Sponsoring a UAE residence visa for your child is one of the most important steps in establishing family life in Dubai. It gives your child legal residency status, access to schools, healthcare, and the ability to open a bank account — all of which require an active UAE residence visa.
But understanding the full UAE residence visa for child cost before you begin is essential. The total fee goes beyond the headline government charge and includes entry permits, Emirates ID, medical fitness tests (for children aged 18 and above), health insurance, and processing fees — all of which add up.
In this complete 2026 guide, we break down every cost component involved in obtaining and renewing a UAE child residence visa — with real AED figures, a full documents checklist, the step-by-step process, and renewal costs — so you can budget accurately and avoid surprises.
Who Can Sponsor a UAE Residence Visa for a Child?
Any UAE resident holding a valid UAE residence visa is eligible to sponsor a child's residence visa, provided the following conditions are met:
- Minimum salary requirement: AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month if employer-provided accommodation is included
- Valid UAE residence visa: The sponsor's own visa must be active and valid throughout the entire application process
- Valid Emirates ID: An active Emirates ID is required for the sponsoring parent at the time of application
- Registered tenancy contract (Ejari): Proof of suitable accommodation in Dubai — a registered Ejari tenancy contract or title deed
- Active health insurance: A valid, DHA-compliant health insurance policy for the child is mandatory before the visa can be issued
Business owners and investors holding a valid UAE investor visa are fully eligible to sponsor their children's residence visas, provided they meet the minimum income requirement through bank statements or audited accounts.
UAE Residence Visa for Child: Age Eligibility
The age rules for child sponsorship in the UAE are important to understand before applying:
- Sons: Can be sponsored on a dependent residence visa up to the age of 25 years, provided a valid university enrollment certificate is submitted from age 18 onwards. Once a son turns 25, he must obtain an independent UAE residence visa.
- Daughters: Can be sponsored at any age, provided they remain unmarried. Upon marriage, the daughter must transfer to her husband's sponsorship.
- Children of determination (disabled children): Can be sponsored regardless of age, subject to supporting medical documentation confirming the disability status.
- Newborns: Children born in the UAE must be registered for a residence visa within 120 days of birth to avoid fines. After this period, daily fines of AED 25 apply.
UAE Residence Visa for Child Cost: Full Breakdown 2026
The total UAE residence visa for child cost is made up of several separate fee components. Here is a detailed breakdown of every charge:
| Fee Component | Cost (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit (child outside UAE) | AED 500 – AED 800 | Required to enter UAE and begin residency process |
| Entry permit (child inside UAE — status change) | AED 500 – AED 800 | For children already on visit visa inside UAE |
| Medical fitness test | AED 300 – AED 700 | Required for children aged 18 and above only |
| Emirates ID (1-year visa) | AED 270 – AED 370 | Mandatory for all children |
| Emirates ID (2-year visa) | AED 370 – AED 570 | Most common visa duration for children |
| Emirates ID (3-year visa) | AED 570 – AED 1,070 | Aligned with sponsor's long-term visa |
| Visa stamping fee | AED 500 – AED 800 | Stamps residence visa into child's passport |
| Mandatory health insurance | AED 600 – AED 1,500 per year | DHA-compliant policy required |
| Birth certificate attestation | AED 150 – AED 500 | UAE Embassy + MOFAIC legalisation |
| Typing / Amer centre service fee | AED 100 – AED 300 | Application processing service charge |
Total estimated first-time cost per child:
- Child under 18 (2-year visa, from outside UAE): AED 2,000 – AED 3,500
- Child under 18 (2-year visa, status change inside UAE): AED 1,800 – AED 3,000
- Child aged 18+ (2-year visa, includes medical test): AED 2,500 – AED 4,500
- Newborn registration (within 120 days of birth): AED 1,500 – AED 2,500
These are estimates. Costs vary depending on the Amer centre, DHA medical centre, and individual circumstances. Contact Takween Advisory for a transparent, itemised cost quote.
