Minority Affidavit Template for the United Arab Emirates

A Minority Affidavit is a sworn legal declaration that confirms a person's minor status and establishes guardianship authority under United Arab Emirates law. This document is required when you need to make official statements or obtain authorizations regarding the affairs of someone under 21 years of age, which is the legal age of majority in the UAE.

When do you need this document?

You will need a Minority Affidavit when traveling abroad with a minor child who doesn't share your surname, enrolling a minor in educational institutions where parental consent is required, authorizing medical treatment for a minor in your care, or conducting property transactions on behalf of a minor. The document is also essential when applying for government services, opening bank accounts for minors, or when court proceedings require formal confirmation of a minor's status and your authority as their guardian.

Key legal considerations

Your Minority Affidavit must include accurate personal details of both yourself and the minor, including full legal names, Emirates ID numbers, and addresses. The document must clearly state the minor's date of birth and confirm their status as under 21 years of age according to UAE law. You should specify your relationship to the minor and the scope of authority you're claiming or exercising. All information must be truthful, as providing false declarations in official documents can result in criminal penalties under UAE Federal Law No. 1 of 1987 (Penal Code). The affidavit must be properly notarized and witnessed to ensure legal validity and acceptance by government authorities and institutions.

Legal requirements in United Arab Emirates

Under UAE Federal Law No. 5 of 1985 (Civil Code), the age of majority is established at 21 years, and Articles 85-86 define when a person has full legal capacity. The UAE Federal Law No. 28 of 2005 (Personal Status Law) governs guardianship matters, with Articles 176-186 specifically addressing guardianship provisions for minors. Your affidavit must comply with Federal Law No. 3 of 2016 (Child Rights Law), which ensures the best interests of the child are protected in all legal proceedings. The document requires notarization by an authorized notary public in the UAE, and you may need to provide supporting documentation such as birth certificates, passport copies, or court orders establishing guardianship. Some government authorities may require Arabic translation or additional attestation depending on the intended use of the affidavit.