps vary by country but typically include notarization, foreign ministry authentication, UAE embassy stamping, and UAE MOFA attestation.
Where to go
UAE MOFA (final step)
Address / portal
mofa.gov.ae or any typing center for MOFA attestation
Est. cost
Varies by country
Est. time
1–4 weeks (varies)
Advice
Start this step first. If the certificate is not in Arabic or English, a certified translation is required before MOFA attestation.
Note
Requirements differ by country. Confirm the exact attestation chain with the UAE embassy in the child's country before starting.
Open Family File at Amer
The sponsor submits the required documents at an Amer service center to open the child's family file and register the dependency.
Where to go
Amer
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 252
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
Bring: sponsor's Emirates ID (original physical card), passport, and residence visa; child's attested birth certificate, passport, and white-background photo; Ejari or tenancy contract; and proof of income (salary certificate for free zone or government sector; labour contract for private sector). Partner or investor sponsors should confirm requirements separately.
Note
Bring the original Emirates ID card. A copy or digital version is not accepted.
Apply for Entry Permit
Amer submits the child entry permit application to ICA on the sponsor's behalf. The permit is issued electronically once approved.
Where to go
Amer
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 439
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
Send the permit to whoever is with the child abroad. The child will need it at check-in and at UAE immigration on arrival.
Note
The entry permit has an expiry date. The child must arrive before it lapses — check the validity on issue.
Child Enters the UAE
The child travels to Dubai and presents the entry permit at immigration on arrival.
Where to go
UAE port of entry
Address / portal
Dubai International Airport (DXB) or other UAE entry point
Est. cost
Free
Est. time
Depends on travel arrangements
Advice
Print or save a digital copy of the entry permit before travel. Some airlines check it at boarding.
Apply for Emirates ID
Submit the Emirates ID application at Amer and complete biometric enrollment for the child.
Where to go
Amer
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 385
Est. time
2–3 days (card delivered in 5–10 days)
Advice
The Emirates ID is issued for 2 years. Track card dispatch via the ICA app.
Finalize Residence Visa
The sponsor submits the residence visa issuance application at Amer. Once approved, the child's passport is stamped with the UAE residence visa.
Where to go
Amer
Address / portal
Any Amer branch in Dubai
Est. cost
AED 510
Est. time
2–3 days
Advice
The child's passport is held briefly during stamping. Do not plan travel until it is returned.
Note
Check the child's passport expiry before submitting. The passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended residence visa expiry date.
Overview
Sponsors whose child is still outside the UAE apply for an entry permit through Amer; the child enters Dubai on it, and Emirates ID and residence are completed after arrival. No medical test is required on the standard child route.
Total government fees in Dubai are approximately AED 1,586, covering file opening, entry permit, Emirates ID, and residence issuance. Attestation costs abroad are additional and vary by country. Allow 3–6 weeks overall — document attestation is usually the longest step.
Need help with this process?
We manage government submissions, medicals, and filings on your behalf.
Chat on WhatsApp →