When it comes to official documentation in the UAE, precision and authenticity are everything. One of the most requested documents—especially for visa sponsorship and family applications—is the Affidavit of Support. Whether you are sponsoring a family member or fulfilling embassy requirements, understanding this document and how to obtain it correctly is crucial. This comprehensive guide by Dubai Notary Services will walk you through everything you need to know about the Affidavit of Support in Abu Dhabi — what it means, when it’s required, how to get it, and why professional notary assistance can make the process seamless.
1. What Is an Affidavit of Support?
An Affidavit of Support is a formal written declaration confirming that you, as the sponsor, will take financial responsibility for another individual—often a family member, dependent, or visa applicant. It acts as proof that the person being supported will not become a financial burden while residing in the UAE or abroad.
In simple terms, it’s a financial assurance statement that assures government authorities or embassies that the sponsor has adequate means to provide for the dependent’s living, travel, and general expenses.
Key Highlights:
- Serves as proof of financial capability.
- Required for family visa applications, sponsorships, or embassy procedures.
- Must be notarized and attested to be valid in Abu Dhabi or anywhere in the UAE.
This document is recognized across UAE jurisdictions, making it an essential step in family-based immigration, sponsorships, or other official declarations.
2. When Do You Need an Affidavit of Support in Abu Dhabi?
Residents and expatriates in Abu Dhabi may need an affidavit of support in several situations. Below are the most common use cases:
For Family Visa Sponsorship
When you’re sponsoring a spouse, child, or relative, authorities often request an affidavit of support as part of the visa process. It demonstrates your commitment to bear their living expenses during their stay in the UAE.
For Domestic Worker Sponsorship
Many residents provide affidavits of support for housemaids, nannies, or drivers to confirm that they can financially sustain them.
For Embassy or Immigration Procedures
Certain embassies (such as those of the Philippines, India, or Pakistan) may require affidavits of support before processing dependent visa applications or travel permissions.
For Legal Declarations
An affidavit of support may be needed for legal verifications, such as school admissions, travel permissions for minors, or other civil documentation purposes.
In all these cases, the affidavit serves one key role — proving your financial reliability as a UAE resident or expatriate.
3. Importance of the Affidavit of Support
The affidavit of support is more than a routine formality — it’s a statement of accountability. Having this document ensures:
- Transparency between sponsor and applicant.
- Legal recognition of your financial commitment.
- Smooth processing of visas or documentation with embassies.
- Protection against disputes or misunderstandings.
In short, it’s your proof of credibility as a responsible sponsor. For that reason, it’s essential to ensure that your affidavit is correctly drafted, notarized, and attested — which is where Dubai Notary Services helps make the process effortless.
4. Requirements for Getting an Affidavit of Support in Abu Dhabi
While requirements may vary slightly depending on the purpose of the affidavit, the general documentation usually includes:
- Valid Passport Copy of the sponsor.
- Emirates ID Copy.
- Proof of Relationship (for family sponsorship).
- Proof of Income (such as salary certificate or labor contract).
- Beneficiary’s Passport Copy.
- Draft of the Affidavit (can be prepared by professionals at Dubai Notary Services).
Once these documents are ready, the affidavit must be notarized and sometimes attested by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), depending on its use.
5. Step-by-Step Process for Getting an Affidavit of Support in Abu Dhabi
Here’s a simplified breakdown of the process:
Step 1: Document Preparation
Gather all required documents. If you’re unsure how to draft the affidavit, Dubai Notary Services can create a professionally written version for you.
Step 2: Drafting the Affidavit
The affidavit is usually written in English or Arabic and clearly states:
- Sponsor’s full name, nationality, and address.
- Relationship to the person being supported.
- Declaration of financial responsibility.
- Date and signature.
Step 3: Notarization
Once drafted, the affidavit must be notarized at an authorized notary public. This step verifies the authenticity of the document and your signature.
Step 4: Attestation (If Required)
If the document will be submitted abroad or to an embassy, additional attestation from MOFA may be required.
Step 5: Delivery
With Dubai Notary Services, clients can get their documents prepared, notarized, and delivered — without needing to visit multiple offices or stand in queues.
6. Cost and Processing Time
The cost of obtaining an affidavit of support varies depending on:
- Whether it’s for local use or international submission.
- The number of pages or complexity of content.
- Whether you require translation and attestation services.
Typically, the process can take 1–3 working days, but express service options are available for urgent cases. Dubai Notary Services ensures fast turnaround and competitive pricing while maintaining document accuracy and compliance.
