Birth Certificate and Newborn Registration in Dubai

A step-by-step guide to registering a birth, obtaining the official birth certificate through DHA, and completing the newborn’s visa and Emirates ID — within the deadlines that matter.

Every child born in Dubai must be formally registered and issued a birth certificate before any other legal documentation — passport, residence visa, or Emirates ID — can proceed. The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the sole issuing authority for birth certificates in the emirate, and parents have a strict 30-day window to register the birth. Beyond the birth certificate itself, the full documentation chain — from passport issuance through the home country’s embassy to the family residence visa and Emirates ID — must be finalized within 120 days of the child’s birth. Miss that 120-day deadline and daily fines begin accruing.

This guide covers the entire process for both UAE nationals and expatriate residents: what the hospital does, what parents do, which documents are needed, the fees involved, how attestation works, and how the timeline fits together in practice. It also addresses special scenarios — births in private hospitals, births outside a hospital setting, and replacement or additional copies of certificates.

Key Takeaways

• DHA issues birth certificates in Dubai. In Abu Dhabi, the Department of Health (DoH) handles this; in other emirates, it falls under Emirates Health Services (EHS).
• Residents have 30 days from the date of birth to register the child and obtain the birth certificate.
• The full documentation process — birth certificate, passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID — must be completed within 120 days of birth. After that, a fine of AED 100 per day applies.
• DHA’s birth certificate application fee is AED 70, and the process can be completed entirely online via the DHA portal using UAE Pass.
• Parents of different nationalities: the child takes the father’s nationality under UAE law.
• Emirati nationals can use the Mabrouk Ma Yak integrated service bundle to obtain the birth certificate, passport, Emirates ID, and family book entry in a single process.
• MOFA attestation of the birth certificate (AED 150) is required before applying for the newborn’s residence visa.
• Children under 18 are exempt from the medical fitness test for visa purposes.

Which Authority Issues Birth Certificates in the UAE

Birth certificate issuance in the UAE is handled at the emirate level, not federally. In Dubai, the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) is the responsible body. This changed from the previous arrangement where the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) processed all birth certificates nationwide. DHA-stamped birth certificates carry the same legal weight as a MOHAP stamp, according to the UAE Government portal.

For births in other emirates, the responsible authority differs:

Emirate	Issuing Authority	Portal
Dubai	Dubai Health Authority (DHA)	dha.gov.ae
Abu Dhabi (including Al Ain and Western Region)	Department of Health (DoH)	doh.gov.ae
Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah	Emirates Health Services (EHS)	ehs.gov.ae

The birth certificate is issued based on where the birth occurred, not where the parents reside. A Dubai resident whose child is born in a Sharjah hospital would obtain the certificate from EHS, not DHA.

How the Birth Notification Works

The birth certificate process begins at the hospital, not with the parents. When a baby is delivered, the hospital generates a birth notification — a standardized document recording the child’s details, parents’ information, and delivery data. In Dubai, hospitals submit this notification electronically to DHA through the authority’s integrated system. This step happens within hours of delivery and is the hospital’s responsibility, not the parents’.

The birth notification is distinct from the birth certificate. The notification is a medical record confirming the birth took place; the birth certificate is the official legal document proving lineage, date and place of birth. Parents cannot skip the notification — it is a prerequisite for the birth certificate application. In government hospitals (Dubai Hospital, Rashid Hospital, Latifa Hospital), the hospital can issue an Arabic birth certificate directly at dedicated in-hospital counters. In private hospitals, the hospital provides the stamped and signed birth notification, and parents then apply to DHA online for the formal birth certificate.

Births Outside a Hospital

If a child is not born in a hospital — a home birth, for instance — the parents must report the birth to the nearest medical facility. The facility is required to examine both mother and child and notify the health authority within 72 hours. A medical report is prepared and submitted to DHA as part of the birth certificate application. Additional documentation and verification may be required in these cases, so parents should contact DHA directly at 800 DHA (800 342) for guidance.

Documents Required for a Birth Certificate in Dubai

The documents differ depending on whether the parents are UAE nationals or resident expatriates.