UAE Residence Visa for Child: New vs Renewal Cost Comparison
| Cost Component | New Application (AED) | Renewal (AED) |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit / status change | AED 500 – AED 800 | Not required at renewal |
| Medical fitness test (18+ only) | AED 300 – AED 700 | AED 300 – AED 700 |
| Emirates ID | AED 370 – AED 1,070 | AED 370 – AED 1,070 |
| Visa stamping | AED 500 – AED 800 | AED 350 – AED 600 |
| Health insurance | AED 600 – AED 1,500 | AED 600 – AED 1,500 |
| Birth certificate attestation | AED 150 – AED 500 | Usually not required again |
| Service / typing fees | AED 100 – AED 300 | AED 100 – AED 300 |
| Total estimate (child under 18) | AED 2,000 – AED 3,500 | AED 1,500 – AED 2,500 |
| Total estimate (child aged 18+) | AED 2,500 – AED 4,500 | AED 2,000 – AED 3,800 |
Renewal is generally less expensive than a new application because the entry permit fee is not required — the child is already inside the UAE as a legal resident.
Documents Required for UAE Child Residence Visa
Preparing all documents correctly before you apply is the most important step to avoid delays and rejections.
Sponsor (Parent) Documents
- Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity)
- Valid UAE residence visa copy
- Original Emirates ID
- Salary certificate (issued within the last 30 days) or employment contract
- Valid trade licence copy (for business owners and investors)
- Registered Ejari tenancy contract or title deed
- Recent DEWA utility bill (to confirm residential address)
Child Documents
- Original child passport (valid for at least 6 months)
- Passport-size photograph — white background, taken within last 3 months
- Birth certificate — attested by UAE Embassy in country of origin and legalised by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC)
- Medical fitness certificate from a DHA-approved centre (mandatory for children aged 18 and above)
- University enrollment certificate — mandatory for sons aged 18 to 25 to maintain sponsorship eligibility
- Valid DHA-compliant health insurance policy
- No Objection Certificate (NOC) from current sponsor — if the child is transferring sponsorship from one parent to another
All foreign-language documents must be translated into Arabic by a UAE-certified legal translator before submission. Untranslated documents are a common cause of application delays.
How to Apply for UAE Residence Visa for a Child: Step-by-Step
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Step 1: Verify Eligibility and Attest Documents
Confirm that your salary meets the AED 4,000 minimum threshold, your own residence visa is valid, and your Ejari is registered. Get the child's birth certificate attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin, then legalised by MOFAIC in the UAE. This step takes the most time — especially for documents from countries with slow attestation services — so start early.
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Step 2: Apply for an Entry Permit (If Child Is Outside UAE)
If the child is outside the UAE, apply for an entry permit through the GDRFA Dubai portal, GDRFA mobile app, or an authorised Amer service centre. The entry permit is typically approved within 2 to 5 working days and is valid for 60 days — all formalities must be completed within this window.
If the child is already inside the UAE on a visit visa, apply for a status change instead — this converts their current visa status to the residency process without any travel.
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Step 3: Complete Medical Fitness Test (Children Aged 18 and Above)
Children aged 18 and above must undergo a medical fitness examination at a DHA-approved medical centre. Children under 18 are fully exempt from this requirement.
- Medical test cost: AED 300 – AED 700
- Results available within 3 to 5 working days
- The medical certificate is typically valid for 3 months
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Step 4: Apply for Emirates ID
Submit the Emirates ID application through the ICP Smart Services portal, an ICP centre, or an Amer centre. Biometric registration (fingerprints and photograph) is required for all children aged 15 and above. Children under 15 require a guardian to be present at the biometric registration appointment.
- Emirates ID fee (2-year visa): AED 370 – AED 570
- Processing time: 5 to 10 working days
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Step 5: Purchase Health Insurance
Before submitting the final visa application, obtain a valid, DHA-compliant health insurance policy for the child. Basic plans start from approximately AED 600 per year. The insurance certificate must be submitted as part of the visa application — no insurance means no visa issuance.
