Authorities update dependent visa requirements

IMPACT – MEDIUM

Authorities in Abu Dhabi have begun enforcing new rules on tenancy requirements for those seeking dependent residence visa renewals.

Key points:

• Once the rules are in full effect, Abu Dhabi authorities will not accept Dubai tenancy contracts when processing dependent residence visa renewal applications. However, because the rule is new, authorities will, for now, accept Dubai tenancy contracts if applicants provide an undertaking letter stating that the next time they apply for a dependent residence visa they will have a lease agreement in Abu Dhabi.
• The undertaking letter must be in Arabic. A template for the type of letter that must be provided is available here. An English-language version (for informational purposes only) is available here.
• Applicants should also take note that authorities are enforcing a rule that affects situations where foreign spouses are of different nationalities. In cases where spouses are of different nationalities and were not married in either spouse’s home country, applicants for spouse’s dependent residency visas will be required to provide a copy of their marriage certificate that is attested by the sponsor’s home-country embassy in the UAE. This rule applies in both Abu Dhabi and Dubai.

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. Those with questions about specific cases 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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