UAE: How long can parents sponsor children on a residency visa?
Question: I hold a regular two-year visa in the UAE. I am a father to twins – a boy and a girl. I wish to understand how long I can sponsor their visas in the UAE. Please advise.
Answer: A foreigner who has obtained a residence permit in the UAE may sponsor family members to reside there. This is in accordance with the Article 9 of Federal Law by Decree No. (29) of 2021 Concerning Entry and Residence of Foreigners.
'A foreigner who has obtained a residence permit in the state may bring in his family members, in accordance with the terms and conditions set by the Executive Regulation of this Law by Decree.'
A foreign resident may sponsor his spouse, sons under the age of 25, unmarried daughters, and children with special needs (regardless of age) based on guidelines set by the authorities. Additionally, the residence permits for family members will be valid for the same duration as the sponsor. This is under the Article (54) of Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022 Issuing the Executive Regulations of UAE Immigration Law which states,
'The foreigner residing in the state (male or female) may bring in his family members, including the husband and children who have not reached (25) twenty-five, or unmarried daughters. Children with special needs, regardless of age, in accordance with the regulations issued by the ICA Chairman:
The foreigner who has obtained a Green Residence Permit may bring in his first-degree relatives; and
The Family Members Residence Permit shall be granted for the same period of residence as the guarantor/head of the family, and in all cases, the validity term of residence for family members shall not exceed the validity term of the residence of the Guarantor/Head of the family.'
Based on the aforementioned provisions of the law, you may sponsor your daughter without any age restrictions until she is unmarried. However, you may sponsor your son's residency visa in the UAE until he attains the age of 25. Furthermore, for additional clarifications, you may reach out to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) Dubai or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
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