For UAE Citizens

• Original Emirates ID or family book (for both mother and father)
• Original marriage certificate — if issued outside the UAE, it must be duly authenticated
• Original birth notification stamped by the hospital
• Digital copies of all documents, uploaded after hospital verification

For Expatriate Residents

• Original Emirates ID or passport (for both mother and father)
• Original marriage certificate — must be attested by MOFA if issued outside the UAE, or an official document confirming the child’s lineage authenticated by the parents’ embassy or a notary public
• Original birth notification stamped by the hospital
• Digital copies uploaded after hospital verification

Special Case: Father Not Resident in the UAE

If the child is born in the UAE but the father is not a UAE resident, additional documents are required: a certified marriage contract, a declaration from the wife confirming continuity of the marriage, and either a certified copy of the husband’s passport, a letter from his embassy confirming nationality, or a declaration from the husband (attested by his country’s embassy) establishing his relationship with the child.

Step-by-Step: How to Apply for a Birth Certificate Online in Dubai

DHA offers a fully digital birth certificate application. Here is the process for expatriate residents (the most common scenario):

1. Hospital submits birth notification. After delivery, the hospital enters the birth notification and supporting documents into DHA’s electronic system. This happens automatically — parents do not need to initiate this step.
2. Gather your documents. Collect the original birth notification (stamped by the hospital), both parents’ Emirates IDs or passports, and the attested marriage certificate. Ensure the marriage certificate has MOFA attestation if it was issued abroad.
3. Access the DHA service portal. Visit dha.gov.ae and navigate to Individual Services → Issue a New, Copy, or Replacement Birth Certificate. Click “Access Service.”
4. Sign in with UAE Pass. You need an active UAE Pass account. If you don’t have one, register by providing your full name, email, and mobile number.
5. Complete the application form. Fill in the child’s details and the parents’ information as prompted.
6. Upload documents. Upload scanned copies of the birth notification, parents’ IDs/passports, and the attested marriage certificate.
7. Pay the fee. The application fee is AED 70. Payment can be made by credit/debit card.
8. Receive the birth certificate. DHA processes the application and delivers the certificate electronically — via email or mobile notification — typically within one working day. A printed copy can be requested through courier service.

The birth certificate is available in Arabic, English, or Urdu. The Arabic version is the primary legal document; the English or Urdu versions serve as official translations. For personalised assistance, contact DHA’s toll-free number at 800 342.

Process for UAE Nationals: Mabrouk Ma Yak

Emirati parents have access to Mabrouk Ma Yak, an integrated digital service bundle operated through the Usrati portal. This consolidates multiple newborn services into a single application, eliminating the need to visit different government entities separately.

Through Mabrouk Ma Yak, a newborn Emirati can receive in one streamlined process: a birth certificate, the child’s name added to the family book (through ICP), a UAE passport, an Emirates ID card, Thiqa health insurance, and optionally a health card. After the birth certificate is issued, citizens can also apply separately for their child’s passport and Emirates ID through ICP’s website.

Fees for Birth Certificate Issuance and Attestation

Service	Fee	Paid To	Notes
Birth certificate application (DHA)	AED 70	DHA	Available in Arabic, English, or Urdu
MOFA attestation	AED 150	Ministry of Foreign Affairs	Required before visa application; digital attestation available
MOFA + UAE Embassy attestation (via MOHAP pathway)	AED 300	MOFAIC	Covers MOFA (AED 150) + UAE Embassy in destination country (AED 150); for use of certificate abroad
Typing centre services (if used)	AED 200–500	Typing centre	Varies by centre and service package; optional if applying online
Late visa registration fine (after 120 days)	AED 100/day	GDRFA / ICP	Accrues from day 121 after birth

The DHA fee of AED 70 is a government service charge paid during the online application. The MOFA attestation fee of AED 150 is fixed for personal documents including birth certificates. If you process MOFA attestation through a typing centre, expect an additional AED 200–500 in service fees depending on the centre. The attestation can also be done directly online via the MOFA portal or mobile app using UAE Pass.

Birth Certificate Attestation: What It Is and When You Need It

Attestation confirms the document’s authenticity for legal use. In the UAE, every expatriate’s birth certificate must be attested before it can be used for visa applications, school enrollment, or any government procedure. The attestation chain depends on where the birth certificate was issued.

Birth Certificate Issued in the UAE

A birth certificate stamped by DHA (Dubai), DoH (Abu Dhabi), or EHS (other emirates) is considered officially attested at the health authority level — equivalent to MOHAP attestation, according to the UAE Government portal. For use within the UAE (residence visa, Emirates ID, school enrollment), the next step is MOFA attestation. DHA-issued certificates can now receive MOFA digital attestation integrated into the issuance process, completing the chain in minutes rather than days.

