Birth certificate attestation in Dubai is processed through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) Document Attestation service, after obtaining any prior certifications required by the issuing authority. Eligible digital certificates may be attested entirely online, while paper certificates and certificates issued outside the UAE may require additional procedures.
The attestation process depends on where the birth certificate was issued, whether it is new or previously issued, and the authority to which it will be presented. Establishing these details before applying helps you follow the correct procedure and avoid delays or application rejection.
This guide explains how to attest a birth certificate in the UAE, the documents required, official fees, expected processing times, the difference between digital and paper attestation, and how to handle foreign-issued certificates and verify a completed attestation.
How to Get a Birth Certificate Attested in Dubai Through UAE MoFA
You can apply for UAE MoFA birth certificate attestation through the Ministry’s website or the UAE MOFA app. The application asks for the issuing authority, document type and destination country, then determines the appropriate attestation route.
For a birth certificate issued in the UAE, the steps are:
- Visit the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs Document Attestation service.
- Sign in using UAE PASS.
- Select the attestation service within the UAE.
- Confirm that the birth certificate was issued in the UAE.
- Select the certificate’s issuing authority and document type.
- Choose the country where the birth certificate will be used.
- Complete the application according to the attestation route assigned by the system.
- Review the information, pay the applicable fees and submit the application.
- Receive the attested certificate digitally or through an approved courier service provider, depending on the assigned route.
MoFA’s online service determines the attestation method automatically based on the certificate’s issuing authority and type. Applicants cannot select Digital Attestation merely to speed up the process if their document does not qualify.
Check all details, particularly the destination country, before submitting the application. MoFA states that submitted applications cannot be edited or corrected, and changing the details may require a new application.
UAE-Issued vs Foreign-Issued Birth Certificate Attestation
The attestation route depends on the country where the birth certificate was issued, not the certificate holder’s nationality. A certificate issued by a competent UAE authority may qualify for Digital Attestation, while a foreign-issued certificate generally requires certification in the country of origin before use in the UAE.
| Comparison | Birth Certificate Issued in the UAE | Birth Certificate Issued Outside the UAE |
|---|---|---|
| Issuing authority | Competent health authority in the UAE | Competent official authority in the country of birth |
| Prior certifications | Depends on the issuing authority and certificate type | May require certifications from authorities in the issuing country |
| UAE mission attestation | Depends on the destination country and service route | May be required in the country of issue |
| Attestation method | Digital or courier-based, depending on eligibility | Depends on the country, UAE mission and applicable procedures |
| Translation | If required by the receiving authority | Depends on the certificate’s language and intended use |
| Original document | May not be needed for Digital Attestation | May be required under the applicable attestation procedure |
Attesting a Birth Certificate Issued in the UAE
If the birth certificate was issued by a UAE health authority, check the document type and whether it is eligible for Digital Attestation.
A paper certificate may need prior certification by the competent authority before MoFA attestation. Certain digital birth certificates can be processed electronically if issued by an authority supported by the service and equipped with an approved verification feature.
The Ministry’s platform identifies the appropriate route once you select the issuing authority and certificate type.
Attesting a Birth Certificate Issued Outside the UAE
For a birth certificate issued outside the UAE, first review the attestation requirements in its country of issue. These may include certification by the relevant local authorities, that country’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where required, the UAE embassy or consulate.
The submission method varies by country and UAE mission. Some applications require the original certificate or specific procedures at the relevant mission.
After the required overseas attestations are completed, check the requirements of the authority receiving the certificate in the UAE, including any certified legal translation.
MoFA notes that electronic attestation through UAE missions abroad is available at selected missions. Always confirm the accepted submission channels with the relevant mission before applying.
Does a Birth Certificate Also Need Embassy Attestation?
That depends on the destination country and the requirements of the authority receiving the certificate.
Three different procedures should be distinguished:
- UAE MoFA attestation: Official attestation of the document by the Ministry through the applicable service route.
- Attestation by a UAE mission responsible for the destination country: This may be available through a combined service covering both MoFA and the relevant UAE mission.
- Attestation by the destination country’s embassy or consulate in the UAE: A separate procedure that the destination country may require after MoFA attestation.
Not every certificate requires all three procedures. Identify the destination country and confirm the receiving authority’s requirements before submitting your application.
Online Birth Certificate Attestation in the UAE
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs offers Digital Attestation for certain documents issued within the country, including eligible birth certificates with electronic verification features.
Digital Attestation is not the same as uploading a scan of a paper certificate. It requires an original electronic document issued by a government authority supported by the service.
Attesting a New Birth Certificate During Issuance
In cooperation with the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MoHAP) and Emirates Health Services (EHS), MoFA provides an integrated service that allows attestation of certain new birth certificates during issuance through participating health authorities’ digital platforms.
Where this integration is available, applicants can obtain a digitally attested birth certificate without submitting a separate application to MoFA.
According to the Ministry’s published information, integrated attestation can be completed within minutes after the relevant health authority approves the birth certificate issuance.
This does not mean every birth certificate issued in the UAE follows the same process. Check whether the integrated service is available through the issuing authority when applying.
