Losing a loved one is never easy — and being far from home when it happens can make the experience even more overwhelming. For expat families living in the UAE, the grief of losing a family member can come with the added challenge of deciding whether to lay them to rest locally or arrange for their return to their home country.
Thankfully, the UAE has clear procedures and supportive services in place to help families through this difficult time. Whether you choose to have the remains cremated, arrange a funeral, or repatriate your loved one, one important document you'll need is an authenticated death certificate.
This document isn’t just required for repatriation. It also plays an important role in handling practical matters like insurance claims, inheritance, closing bank accounts, and other legal and administrative processes.
To help you through this step, here’s a straightforward guide on how to request an authenticated death certificate in the UAE.
Eligibility
This service is available for UAE citizens and expats.
What documents are required?
Original copy and at least two copies of your loved one's death certificate.
Passport or valid Emirates ID of the applicant.
Where can I apply?
Website
You can apply through the Emirates Health Services website https://www.ehs.gov.ae/.
Log in using your UAE Pass
Click 'Services'
Select 'Death Certificate'
Click 'Issue of an Authenticated Copy of Death Certificate'
Fill in the information required, such as the deceased's date of birth and Qaid number.
You will then be directed to a page where you will be asked to put the deceased's Qaid number. The Qaid number is a unique 10-digit number issued by the UAE to manage the birth registration process and issue birth certificates.
For residents whose loved ones passed away while at the hospital, the death notification number typically serves as the Qaid number.
Public health centres
If you don't have the Qaid number, you can also visit public health centres and government hospitals under Emirates Health Services (EHS) to request for an authenticated death certificate of your deceased loved one.
Please note that appointments are not accepted. These centres operate on a walk-in basis only.
For those who prefer in-person assistance, EHS public health centres are a reliable option. In Dubai, for example, you can visit the Dubai public Health Centre in Deira, located near Al Baraha Hospital.
To find the nearest EHS-affiliated public health centre, you can view the full list here: https://www.ehs.gov.ae/en/services/health-care-facilities.
How long does it take to get an authenticated death certificate?
It takes only one working day to process your request.
What is the fee?
You only need to pay D10 for the service.
Service timings
You can request for a copy of your loved one's authenticated death certificate via the EHS website anytime. However, if you wish to visit public health centres and government hospitals operated by the EHS, make sure you visit between 7.30am and 3.30pm on Monday to Thursday. On Friday, make sure to visit between 7.30am and 12pm.
You can also call 800-8877 for further clarification.
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Elizabeth Gonzales
Elizabeth Gonzales is a Digital Journalist who loves writing about the expat life — and ways to make...