UAE Residence Visa for Child Cost: Clear Pricing & Guidance

Living in the UAE while also planning to bring your child to live with you raises one common question every time: How much does it really cost? The answer isn’t always clear and with so many typing centers, government fees, and updates in regulations, the confusion is real.

Let us break down everything that you need to know about the UAE residence visa for child cost in this article. Learn why it holds importance and what effect it brings. Plan your budget accordingly in 2025, and take the necessary measures to avoid unnecessary delays and penalties.

What Is a UAE Residence Visa for a Child?

A UAE residence visa allows parents living abroad to sponsor their children. This way, their children can live with the family while continue studying in the best institutes. They are also eligible to access healthcare in the UAE. This visa is essential for children of foreign residents to remain in the country for more than a visit.

In recent years, the UAE has updated its policies to allow both fathers and mothers to sponsor their children, depending on their salary and employment status. Whether you are a private-sector employee, government worker, or freelancer, you may be eligible to sponsor your child under current laws.

Why It Matters

Without a residence visa, your child won’t be able to attend school, access healthcare services, or stay legally in the country long-term. This makes securing the visa an essential task for expat families.

UAE Residence Visa for Child Cost in 2025

The total UAE residence visa for a child cost depends on several factors such as:

• Whether the child is inside or outside the UAE
• The duration of the visa (typically 2 or 3 years)
• Typing center service charges
• Additional fast-track or courier services

Below is a detailed breakdown of expected costs for 2025:

Optional Add-Ons That May Increase the Cost

• Medical insurance for the child (varies by provider)
• Courier charges for document delivery
• Express service for faster approvals

These figures may slightly vary depending on the emirate, the age of your child, and whether additional services like medical insurance or translation are needed.

Who Can Sponsor Their Child in the UAE?

Sponsorship isn’t limited to just one category of residents. However, the UAE has set specific eligibility rules:

Salary Requirements

A minimum monthly salary of AED 4,000—or AED 3,000 with employer-provided accommodation is required to sponsor a child in the UAE. This financial requirement ensures the sponsor can support the child’s living, schooling, and healthcare needs.

What Happens If Salary Is Lower?

In some cases, supporting documents or exceptional approvals may be required. Some emirates may accept lower thresholds based on profession or housing status.

Profession and Visa Type

Parents with valid UAE residence visas, regardless of whether the sponsor is the mother or father, are eligible to sponsor their children. Freelancers, entrepreneurs, and business owners can also qualify, provided they meet the income and accommodation criteria.

Living Arrangements

To successfully apply for a child’s visa, the sponsor must present a valid tenancy contract or property ownership document in their name. Shared housing arrangements are usually not accepted, as immigration authorities require proof of a secure and independent living space.

These rules are in place to confirm that the child will live in a stable and secure environment.

Documents Required to Apply

Preparing the right documents in advance will help you avoid repeated visits to Amer or Tasheel centers. Here’s what you’ll need:

Essential Documents

You’ll need to prepare a set of official papers before applying: The child’s passport should have at least six months of validity. A recent passport-size photo is also required. The birth certificate must be attested both in your home country and by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You must also provide the sponsor’s passport copy and valid residence visa, Emirates ID, an Ejari contract or proof of accommodation, a salary certificate or labor contract, and the parents’ attested marriage certificate.

Translation and Attestation

All non-Arabic documents must be legally translated and attested both in the home country and the UAE. Skipping this step is one of the main causes of rejection.

Make sure all documents are either in Arabic or officially translated.

UAE Residence Visa Renewal Fees for Child

Renewal fees are generally lower than first-time application costs but still require early preparation.

Updated Fees for 2025

• Renewal Application: AED 500 – 800
• Emirates ID renewal: AED 370
• Medical test (18+ only): AED 350
• Typing & service charges: AED 300

Total Renewal Cost Estimate: AED 1,100 – 1,500

Late Renewal Penalties

If your visa is not renewed on time, the fine is AED 50 per day. Avoid delays by setting reminders and starting the process at least 1 month in advance.

The UAE residence visa renewal fees for children should be paid before the visa expiry date to avoid fines of AED 50 per day of overstay.