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Step 6: Submit the Visa Application
Once all documents are ready — entry permit, attested birth certificate, Emirates ID application receipt, medical fitness result (if applicable), and health insurance — submit the full residency visa application through:
- GDRFA Dubai official website (gdrfad.gov.ae)
- GDRFA Dubai mobile app
- Authorised Amer service centres across Dubai
- Registered government typing centres
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Step 7: Visa Stamping and Emirates ID Delivery
Once GDRFA approves the application, the residence visa is stamped into the child's passport. The Emirates ID is typically delivered by post within 5 to 10 working days. Your child is now a legal UAE resident — able to enroll in school, access healthcare, and benefit from all UAE resident services.
UAE Child Residence Visa Renewal Cost
Child residence visas in Dubai are typically issued for 2 to 3 years and must be renewed before expiry. Key renewal costs are:
- Visa renewal government fee: AED 350 – AED 600
- Emirates ID renewal: AED 370 – AED 1,070 (depending on visa duration)
- Medical fitness test (aged 18+): AED 300 – AED 700
- Health insurance renewal: AED 600 – AED 1,500 per year
- Service / typing fees: AED 100 – AED 300
Total renewal cost per child (under 18, 2-year renewal): AED 1,500 – AED 2,500
Total renewal cost per child (aged 18+, 2-year renewal): AED 2,000 – AED 3,800
Start the renewal process at least 30 days before expiry. Dubai provides a 30-day grace period after expiry — but daily fines of AED 25 per day apply after the grace period ends. For newborns, register within 120 days of birth to avoid fines entirely.
For full details on the renewal process, read our complete guide on how to renew a dependent visa in Dubai .
UAE Child Visa Cost by Sponsor Type
The sponsoring parent's visa type does not significantly change the child's visa cost — but it affects the process:
| Sponsor Type | Eligibility | Income Proof Required | Estimated Total Child Visa Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Employee (salaried) | Min. AED 4,000/month salary | Salary certificate / employment contract | AED 2,000 – AED 3,500 |
| Business owner / investor | Valid trade licence + income | Trade licence + bank statements | AED 2,000 – AED 3,500 |
| Freelance permit holder | Min. AED 4,000/month income | Bank statements + freelance permit | AED 2,000 – AED 3,500 |
If the sponsoring parent is a business owner or investor, Takween Advisory can assist with obtaining or renewing the required UAE investor visa before initiating the child's residence visa application.
Special Cases: UAE Child Residence Visa
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Newborn Registration in the UAE
Children born in the UAE must be registered for a residence visa within 120 days of birth. The process starts with obtaining a UAE birth certificate from the relevant municipality (Dubai Statistics Centre for births in Dubai), followed by the standard entry permit and visa stamping process. After the 120-day window, daily overstay fines of AED 25 apply retroactively from day 121.
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Children of Determination (Disabled Children)
Children of determination — children with physical or intellectual disabilities — can be sponsored on a UAE dependent residence visa regardless of age, with no upper age limit. Supporting medical documentation from a recognised medical authority confirming the disability is required at the time of application and at each renewal.
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Sons Turning 25
When a son approaches the age of 25, his dependent residence visa will not be renewed beyond this birthday. He must independently obtain a UAE residence visa — either through employment, a student visa, or by setting up his own company in Dubai — before his 25th birthday to avoid an overstay situation.
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Daughters Upon Marriage
A daughter sponsored under a parent's visa must transfer her residence visa to her husband's sponsorship upon marriage. Continuing on the parent's visa after marriage without transferring is a violation of UAE immigration rules.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Unattested birth certificate: The birth certificate must be attested by the UAE Embassy in the country of origin AND legalised by MOFAIC in the UAE — missing either step causes immediate rejection.
- Applying without health insurance: Health insurance is a mandatory prerequisite — not an optional extra. Applications submitted without a valid DHA-compliant policy will be rejected.
- Missing the 120-day newborn registration window: Daily fines apply retroactively from day 121 — register your newborn as early as possible.
