Is إقرار إعالة Required to Sponsor Parents in the UAE?
Reviewed 7 Sept 2026
Understand a Declaration of Maintenance for parent sponsorship and what to confirm if the immigration authority requests one for your application.
What does إقرار إعالة mean?
إقرار إعالة is commonly translated as a Declaration of Maintenance or Support. In this context, it records the sponsor's statement about financially supporting the parent or parents identified in the document.
It is a supporting declaration, not a residence permit or a decision approving sponsorship.
Is it required in every application?
Do not assume that every parent-sponsorship application requires the same declaration. Confirm the checklist for the applicable immigration route and the applicant's circumstances.
The official residence service guidance reviewed for this article does not establish this declaration as a universal requirement for all parent applications. If an officer requests it, obtain the exact instruction before arranging the document.
What to confirm before drafting
Ask which form or wording is accepted and whether notarisation is required. Clarify whether the request concerns one parent or both.
- Exact name and purpose of the requested declaration
- Sponsor and parent identity details
- Evidence of relationship requested by the authority
- Required language and certification
- Application reference or officer's written comment
Keep the declaration consistent with the application
Names, passport details and relationships should match the immigration records and supporting certificates. The support statement should reflect the actual request.
If the application involves circumstances such as a deceased parent or a dependency issue, ask which evidence is required rather than inserting an unsupported explanation.
Where to complete the formalities
If a notarised declaration is requested in Abu Dhabi, check the appropriate ADJD or other authorised notary route and its acceptance by the immigration authority.
Notarisation alone does not establish residence eligibility. The sponsor must still satisfy the requirements of the selected immigration category.
How ALIFBA can assist
ALIFBA Transactions assists with declaration preparation, Arabic-English documentation, translation and eligible ADJD and immigration procedures.
Share the exact system comment or document request first. We can help prepare the declaration for that purpose and identify the supporting information needed.