Birth Certificate Attestation in UAE
An attested birth certificate is often required when applying for a family or residence visa in UAE, sponsoring dependents, enrolling children in schools or universities, or submitting documents for immigration and identity verification. Attestation confirms the authenticity of the certificate and ensures it is legally accepted by UAE authorities. We help you complete the process through all necessary steps, including embassy and MOFA attestation, for documents issued from India, the UK, the USA, and other countries.
Birth Certificate Attestation
Why do you need Birth Certificate Attestation?
Key Reasons for Attestation
- Birth Certificate Attestation for UAE Child Visa: To sponsor your child for a UAE Residence Visa, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) mandates a MOFA-attested birth certificate to prove the relationship between the sponsor (parent) and the dependent (child).
- School Admission: Schools in Dubai (KHDA) and Abu Dhabi (ADEK) require an attested birth certificate to register your child into the student system and verify their age for the correct grade placement.
- Health Insurance: To secure mandatory insurance for a dependent, insurers require valid proof of age.
- Passport Issuance for Newborns: For children born inside the UAE, the attested birth certificate is a prerequisite for obtaining a passport from their home country’s embassy or consulate.
Important Note for 2025: Even if your child was born in the UAE, the birth certificate issued by the Ministry of Health (MOHAP, DHA, or DoH) must be attested by MOFA to be accepted by foreign embassies (for passport issuance) and for UAE residency visa sponsorship.
GloboPrime offers trusted attestation services across the UAE. We deliver fast, reliable, and hassle-free attestation services. Our expert team answers your questions and guides you through the process with ease.
Who Requires Birth Certificate Attestation in the UAE?
Birth certificate attestation in the UAE is primarily required by expatriate residents sponsoring family visas and parents of newborns (both residents and tourists) to legalize their child’s status. The specific attestation process depends on whether the certificate was issued inside or outside the UAE.
- Expatriate Residents (Foreign-Born Children): Residents from countries like India, the UK, USA, and the Philippines who are sponsoring a UAE Residence Visa for a child born outside the UAE.
- Indian Nationals (UAE-Born Newborns): Indian parents applying for a newborn’s passport via BLS International, which mandates MOFA UAE attestation on the local birth certificate.
- Tourists & Visitors (Newborns in UAE): Parents on visit visas who require an attested birth certificate to obtain a passport from their home embassy and subsequently an Exit Permit.
- Western & Other Expats: Parents from the USA, UK, or Europe whose specific home embassies require MOFA UAE attestation to issue the newborn’s citizenship or passport.
- Adoptive Parents & Legal Guardians: Individuals requiring attestation to validate legal custody or guardianship documents for residency sponsorship.
Requirement by Origin:
- Foreign-Issued Certificates: Required by UAE Immigration (ICP/GDRFA) for visa sponsorship.
- UAE-Issued Certificates: Required by Foreign Embassies (e.g., Indian/BLS) for passport issuance.
- CERTIFICATE ATTESTATION
What is the process for Birth Certificates Issued Inside the UAE (for use abroad)?
If the birth certificate was issued within the UAE and is intended for use in another country, the process involves::
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Original Birth Certificate Acquisition:
Digital Issuance (MOHAP/DHA/DOH): Instead of a physical stamp, the Ministry of Health (or authority like DHA/TAMM) now issues a digital birth certificate containing a verification QR Code. This digital code acts as the official government seal.
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Reissue of Birth Certificate (if required):
If the birth certificate is outdated, damaged, or non-compliant with specific requirements (e.g., in some European countries where certificates older than six months must be reissued), you may need to obtain a new one.Note: You do not need a physical "Ministry of Health" stamp. The QR code acts as the seal.
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UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC) Attestation
The digital certificate is submitted directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) portal. MOFA validates the Health Authority's QR code and issues the final attestation sticker/seal.
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Destination Country Embassy Attestation
The embassy or consulate of the country where the birth certificate will be used provides its attestation in the UAE Dubai or Abu Dhabi
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Translation (if required):
If the birth certificate is issued in Arabic (common for UAE-issued certificates) and needs to be used in a country with English or another official language, a certified English translation or a legal translation into the required language will be necessary.
Birth Certificate Attestation Process in UAE
The attestation of birth certificate process generally involves multiple steps, which may vary slightly depending on the country where the document was issued and where it will be used. The standard procedure often includes:
Reissue / Retrieval of Birth Certificate (if applicable):
If the document is outdated, damaged, or does not meet specific requirements (e.g., some countries require certificates not older than six months).
Notarization by a Notary Public
The document is verified and notarized by a certified public notary in the country of origin.
Home Department / State Department Attestation
Authentication by the Home Department or State Government in the country where the certificate was issued.
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Home Country
Certification of the document’s authenticity by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in the home country.
Embassy of the Destination Country
Attestation by the embassy (Embassy Attestation in UAE) of the country where the birth certificate will be used (if the document is for use outside the issuing country).
Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Destination Country (UAE)
For documents to be used in the UAE, the final step involves certification by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This MOFA attestation for birth certificate UAE is the final step for birth certificate to be legally accepted by UAE authorities.
Translation (if required)
If the destination country requires documents in its official language, certified translation services may be necessary.
Which Documents Are Required for Birth Certificate Attestation?
Documents Are Required for Attestation: To avoid rejection, you must submit the correct documents based on the origin where the child was born.
Foreign-Born (Physical Submission):
- Original Birth Certificate: Must legally bear the UAE Embassy Attestation stamp from the country of origin.
- Parents’ Documents: Passport copies (Photo & Visa Page) of both parents.
UAE-Born (Digital Upload):
- Digital Certificate: The PDF issued by the Health Authority (MOHAP/DHA) with QR Code.