Birth Certificate Issued Outside the UAE

If the child was born abroad and the parents need the birth certificate for use in the UAE, a four-step attestation chain applies:

1. Authentication by the local authority in the country of birth (e.g., Apostille or state-level attestation)
2. Attestation by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the country of issuance
3. Legalisation by the UAE Embassy or Consulate in that country
4. Final attestation by MOFAIC in the UAE

Only after all four steps are complete will the GDRFA or ICP accept the certificate for a visa application. This attestation chain is the single biggest time constraint for parents of children born outside the UAE — start immediately after birth.

The 120-Day Timeline: From Birth to Residence Visa

The 120-day deadline is prescribed by Article 71 of Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022, implementing Federal Decree-Law No. (29) of 2021 on the Entry and Residence of Foreigners. It applies to all newborns of foreign nationals in the UAE, regardless of where the child was born.

Here is how the 120 days typically break down in practice:

Step	Typical Duration	Authority / Entity
Birth notification from hospital	1–2 days	Hospital → DHA
Birth certificate from DHA	1 working day	DHA
MOFA attestation of birth certificate	Same day (digital) to 3 working days (courier)	MOFAIC
Passport issuance through home country embassy	Varies widely: 1–8 weeks depending on nationality	Respective embassy/consulate
Health insurance enrollment	1–3 days	Insurance provider
Residence visa + Emirates ID application	5–10 working days	GDRFA / ICP

The passport is typically the bottleneck. Some embassies process newborn passports in under a week; others take four to six weeks or longer. Start the passport application the same day you receive the birth certificate — do not wait for the attestation to complete first. Many steps can run in parallel.

Consequences of Missing the 120-Day Deadline

If the residence visa is not finalized within 120 days, a fine of AED 100 per day is charged for every day beyond the deadline. The fines must be settled through the ICP or GDRFA payment portal before the visa application can proceed. The child also cannot legally exit the country without valid travel documents, which creates complications if the family needs to travel.

Residence Visa and Emirates ID for the Newborn

Once the birth certificate is attested and the child’s passport is issued, the next step is applying for a dependent residence visa. In Dubai, this is processed through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) at an Amer centre or through the GDRFA mobile app.

Documents for Newborn Residence Visa (Dubai)

The GDRFA Dubai FAQ lists the following requirements for newborn residence stamping:

• Application form (from Amer centre or GDRFA app)
• Emirates ID registration form
• One photograph of the child (white background)
• Child’s original passport
• Sponsor’s original passport and Emirates ID
• Sponsor’s IBAN number
• Original UAE birth certificate (attested)
• Valid colored passport copy of the mother with residence page
• Attested tenancy contract (minimum 60 days validity)
• Latest electricity and water bill
• Arabic salary certificate (government, semi-government, and free zone employees) or attested labor contract (private sector)

Children under 18 are exempt from the medical fitness test. The Emirates ID application is submitted simultaneously with the visa — newborns are not required to provide biometrics (fingerprinting begins at age 15). The Emirates ID fee is AED 100 per year of visa validity. For a standard 2-year dependent visa, that is AED 200, plus a service charge of approximately AED 40 for online applications.

Can the Mother Sponsor the Newborn?

Yes. If the father is not in the UAE or does not meet sponsorship criteria, the mother can sponsor her child provided she holds a valid residence visa and meets the salary and housing requirements set by the GDRFA or ICP. A notarized and MOFA-attested No Objection Certificate from the father is typically required. Golden Visa holders are exempt from the standard salary threshold that applies to other residence visa categories.

Copies, Replacements, and Corrections

Requesting Additional Copies

Extra copies of the birth certificate can be requested through the same DHA online portal. Upload the existing certificate and both parents’ IDs, pay the standard fee, and DHA issues the copies digitally.

Lost or Damaged Birth Certificate

If the original certificate is lost or damaged, apply for a replacement through the DHA portal. You will need to submit: copies of both parents’ Emirates IDs or passports. If a copy of the lost certificate is not available, a police report regarding the loss is required. The replacement is issued electronically.

