If you are a parent of a baby born outside of the UAE, you may be wondering about the visa procedure required for your child to enter the country. The process can seem overwhelming, but with the right information, you can navigate it with ease.
Firstly, it’s important to note that the visa process for a baby born outside of the UAE will depend on the nationality of the parents and the country of birth of the baby. In general, if at least one parent is a UAE citizen or resident, the process may be simpler. However, if both parents are non-UAE nationals, the process may be more complex and require additional documentation.
To ensure a smooth visa process for your baby, it’s recommended to start the application process as early as possible. This will allow for any potential delays or complications to be addressed in a timely manner. With the right preparation and understanding of the process, you can ensure that your baby is able to enter the UAE with ease.
Eligibility Criteria for Visa Application
To apply for a visa for your baby born outside the UAE, you must fulfil certain eligibility criteria. These criteria include:
1. Valid Passport
You must have a valid passport for your baby to apply for a visa. The passport must have a validity of at least six months from the date of entry into the UAE.
2. Sponsorship
Your baby must have a sponsor who is a UAE resident or a UAE-based company. The sponsor must apply for the visa on behalf of the baby.
3. Relationship Proof
You must provide adequate proof of your relationship with the baby, such as a birth certificate or adoption papers.
4. Health Certificate
You must obtain a health certificate for your baby from a recognised medical centre. The certificate must confirm that your baby is free from any infectious diseases.
5. Application Form
You must fill out the visa application form accurately and completely. Any incomplete or incorrect information may result in a delay or rejection of the visa application.
It is important to note that meeting the eligibility criteria does not guarantee the approval of the visa application. The UAE authorities reserve the right to reject any application without providing a reason. Therefore, it is advisable to ensure that all requirements are met and the application is submitted well in advance to avoid any inconvenience.
Required Documents for Visa Application
When applying for a visa for your baby born outside the UAE, there are specific documents that you must provide. Here are the required documents for visa application:
Birth Certificate Authentication
You must provide a birth certificate for your baby, which should be authenticated by the relevant authorities in the country where the baby was born. The authentication process may vary depending on the country, but it typically involves obtaining a seal or stamp from the local government or embassy. It’s important to ensure that the birth certificate is translated into English and is certified by a sworn translator.
Parent’s Visa Status
You must provide proof of your visa status in the UAE. If you’re a resident, you must provide a copy of your residency visa. If you’re on a visit visa, you must provide a copy of your visa and a letter from your sponsor confirming your stay in the UAE. If you’re a UAE national, you must provide a copy of your passport.
Passport Procurement for the Newborn
Your baby must have a passport to apply for a visa. To obtain a passport, you must provide the following documents: the baby’s original birth certificate, a copy of both parents’ passports, a passport-sized photograph of the baby, and a completed passport application form. The passport application form can be obtained from the embassy or consulate of your home country.
Providing these documents will help ensure a smooth visa application process for your baby.
Visa Application Process
If your baby was born outside the UAE, you will need to apply for a visa for them to enter the country. The visa application process can be done online and involves two main steps: Online Application Submission and Appointment Scheduling and Biometrics.
Online Application Submission
To begin the visa application process, you will need to submit an online application through the UAE government’s eVisa portal. You will need to provide personal information about your baby, including their full name, date of birth, and passport details. You will also need to upload a recent passport-sized photograph of your baby and a copy of their birth certificate.
Once you have completed the online application, you will need to pay the visa fee using a valid credit or debit card. The visa fee varies depending on the type of visa you are applying for and the length of stay.
Appointment Scheduling and Biometrics
After submitting your online application and paying the visa fee, you will need to schedule an appointment to visit a visa application centre to provide your baby’s biometric information. Biometric information includes fingerprints and a digital photograph.
You can schedule an appointment using the eVisa portal. You will need to select a convenient date and time for your appointment and provide your contact information.
On the day of your appointment, you will need to bring your baby’s original passport, the application summary sheet, and the appointment confirmation page. You will also need to bring a printed copy of your baby’s visa application form.
At the visa application centre, your baby’s biometric information will be collected, and you will need to sign the application form. After this, your visa application will be processed, and you will be notified of the outcome via email.
Overall, the visa application process for a baby born outside the UAE is straightforward and can be completed online. By following the steps outlined above, you can ensure that your baby’s visa application is processed smoothly and efficiently.
Visa Fees and Payment Methods
When applying for a visa for your baby born outside the UAE, it is important to be aware of the fees and payment methods. The fees vary depending on the type of visa and the duration of stay.
You can find the latest fee information on the official website of the UAE government. The fee can be paid online using a credit or debit card, or through a bank transfer.
It is important to note that the visa fee is non-refundable, even if the application is rejected. Therefore, make sure to carefully review the visa requirements before submitting the application and paying the fee.
In addition to the visa fee, there may be additional charges for other services such as courier fees or application processing fees. These fees can also be found on the official website.
To avoid any delays or issues with your visa application, make sure to pay the correct fee and follow the payment instructions carefully. Keep a record of your payment and any receipts or confirmation emails.
Post-Visa Procedures
Visa Stamping
After obtaining the entry permit, you will need to get the visa stamped on your baby’s passport. You can do this by visiting the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in the emirate where you reside. Make sure to bring all the required documents, including your baby’s passport, entry permit, and a passport-sized photograph.
Once you arrive at the GDRFA office, you will need to take a ticket and wait for your turn. The visa stamping process usually takes around 30 minutes, but it may take longer during peak times. Once your baby’s visa is stamped, you can travel to the UAE with them.
Residency Status Update
After arriving in the UAE, you will need to update your baby’s residency status within 30 days. To do this, you will need to visit the GDRFA office again and apply for a residence visa for your baby. You will need to provide additional documents such as a medical fitness certificate, Emirates ID application form, and tenancy contract.
Once your application is processed, your baby will be issued with a residence visa that is valid for three years. You will need to renew the visa before it expires to avoid any penalties.
It’s important to note that your baby’s residency status is linked to your own residency status. If your residency visa is cancelled or expires, your baby’s visa will also be cancelled. Therefore, make sure to renew your own visa on time to avoid any issues with your baby’s visa.
In conclusion, obtaining a visa for your baby born outside the UAE involves several steps, including obtaining an entry permit, visa stamping, and updating their residency status. Make sure to follow all the procedures correctly and provide all the required documents to avoid any delays or issues.
Special Considerations
Dual Citizenship Issues
If your baby was born outside the UAE and is eligible for citizenship in both their country of birth and the UAE, there are some important considerations to keep in mind when applying for a visa. The UAE does not recognise dual citizenship, which means that your child will need to enter the country using a UAE passport. You may need to renounce your child’s other citizenship or obtain a waiver from the UAE government.
It is important to note that obtaining a waiver can be a lengthy and complicated process, so it is recommended that you seek professional legal advice to ensure that you meet all the necessary requirements.
Long-Term Visa Options
If you plan to stay in the UAE with your baby for an extended period of time, you may want to consider applying for a long-term visa. There are several types of long-term visas available, including employment visas, investor visas, and family visas.
If you are employed in the UAE, your employer may be able to sponsor your baby for an employment visa. If you are an investor, you may be able to sponsor your baby for an investor visa. If neither of these options applies to you, you may be able to apply for a family visa, which allows you to sponsor your baby as a dependent.
It is important to note that the requirements for each type of visa can vary, so it is recommended that you consult with an immigration lawyer to determine the best option for your family.
Overall, navigating the visa process for a baby born outside the UAE can be complex, but with the right guidance and support, it is possible to obtain the necessary documentation to ensure that your baby can legally reside in the country.
