Newborn Emirates ID: Application Guide

Q: Can the 120-day newborn deadline be extended?

There is no standard extension — the 120-day rule is strict with AED 100 per day penalties after. For exceptional circumstances, visit an ICP centre with supporting documents.

Q: What if my baby was born outside the UAE?

The 120-day rule covers UAE births. For babies born abroad, follow the normal family-visa sequence: passport, entry permit, then medical, visa and Emirates ID after arrival.

Had a baby in the UAE? Congratulations — now the paperwork. Every newborn needs an Emirates ID, and expat parents must complete all formalities — birth registration, passport, visa and Emirates ID — within 120 days of birth. Miss that deadline and penalties of AED 100 per day apply, plus the child cannot leave the country.

This guide walks through the documents, the deadlines, the fees and the step-by-step process for getting your baby’s Emirates ID.

Newborn Emirates ID application guide — emirates id for newborn: documents, 120-day deadline and steps — 120 days from birth — start the paperwork in week one.

The Deadlines (Don’t Miss These)

Deadline	What	If you miss it
30 days	Register the birth	Late registration fines from the health authority
120 days	Complete passport + visa + Emirates ID	AED 100/day penalty; child cannot exit the UAE

Start in week one. Attestations and the baby’s passport take the longest — the Emirates ID itself is the quick final step. Parents who start late are the ones who hit the 120-day wall.

Newborn Emirates ID deadlines — emirates id for newborn: 30-day birth registration and 120-day completion rule — The 120-day clock covers everything — not just the ID.

Documents Required

Attested birth certificate — hospital-issued, then attested (requirements vary by emirate; UAE citizens use the unified Mabrouk Ma Yak service, which bundles birth certificate, passport, insurance and Emirates ID in one hospital-initiated request)
Baby’s passport — apply at your home country’s embassy/consulate
Passport-size photos of the baby — eyes open, face fully visible, white background (see photo requirements)
Sponsor’s documents — parent’s passport, Emirates ID, residence visa, tenancy contract (Ejari)
Attested marriage certificate — for expat parents

Step-by-Step: Baby’s Emirates ID

Register the birth within 30 days at the hospital / health authority and collect the birth certificate.
Attest the birth certificate as required, and get the baby’s passport from your embassy.
Apply for the baby’s residence visa — entry permit/residence procedures via ICP (other emirates) or GDRFA/Amer (Dubai).
Apply for the Emirates ID on icp.gov.ae, the UAEICP app or at a typing centre — same AED 100/year formula as adults; see fees.
No biometrics for newborns — fingerprints start at age 15; only the photo is needed.
Receive the card by Emirates Post in about 5–10 working days; track it with the PRAN.

Newborn Emirates ID application steps — emirates id for newborn: birth registration to card delivery — Birth certificate → passport → visa → Emirates ID, in that order.

Budgeting: What Newborn Paperwork Costs

The Emirates ID itself follows the standard formula — AED 100 per year of validity plus the service fee (see the 2026 fee list). But budget for the full chain, not just the card:

Birth certificate + attestation: hospital fees plus attestation charges per document
Baby’s passport: your embassy’s fee schedule
Residence visa: entry permit, medical (not needed for newborns) and visa issuance fees
Emirates ID: AED 100/year + service fee
Health insurance: mandatory for the visa — arrange early, as insurers need the documents too

Starting early is the real money-saver: every day past the 120-day deadline costs AED 100 in penalties — far more than any single document fee.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon should I register my baby’s birth in the UAE?

Within 30 days of birth at the hospital or health authority. Late registration attracts fines, so handle it in the first week if possible.

How long do parents have to get a newborn’s Emirates ID?

All formalities — birth registration, passport, residence visa and Emirates ID — must be completed within 120 days of birth. After that, penalties of AED 100 per day apply and the child cannot leave the UAE.

What happens if I don’t apply for my baby’s visa within the deadline?

AED 100 per day in penalties accrues after 120 days, and the child cannot exit the country until the documents are complete. Start the process in the first weeks to stay well clear.

Is it mandatory to attest the birth certificate in the UAE?

Yes, for expat parents — the hospital-issued birth certificate must be attested before it is accepted for the passport, visa and Emirates ID applications. UAE citizens using the Mabrouk Ma Yak service have this bundled.

Do newborns need fingerprints for Emirates ID?

No — children under 15 are exempt from fingerprinting. Only a compliant photo (eyes open, face fully visible, white background) is required.

How much does a newborn’s Emirates ID cost?

The same formula as adults: AED 100 per year of validity plus the service fee. See the 2026 fee list for totals.

What is Mabrouk Ma Yak?

The UAE’s unified service for citizen newborns: birth certificate, passport, health insurance and Emirates ID in a single hospital-initiated request — no separate applications needed.

Can the 120-day newborn deadline be extended?

There is no standard extension — the 120-day rule for completing birth registration, passport, visa and Emirates ID is strict, with AED 100/day penalties after. If exceptional circumstances (e.g. hospitalisation) delayed you, visit an ICP centre with supporting documents to discuss your case.

What if my baby was born outside the UAE?

The 120-day rule applies to births in the UAE. For babies born abroad, the normal family-visa process applies: obtain the baby’s passport, apply for an entry permit, then complete medical, visa and Emirates ID after arrival — the same sequence as any new resident.

Emirates ID guides: Complete Guide · How to Apply · Fees 2026 · Photo Requirements · Track Application