Can non-Muslim expats apply for kafala?

Yes. The same eligibility rules apply to Muslim and non-Muslim residents who hold valid UAE visas.

Does kafala allow inheritance rights?

No. The child keeps their original name and does not inherit from guardians under UAE law.

How long does the kafala process take?

Most families complete the steps in four to eight months after submitting documents to the Ministry of Social Development.

Adopting a Child in UAE: Legal Path for Muslim and Non-Muslim Families

What kafala means in the UAE

Kafala gives legal guardianship without transferring full parental rights. The child keeps their original family name and inheritance line. This system applies to every expat family, Muslim or non-Muslim, who wants to care for a child in the Emirates.

Who can apply in 2026

Both Muslim and non-Muslim expats must meet the same basic criteria. Applicants need to be at least 25 years old, married for three years, and hold valid UAE residency. Single women may apply only if they are UAE nationals or meet narrow exceptions set by the Ministry of Social Development. Medical fitness certificates and police clearance from the home country are required. Same-sex couples are not eligible under current federal rules.

Step-by-step process

Start by submitting a kafala request through the Ministry of Social Development portal. After preliminary approval, families attend interviews and a home visit. Approved applicants are matched with a child from a government shelter. The final kafala agreement is issued by the court and registered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) so the child receives a residence visa under the guardians. The entire process usually takes four to eight months.

Costs and ongoing duties

Families pay AED 5,000 for the court application and AED 1,200 for the child’s new Emirates ID. Annual sponsorship renewal costs AED 600. Guardians must provide health insurance, school fees, and a minimum monthly allowance of AED 2,000 until the child turns 18. Medical and educational records stay with the original family name.

Key differences from Western adoption

Unlike full adoption in many countries, kafala does not create a new birth certificate or inheritance rights. The child may return to biological relatives if they later appear. Guardians cannot change the child’s religion. Travel outside the UAE requires extra court permission each time. These limits remain in place for both Muslim and non-Muslim families in 2026.

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Tovi knows current 2026 UAE rules, fees, and processes. Ask anything — visas, banking, housing, schools. Ask Tovi free →