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Get Birth Certificates in UAE
Getting a birth certificate in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) is a well-organized and relatively quick process. A birth certificate is required for obtaining a family book, applying for an Emirates ID, enrolling in school, and many other official purposes. This guide covers how to get birth certificates in the UAE, with details for Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
How Birth Registration Works in the UAE
In the UAE, the birth registration process involves two main steps. First, the birth is reported to the health authority in the emirate where the birth occurred. Second, the birth is registered with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), previously known as GDRFA or EIDA, which issues the official birth certificate.
Births must be registered within 30 days. Most hospitals in the UAE have a dedicated team that handles the initial birth notification paperwork, making the process very convenient for parents. After the hospital step, parents proceed to the relevant civil registration authority to complete the birth certificate issuance.
Documents Required for Birth Certificate in UAE
To register a birth and obtain a birth certificate in the UAE, you will typically need:
- Hospital birth notification letter
- Both parents’ Emirates ID cards (for UAE nationals and residents)
- Parents’ passports
- Marriage certificate (must be attested)
- Completed application form
For expatriate families, it is important to have an attested marriage certificate. Some nationalities may need to have their marriage certificate attested by their home country embassy and then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Getting a Birth Certificate in Dubai
Dubai is the most populous emirate in the UAE. Birth registration in Dubai is handled by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) for the initial health record, and then by the ICP service centers for the official birth certificate.
Most major hospitals in Dubai such as Jumeirah Hospital, Mediclinic, and government hospitals assist parents with the birth notification form. After the hospital step, parents can visit an ICP typing center or service center to complete the registration and obtain the birth certificate. Dubai also offers online services through the DubaiNow app and the ICP smart services platform for certain civil registration transactions.
Birth certificates in Dubai are usually issued within a few working days. For Emirati nationals, the birth is also recorded in the family book (khulasat al-qayd).
Getting a Birth Certificate in Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi is the capital of the UAE. In Abu Dhabi, hospitals under the Department of Health report births to the civil registration system. Parents can then complete the birth certificate registration through the TAMM platform, which is Abu Dhabi’s integrated government services portal, or by visiting an ICP service center.
The Abu Dhabi Digital Authority has made many government services available online, and birth registration is part of this digital transformation. Parents in Abu Dhabi can often complete the process with minimal visits to government offices by using the TAMM platform or the ICP smart services application.
Birth Registration for Expatriates in the UAE
The UAE has a very large expatriate population. Children born to expatriate parents in the UAE can get a UAE birth certificate, but parents should also register the birth with their home country’s embassy or consulate in Dubai or Abu Dhabi. This is important for the child’s nationality and passport. Most embassies offer this service and the process is usually straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a birth certificate in the UAE?
With complete documents, the birth certificate is typically issued within 2 to 5 working days. Many hospitals in the UAE can complete the initial registration within 24 hours of birth.
Can I get a birth certificate online in the UAE?
Yes. The ICP smart services platform and emirate-specific portals like TAMM (Abu Dhabi) and DubaiNow offer digital services for birth registration. Some steps can be completed entirely online.
What if my marriage certificate was issued in another country?
Foreign marriage certificates must usually be attested by the issuing country’s government and then by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Contact your home country’s embassy for guidance on the attestation process.
Can expatriate children born in the UAE get UAE citizenship?
Generally, UAE citizenship is not granted based on birth in the country. Expatriate children receive a birth certificate but retain the nationality of their parents. Contact your home country’s embassy to register the birth and obtain a passport for your child.
Conclusion
Getting a birth certificate in the UAE is an efficient process, particularly in modern cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi where digital services and hospital assistance make the steps very manageable. Registering within 30 days and ensuring your marriage certificate is properly attested will help avoid delays. A UAE birth certificate is an important document for both citizens and expatriate residents alike.