Getting a birth certificate in Dubai isn’t a mystery once you know the paperwork and where to go. Whether you’re a new parent, a resident, or an expat moving here, the process is the same: gather a short list of documents, pay the fee, and wait a few days.
The Dubai Health Authority (DHA) asks for a handful of items. First, you need a valid Emirates ID for the mother (or the father if the mother has no ID). Second, bring the hospital birth notification, which the medical staff gives you right after delivery. Third, a copy of the parents’ passports and residency visas is mandatory.
If the baby’s name is being registered for the first time, you’ll also need the parents’ marriage certificate, translated into Arabic if it’s in another language. For single mothers, a court‑issued custody document is required. All papers must be original or a certified copy, and the Arabic translation must be stamped by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Step 1: Head to the nearest DHA service centre or use the online portal. The staff will give you a registration form; fill it in with the baby’s full name, date of birth, and parents’ details.
Step 2: Attach the documents listed above. The centre will check everything on the spot, so keep all originals handy. If any paper is missing, they’ll let you know immediately.
Step 3: Pay the registration fee, which is AED 30 for UAE nationals and AED 70 for expats. You can pay by cash, card, or through the DHA app.
Step 4: The centre processes the application and usually issues the birth certificate within 48‑72 hours. You’ll receive a receipt with a reference number; keep it until you collect the certificate.
Step 5: Collect the certificate in person or request it be mailed to your address. The document arrives on official DHA paper, stamped and signed, and is ready for school enrollment, visa applications, or any other legal need.
Common mistakes include forgetting the Arabic translation, using an expired residency visa, or mixing up the parents’ names. Double‑check each item before you leave the centre to avoid a second trip.
Expats often wonder if they can use the same process for twins or multiple births. The answer is yes—just bring a separate hospital notification for each child and repeat the paperwork for each registration.
Finally, keep a digital copy of the birth certificate on your phone or cloud storage. It’s handy if you need to upload it for a United Arab Emirates ID renewal or a school application later on.
With these steps and the right documents, getting a Dubai birth certificate is quick and straightforward. Follow the checklist, pay the fee, and you’ll be holding the official paper in just a few days.
Yes, you can give birth in Dubai if you’re unmarried, but paperwork is the hurdle. Here’s the 2025 law-and-reality guide to registration, visas, and safer paths.
read more