Child Fostering Services for Expats in the UAE
Get Legal Assistance with Child Fostering Services in the UAE
Child fostering in the UAE is the act of providing a safe and caring household to a child with no known parents. This system, or Kafala under the UAE law, is specifically aimed at protecting the child and ensuring that the child is nurtured in a healthy family environment. It does not amount to adoption as the child must retain his or her name and religion.
At HHS Lawyers, our family lawyer we can offer you assistance in:
- Explaining Fostering Rules in Layman’s Terms
- Document preparation and verification
- Assisting you with steps and procedural requirements of the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD)
- Checking foster care agreements to comply with UAE laws
- Accompanying you during interviews, home visits, and follow‑up visits.
What is Child Fostering in UAE?
Child fostering, often referred to in the context of “Kafala”, is a system where a resident family takes a child into their home to provide full care, support, and education. In the UAE, child fostering applies only to children who do not have known parents. The law makes sure these children receive a safe home, proper care, and the same quality of life as any other child.
It is important to note that Fostering is a type of legal guardianship, not adoption. The child does not take the family’s name and does not automatically receive inheritance rights.
Who Can Apply? Eligibility for Expats
To make sure every child goes to a safe home, the Ministry of Community Development (MoCD) and local authorities like the Community Development Authority (CDA) Dubai have clear rules.
For Married Expat Couples:
- Residency: Both are required to be residing in the UAE and have a valid residency.
- Age: Both parties need to be at least 25 years old in age.
- Stability: You should show you have a good home for the child and a stable marriage.
- No Criminal Record: Both parties must produce a Good Conduct Certificate showing no crimes regarding honor and trust.
- Health: You must be free of infectious diseases or psychological and mental disorders that poses risk to the child
For Single Expat Women:
- Status: You can be single, widowed, or divorced.
- Age: To be eligible, you need to be thirty (30) years or older.
- Financial Ability: You must show you can support yourself and the child.
- Residency: You need to have a valid residency visa for the United Arab Emirates and actually live in the UAE.
The Fostering Process in the UAE
Fostering takes time because the government must be sure the child will be safe and cared for.
Why Choose HHS Lawyers?
Fostering a child is a beautiful decision but the legal steps are confusing. The HHS Lawyers and Legal Consultants serve as your partner during this process. We take on the “legal jargon” so that you can focus on getting your home ready for a child.
Our Fostering Services Include but not limited to:
- Eligibility Consultation: We consider your particular case (job, age, level of residency) and provide a truthful opinion on whether you are eligible under the law or not.
- Documentation: We provide assistance in collecting, translating, and attesting all necessary documents from appropriate authorities.
- Liaising with Authorities: Communication is made with the MoCD, CDA and the Courts on the client’s behalf to follow up his application.
- Legal Advice on Wills: Since foster children are not automatic inheritors, we can help write a DIFC Will or a UAE Will to ensure the child is financially protected in future.
- Corrective Support: If the authorities request you to make certain changes to your home or lifestyle to meet the fostering standards, then we advise you on how to do it.
Important Things to Remember
- Fostering is Not Adoption: Fostering does not change the child’s legal family line.
- Best Interests of the Child: This is the most important rule. Every decision is made based on what is best for the child.
- Financial Capability: You do not need to be rich. You only need to show you have a steady income to provide a good life, including schooling, healthcare, and food.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. I am an expat; do I need a Family Book?
The “Family Book” (Khulasat Al Qaid) is an Emirati-specific document. Expatriates need to carry a Passport with a relevant residency visa and a Unified Number as a primary identification.
Q2. Where should an expat couple start the UAE fostering process?
The application is submitted to the Ministry or the competent Local Authority together with the required supporting documents. The authority then assesses the applicants and the proposed custodial arrangement.
Q3. Is full adoption possible in the UAE?
No. Full adoption is forbidden under Islamic law since fostering (Kafala) is granted to children with unknown parentage (foundlings/orphans).
Q4. Who is eligible after the amendments in 2025?
A married couple or single woman (for single 30 years or older).
Both spouses must be UAE residents (now this also includes non-Emirati married couples), regardless of nationality and religion.
Must meet certain standards with regard to health, income, and good conduct.
Q5. Can expatriates foster?
Yes, the fostering law UAE for expats, Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, has broadened the eligibility to non-Emirati residents.
Can non-Muslim expats foster a child in the UAE?
Yes. Under Federal Decree-Law No. 12 of 2025, people of any religion can foster, if they meet the age, residency and financial rules.
Is fostering the same as adoption in the UAE?
No. Fostering is legal custody, not adoption. The child still carries their original family name and is legally identified as the same person. Foster parents do not act as legal parents of the child and do not affect inheritance rights.
Can a single man foster a child?
No. The current law allowed married couples and single women who are 30 years old or older. Single men are not eligible.
What if I want to leave the UAE with a foster child?
You have to get special permission from the authorities and the Ministry. The applicant must also prove that the relocation will be good for the child.
Can I foster a child if I have my own biological children?
Yes. Having biological children does not stop one from fostering. Fostering authorities will inspect whether there is adequate space and resources for one more child in your home.
Q6. Can the child inherit from the foster family?
No. Under the Kafala system, foster children do not receive automatic inheritance. However, foster parents may provide for the child through a will (for non-Muslims, civil wills in DIFC/Abu Dhabi allow leaving the entire estate; for Muslims, up to one-third of the estate under Sharia rules) or through lifetime gifts, which are fully permitted.
Contact HHS Lawyers Today
If you are an expat living in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, or any other Emirate and you want to welcome a child into your home, we are here to support you. Our family lawyers use a human‑centric approach, making sure you feel guided, informed, and cared for at every step of the fostering process.
