During the Babies' Day initiative at the Philippine Consulate General Dubai on April 9, 2026. PCG DUBAI

Filipino parents in the UAE who were unable to register their child’s birth on time still have a way to complete the process, according to the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai. Authorities said delayed registration of birth, also known as a belated report of birth, is available for children born to a Filipino parent or Filipino parents in Dubai and other emirates whose births were not reported within the required 12-month period. Applications can be filed either at the Philippine Consulate General in Dubai or the Philippine Embassy in Abu Dhabi, but appointments must be secured in advance. The process remains important for families who want to ensure their child’s legal identity. Once registered, the child can be officially recognised as a Filipino citizen, obtain a Philippine passport, and access residency and other essential services in the UAE. Consular officials said the application involves several steps, including securing a Certificate of No Birth Record from the Philippine Statistics Authority and completing an affidavit explaining the delayed registration. The child and at least one parent must appear in person during the application. Parents are also required to present valid passports and an authenticated UAE-issued birth certificate. If the parents are married, their marriage certificate must also be submitted. In some cases, additional requirements apply. For unmarried parents who want the child to carry the father’s surname, the father must execute an Affidavit of Acknowledgement of Paternity, while the mother must sign an Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father. There are also standard fees involved in the process. The affidavit for delayed registration, birth certificate attestation, and the report of birth each cost Dh100.

What changed under UAE law

The process of birth registration in the UAE has become more inclusive following legal reforms introduced in recent years. Under updated laws that took effect in 2022, children born outside of marriage can now be registered and issued birth certificates. Authorities now allow parents to establish a child’s identity through a formal acknowledgment of parentage, even without a marriage certificate. Legal experts said these changes reflect a shift towards protecting the rights of the child, ensuring access to identity documents, healthcare, education, and residency regardless of the parents’ marital status. The reforms also decriminalised consensual relationships and pregnancies outside marriage, removing previous legal barriers that made birth registration more difficult in such cases.

Delayed registration of birth

Philippine consular officials stressed that all documents in the application for delayed registration of birth must be signed in front of authorised personnel during the application process. They also warned that any fake or tampered documents will be confiscated and could lead to legal action against those involved. Parents are also advised to prepare all required documents carefully, as additional supporting papers may still be requested depending on individual cases. What are the requirements? Applicants must book an appointment and submit: • Certificate of No Birth Record from PSA • Affidavit of Delayed Registration • Child and parent must appear in person • Marriage certificate (if applicable) • Passports of both parents • UAE-issued birth certificate (authenticated) Special cases If parents are unmarried and the child will use the father’s surname: • Father must execute an Affidavit of Acknowledgement of Paternity • Mother must execute an Affidavit to Use the Surname of the Father For many Filipino families in the UAE, delayed registration offers a second chance to secure their child’s legal identity and future. ICA/Expat Media ALSO READ: Baby is born at home in UAE: Legalities you should know
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