How to Obtain a Death Certificate for an Indian Citizen in Dubai

Losing a loved one is an incredibly difficult experience, and having to navigate bureaucracy in a foreign country only adds to the pain. This guide aims to simplify the process of obtaining a death certificate for an Indian citizen who has passed away in Dubai, offering clear, actionable steps to help you through this challenging time.

Understanding the Process: Two Key Stages

The process essentially involves two main stages: obtaining the initial death certificate from the UAE authorities in Dubai, and then registering the death with the Indian Consulate General in Dubai to get an Indian Consular Death Certificate. Both are crucial for different purposes, especially for further procedures back in India.

Stage 1: Obtaining the UAE Death Certificate

This is the very first step and must be completed in Dubai. It involves reporting the death, getting the necessary medical and police clearances, and then applying for the official UAE death certificate.

What Happens Immediately After a Death?

1. Reporting the Death:
   • If death occurs in a hospital: The hospital administration will initiate the necessary procedures, including informing the police.
   • If death occurs at home or elsewhere: The nearest police station and an ambulance (call 999) must be informed immediately. The police will investigate and issue a "No Objection Certificate (NOC)" or a "Police Report" if no foul play is suspected.
2. Medical Report & Embalming: A medical report confirming the cause of death will be issued. If the deceased's body is to be repatriated to India, embalming is mandatory and can only be done at specific government-authorized facilities, usually alongside a mortuary. The police will issue a letter for embalming.
3. Collection of Documents: Ensure all personal documents of the deceased are secured.

Required Documents for UAE Death Certificate Application:

You'll need these documents to apply for the death certificate from the Dubai Health Authority (DHA):

• Original Passport of the deceased (and a copy).
• Original Emirates ID of the deceased (and a copy), if applicable.
• Medical Report/Death Notification from the hospital or a Police Report if the death occurred outside a hospital.
• Family Book/Marriage Certificate (if applicable, for proof of relationship).
• Passport copy of the applicant/informant (usually a family member or authorized representative).
• No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the deceased's sponsor/employer (if the deceased was employed in UAE).
• Embalming Certificate (if repatriation is planned).

Steps to Obtain the UAE Death Certificate from DHA:

1. Visit the DHA: Once you have the police report (or hospital death notification) and medical report, you will need to visit a designated Dubai Health Authority (DHA) service center. Often, this is the Preventive Medicine Department.
2. Submit Documents: Present all the required documents. The DHA will verify the details.
3. Pay Fees: There will be a fee for issuing the death certificate.
4. Collect Death Certificate: The DHA will issue the official UAE Death Certificate (شهادة وفاة). This certificate will be in Arabic, and sometimes a bilingual version is provided.

Important Note on Attestation: After obtaining the UAE Death Certificate, it must be attested by the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation (MOFAIC). This attestation is crucial for the document to be recognized internationally and by the Indian authorities. You can typically get this done at a MOFAIC service center.

Stage 2: Obtaining the Indian Consular Death Certificate

Once you have the attested UAE Death Certificate, the next critical step is to register the death with the Consulate General of India (CGI), Dubai. This will result in an Indian Consular Death Certificate, which is essential for all official procedures in India, such as property transfer, insurance claims, and pension matters.

Required Documents for CGI Dubai:

Ensure you have both original documents and photocopies. It's always wise to keep multiple sets.

• Original UAE Death Certificate (attested by UAE MOFAIC) and a copy.
• Original Passport of the deceased and a copy.
• Original Emirates ID of the deceased and a copy (if applicable).
• Original Passport of the applicant (next of kin or authorized representative) and a copy.
• Original Emirates ID of the applicant and a copy.
• Marriage Certificate of the deceased (if married), and a copy.
• Birth Certificates of children (if applicable), and copies.
• Proof of relationship to the deceased (e.g., family book, marriage certificate, birth certificate).
• NOC from the employer of the deceased (if applicable).
• Two passport-size photographs of the deceased.
• Two passport-size photographs of the applicant.
• A filled-out application form for registration of death (available on the CGI Dubai website).
• Letter from the hospital where the death occurred, stating the cause of death.
• Embalming Certificate (if the body is being repatriated).
• Police Report/NOC (if the death occurred outside a hospital).

Steps to Obtain the Consular Death Certificate from CGI Dubai:

1. Complete the Application Form: Download and fill out the "Registration of Death" form from the official website of the Consulate General of India, Dubai.
2. Visit CGI Dubai: Go to the Consular Section of the CGI Dubai during their working hours. It's advisable to check their website for current timings and any specific appointment requirements.
3. Submit Documents: Present all the required original documents along with their photocopies. The Consular officer may ask for additional documents if needed.
4. Verification: The documents will be verified.
5. Pay Fees: Pay the prescribed consular fees.
6. Collect Consular Death Certificate: Once processed, the CGI Dubai will issue the Consular Death Certificate. This certificate will be in English and will confirm the death of an Indian citizen.

Repatriation of Remains vs. Local Burial:

This guide focuses on obtaining the death certificate, but it's important to note that the Consulate also assists with decisions regarding the deceased's remains.

• Repatriation: If the body is to be sent back to India, additional documentation will be required, including an embalming certificate, a "Fit to Fly" certificate from the airline, and a Consular NOC for transportation of human remains. The Consulate will guide you through this.
• Local Burial: If the family decides on a local burial in Dubai, the Consulate will issue an NOC for local burial.

Practical Tips and Potential Pitfalls

• Act Promptly: Some procedures have time limits. For instance, death registration with UAE authorities should ideally be done within 30 days.
• Keep Copies: Make multiple photocopies of every document. You never know when you might need an extra set.
• Language: Most official documents in Dubai will be in Arabic. If you're not fluent, consider hiring a certified translator for any documents you need to understand thoroughly, though major government entities often have English-speaking staff or provide bilingual forms.
• Power of Attorney (POA): If the next of kin cannot be present in Dubai, they can issue a Power of Attorney to another individual (e.g., a friend, relative, or lawyer) to handle the procedures. This POA must be attested in India and by the Indian Embassy/Consulate in the UAE.
• Check Websites: Always refer to the official websites of the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) and the Consulate General of India, Dubai for the most up-to-date requirements, forms, and fees. Requirements can change.
• Consulate Helplines: Don't hesitate to call the CGI Dubai helpline for guidance. They are there to assist Indian citizens in distress.
• Be Patient and Persistent: Bureaucratic processes can be slow. Maintain patience and follow up diligently.
• Costs: Factor in various costs including medical reports, embalming, death certificate fees, attestation fees, and potentially repatriation costs.

What to Do After Obtaining the Certificates

Once you have both the UAE Death Certificate (attested by MOFAIC) and the Indian Consular Death Certificate, you are well-equipped for further procedures:

• In India: The Indian Consular Death Certificate is the primary document for all legal and administrative purposes, such as claiming insurance, settling estates, updating bank records, and applying for family pensions.
• Further Attestation (if needed): For some specific purposes in India, you might be asked to get the Consular Death Certificate attested by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India.

This guide is designed to be a starting point. While comprehensive, each case can have unique circumstances. Always verify the latest requirements with the relevant authorities. We hope this information provides some clarity and ease during a difficult time.