Step-by-Step Guide to Applying for the Visa

Let’s walk through how to apply for a residence visa in UAE for a child in the simplest terms possible:

Step 1: Get the Entry Permit

• For children outside the UAE, apply through GDRFA or ICA
• For children inside the UAE, you may need a status change form

Step 2: Emirates ID Application

• Apply for a new Emirates ID via the ICA portal or a typing center
• Children above 15 will be required to give biometrics

Step 3: Medical Test (if child is over 18)

• The medical fitness test is mandatory for visa approval

Step 4: Visa Stamping

• Submit the child’s passport, medical results, and all documents to the immigration authority
• The visa will be stamped into the passport once approved

Processing Times and Validity Period

Knowing when to apply can save you time and stress.

Average Processing Time

• Inside UAE: 5–7 working days
• Outside UAE: Up to 10 working days
• Premium processing: 1–2 days extra charge

Visa Validity

• 2 years for private sector employees
• 3 years for government staff and investors
• 5 years for Golden Visa holders sponsoring family

Automatic Expiry Rule

If your child stays outside the UAE for more than 6 months, the visa will automatically expire. Be cautious when planning long vacations.

Children’s visas are usually tied to the duration of the sponsoring parent’s visa.

Sponsoring Children Above 18: What You Need to Know

Sponsoring older children comes with its conditions.

Sons Above 18

• Must be enrolled in full-time education
• Annual renewal is mandatory with valid proof of enrollment

Daughters Above 18

• Can remain under sponsorship until marriage
• No education requirement unless specified by the authority

This extension helps families stay together longer, especially during university years.

Can Freelancers or Business Owners Sponsor Children?

Yes, but you’ll need to meet additional income and documentation requirements:

Eligibility Criteria

• Valid UAE residence visa under the freelance or investor category
• Monthly income: typically AED 10,000 or more
• Must provide bank statements, tenancy contract, and a stable source of income

Recommended Documents for Freelancers

• Trade license or freelance permit
• 6-month bank statement
• Proof of regular invoices or contracts with clients

Freelancers and investors are now given more flexibility thanks to evolving UAE policies.

Avoid These Common Mistakes When Applying for a Child’s UAE Residence Visa

Applying for a residence visa might seem straightforward, but it’s easy to miss a small detail that can delay or even derail your application. Whether you’re applying yourself or through a service, it’s essential to approach the process with care.

The Freelancer Gate has worked with countless expat families in the UAE, and their guidance has helped parents avoid these all-too-common missteps, saving time, money, and stress in the process.

Most Frequent Errors

One common issue is submitting expired documents or ones that haven’t been properly translated. Another frequent mistake is renewing the child’s visa late, which can result in daily fines. Some applicants also use unlicensed typing centers, leading to rejected applications. Missing attestations on key documents like birth and marriage certificates is another red flag for immigration officers.

Services like The Freelancer Gate help avoid these problems by reviewing your application with expert attention. They know exactly what immigration officers are looking for—and what will send your file back for corrections.

How to Avoid Delays

Work only with licensed typing and visa service providers who are experienced with family sponsorship cases. Start gathering your documents well ahead of your child’s visa expiration or school enrollment deadline. Always review expiry dates and make sure every translation and attestation is up to date.

Many parents have found peace of mind by partnering with The Freelancer Gate, where visa experts handle everything from paperwork to portal submissions.

Being prepared saves both time and money.

The Freelancer Gate: Your Partner for Smooth Visa Processing

When it comes to handling family visa procedures in the UAE, having the right support can make all the difference. This is where The Freelancer Gate comes in, offering stress-free, professional service that parents can rely on.

Say Goodbye to Long Queues and Uncertainty

The Freelancer Gate is trusted by expats across the UAE for handling residence visas, freelance permits, and family sponsorships.

Here’s how we simplify the UAE residence visa for child cost process for you:

• We collect your documents
• Handle all attestation and translations
• Submit forms through the correct portals
• Keep you updated at every step

With our end-to-end service, you avoid hidden fees and unnecessary delays. Whether you’re applying for the first time or renewing your child’s visa, we make it simple, quick, and professional.

Final Thoughts

Understanding the real UAE residence visa for child cost in 2025 gives you clarity, peace of mind, and the ability to plan. From initial fees to renewal charges, the process isn’t as overwhelming when broken down.

Whether you’re a working parent, freelancer, or small business owner, sponsoring your child is not just possible, it’s simpler than you think when you have the right support.

The Freelancer Gate is your shortcut to a smooth visa journey. Open the gate to a hassle-free experience today.