Sponsoring your children under your Shams (Sharjah Media City) licence is straightforward once the paperwork is right. Here is the complete document checklist, the exact process, and the timeline — split clearly for dependents inside and outside the UAE.
Shams falls under the federal ICP authority, so the route and supporting documents differ slightly from a Dubai (GDRFA) application.
Passport-size, per Shams guidelines
Typical end-to-end timeline
No medical test · insurance required
Sharjah free zone processing
Start attestation of the birth certificates early — it's the step that most often holds a file up.
Each child's birth certificate must be legally attested and translated into Arabic before submission. The parents' marriage certificate may also be requested to establish the relationship. Sons can be sponsored up to age 25 if studying; daughters of any age while unmarried.
The process is the same in principle, with a key fork depending on whether your dependent is inside or outside the UAE.
Check that your residence visa is valid, your salary meets the threshold, and your tenancy/title deed is current and in your name. This is verified first.
Dependent outside the UAE: apply for an entry permit through Shams / ICP (federal). Dependent already inside on a visit visa: apply for an in-country status change to avoid exit and re-entry.
Children aged 18 and above take a medical test (blood test + chest X-ray) at an approved UAE health centre. Children under 18 are exempt.
Obtain a valid policy for each dependent. The residence visa cannot be finalised in the UAE without active insurance.
Submit the Emirates ID application and complete fingerprint registration at an authorised centre.
Once medical, insurance and biometrics clear, the residence visa is issued digitally and linked to the dependent's passport and Emirates ID.
Each stage is quick on its own; the typical end-to-end time is 3–6 working days.
With complete, attested documents. As always, certificate attestation is the main variable — handle it first and the rest moves quickly.
From the free-zone salary certificate to the entry permit or status change, medical, Emirates ID and stamping — we manage the full file.
Fastlane Management Consultancy LLC (TRN: 104218042400003) supports businesses across UAE mainland and 11+ free zones, including Shams (Sharjah Media City), with residency, tax and compliance. This guide reflects 2026 Shams and ICP requirements. Requirements can change — confirm current details with Shams or ICP, or message our team for your specific case.
Common questions about the Shams dependent-children visa.
