Congratulations on your new baby! Between sleepless nights and family visits, there is one deadline every expat parent in the UAE should keep in mind: your newborn needs a residence visa within 120 days of birth. This guide walks you through each step in the right order, so you can finish on time without stress.
Why the 120-day rule matters
A baby born in the UAE to expat parents does not automatically become a resident. The parent who sponsors the family must apply for the baby's residence visa and Emirates ID within 120 days of the date of birth. If the application is not completed in time, daily fines usually start to apply after the 120 days end. The fine rules can change, so we confirm the current rule for your case before you pay anything.
The good news: 120 days is enough time if you start early. The steps that take the longest are usually the attestation and the baby's passport, so it is best to begin in the first weeks after birth.
Step-by-step: from birth certificate to Emirates ID
- Birth certificate. The official birth certificate is issued in Arabic by the hospital and the local health authority. You can usually request an English copy as well, which is optional but useful for your embassy.
- Attestation of the birth certificate. Where required, the birth certificate is attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). This is a UAE document, so it does not need attestation in your home country.
- Baby's passport. Apply for your baby's passport at your embassy or consulate in the UAE. Each embassy has its own forms, photos rules and timing, so check its requirements early.
- Residence visa application. Once the passport is ready, the sponsor applies for the baby's residence visa. Because the baby is already inside the UAE, no entry permit is needed.
- Emirates ID. The Emirates ID application is made together with the visa. UAE residence is now digital, so there is no visa sticker in the passport; the Emirates ID and the digital record show the baby's status.
Who can sponsor the baby?
In most cases the sponsor is the father, because he usually already sponsors the rest of the family. In some cases the mother can sponsor the baby instead, for example when she holds her own residence visa and meets the sponsorship requirements. The rules depend on your situation, so we check who can sponsor before we start. The sponsor's own residence visa must be valid during the process.
Documents you will usually need
- The baby's birth certificate (Arabic), attested by MOFA where required
- The baby's passport
- A recent passport-size photo of the baby, as per the current photo rules
- Copies of both parents' passports, visas and Emirates IDs
- The attested marriage certificate, if it is not already on file
- Proof of the sponsor's salary or income and housing, if requested
The exact list can vary by emirate and by your visa type. See our required documents page for more detail.
Medical test and other common questions
Babies do not need a medical fitness test. In the UAE, the residence visa medical test only applies to people aged 18 and over. Health insurance is usually required for residence visas in most emirates, so it is wise to arrange cover for your baby early.
Many parents ask if they can travel with the baby before the visa is done. Travel before residency is complete can make the process harder, so it is best to speak with us before you book any trip.
Get your baby's visa done on time
FamilyEase handles the full newborn visa process 100% online. You send the documents by WhatsApp, and we take care of the application, follow-up and Emirates ID. Start with a free eligibility check on WhatsApp, read more on our newborn visa service, and see the exact government fees in our visa calculator.
Questions about this visa
How long do I have to get a residence visa for my newborn?
A baby born in the UAE must get a residence visa and Emirates ID within 120 days of birth. After that, daily fines usually apply.
Does my baby need a medical test for the visa?
No. The residence visa medical test only applies to people aged 18 and over.
Does the baby need an entry permit?
No. A baby born in the UAE is already inside the country, so the sponsor applies for the residence visa directly once the passport is ready.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules change and every case is different — we confirm what applies to you before you pay anything.