Introduction
If you are planning to sponsor a family member, invite relatives for a visit, or meet visa requirements in the UAE, you may need an affidavit of support Dubai. This is a legally binding document often required by embassies, consulates, or government authorities to confirm that you will financially support the applicant.
At Notary Services Dubai, we understand how important this document is for families and individuals navigating legal or immigration procedures. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about an affidavit of support in Dubai—from its purpose and requirements to the complete notarization and attestation process.
What Is an Affidavit of Support?
An affidavit of support is a sworn legal declaration in which the sponsor confirms responsibility for supporting another individual financially during their stay in the UAE or abroad.
It serves as:
- Proof of financial commitment for visa and immigration applications.
- Guarantee for government or consular authorities that the sponsored individual will not become a financial burden.
- Legal safeguard in case the applicant requires support during their stay.
In Dubai, affidavits of support are often required by foreign embassies, especially for visa applications such as family visits, student visas, medical treatment visas, or long-term stay permits.
Who Can Be a Sponsor & Who Can Be Sponsored?
Eligible Sponsors:
- UAE residents with valid residence visas.
- Employed professionals earning the minimum income required for sponsorship.
- Business owners or investors holding valid trade licenses.
- Spouses or parents with proof of relationship to the applicant.
Individuals Who Can Be Sponsored:
- Immediate family members (spouse, children, parents).
- Extended relatives (siblings, in-laws, grandparents) if permitted by the receiving embassy.
- Students or dependents requiring financial guarantees.
Restrictions & Conditions:
- Sponsors must show adequate income (salary certificates or bank statements).
- The affidavit should only cover individuals legally allowed under UAE law and embassy regulations.
- Some embassies restrict sponsorship to first-degree relatives only.
Key Requirements & Supporting Documents
To prepare a valid affidavit of support in Dubai, the following documents are usually required:
- Identity Proof of Sponsor
- Passport copy
- Emirates ID copy
- Residence visa page
- Passport copy
- Proof of Relationship
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book (if applicable)
- Birth certificate, marriage certificate, or family book (if applicable)
- Financial Documents
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Recent bank statements (3–6 months)
- Proof of accommodation (Ejari or tenancy contract)
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Applicant’s Documents
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- Visa application (if available)
- Passport copy of the sponsored person
- Additional Documents (if required)
- Consulate-specific forms
- Medical reports (for treatment visas)
- University admission letters (for student visas)
- Consulate-specific forms
Note: All foreign language documents must be translated into Arabic and legally attested.
Step-by-Step Process to Obtain an Affidavit of Support in Dubai
- Drafting the Affidavit
- A legal draft is prepared including sponsor details, applicant details, and financial guarantee clauses.
- At Notary Services Dubai, we ensure the draft meets embassy and UAE notary standards.
- A legal draft is prepared including sponsor details, applicant details, and financial guarantee clauses.
- Document Review
- All supporting documents are checked for accuracy and consistency.
- All supporting documents are checked for accuracy and consistency.
- Signing the Affidavit
- The sponsor signs the affidavit under oath before a notary public in Dubai.
- The sponsor signs the affidavit under oath before a notary public in Dubai.
- Notarization
- The Dubai notary certifies the document as legally binding.
- The Dubai notary certifies the document as legally binding.
- Attestation
- The affidavit may need attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or the relevant consulate/embassy.
- The affidavit may need attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) or the relevant consulate/embassy.
- Submission
- The attested affidavit is submitted to the embassy, immigration office, or relevant authority.
- The attested affidavit is submitted to the embassy, immigration office, or relevant authority.
- Processing Timeline
- Drafting: 1–2 working days
- Notarization: same day appointment possible
- MOFA Attestation: 2–3 working days (depending on authority)
- Drafting: 1–2 working days
Costs & Fees Breakdown
The total cost of an affidavit of support in Dubai depends on several factors:
- Notary fees: Charged per affidavit (official government fee).
- Drafting fees: If you require professional drafting service.
- Translation fees: For non-Arabic documents.
- MOFA attestation fees: Official charges for legal attestation.
- Courier or additional services: Optional for convenience.
At Notary Services Dubai, we provide transparent pricing and packages to suit individual needs, ensuring no hidden costs.
Common Challenges & How to Avoid Them
Many applicants face delays or rejections due to avoidable mistakes. The most common challenges include:
- Incomplete documentation (missing bank statements or tenancy contract).
- Inconsistent information across documents.
- Untranslated certificates (foreign language documents not accepted).
- Misunderstanding embassy requirements (each country may have specific rules).
- Incorrect affidavit format that does not meet legal standards.
How to avoid issues:
- Always double-check embassy requirements.
- Work with professional notary experts like Notary Services Dubai.
- Ensure timely translations and attestations.
- Keep copies of all documents submitted.
Variations & Special Cases
The affidavit of support process can vary depending on the situation:
- Across Emirates – While the notarization process is similar in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah, attestation requirements may differ.
- For expatriates – Non-UAE residents cannot usually issue affidavits in Dubai unless they hold a valid residence visa.
- Low income sponsors – In some cases, consulates allow co-sponsorship with additional guarantors.
- Nationality-specific rules – Some embassies (e.g. Philippine, Indian, Pakistani) have stricter requirements.
- Urgent cases – Expedited notarization and attestation are possible with professional assistance.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: How long does it take to get an affidavit of support in Dubai?
A: On average, 3–5 working days including drafting, notarization, and attestation.
Q2: Can a friend or distant relative sponsor me?
A: Generally, only close family members are accepted. Some embassies may allow exceptions.
Q3: Is an affidavit of support legally enforceable in the UAE?
A: Yes, once notarized and attested, it becomes a binding legal document.
Q4: What happens if my financial situation changes after submission?
A: You must inform the embassy/authority if the affidavit is still under review.
Q5: Do I need a lawyer to prepare the affidavit?
A: Not necessarily, but professional drafting by Notary Services Dubai ensures accuracy and acceptance.
Why Choose Notary Services Dubai?
When it comes to sensitive legal documents, experience matters. At Notary Services Dubai, we provide:
- Expert drafting and review tailored to embassy requirements.
- Fast notarization and attestation services without delays.
- End-to-end support including translations and embassy coordination.
- Trusted reputation with hundreds of successful affidavits processed.
- Convenient online support for clients across the UAE.
With us, you can avoid errors, save time, and ensure that your affidavit of support is accepted without hassle.
How to Get Started
Getting your affidavit of support in Dubai is simple:
- Contact Notary Services Dubai via phone, email, or WhatsApp.
- Share your documents for review.
- Receive a professionally drafted affidavit.
- Schedule notarization and attestation.
- Submit confidently to the required authority.
📞 Call us today to begin your process and secure peace of mind.
Conclusion
An affidavit of support in Dubai is more than just a document—it’s a legal commitment that can impact visa approval and family reunification. By ensuring your affidavit is properly drafted, notarized, and attested, you can avoid unnecessary delays or rejections.
At Notary Services Dubai, we combine expertise, trust, and efficiency to deliver reliable affidavit of support services across the UAE. Whether you need guidance for family visas, study permits, or consulate submissions, our team is ready to assist.
