Abu Dhabi authorities requesting additional documentation in some dependent cases

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have begun requesting additional documents from dependent visa applicants who live in Dubai or anywhere else outside of Abu Dhabi.

Key Points:

• As a general matter, Abu Dhabi authorities no longer accept tenancy contracts from Dubai or other emirates when processing dependent residence visa applications. Some exceptions are made, but authorities have grown increasingly strict about the type of documentation they require when the applicant does not have an Abu Dhabi tenancy contract.
• Initially, authorities were willing to accept Dubai or other emirates tenancy contracts if applicants also provided an undertaking letter stating that the next time they applied for a dependent residence visa they will have a lease agreement in Abu Dhabi.
• Increasingly, authorities are requesting additional documentation, including a copy of the trade license of the other emirate branch for the Abu Dhabi company that employs the principal visa holder and a branch confirmation letter from the Abu Dhabi company.

BAL Analysis: Applicants for dependent residency visas, including renewals, should take note of the rules and make sure they have followed proper procedures in order to avoid unnecessary processing or the possibility of having applications rejected. The rules are changing at a relatively quick pace, and those with questions about what documentation will be required in their specific case should contact BAL.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice group. For additional information, please contact your BAL attorney.

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