Abu Dhabi authorities simplify birth certificate system for parents

Portal allows documents to be uploaded online and parents no longer need to translate documents or attend court

Abu Dhabi authorities introduced a digital registration scheme for birth certificates to greatly speed up the process for parents. Getty

Abu Dhabi's judicial authority has overhauled the system to register a birth.

Parents in Abu Dhabi can now register their child online – and it takes just days.

Previously, they would have had to attend court to verify documents, which could take several months.

The streamlined process was brought into force by the Abu Dhabi Judicial Department.

An online application form – Permission to Obtain a Birth Certificate – is available on the department's website.

Residents must fill out the form and submit it with a copy of the birth notification, the father’s identification documents and a copy of the receipt showing all fees have been paid.

No translation is needed and the form is available in several languages.

The documents are then processed by the registration department and dealt with by a judge.

Birth certificates need to be attested by the court in some specific situations, such as if a child is born less than six months from the date of the marriage certificate or before the date of the marriage certificate.

The changes apply only to expatriates.

"This is a vast improvement from the previous process where parents often struggled to identify the right procedure and form to use," a judicial department official said.

"They would also be required to translate the claim form, attend court hearings and sometimes wait for several months before a decision was issued.

"The delay would mean a birth certificate could not be obtained in the required period, so fees could be incurred and it would be difficult to get medical insurance for the child during this time.

"Abu Dhabi Judicial Department has recognised the problems with this process and wants to make it as easy as possible for residents of the emirate.

"The reformed process will undoubtedly make things easier for parents. It will make Abu Dhabi a more attractive city for those who wish to start a family."