- Supporting: Parents’ Emirates IDs and the MOFA-Attested Marriage Certificate.
Note: Old physical certificates (issued before 2018) may need to be re-issued digitally or stamped physically.
Country-Specific Process Workflows (2025 Updates)
🇮🇳 India: The “Unified” Efficiency
- Old Way: Notary -> Home Dept -> MEA -> UAE Embassy -> MOFA UAE.
- 2025 Update: Many service providers now offer a unified attestation from the UAE Embassy in India that streamlines the MOFA process. However, the standard route remains safer if you are doing it yourself.
- Critical: Documents must originate from the state Home Department (Mantralaya). SDM (Sub-Divisional Magistrate) attestation is faster but check if your specific visa officer accepts it (most do).
🇵🇭 Philippines: The “Red Ribbon” Shift
- The Confusion: The Philippines now issues an Apostille (Red Ribbon is gone).
- The Trap: Because UAE is not Hague, an Apostille from DFA Philippines is NOT enough. You MUST take that Apostilled document to the UAE Embassy in Manila for legalization. If you bring just the Apostille to Dubai, MOFA will reject it.
🇬🇧 UK Issued Birth Certificate
- Requirement: The UAE authorities only accept the “Long Form” birth certificate (the one listing parents’ names). The “Short Form” will be rejected because it does not list the parents’ names.
- Reason: The UAE GDRFA requires the certificate to prove the relationship between the sponsor (parent) and dependent (child). Without parents’ names, this relationship cannot be verified.
- Update: The UAE Embassy in London has transitioned to Digital Attestations. Instead of a physical sticker, you may receive a verifiable QR Code via email. This digital format is fully recognized by MOFA and UAE government entities.
🇺🇸 USA Issued Birth Certificate
- Process Flow: Notary → Secretary of State (State Level) → US Dept of State (Federal) → UAE Embassy DC → MOFA UAE.
- Note: The most significant processing period occurs at the US Department of State in Washington, D.C. Current timelines for federal authentication are averaging 6–8 weeks.
- Update (Digital Attestation): The UAE Embassy in Washington D.C. has transitioned to Digital Attestation. Once your document clears the federal stage, the Embassy will issue a Digital Certificate with a QR Code instead of a physical sticker.
Is Birth Certificate Attestation Mandatory for a UAE Child Visa?
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) requires a MOFA-attested birth certificate to prove the parent-child relationship. Without this specific attestation, you cannot open a visa file for your child.
Service Packages: Timeframes & Rates
We understand that every timeline is different. Whether you have weeks to prepare or need your birth certificate attested urgently for a pending visa application, we have a package that fits your schedule.
Select the service level that suits your priority:
| Service Level | Estimated Duration* | Best For | Availability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular Service | 15–20 Working Days | Selected Countries | Standard Processing |
| Premium Service | 7–10 Working Days | Standard deadlines and visa renewals | All Countries |
| Super Express | 3–5 Working Days | Urgent visa processing & last-minute travel | USA, UK, Canada, Australia, etc. |
Important for Indian Nationals: The “Super Express” 5-day service is technically restricted for Indian documents due to the specialized “Mantralaya” and Consulate verification steps. However, we offer a specialized “Unified Priority” (7–12 Working Days) service specifically for Indian certificates that is significantly faster than the standard route.
Important Note for Indian Citizens: Avoid the “Shortcut”
Some agencies offer a “Super Express” service by bypassing the State Home Department (Mantralaya) and using a Notary/SDM stamp followed by the Indian Embassy in Dubai.
Our Promise: We only use the Official Mantralaya Route. It takes (7–12 days), but it guarantees your birth certificate is legally valid globally and forever, saving you from paying twice in the long run.
Need help with birth certificate attestation? GloboPrime handles the entire legalization chain for you from your home country to your doorstep in the UAE.
Local Expertise in UAE Legalization
With a dedicated team in Dubai, we specialize in birth certificate attestation for UAE, covering all required steps from notary and embassy to MOFA attestation. We understand the specific documentation needs for UAE visa, immigration, family sponsorship, and more.
Global Coverage – 120+ Countries Supported
We handle birth certificate attestation from over 120 countries, including the UK, USA, India, Germany, Philippines, Canada, Australia, and more. Whether your certificate is issued locally or abroad, we ensure it’s legalized as per UAE requirements.Fast & Reliable Processing
Avoid delays with our efficient service. From document collection to final MOFA stamp, we manage the entire process with speed and precision.Free Pickup & Delivery in Dubai
Enjoy door-to-door convenience with free document pickup and delivery across Dubai, saving you valuable time.Transparent & Honest Pricing
No hidden fees. We provide clear, upfront quotes and communicate every step of the way so you know exactly what to expect.Data Security & Confidential Handling
Your documents are treated with the highest level of confidentiality. We follow strict document security protocols to protect sensitive personal information.Dedicated Customer Support
Our friendly support team is available to answer questions, provide updates, and guide you through the birth certificate attestation process from start to finish.Proven Results. Trusted by Thousands.
With over 12 years of experience, GloboPrime is a trusted leader in global legalization services.Professional Translation Services in Dubai:
Need your documents translated for official use in the UAE? Our expert translators provide accurate and certified translations for all your needs. We can assist you with certified legal translation for birth certificates, whether for use within the UAE or for international purposes.
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How can GloboPrime help with the Birth Certificate attestation services?
- Send us a copy of your certificate
- We check and confirm if the document is valid and can be attested as per your requirement
- We provide you a comprehensive service proposal
- Once approved, we will arrange a courier collection of your certificate
- We send your document/s to our service partner using a secure courier service
- We provide regular updates at each step of the attestation
- Process the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in UAE
- Deliver your documents