Attesting a Previously Issued Birth Certificate
You can apply to attest a previously issued, unattested birth certificate through the MoFA website or UAE MOFA app.
The system determines the appropriate route after you enter the certificate details and issuing authority. Eligible documents may be processed entirely digitally; others may require attestation through an approved courier service provider.
The age of a certificate does not, by itself, prevent an attestation application. However, the document must be valid, intact and compliant with the applicable requirements.
Requirements for Digital Birth Certificate Attestation
According to MoFA, an eligible digital document must meet requirements including the following:
- The birth certificate must have been issued in the UAE.
- It must have been issued by a government authority supported by the Digital Attestation service.
- It must be an original digital document, not a photograph or scanned copy.
- It must include an electronic verification feature, such as a QR code, barcode or reference number.
- The document must be complete, legible and unaltered.
- The PDF file must open correctly and must not be password-protected.
- The application details must match the information shown on the birth certificate.
If the certificate is paper-based or lacks an electronic verification feature, the system may assign it to the courier-based attestation route instead.
Documents Required for Birth Certificate Attestation
The required documents vary depending on the certificate’s issuing authority, format and attestation route. Prepare the correct version of the certificate and complete any required prior certifications before applying.
Requirements for Digital Birth Certificates
For Digital Attestation, you will generally need the original digital birth certificate in PDF format, including a verification feature provided by its issuing authority.
The issuing authority, document type and certificate holder’s details entered in the application must match the document.
Requirements for Paper Birth Certificates
For attestation through an approved courier service provider, MoFA’s published requirements include:
- The original birth certificate.
- Any necessary prior certifications or attestations from competent authorities.
- A document in Arabic or English, or a legally certified translation where required.
- A document that is not laminated in a way that prevents verification.
Collection and delivery arrangements may differ according to the selected courier provider and service.
Requirements for Foreign Birth Certificates
A birth certificate issued outside the UAE may need certification by the competent authorities in the issuing country, attestation by the relevant UAE mission and a certified legal translation, depending on the certificate’s language and the receiving authority’s requirements.
If the receiving authority requests an authenticated copy rather than the original birth certificate, check whether you need certified true copy attestation, MoFA attestation or both. These are different procedures, and one does not automatically replace the other.
Need to get a birth certificate attested but unsure which requirements apply? One Point Legal Services can help review your document and explain the attestation steps based on where it was issued and where it will be used.
Enquire About Birth Certificate Attestation
Or continue reading about the fees and expected processing times.
UAE MoFA Birth Certificate Attestation Fees in 2026
The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs fee for birth certificate attestation is AED 150 under the personal status documents category, according to the published official fees.
The total cost may increase if the process includes attestation by the relevant UAE mission, courier services, translation or earlier certifications.
| Service | Fee |
|---|---|
| Birth certificate attestation by UAE MoFA | AED 150 |
| Attestation by the relevant UAE mission, where included in the applicable route | AED 150, where applicable |
| Integrated attestation of a birth certificate through Emirates Health Services, when both Ministry and UAE mission attestations are included | AED 300 in total |
| Certified legal translation | Depends on the document requirements and service provider |
| Courier services and prior certifications | Depends on the chosen route and required services |
The published AED 300 integrated attestation fee for birth certificates through Emirates Health Services consists of AED 150 for MoFA attestation and AED 150 for attestation by the UAE mission responsible for the destination country.
This does not mean every birth certificate requires an AED 300 payment. In some cases, only MoFA attestation is needed; other cases may involve additional steps depending on the country of use.
Government attestation fees do not necessarily include service provider charges, translation, delivery or prior certifications. The Ministry’s application displays the amount payable before payment based on the documents and services selected.
For information on fees for other documents, see our page on UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs document attestation.
How Long Does Birth Certificate Attestation Take in the UAE?
The processing time depends on the assigned attestation route, whether the document is ready and whether the application details are complete.
MoFA publishes the following indicative processing times:
| Attestation Route | Published Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Digital Attestation of eligible UAE-issued documents | Within 2 hours during official working hours |
| Attestation through an approved courier provider within the UAE | 1–3 working days |
| Certain courier-based attestation routes outside the UAE | Approximately 7 working days, depending on the mission and service |
| Integrated attestation of a newly issued birth certificate through a participating health authority | Within minutes after issuance is approved |
These periods do not necessarily include the time required to obtain the birth certificate itself, complete prior attestations or arrange certified legal translation.
Although online applications may be submitted around the clock, that does not mean attestation is processed at all hours. Processing hours depend on the service route.
How to Verify an Attested Birth Certificate
Digitally attested documents can be checked through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ official MOFA VERIFY platform.
The basic verification steps are:
- Visit the official verification platform.
- Select the document verification or document status service.
- Enter the reference number and issue date as requested.
- Review the document status and attestation details.
- Make sure you have downloaded the complete document, including the Digital Attestation page.
The service application number may differ from the reference number shown on the attested document. Use the details requested by the verification platform.
If the downloaded document is incomplete or the attestation page is missing, download the latest version from the application again. If the issue continues, contact MoFA’s customer support centre.