7. Difference Between Affidavit of Support in Abu Dhabi and Dubai
Although both Emirates follow the same general process, there are slight procedural differences:
| Criteria | Abu Dhabi | Dubai |
| Notary Authority | Abu Dhabi Judicial Department (ADJD) | Dubai Courts Notary Public |
| Appointment Requirement | Often required | Walk-in and online options |
| Language Options | Arabic / English | Arabic / English |
| Service Providers | Local notary or authorized legal service | Dubai Notary Services (UAE-wide online support) |
With Dubai Notary Services, clients in Abu Dhabi can complete the entire affidavit process remotely and efficiently, without visiting multiple government offices.
8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Preparing an Affidavit of Support
Even small errors can cause document rejection or delay. Here are common mistakes you should avoid:
- Incorrect details (names, passport numbers, or relationships).
- Unnotarized documents or missing signatures.
- Lack of attestation for embassy use.
- Incomplete supporting documents.
- Poor translation quality for bilingual submissions.
Our professionals at Dubai Notary Services ensure your affidavit meets official standards and is free from any errors that could cause rejection.
9. Benefits of Using Professional Notary Services in the UAE
Preparing an affidavit might seem simple, but ensuring it’s legally valid and accepted by all relevant authorities requires experience. Here’s why using professional help makes a difference:
- Time-Saving: Skip the lines and paperwork.
- Accuracy: Professionally drafted to meet embassy or visa requirements.
- Legally Sound: Verified and formatted according to UAE standards.
- Nationwide Reach: Accessible anywhere in the UAE — including Abu Dhabi.
- Peace of Mind: Trusted support from documentation experts.
At Dubai Notary Services, we combine expertise, reliability, and convenience — ensuring every client receives fast, compliant, and accurate documentation.
10. Why Choose Dubai Notary Services?
As one of the most trusted documentation and attestation providers in the UAE, Dubai Notary Services specializes in making complex paperwork simple and stress-free. Our team assists clients from all Emirates — including Abu Dhabi — through a smooth, online-friendly process.
Here’s Why We Stand Out:
- Expert Document Drafting: Each affidavit is customized to meet embassy or authority standards.
- Fast Processing: Receive your notarized affidavit in record time.
- 100% Confidentiality: All client data is handled with complete privacy.
- End-to-End Service: From drafting to notarization and attestation.
- UAE-Wide Coverage: We serve clients across Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Sharjah, and beyond.
- Customer Support: Dedicated assistance until document completion.
Whether you’re sponsoring a family member, applying for a visa, or submitting embassy documents, our experienced professionals are ready to guide you from start to finish.
11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1. What is an affidavit of support used for in Abu Dhabi?
It’s used to confirm financial responsibility when sponsoring someone for a visa, travel, or other legal purposes in the UAE.
Q2. Who can provide an affidavit of support?
Any UAE resident or citizen with valid identification and sufficient income can issue one.
Q3. Is notarization mandatory?
Yes, the affidavit must be notarized to be recognized as a valid legal document in the UAE.
Q4. Can I get an affidavit of support online?
Absolutely. Dubai Notary Services provides online assistance for drafting, notarizing, and delivering affidavits anywhere in the UAE, including Abu Dhabi.
Q5. How long does it take to get an affidavit of support?
Generally, 1–3 working days. Express options are available for urgent needs.
Q6. Can I use the same affidavit for multiple purposes?
It depends on the wording. A well-drafted affidavit can often be reused, but it’s better to create a new one tailored to your specific purpose.
12. Tips for a Smooth Process
To ensure a seamless experience:
- Double-check all details before submission.
- Use a professional drafting service.
- Keep digital and printed copies.
- Ensure the document is attested if required for embassy use.
With expert help, you can save hours of effort and ensure compliance with UAE documentation standards.
13. Conclusion
An Affidavit of Support is more than a formality—it’s a symbol of commitment and reliability. Whether you’re sponsoring a family member or completing embassy paperwork, accuracy and authenticity are key.
With Dubai Notary Services, obtaining your Affidavit of Support in Abu Dhabi becomes a smooth, reliable, and fully supported process. From drafting to notarization and attestation, our experienced team ensures every document meets the highest standards of clarity, compliance, and credibility.
Contact Dubai Notary Services today to get your affidavit prepared, notarized, and delivered — quickly, securely, and without any hassle.
