Applying for a child’s residence visa in the UAE can feel overwhelming, especially when immigration authorities require additional documentation such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC). Many applications are delayed or rejected simply because the NOC was missing, drafted incorrectly, or not attested according to UAE regulations.
If you’re a parent or guardian living in Dubai (or anywhere in the UAE) and planning to sponsor your child, this guide is for you. Here, Notary Services Dubai provides a step-by-step explanation of the NOC for child visa in Dubai and UAE, including when it is required, the complete document checklist, costs, timelines, common mistakes, and expert solutions to avoid rejection.
By the end of this article, you will know exactly what an NOC is, why it matters, and how to secure one correctly and quickly.
What Is an NOC for Child Visa?
Definition & Purpose
A No Objection Certificate (NOC) is a legal document in which one parent (or guardian) formally declares that they have no objection to the other parent sponsoring the child’s visa in the UAE. It acts as a safeguard for UAE immigration authorities, ensuring both parents or legal guardians agree to the sponsorship arrangement.
For example: If a mother wishes to sponsor her child’s visa in Dubai while the father is abroad, she will need an NOC from the father confirming his consent.
Why UAE Authorities Require It
- Legal protection: Prevents disputes over child custody.
- Immigration compliance: Ensures transparency in sponsorship.
- Verification of consent: Confirms that both parents are aligned on the child’s residency status.
When Is an NOC for child visa Required?
- Mother Sponsoring a Child Visa: Most common scenario where an NOC from the father is mandatory.
- Father Abroad or Not Residing in the UAE: Immigration requires proof that he consents to the mother sponsoring the visa.
- Divorced or Separated Parents: The parent without custody must issue an NOC or provide a court order.
- Guardianship Arrangements: In case of legal guardians or step-parents, NOC or court documents are needed.
- Special Family Circumstances: Adoption, deceased parent, or custody transfers require NOC along with supporting legal documents.
📌 Note: While requirements are similar across UAE, minor procedural differences may exist between Dubai (GDRFA) and other emirates (ICP).
Who Issues the NOC?
- Father (when mother is sponsoring)
- Mother (if father is sponsoring but immigration specifically requests it)
- Legal Guardian (court-appointed, in absence of biological parents)
Special Cases
- Divorced Parents: Custody document + NOC from non-custodial parent.
- Single Mothers: Court order confirming custody, often supplemented with an NOC.
- Deceased Parent: Death certificate + court guardianship order (in some cases NOC is waived).
Document Checklist for NOC Application
Here is a comprehensive list of documents required when applying for a Noc for child visa in Dubai / UAE:
- Parent’s Documents:
- Passport copy of the parent providing NOC
- Valid UAE residence visa copy (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy
- Signed NOC letter (typed, in Arabic, notarized)
- Passport copy of the parent providing NOC
- Child’s Documents:
- Passport copy of the child
- Birth certificate (attested & translated into Arabic if not in English/Arabic)
- Passport-sized photographs
- Passport copy of the child
- Marriage / Custody Proof:
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Divorce certificate or custody papers (if applicable)
- Marriage certificate (attested)
- Sponsor’s Financial Proof:
- Tenancy contract / Ejari
- Salary certificate or employment contract
- Bank statements
- Tenancy contract / Ejari
- Other Documents:
- Death certificate (if parent is deceased)
- Power of attorney (if guardian applies on behalf of parent)
- Death certificate (if parent is deceased)
📌 Pro Tip: Always get documents translated into Arabic by a certified translator and ensure notarization/attestation is complete before submission.
Step-by-Step Process for Getting an NOC
Step 1: Drafting the NOC
- Prepare the letter in Arabic (or bilingual format Arabic-English).
- Must clearly state: parent’s consent, child’s full name, passport details, relationship, and the sponsoring parent’s name.
Step 2: Notarization in UAE
- Sign the NOC in front of a UAE notary public.
- Notarized document becomes legally valid within the country.
Step 3: Attestation (if NOC issued abroad)
- If the parent is outside UAE, NOC must be:
- Notarized in home country
- Attested by UAE Embassy in that country
- Re-attested by UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) upon arrival
- Notarized in home country
Step 4: Submission to Immigration (GDRFA or ICP)
- File the NOC with the child’s visa application.
- Immigration authorities verify the authenticity.
Step 5: Processing & Approval
- Standard timeframe: 3–7 working days (varies depending on completeness of documents).
Costs, Timeframes & Processing Duration
- Drafting & Typing: Depend on documents
- Notarization Fee: Depend on document
- MOFA Attestation: Depend on document
- Translation Fee: Depend on document
- Total Estimate: Depend on document
Processing typically takes 3–5 working days locally. If issued abroad, additional time is needed for embassy + MOFA attestation (1–2 weeks).
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Wrong Language: Submitting English-only NOC without Arabic translation.
- Missing Attestation: Failing to get MOFA stamp.
- Incorrect Information: Name or passport number mismatch.
- Expired Documents: Submitting outdated tenancy or salary proof.
- DIY Drafting: Handwritten or poorly formatted NOCs often get rejected.
Case Study
One client, a Dubai-based mother, attempted to sponsor her son without an NOC. The application was rejected twice, costing delays and additional expenses. After contacting Notary Services Dubai, we drafted a legally valid bilingual NOC, completed notarization and MOFA attestation, and re-submitted the application. The child’s visa was approved within 4 working days.
This example shows how professional assistance saves time, money, and stress.
Why Choose Professional Services?
Working with Notary Services Dubai ensures:
- Expert drafting in Arabic & English
- Hassle-free notarization and attestation
- Guidance on correct format to avoid rejection
- End-to-end support from document preparation to immigration submission
- Peace of mind with professional handling
FAQ’s for NOC for Child visa in Dubai
1. Is NOC for child visa in Dubai always required?
Yes, especially if the mother is sponsoring. Some cases may be exempt with court orders.
2. Can I draft my own NOC?
You can, but professional drafting ensures acceptance by UAE authorities.
3. Does the NOC have to be in Arabic?
Yes, it must be in Arabic or bilingual Arabic-English.
4. How long is the NOC valid?
Generally valid for the visa application period (30–60 days). Renew if delayed.
5. Can the same NOC be used for renewal?
In most cases, yes, if circumstances haven’t changed.
Conclusion
Obtaining a No Objection Certificate – NOC for a child visa in Dubai and UAE is one of the most critical steps in the visa sponsorship process. Mistakes in drafting, notarization, or attestation can lead to costly rejections and delays.
With Notary Services Dubai, you get professional, reliable assistance to secure your NOC correctly, saving you time and ensuring peace of mind.
👉 Contact Notary Services Dubai today to get your NOC prepared and attested the right way — and make your child visa process smooth and stress-free.
