UAE parents can now obtain newborn birth certificates instantly through digital platform
Emirates Health Services has launched an instant digital birth certificate service for newborns, allowing both citizens and residents to obtain the document online within minutes for Dh65, eliminating the need for in-person visits.
Instant Digital Birth Certificate Service Now Available
Parents of newborns in the UAE can now secure birth certificates immediately through the Emirates Health Services digital platform, marking a significant shift in how one of the first official documents for a child is obtained.
The service, available through the EHS website and mobile application, allows both Emirati citizens and residents to complete the application process entirely online. Birth certificates are issued instantly upon submission, with applicants requiring valid Emirates ID cards for both parents.
The instant digital service costs Dh65, with an optional Dh20.75 delivery fee for those preferring physical document delivery. Authorised representatives holding a power of attorney can also apply on behalf of parents.
The initiative forms part of EHS's broader digital transformation strategy, which operates across 17 hospitals and 61 primary healthcare centres throughout the UAE. The organization manages electronic medical records through the Wareed system, which integrates with the national Riayati platform to enable seamless data exchange across the health network.
Legal timeframes and requirements
Parents must be aware of critical legal deadlines when registering newborns. Residents have 30 days to register their child's birth and must complete all documentation—including birth certificate, passport, residence visa and Emirates ID—within 120 days. Missing the 120-day deadline triggers a penalty of Dh100 per day.
For newborns born to Emirati parents, an additional streamlined option exists through the Mabrouk Ma Yak integrated service, which issues all newborn documents including birth certificate, Emirates ID and passport in one visit, compared to the previous requirement of seven separate visits.
After obtaining a birth certificate through EHS, expatriate parents must have the document attested by both the Ministry of Health and Prevention and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Stamps from the Dubai Health Authority or Department of Health are considered equivalent to Ministry of Health attestation.
Part of national digital transformation
The instant birth certificate service aligns with the UAE's comprehensive digital government initiative, which has achieved 98.18% of federal government services available online as of 2024. The country aims to reach 100% digital transformation of government services.
EHS stated the digital approach aims to enhance customer experience by providing faster, more accessible government services through electronic channels, reducing the time and effort required for post-birth administrative procedures.
The service comes as the UAE recorded 101,088 total births in 2023, demonstrating the significant demand for birth registration services. Birth numbers have risen 5.45% between 2014 and 2023, though Emirati citizen births declined 13.55% during the same period.
Parents must also ensure timely Emirates ID registration for newborns, which is mandatory for all UAE residents. A fine of Dh20 per day, up to Dh1,000, applies for delayed newborn registration after four months from birth.
The digital service launch follows EHS's Innovation Strategy 2023-2026, which supports the National Strategy for Wellbeing 2031 and UAE Vision 2031 through advancing the health services system with digital transformation.
