Dubai is one of the world’s most sought-after destinations for expatriates, entrepreneurs, and families seeking stability in the UAE. Beyond its futuristic skyline and thriving economy, the city also extends a humanitarian side, offering residency permits to individuals facing exceptional circumstances. Whether it’s sponsoring parents, securing guardianship, or providing refuge for people from war-affected nations, Dubai’s humanitarian visa framework reflects both compassion and structure.

If you’re considering applying for a Dubai residency permit under humanitarian grounds, understanding the eligibility, documentation, and costs is crucial. This guide breaks down the requirements in detail, contextualizes them for 2025, and addresses the most frequently asked questions about residency in Dubai.

Understanding Dubai’s Humanitarian Residency Permits

While most expatriates in Dubai enter through employment, investment, or family sponsorship, the UAE also allows 18 categories of humanitarian visas. These permits ensure individuals with urgent or sensitive cases can legally reside in the country, provided they meet specific sponsorship and dependency conditions.

Examples include:

Sponsoring parents or in-laws
Supporting children in special circumstances (such as expired permits or dependency needs)
Sponsorship in cases of divorce, widowhood, or guardianship
Residency for individuals from countries affected by war or natural disasters

Unlike standard visas, humanitarian permits usually last one year and are renewable, giving families time to stabilize their situation in Dubai.

Cost of a Dubai Residency Permit

The UAE government maintains transparent and relatively affordable fees for humanitarian visas compared to other residency routes.

Residence permit fee: AED 200
Knowledge dirham fee: AED 10
Innovation dirham fee: AED 10
Inside country processing fee: AED 500
Delivery fee: AED 20

🔑 Important note: For permits exceeding two years, the issuance fee rises by AED 100 annually.

Humanitarian Visa Requirements by Category

Each humanitarian case has a unique set of documents and eligibility conditions. Below are some of the key categories explained in simple terms:

1. Sponsoring Parents (Mother and Father)

Passport copies of sponsored parents
Salary certificate (min. AED 10,000) or employment contract
Tenancy contract suitable for family size
Last three months’ bank statements

2. Sponsoring Parents-in-Law

Similar requirements as above, with the same AED 10,000 salary threshold.

3. Sponsoring Wife and Children (with low salary or expired permits)

Attested marriage certificate
Attested children’s birth certificates
Bank statement and tenancy contract

4. Sponsoring Children under Salary Threshold

Passports of both parents
Marriage and birth certificates
Salary certificates and tenancy documents
Joint bank statements

5. Sponsoring Siblings

Passport copy and cancelled residence permit (if available)
Proof of parent sponsorship (except in case of death or divorce)
Salary certificate and tenancy documents

6. Sponsoring Stepchildren

Passport and residence documents of the biological parent
Birth certificate, bank statements, tenancy contract
No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the biological father if issued outside the UAE

7. Sponsoring Children Over 25

Passport copies
Proof of ongoing university education or certified graduation documents
Salary certificate or employment contract

8. Guardianship and Custody Cases

Court-issued guardianship or adoption certificates (attested)
Salary and tenancy documents
Birth certificates of the wards

9. Sponsorship for Widows and Divorcees

Permit may be granted for six months to one year
Requires proof of custody for children and presence in the UAE at the time of application

10. Sponsorship for Countries in Crisis

Requirements are determined by Ministerial Resolution based on war or natural disaster contexts

Conditions for Issuing Residency Permits

To qualify for a humanitarian Dubai residency permit, applicants must demonstrate dependency and relationship.

If related to a UAE citizen, proof of relationship is mandatory.
If related to a UAE resident, eligibility extends to parents, siblings, and children, provided dependency or custody is established.
Tenancy contracts and financial stability are recurring prerequisites across all categories.

New UAE Visa Rules in 2025

The UAE continuously updates its visa policies to remain a global hub for talent and investment. In 2025, humanitarian permits remain one of the most flexible categories, complementing other options such as the Golden Visa for investors and skilled professionals, the Green Visa for freelancers, and short-term entry permits for business visitors.

For humanitarian cases, the emphasis remains on:

Proof of dependency
Valid sponsorship (individual or institutional)
Compliance with attestation of foreign documents

How to Apply for a Humanitarian Residency Permit in Dubai

Applications are typically submitted through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA-Dubai) or via authorized typing centers. Digital platforms such as the UAEICP portal (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) also facilitate applications, making the process more accessible.

Key steps include:

Collecting and attesting required documents
Submitting application via GDRFA channels
Paying applicable fees
Undergoing medical test (for applicants 18+)
Receiving the Emirates ID and residency stamp

FAQs on Dubai Residency Permits

How can I get residency in Dubai?

Residency in Dubai can be obtained through employment, investment, family sponsorship, or humanitarian permits. The humanitarian visa is designed for cases where dependency, custody, or exceptional needs exist.

How much does a Dubai residency permit cost?

The base fee is AED 200, with additional charges for processing and delivery. Fees rise slightly for permits extending beyond two years.

What are the new visa rules in UAE 2025?

The UAE has expanded its residency framework to include flexible humanitarian permits, the 10-year Golden Visa, and the 5-year Green Visa. Document attestation and proof of dependency remain critical for humanitarian cases.

Is Dubai residency easy to obtain?

It depends on the category. Employment and investor visas follow structured requirements, while humanitarian permits demand proof of exceptional circumstances. If documentation and sponsorship conditions are met, the process is relatively straightforward.

👉 TheDubaiWeb.com continues to be your trusted guide for navigating life in the UAE — from immigration updates and banking services to lifestyle insights and cultural experiences.

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Safna

Safna is a full-time writer at TheDubaiWeb.com, where she covers the latest finance news and trending topics across the UAE. With over 10 years of experience living in the UAE, she brings local insight and a deep understanding of the region to her reporting.

Dubai Residency Permit: Cost, Requirements for Humanitarian Visa, UAE