Affidavit of Support in UAE
In the dynamic business landscape of the United Arab Emirates, formal written declarations are the bedrock of trust and legal compliance. One such critical document is the Affidavit of Support, a legally binding pledge that underpins visa, financial, and residency processes. For expatriates, entrepreneurs, and investors, understanding this document is a strategic necessity for securing long-term stability.
What is an Affidavit of Support in the UAE?
An Affidavit of Support, often termed a Sponsorship Declaration or Financial Guarantee, is a sworn legal statement. The sponsor (often an employer, family member, or investor) uses it to assume financial and legal responsibility for another individual (the beneficiary). This document is a cornerstone for proving solvency and intent, required by UAE authorities to ensure newcomers or dependents will not become a public liability.
It is distinct from a simple letter of support; an affidavit must be sworn before a notary public or competent court, making it a legally enforceable document. Its primary function is to satisfy immigration and governmental bodies of the sponsor’s commitment.
📄 Core Purpose of the Affidavit
- Financial Guarantee: Assures authorities the sponsor will cover all living and housing costs.
- Legal Undertaking: Binds the sponsor to be responsible for the beneficiary’s actions under UAE law.
- Visa Prerequisite: A mandatory submission for most family sponsorship and long-term residency applications.
- Proof of Relationship: Often required to substantiate familial ties for dependency visas.
For individuals navigating complex sponsorship processes, such as for a Golden Visa for family members, this affidavit is a non-negotiable component of the application dossier.
Key Legal Authorities Governing the Document
The validity of an Affidavit of Support hinges on its approval by specific UAE authorities. The primary bodies involved include the Notary Public under the Federal Judicial Department, the Ministry of Justice, and, for immigration matters, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in each emirate.
Navigating these requirements alone can be daunting. Vesta Solutions simplifies this by managing the entire drafting, notarization, and submission process on your behalf. Our experts ensure your affidavit meets all legal standards, preventing costly delays.
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When Do You Need an Affidavit of Support?
This document is a versatile tool required in multiple scenarios. Recognizing its application helps in proactive preparation.
Family Sponsorship & Dependent Visas
The most common use is for sponsoring family members—spouse, children, or parents. The UAE government mandates proof of sufficient and stable income to support dependents. An affidavit, coupled with salary certificates and tenancy contracts, fulfills this requirement.
Long-Term Residency & Golden Visa Applications
When applying for a long-term residence permit like the UAE Golden Visa, you may need to submit an Affidavit of Support for accompanying family members. This assures authorities of their financial well-being throughout the visa’s validity, which can be 5 or 10 years.
Student Visas & Educational Sponsorship
Parents sponsoring a child studying in the UAE, or individuals on student visas, often require this affidavit. It guarantees the sponsor will cover tuition and living expenses, a requirement for visa issuance and renewal.
Medical Treatment Visas
For individuals entering the UAE for specialized medical treatment, a sponsor (which could be a hospital or a family member) may need to provide an affidavit. This guarantees coverage of all medical and incidental expenses.
💼 Checklist: Documents Needed for Drafting
- Sponsor’s original passport & Emirates ID.
- Beneficiary’s passport copy.
- Proof of relationship (marriage certificate, birth certificate).
- Sponsor’s proof of income (salary certificate, bank statements).
- Sponsor’s attested tenancy contract or title deed.
- Any existing visa copies for both parties.
Whether you are bringing family to the UAE or supporting a student, Vesta Solutions provides end-to-end assistance. From document collection to liaising with notaries, we ensure your affidavit is processed efficiently, integrating seamlessly with our broader PRO services for a hassle-free experience.
Step-by-Step Process: How to Obtain & Notarize the Affidavit
The journey from drafting to legalization involves several clear steps. Following them precisely avoids rejection.
Step 1: Drafting the Affidavit Content
The affidavit must include specific, unambiguous statements. It should clearly identify the sponsor and beneficiary with full names and passport numbers. Crucially, it must state the sponsor’s unconditional commitment to bear all financial costs.
Step 2: Notarization at a UAE Notary Public
The drafted document must be signed by the sponsor in the presence of a licensed UAE Notary Public. The notary verifies identities, witnesses the signature, and stamps the document, granting it legal force.
Step 3: Translation & Attestation (If Required)
If the original affidavit is in a language other than Arabic, an official translation by a certified legal translation center is mandatory. The translated version must then be attested by the Ministry of Justice.
Step 4: Submission to Relevant Authority
The final, notarized (and translated) affidavit is submitted as part of the visa or residency application package to the ICP or the relevant GDRFA office.
Typical Process Timeline & Costs (2026)
| Step | Typical Duration | Estimated Cost (AED) | Key Authority |
|---|---|---|---|
| Drafting & Review | 1-2 Business Days | 500 – 1,500 | Legal Service Provider |
| Notarization | Same Day | 200 – 500 | Notary Public |
| Legal Translation | 1-2 Business Days | 150 – 300 per page | Certified Translation Center |
| Ministry Attestation | 2-3 Business Days | 200 – 400 | Ministry of Justice |
| Total Estimate | 5-8 Business Days | 1,050 – 2,700+ |
Each case is unique. Our team at Vesta Solutions provides a fixed-fee quote upfront and manages this multi-step process for you. Leveraging our established relationships with notaries and government offices, we expedite your document legalization.
🌟 Avoid Costly Delays & Rejections
Our legal experts handle drafting, notarization, and submission, ensuring your Affidavit is flawless and accepted the first time.
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Common Pitfalls and How to Avoid Them
Even minor errors can lead to application rejection. Awareness of common mistakes is your first line of defense.
Insufficient Financial Proof: The affidavit’s promise must be backed by tangible evidence. Submitting an affidavit without recent bank statements or an employment contract showing the required salary is a frequent cause of denial.
Incorrect or Vague Wording: Phrases like “will try to support” or “may provide for” are rejected. The language must be absolute: “I undertake full financial and legal responsibility.”
Failure to Notarize: An unnotarized affidavit is merely a letter. It holds no legal weight. Never skip the notarization step before submission.
Expired Supporting Documents: All attached documents—passports, Emirates IDs, tenancy contracts—must be valid. An expired sponsor’s visa invalidates the entire application.
🚨 Critical Insight: The Sponsorship Binding Effect
Signing an Affidavit of Support is a serious legal act. If the beneficiary incurs significant debts or violates laws, the sponsor can be held financially liable. This responsibility lasts until the beneficiary leaves the UAE or transfers sponsorship.
Legal intricacies like these underscore the value of expert guidance. Vesta Solutions’ legal services team reviews your entire situation, ensuring your affidavit is both compliant and protects your interests.
Case Study: Sponsoring a Family for a Golden Visa
Background: Ahmed, a software engineer earning AED 35,000 monthly, secured a 10-year Golden Visa under the exceptional talent category in early 2026. His goal was to sponsor his wife and two children to join him in Dubai.
Challenge: The ICP application portal required a notarized Affidavit of Support. Ahmed used a generic template, which was rejected twice for vague financial terms. He also faced delays getting his UK marriage and birth certificates attested.
Solution: Ahmed engaged Vesta Solutions. Our team drafted a precise affidavit, coordinated notarization at the Dubai Courts within 24 hours, managed the attestation of his foreign documents, and submitted the complete application package.
Result: The application was approved on the first submission. The entire process, from drafting to submission, was completed in 7 business days. Ahmed’s family received their entry permits and subsequently their residency visas, tied to his Golden Visa, without further complications.
Affidavit of Support vs. Other Declarations
It’s important to distinguish this document from other common affidavits in the UAE.
