Unmarried Birth in Dubai – Quick Guide for Couples
If you and your partner aren’t married and are expecting a baby in Dubai, you probably wonder how the process works. The good news is that the UAE allows unmarried parents to have a child, but there are specific rules you must follow. Below we break down the legal basics, what hospitals expect, and how to register your newborn without stress.
Legal Landscape for Unmarried Parents
Dubai follows federal UAE law, which does not forbid an unmarried woman from giving birth. However, the law does require clear documentation to prove parentage. The mother’s passport and visa are mandatory, and the father’s name must appear on the birth certificate if he wishes to be legally recognized. If the father is not present at the hospital, he can still sign a declaration later at the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) office.
One common misconception is that you need a marriage certificate to register a child. That’s not true, but you do need a signed affidavit stating that you are the biological father. The affidavit can be drafted by a notary public and then submitted with the birth registration forms.
Practical Steps for Birth Registration
Here’s the step‑by‑step plan most couples follow:
1. Choose a DHA‑approved hospital. Both public and private hospitals accept unmarried mothers, but private clinics often have faster paperwork.
2. Bring all identification. The mother should have her passport, visa, and Emirates ID. The father should bring his passport, visa, and if possible, a copy of the affidavit.
3. Complete the hospital admission form. Indicate “unmarried” in the marital status section. The staff will guide you through any extra fields.
4. After delivery, request the birth notification. The hospital issues a preliminary birth notification, which you’ll need for the DHA portal.
5. Register the birth online. Log into the DHA e‑services portal, upload the mother’s ID, the birth notification, and the father’s affidavit (if he wants his name on the certificate). Pay the modest registration fee.
6. Collect the official birth certificate. It usually arrives within 7‑10 days. If the father’s name is omitted, you can add it later by submitting a written request and paying a small amendment fee.
Timing matters – register within 90 days of birth to avoid penalties. Most hospitals help you schedule the DHA appointment before you leave the facility.
While the process is straightforward, a few pitfalls can slow you down. Forgetting the affidavit is the most common delay. Also, make sure the mother’s visa is still valid; an expired visa can trigger extra checks.
Finally, remember that the child’s nationality follows the father’s if he is a UAE citizen, otherwise the child inherits the mother’s nationality. This can affect future visa applications, school enrollment, and travel.
In short, an unmarried birth in Dubai is completely doable. Keep the paperwork ready, follow the hospital’s guidance, and use the DHA portal for a smooth registration. With these steps, you’ll have your baby’s official documents without any surprises.