- No university enrollment certificate for sons aged 18–25: Without this document at renewal, the son is deemed ineligible for continued dependent sponsorship and the visa will not be renewed.
- Sponsor's visa expiring mid-process: If the parent's own visa expires during the child's application, the entire process is blocked. Always renew the sponsor's visa first.
- Expired Ejari tenancy contract: An unregistered or expired tenancy contract causes delays. Ensure Ejari is current before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a UAE residence visa for a child cost in 2026?
The total UAE residence visa for child cost ranges from AED 2,000 to AED 3,500 for a child under 18 (2-year visa), and AED 2,500 to AED 4,500 for a child aged 18 and above (who also requires a medical fitness test). Costs include the entry permit, Emirates ID, visa stamping, health insurance, and document attestation.
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What is the minimum salary to sponsor a child visa in UAE?
The minimum salary to sponsor a child's UAE residence visa is AED 4,000 per month, or AED 3,000 per month if employer-provided accommodation is included. For business owners, the same threshold applies — demonstrable income through bank statements or trade licence is required.
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Does a child need a medical test for a UAE residence visa?
Children under the age of 18 are exempt from the medical fitness test requirement. Children aged 18 and above must complete a medical fitness examination at a DHA-approved centre in Dubai before their residence visa can be issued or renewed. The test costs AED 300 to AED 700 and results are typically available within 3 to 5 working days.
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How much does it cost to renew a child's visa in the UAE?
UAE child residence visa renewal costs range from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500 for a child under 18 (2-year renewal) and AED 2,000 to AED 3,800 for a child aged 18 and above. Renewal is generally cheaper than the initial application because the entry permit fee is not required. For the full renewal process, read our guide on how to renew a dependent visa in Dubai .
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Until what age can a son be sponsored on a UAE dependent visa?
Sons can be sponsored on a UAE dependent residence visa until the age of 25, provided a valid university enrollment certificate is submitted at each renewal from age 18 onwards. After the age of 25, the son must obtain an independent UAE residence visa through employment, student status, or business ownership.
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Can I sponsor my newborn for a UAE residence visa?
Yes. Children born in the UAE must be registered for a residence visa within 120 days of birth. After this period, daily fines of AED 25 per day apply retroactively from day 121. The total cost of registering a newborn for a UAE residence visa typically ranges from AED 1,500 to AED 2,500.
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Can a business owner sponsor a child's UAE residence visa?
Yes. Business owners and investors holding a valid UAE investor visa are fully eligible to sponsor their children's residence visas. Proof of income through a valid trade licence , bank statements (last 3 to 6 months), or audited accounts is required to demonstrate the AED 4,000 minimum income threshold.
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What documents are needed for a UAE child residence visa?
Core documents include the child's valid passport, a passport-size photograph, a birth certificate attested by the UAE Embassy and legalised by MOFAIC, a valid health insurance policy, and the sponsoring parent's Emirates ID, residence visa copy, and salary certificate or trade licence. Children aged 18 and above also require a medical fitness certificate.
How Takween Advisory Can Help
At Takween Advisory, we manage the full UAE residence visa process for children — from document attestation and entry permit application to Emirates ID registration, health insurance procurement, and final visa stamping.
Our visa services include:
- UAE residence visa for child — new applications and renewals
- Dependent visa Dubai — complete application guide
- UAE investor visa applications and renewals
- Document attestation and MOFAIC legalisation support
- Health insurance procurement (DHA-compliant)
- Mainland company setup and free zone setup for investor visa eligibility
- PRO services and ongoing immigration compliance support
Sponsor Your Child's UAE Visa Today
Sponsoring a UAE residence visa for your child gives them full legal residency status, access to schools, healthcare, and all resident services in Dubai. Understanding the full cost and process upfront — including attestation, health insurance, and the correct documents — ensures a smooth, fast approval with no rejected applications or unexpected fees.
Contact Takween Advisory today for a free consultation and get expert assistance with your child's UAE residence visa application — from day one to visa stamp.