Registering births in Saudi Arabia — steps and conditions for registering a newborn via Absher
Learn about the steps for registering births in Saudi Arabia via Absher, the conditions for registering a newborn, and the required documents for issuing a birth certificate.
Registering births in the Kingdom is a fundamental government service provided by the Ministry of Interior through the Absher platform and the Civil Registry. The service aims to record the newborn in the Civil Registry and grant them an official birth document within a specified period. The service allows Saudi families and residents to complete the request electronically without visiting the Civil Status office in many cases. It is also the first step to obtaining a national ID, residency, or passport later on.
Introduction to birth registration in Saudi Arabia
Registering births is one of the most important procedures that a family must complete after a child is born, as it grants the newborn a legal identity within the Kingdom. Through this service, the child is recorded in the Civil Registry, an electronic birth certificate is issued, and their data is linked to the family record or residency data depending on the parents’ status. The Ministry of Interior provides this service via the Absher platform to facilitate procedures and reduce the need to visit Civil Status offices.
What does birth registration mean?
Birth registration is the official procedure through which a newborn is recorded in the Ministry of Interior’s records, specifying their basic information such as name, date of birth, place of birth, gender, and parents’ details. After the request is approved, an electronic birth certificate can be issued, and this document can then be used in subsequent procedures such as issuing a national ID for the Saudi child, adding them to the family record, or办理 residency and health insurance procedures for residents.
Conditions for registering a newborn in the Civil Registry
To register a birth, the child must have been born inside the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and the request must be submitted within the specified legal period. For Saudi families, the birth must be registered within 30 days of the date of birth, while resident families are given up to 60 days. It is also required that the child’s father be registered on the Absher platform, or the mother in the absence of the father, with the national ID or residency data being valid.
The newborn’s details must also be entered as they appear on the birth certificate issued by the hospital, with the parents’ names and ID or residency numbers matching. In the case of a home birth, an officially certified birth certificate from a health authority, health center, or health office must be submitted, followed by completing the procedures through approved channels.
Services related to birth registration via Absher
Registering a newborn in the Civil Registry
The Absher platform provides a service for registering a newborn, where the head of the family or their representative can submit the newborn’s details electronically, attach the required documents, and follow up on the request until it is approved by the Civil Registry.
Issuing an electronic birth certificate
After the birth registration request is approved, an electronic birth certificate can be issued through Absher, and this document is important for proving the child’s official details in government and private entities.
Adding the newborn to the family record
Updating Newborn’s Data
In case of an error in the name, date of birth, or place of birth, the newborn’s data can be updated through authorized channels, by providing proof of the required data.
Steps to Register a Newborn through the Absher Platform
Accessing the Absher Platform
The steps to register a newborn begin with accessing the official Absher website or the Absher app on the phone. You must log in using your username and password, ensuring that the registered mobile number and email are active, as notifications and verification codes may be sent during the service process.
Selecting the Newborn Registration Service
After logging in, go to individual services, then select the Civil Registry, and from there, the new birth registration service. The menu names may vary depending on platform updates, so you can search within Absher services for the phrase “newborn registration” or “register a newborn” to access the service directly.
Entering the Newborn’s and Parents’ Data
After opening the service, fill out the registration form with the newborn’s data, such as the full name, date of birth, place of birth, and gender. You must also enter the parents’ data, including the national ID number or residence number, document expiration date, and the mobile number registered in Absher.
Attaching the Required Documents
The platform requires attaching supporting documents for the request, most importantly, the birth certificate issued by the hospital, in addition to a copy of the father’s or mother’s ID, residence, or passport for residents. The images must be clear and readable, and the entered data must match the attached documents to avoid delaying or rejecting the request.
Reviewing and Submitting the Request
Before submitting the newborn registration request, review all the data carefully, especially the newborn’s name, date of birth, and document numbers. After ensuring the accuracy of the information, submit the request electronically, and the request status will appear in Absher, and you can follow up on updates through text messages, email, or the Absher services panel.
Receiving the Birth Certificate
Receiving the Birth Certificate
After the request is approved by the Civil Registry, a confirmation message of successful registration will be received. Through Absher, you can view the electronic birth certificate or print it when needed, while keeping a digital copy for use in subsequent procedures.
Required Documents for Newborn Registration
The required documents vary depending on the family’s situation and place of birth, but the basic document is the birth certificate issued by the hospital or health center. For Saudi families, a father’s or mother’s ID, family register, and birth certificate are usually required. Residents often need a birth certificate, residence, passport, and family relationship documents when necessary.
In the event of a birth outside a hospital, a certified birth certificate from an official health authority must be submitted, and then the newborn registration can be completed through authorized channels. Additionally, some cases may require
Additional documents may be required by the competent authorities in certain special cases, such as certified translation of foreign documents or completion of specific legal procedures.
Quick service information table
| Item | Service Details |
|—|—|
| Service Name | Newborn Registration |
| Providing Authority | Ministry of Interior – Civil Status |
| Platform | Absher Individuals |
| Beneficiaries | Saudi families and residents in the Kingdom |
| Submission Period | 30 days for Saudis, and 60 days for residents |
| Key Documents | Birth certificate, ID or residency, family record or passport |
| Service Outcome | Registration of the newborn in the Civil Status and issuance of an electronic birth certificate |
| Follow-up Method | Through Absher or text messages and email |
Important notes before submitting a newborn registration request
It is important to choose the newborn’s name carefully, avoiding names that violate regulations or contain numbers, symbols, or unacceptable formats. Care should also be taken when entering the birth date or place of birth, as any error may later affect the issuance of the national ID, passport, or residency procedures.
If the specified submission period has expired, it may be necessary to visit the Civil Status office or the competent authority to determine the appropriate procedure. Additionally, if the request is rejected, the reason for rejection should be read carefully, then the data corrected or the missing document attached, and the request resubmitted.
What happens after registering the newborn?
After successfully registering the newborn, Saudi families can issue the national ID for the newborn when needed and add the child to the family record. Residents, on the other hand, can use the birth certificate for residency and health insurance procedures, linking the child to healthcare services and vaccinations. The birth certificate is also an essential document for school enrollment in the future and for obtaining a passport when needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can a newborn be registered after the 30 or 60-day period has expired?
Yes, this may be possible by visiting the Civil Status office or the competent authority, but it is preferable to complete the newborn registration within the specified period to avoid complications or the need for additional procedures.
Can the mother register the newborn through Absher?
Yes, the mother can register the newborn if the father is absent or in cases permitted by the system, provided that she is registered on the Absher platform and her data is valid.
When does the birth certificate appear after the request is approved?
The electronic birth certificate usually appears in Absher after the request is approved by the Civil Status, and it can be printed or saved digitally for use in subsequent procedures.
