How to Get a UAE Residence Visa for Your Newborn Child

Welcoming a newborn into the family is one of the most joyous occasions you can imagine. However, it does come with the requirement of ensuring legal residency in the UAE for your child. The steps for acquiring a birth certificate and a residency visa are explained in detail here. 

Before Birth: Preparing for Documentation

•  Before opening a maternity file at the hospital, ensure that you have your marriage certificate is  attested , passport copies, and visa copies (or originals).
• Check with your medical insurer if there are any maternity coverages included.

Step 1 : Obtaining The Birth Certificate

After delivery, hospitals issue a birth notification (in Arabic). Follow these steps to obtain a birth certificate:

1. Visit the Preventive Medicine Department at Al Baraha Hospital with the birth notification, parents’ original and copy of passports, and residence permits.
2. Fill out the application form and pay 50 AED to receive the birth certificate in Arabic.
3. Translate the birth certificate into English (required for visa processing).
4. Get both Arabic and English versions attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

Step 2 : Applying For Baby’s Passport

• When visiting your embassy, ensure that you bring the attested birth certificate and passport-sized photos of the child and any other relevant documents.
• Your baby will be free to travel once the passport is issued. However, it is important to remember that to stay in the UAE legally, a residence visa is required. 

Step 3 : Applying For a UAE Residence Visa

Important: To avoid the fines below, apply for your newborn’s residence visa within 120 days of birth.  

• AED 25 per day for the first 180 days of delay.
• AED 50 per day thereafter.

Visa Application Process

The UAE government provides online and offline options for residence visa processing.

Offline Application (Through Typing Centers or Amer Centers in Dubai)

1. Submit the child’s visa application at a licensed typing center or Amer Center (Dubai residents only).
2. Provide the following documents at the General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA):
   • Typed visa application form.
   • Baby’s passport (original & copy).
   • Birth certificate (attested, Arabic version required).
   • Marriage certificate (attested copy).
   • Three passport-size photographs of the baby.
3. Choose how you want to receive the passport with the visa:
   • Via courier.
   • Stamped on the spot (additional fee may apply).

Online Application

• Dubai residents must apply through Amer Centers.
• Other emirates allow applications via GDRFA portals or Ministry of Interior online services.

Travel Restrictions During Visa Processing

• A child who is born cannot depart the UAE until their residence visa application is completed.  
• If the child is traveling with someone other than the parents, a no-objection certificate is necessary.  

By taking the above actions, you can guarantee a smooth process when applying for your newborn’s UAE residence visa and legalize their stay in the country.