For expatriates, obtaining or amending a birth certificate is often a crucial step in legal, educational, and immigration-related processes. Birth certificates serve as the main proof of identity and nationality, making their accuracy and proper legalization essential. Below is a complete guide to the procedures and processes involved for expats when applying for birth registration in Saudi Arabia.
1. Birth Certificate Issuing Procedures for Expats
a) Issuance in the Country of Birth
At the hospital: The process usually starts at the hospital where the child is born. Hospitals issue a birth notification that must be submitted to the local Civil Affairs or Registrar of Births.
Civil Registrar Submission: Parents (or guardians) must register the birth within the legally prescribed time (commonly 30 days). Required documents often include:
- Hospital birth notification
- Parents’ passports & residence permits (Iqama/visa copies if in GCC countries)
- Marriage certificate (attested, if required)
Issuance of Birth Certificate: The Civil Registrar issues the official birth certificate in the local language (e.g., Arabic in the GCC). For those residing in the Kingdom, this forms part of the standard birth registration in Saudi Arabia.
b) Issuance from Embassy/Consulate (For Expats Abroad)
If an expat gives birth outside their home country, they may register the birth with their embassy/consulate. The embassy may issue a Consular Birth Certificate or register the child’s birth in the home country’s civil records.
For parents living in the Kingdom, knowing how to get a birth certificate in Saudi Arabia is essential, since it is directly linked with later steps, such as how to get an Iqama for newborn applications. Families should always complete birth registration in Saudi Arabia within the legal timeframe to avoid penalties and ensure proper documentation.
2. Birth Certificate Amendments & Name Change
a) Common Amendments
- Correction of spelling mistakes (child’s name, parents’ names).
- Updating passport numbers, nationality, or residence details.
- Adding missing information.
b) Procedure for Amendments
- Application to Civil Registrar/Authority: Submit a formal request with supporting documents.
- Supporting Proofs: Passport copies, previous certificates, notarized affidavits, or court orders (depending on jurisdiction).
- Legal Approval: Some countries require court approval for significant amendments, such as name changes.
- Issuance of Corrected Certificate: A new corrected/updated certificate is issued, often with a note referencing the amendment.
c) Name Change
A name change usually requires an affidavit or court order. For expatriates in the Kingdom, the process of how to change a name on a birth certificate in Saudi Arabia may involve Civil Affairs, embassy verification, and, in some cases, Ministry approval to ensure the change is legally recognised both locally and internationally.
3. Attestation & Legalization Process
Since expatriates often need to use birth certificates abroad, an attestation or apostille is essential to verify authenticity.
a) MOFA Attestation (Ministry of Foreign Affairs)
This is mandatory in GCC and many Asian countries, including birth certificate attestation in Saudi Arabia.
Steps:
- Get the document attested by the issuing authority (Civil Registrar/Notary).
- Attestation by the Ministry of External/Foreign Affairs of the issuing country.
- Final attestation by the MOFA of the country where the document will be used (e.g., Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar).
b) Apostille Process
For countries that are signatories to the Hague Apostille Convention, an apostilled birth certificate replaces multiple layers of attestation. This certificate, issued by the designated authority in the country of origin, is widely accepted in Europe, the USA, and other Hague member countries.
c) Embassy Attestation
For countries not part of the Apostille Convention.
Process:
- Notarization/local government attestation.
- Attestation by the issuing country’s Foreign Affairs Ministry.
- Submission to the embassy/consulate of the destination country for final attestation.
4. Why Attestation & Apostille Are Necessary
- Required for residency permits, school admissions, immigration applications, marriage formalities, inheritance claims, and employment visas.
- Ensures that the certificate is legally valid and internationally recognized.
In the Kingdom, completing birth certificate attestation in Saudi Arabia is particularly important for dependent visa procedures and school enrollment. It also ensures there are no delays in official processes following birth registration in Saudi Arabia.
5. Key Tips for Expats
- Always register a child’s birth within the legal time frame to avoid fines.
- Ensure names match across all documents (passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate).
- For name changes, keep copies of affidavits or court orders.
- Choose Apostille or Embassy Attestation depending on your destination country.
- Use authorized agents or professional service providers for a seamless attestation process.
Lost Birth Certificate Replacement Timeline
If your birth certificate is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement. The process usually takes about 20–25 business days, depending on local authorities and document requirements.
Translation of Birth Certificates
Since most countries require documents in their official language, certified translation is crucial. We can translate your birth certificate into the required language, ensuring it is valid and accepted in whichever country you plan to use it for official purposes.
Conclusion
For expatriates, the process of obtaining, amending, and attesting a birth certificate may seem complex; however, following the proper procedures ensures global acceptance of the document. Whether through MOFA attestation, Apostille, or Embassy attestation, ensuring authenticity is essential for legal, educational, and immigration purposes.
Completing birth registration in Saudi Arabia on time, obtaining proper birth certificate attestation in Saudi Arabia, and using an apostilled birth certificate when required are all critical for legal and immigration processes. Parents should also stay aware of related procedures, such as applying for an Iqama for a newborn, to ensure their family’s documentation is in order. By understanding the procedures clearly and maintaining consistent documents, parents can smoothly manage related requirements, such as school admissions. With the proper guidance, the process becomes straightforward and internationally recognized.