Births Registered Before 2018

DHA’s online system automatically displays details for births registered from 2018 onward. For births registered before 2018, the records must be retrieved manually — parents need to visit the Public Health Center in the emirate where the birth took place to request a new certificate with the original details.

Common Pitfalls and Practical Tips

• Marriage certificate attestation. The single most common delay: the marriage certificate was issued abroad but never attested by MOFA. Without it, DHA cannot process the birth certificate. Get it attested before the baby arrives if possible.
• Passport processing time. Contact your embassy during the pregnancy to understand their newborn passport timeline. Some embassies (e.g., India, Philippines, Pakistan) have high volumes and processing may take several weeks.
• Health insurance notification. Inform your health insurance provider within 30 days of the child’s birth. In Dubai, the newborn’s policy must comply with the DHA Essential Benefits Plan (EBP). A separate fine may apply for failing to notify the insurer on time.
• Run processes in parallel. Do not wait for each step to finish before starting the next. Apply for the passport the same day you get the birth certificate. Start the MOFA attestation in parallel. This is the only way to comfortably fit within 120 days.
• Typing centre vs. online. The DHA birth certificate application is straightforward online. The typing centre is optional — useful if you want someone to handle the paperwork for you, but it adds AED 200–500 in service fees.
• Different emirate, different process. If you live in Dubai but deliver in Sharjah (or vice versa), the birth certificate comes from the emirate of birth, not the emirate of residence. Plan accordingly.

FAQ

How long does it take to get a birth certificate in Dubai?

DHA processes birth certificate applications within one working day after the hospital submits the birth notification and all documents are uploaded. The birth notification from the hospital usually takes 24–48 hours. So from delivery to certificate in hand, expect two to three working days if documents are complete.

What is the fee for a birth certificate in Dubai?

The DHA application fee is AED 70. This covers the issuance of the birth certificate in Arabic, English, or Urdu. MOFA attestation costs an additional AED 150. If you use a typing centre, their service fees range from AED 200 to AED 500 on top of the government charges.

Can I apply for my baby’s birth certificate online?

Yes. DHA offers a fully digital application through dha.gov.ae. You sign in using UAE Pass, complete the form, upload documents, and pay online. The certificate is delivered via email or mobile, with an option to request a physical copy by courier.

What happens if I miss the 30-day birth registration deadline?

The UAE Government mandates birth registration within 30 days. While the specific penalty for missing the 30-day registration window is not explicitly stated on the government portal, delayed registration may complicate subsequent steps — particularly the 120-day visa deadline. Parents should register as soon as possible after birth to avoid downstream delays.

What is the 120-day rule for newborns in the UAE?

Expatriate parents have 120 days from the child’s birth to complete all documentation: birth certificate, passport, residence visa, and Emirates ID. This deadline is prescribed by Article 71 of Cabinet Resolution No. (65) of 2022. Missing it results in a fine of AED 100 per day, and the child cannot legally exit the country without valid documents.

Does my newborn need a medical fitness test for the UAE residence visa?

No. Children under 18 are exempt from the mandatory medical fitness test required for adult visa applicants. The exemption applies across all emirates and all visa types, including newborns.

Can the mother sponsor a newborn in Dubai if the father is absent?

Yes. A mother with a valid UAE residence visa can sponsor her newborn if she meets the GDRFA’s salary and housing requirements. She will typically need a notarized and MOFA-attested No Objection Certificate from the father. Golden Visa holders are exempt from the minimum salary requirement for sponsorship.

What is Mabrouk Ma Yak?

Mabrouk Ma Yak is a digital service bundle for newborn Emirati citizens, available through the Usrati portal. It combines birth certificate issuance, passport application, Emirates ID registration, family book entry, and Thiqa insurance enrollment into a single process — eliminating the need to apply separately at multiple government entities.

Official Sources

• UAE Government Portal — Having a Baby
• Dubai.ae — Birth Certificate
• Dubai Health Authority — Issue Birth Certificate Service
• Emirates Health Services — Birth Certificate Issuance
• MOFAIC — Document Attestation Service
• GDRFA Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions (Residence Visa)
• ICP — Having a Baby (Passport & Emirates ID)
• Usrati — Mabrouk Ma Yak Service Bundle

Information current as of May 2026. Procedures, fees, and timelines can change. Verify with the relevant authority — DHA (800 342), GDRFA, or ICP — before proceeding. This guide is informational and does not constitute legal advice.