Common Birth Certificate Attestation Mistakes
Incorrect application details or documents that do not meet the requirements may lead to rejection. Reviewing the information before submission helps avoid common issues.
- Selecting the wrong issuing authority: Choose the authority that actually issued the birth certificate. Do not select another authority simply because it appears in the list.
- Uploading a scanned copy instead of the original digital document: A scan does not automatically qualify for Digital Attestation.
- Entering details that differ from the certificate: The holder’s details, issuing authority and document type must match.
- Missing prior attestations: Paper or foreign-issued certificates may require certification by another competent authority before MoFA attestation.
- Selecting the wrong destination country: This can result in an attestation route that is unsuitable for the intended purpose.
- Submitting a laminated paper certificate: Laminated documents do not meet the published courier-route requirements.
- Downloading an incomplete attested document: Check that the Digital Attestation page is included.
- Combining documents requiring different routes in one application: MoFA does not allow Digital Attestation documents and courier-based attestation documents to be combined in the same application.
What Should You Do If Your Birth Certificate Attestation Application Is Rejected?
If your application is rejected, review the reason for rejection and resolve the issue before applying again.
MoFA explains that a rejected application cannot simply be amended and resubmitted. You must create a new application after addressing the reason for rejection, such as correcting incorrect details or uploading the required document.
You can submit a new application immediately without waiting for any applicable refund process to be completed. Eligibility for a refund of previous fees remains subject to the Ministry’s procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions About Birth Certificate Attestation
How do I get a birth certificate attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs?
You can apply for birth certificate attestation through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) website or the UAE MOFA app. Sign in using UAE PASS, select the issuing authority, document type, and country of intended use. The system will determine whether digital attestation or courier-based processing applies. Complete the application and pay the required fees.
How much does birth certificate attestation cost in the UAE?
The published government fee for birth certificate attestation by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs is AED 150, under the personal status documents category. The fee may reach AED 300 through the integrated service that also includes attestation by the relevant UAE diplomatic mission. Translation, courier, and prior authentication costs may apply separately.
Can I attest a birth certificate online without submitting the original?
Yes, provided the birth certificate is an original digital document issued by a UAE authority participating in the digital attestation service and includes an electronic verification feature. A scanned copy or photograph of a paper certificate does not qualify. The MOFA system determines the appropriate attestation method based on the document's details.
Can I get an older birth certificate attested in the UAE?
Yes. You can apply to attest a previously issued birth certificate through the MOFA website or app. The process depends on the issuing authority and the certificate's eligibility for digital attestation. If digital processing is unavailable, you may need to submit the original certificate through an approved courier after completing any required prior authentications.
How long does birth certificate attestation take in the UAE?
According to the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs, digital attestation of eligible UAE-issued documents takes up to two hours during official working hours. Attestation through an approved courier within the UAE may take one to three working days. Additional time may be required for certificate issuance, legal translation, or authentication in another country.
Does my birth certificate need attestation from the embassy of the destination country?
This depends on the requirements of the destination country and the receiving authority. MOFA attestation may be sufficient for certain purposes, while other procedures require additional embassy legalization. The destination country's embassy in the UAE and a UAE diplomatic mission abroad perform different functions. Both are not necessarily required in every case.
Does a foreign birth certificate need authentication in its country of issue first?
A foreign-issued birth certificate may require authentication by the relevant authorities in its country of issue, including that country's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and, where necessary, a UAE diplomatic mission. Requirements depend on the issuing country and the receiving authority in the UAE. Confirm the necessary authentication steps before submitting the certificate or arranging translation.
Can I get my child's birth certificate attested while I am outside the UAE?
This may be possible through online services or the relevant UAE diplomatic mission, depending on the issuing authority and your country of residence. If the birth certificate was issued in the UAE and qualifies for digital attestation, submitting the original paper document may not be necessary. Foreign-issued certificates follow the procedures applicable in their country of issue.
Conclusion
Birth certificate attestation in Dubai through the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs begins with identifying where the certificate was issued and where it will be used. You must then complete the requirements and follow the attestation route assigned by MoFA. The process differs for UAE-issued digital certificates, paper certificates and foreign-issued documents, while fees and processing times depend on the required attestations and services.
Checking the certificate details and any prior certifications before applying can help prevent delays or rejection.
If you need help reviewing your birth certificate’s requirements or navigating the attestation process, the team at One Point Legal Services can help identify the appropriate route, clarify the documents needed and explain the expected costs. Official attestation remains the responsibility of the authorized government bodies.
Official Sources
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Document Attestation Service – Application steps, digital and courier-based routes, requirements and processing times.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Frequently Asked Questions – Official fees, integrated birth certificate attestation and document requirements.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – Digital Attestation of Birth and Death Certificates – Information about integration with participating health authorities.
- UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs – MOFA VERIFY – Verification of digitally attested documents.
Note: The information reflects the procedures and fees published by the relevant official authorities at the time of preparation. Attestation requirements may vary depending on the type of birth certificate, where it was issued and where it will be used.
