Eligible residents can apply for child fostering services for expats in the UAE under the amended law on children of unknown parentage. Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025 amended Federal Decree-Law No. 24 of 2022. Fostering provides supervised care, rather than adoption, and does not create lineage or automatic inheritance rights.
Quick Answer
Child fostering services for expats in the UAE are available to qualifying residents under the amended legislation governing children of unknown parentage. Married couples must apply jointly and each spouse must be at least 25 years old. A qualifying divorced, widowed or unmarried woman must be at least 30 years old.
Applicants must also satisfy residence, financial, medical and background requirements. Fostering is a supervised care arrangement, not adoption. It does not automatically establish legal lineage or inheritance rights. Confirm the current application conditions with the relevant authority before preparing documents.
Eligibility for child fostering services for expats in the UAE
- Married couples must reside together in the UAE and apply jointly. Each spouse must be at least 25. Article 9 also requires financial capacity, medical fitness, qualifying criminal records, and compliance with additional authority conditions.
- A foster woman must reside in the UAE and be divorced, widowed, or unmarried. She must be at least 30 and satisfy the remaining requirements of Article 9(2).
- The amended eligibility provisions permit qualifying resident applicants without the previous Emirati-family restriction.
- Applicants must satisfy financial and health requirements. Article 9 also excludes applicants with convictions involving dishonesty or breach of trust, even after rehabilitation. The child’s identity and beliefs must be respected.
For the distinction between care and adoption, read about adoption and fostering under UAE law.
| Applicant | Minimum age | Key conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Married couple | 25 years for each spouse | Reside together in the UAE, apply jointly and satisfy the remaining requirements of Article 9 |
| Divorced, widowed or unmarried woman | 30 years | Reside in the UAE and meet the remaining requirements of Article 9(2) |
Considering Child Fostering in the UAE?
Discuss the eligibility requirements, residency conditions and legal distinction between fostering and adoption with Leaders Advocates.
Which children can be fostered
- The law covers children of unknown parentage and, as amended, children under care.
- The child keeps his original identity and lineage, and a foster family cannot change his name or religion.
- A fostered child does not inherit from the foster family and is not part of its lineage.
- The foster arrangement is supervised, and custody can be revoked, for example if the child is not cared for properly or if the child’s lineage becomes legally established.
For temporary care arrangements, read about temporary guardianship in the UAE.
Need to Understand the Legal Limits of Fostering?
Fostering does not create automatic lineage or inheritance rights. Speak with our team about the child’s legal status, documentation and the scope of a foster family’s responsibilities.
How to apply
The Ministry of Community Development and the local authority handle fostering applications, and the UAE Government portal says to contact the Ministry if you wish to foster.
- Check the eligibility conditions in the amended Article 9 and the executive regulation (Cabinet Resolution 54 of 2024).
- Contact the Ministry of Community Development or the local authority to start the application.
- Prepare proof of residence, marriage or status, income, medical fitness and a clean record.
For separate decision-making authority, read about obtaining legal guardianship in the UAE.
- Expect a review of the family and periodic supervision after placement.
- Take advice on the child’s documents, such as identity and residence, because they depend on the child’s status.
Professional Contribution From Ekaterina Butseva
Ekaterina Butseva, Founder Partner at Leaders Advocates, said that fostering under the decree-law is a supervised custody arrangement and not adoption, so families should be clear about what it does not give. She explained that applicants should confirm the current conditions with the Ministry before they prepare documents, because the details can change.
Preparing a Child Fostering Application?
Ask about the legal eligibility criteria, supporting documents and obligations involved in a supervised foster arrangement.
If you are considering fostering a child, you can send us your questions on WhatsApp.
Legal Sources
Legal source: Law on Children of Unknown Parentage
Legal source: Fostering Executive Regulation
Related Legal Guidance
- Adoption and Fostering Under UAE Law
- Temporary Guardianship in the UAE
- How Do You Get Legal Guardianship in the UAE?
Need Legal Guidance on Child Fostering Services in the UAE?
Leaders Advocates can discuss the legal framework for fostering, applicant eligibility and the distinction between foster care, adoption and guardianship. Confirm the current administrative requirements with the responsible authority.
