We know the only thing you want to do once you’ve given birth is cuddle your gorgeous baby and try and try and snatch a few hours of sleep when your bundle of joy allows! However, there is some very important paperwork that also needs to be taken care of. This is something Dad can do while Mum is getting some much needed rest after all her hardwork during labour.

After your baby is born, the hospital will provide a stamped and signed birth notification. In government hospitals a birth certificate can be issued there and then, however, in some private hospitals this option is not available. Therefore, new parents need to apply to the Ministry of Health and Prevention or the health authority in your emirate for the birth certificate.

Whilst there is no need to panic, the birth must be registered within 30 days of your baby being born.  The hospital will provide a stamped and signed birth notification. After this, you need to apply for the birth certificate. In Dubai head to the Preventive Medicine Department at Al Baraha Hospital (also known as Kuwaiti Hospital). Get an application form from the Birth Certificate Office. A translator will type your application at the hospital. All expatriates must get both the Arabic and English certificates attested by the Ministry of Health (at Al Baraha Hospital) and Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

You need to provide the following documents:

• Original and copy of parents’ passports with residence visa
• Emirates ID cards
• Copy of attested marriage certificates
• discharge summary from hospital

In Abu Dhabi, residents should apply to the health authority with the birth notification given by the hospital

The below documents are required:

• Original and copy of parents’ passports with residence visa
• Emirates ID Cards
• Attested and translated marriage certificates.

Once you have your birth certificates you will need to apply for your baby’s passport according to the process laid down by your home country.

UAE Nationals will need to update the family book. Visit the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs with the same set of required documents to add the newborn to the family book.

Once parents receive the passport, expatriates need to apply for their newborns visa and Emirates ID. There is a time limit of a maximum of 120 days to obtain your new baby’s visa. After this a charge of AED 100 per day will be applied so make sure you don’t leave sorting out the paperwork to the last minute!

If you’d like help getting the birth certificate and other documents there are services that can help such as Baby Steps.

Useful phone numbers & Websites

Al Baraha Hospital (Kuwaiti hospital) +9714 271 0000

Adding a baby born outside the UAE – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai

Adding a baby born in the UAE (Arabic) – General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai

Customer Service Centre at the Health Authority – Abu Dhabi +971 2 449 3333

https://government.ae/en/information-and-services/social-affairs/having-a-baby

Newborn addition on a UAE national’s family book – the official portal of Abu Dhabi Government

Newborn addition on a UAE national’s family book – Sharjah Government portal

Newborn addition on a UAE national’s family book – Fujairah Government portal