Registration Procedures and Obtaining a Birth Certificate Inside Syria

This article explains the practical steps necessary to register new births that occur within the territory of the Syrian Arab Republic in the civil status records (Civil Registry / Civil Affairs Department). The goal is to understand the procedures and requirements before visiting the competent authority, ensuring the process is completed easily and without delay.

This article covers procedures for registering a birth inside Syria only. For procedures regarding birth registration outside Syria, please refer to a separate article here: (article link).

Key Messages

1. Registering a birth is a mandatory legal procedure to prove the child’s existence in the civil registry and to issue an official birth certificate.
2. Birth registration procedures inside Syria are completed at civil registry centers (Civil Affairs Departments) affiliated with the Ministry of Interior, and some related services may be available through Citizen Service Centers in certain governorates.
3. The birth certificate and related documents must be submitted within three months of the date of birth inside the country (about 90 days).
4. The duty to report falls on the father or mother, and adult relatives of the newborn up to the fourth degree may report if necessary.
5. Delays beyond the reporting deadline result in a financial fine, and sometimes additional procedures (such as a police report) in cases of long delays.
6. Some procedural details may differ from one civil registry center to another, so we always advise you to check with the relevant center before visiting.

Why is registering and obtaining a birth certificate inside Syria important?

1. Establishing the child’s legal identity from the moment of birth.
2. Formally adding newborns to the family records.
3. Enabling children to later obtain an individual civil extract and personal identification card.
4. Facilitating access to health and educational services.
5. Avoiding legal issues resulting from lack of documentation in the civil registry.

How to register a birth inside Syria and obtain a birth certificate?

First: Place of Birth Registration

Birth documents can be submitted to any civil registry center for direct registration. Citizens usually choose the nearest or most convenient center (place of birth, or place of family/father’s registration) depending on what is available in the birth governorate. In some governorates, civil registry documents can also be submitted through Citizen Service Centers (we advise you to visit the nearest Citizen Service Center, as some services may be available at some centers and not others).

Second: Practical Steps for Birth Registration

1. Prepare the required documents before visiting the civil registry:
2. Birth certificate/report issued by the hospital or doctor/midwife.
3. Birth certificate from the local chief (mukhtar) if the birth occurred outside a health facility.
4. In addition to the parents’ documents (ID/family booklet, or a family statement proving marriage registration).
5. Visit the relevant civil registry center: Submit the documents to the civil status employee and request registration of the event and issuance of a birth certificate.
6. Data verification: Ensure the accuracy of the name, date and place of birth, and parents’ details before approval.
7. Pay fees/stamps: According to prevailing regulations (usually through financial stamps/receipts) depending on the type and status of the request.
8. Receive the birth certificate: You usually receive the birth certificate on the same day or within a short period determined by the civil registry center.

Tip: Don’t forget to check the information in the birth certificate immediately upon receipt.

Fines and Fees: What to Expect?

• If birth registration procedures are completed within three months of the date of birth inside Syria, this means registration is still within the “deadline.”
• Any delay beyond this deadline may result in a financial fine.
• If the delay exceeds an entire year from the date of birth, the civil registry may require you to file a police report before registration, in addition to a higher fine.
• From time to time, decisions or decrees may be issued granting temporary exemptions or reductions of fines; therefore, it is best to check with the civil registry center for the latest instructions before payment.

Special Cases for Birth Registration Inside Syria

• Births outside hospitals: The certificate of the local chief (mukhtar) or the licensed midwife is accepted according to the case, along with the parents’ supporting documents.
• Loss of personal ID: The civil registry may require an alternative identification document or a certified written declaration, as determined by the center.
• Delay beyond the legal period: The civil registry may require a police report in certain cases, in addition to payment of a fine.
• Unregistered marriage: The marriage must be registered/recorded first before registering the birth.
• Registering twins or more: A separate birth certificate is issued for each newborn, specifying the hour, minute, and any distinguishing marks if present.

Tips and Guidance

1. Register the birth as soon as it occurs to avoid fines and additional procedures.
2. Go to the civil registry center early to avoid crowds.
3. Keep photocopies and certified copies of all documents when needed.
4. Verify the name and date of birth are written accurately before approving the transaction.
5. If you are unsure about any procedure, contact the civil registry center or Citizen Service Center in your governorate before submitting the application.

List of Sources:

• Syrian Civil Status Law No. 13 of 2021.
• Ministry of Justice of the Syrian Arab Republic - Legislative Decree No. 17 of 2022 (amending Article 28) of Civil Status Law (13) of 2021.
• Ministry of Interior of the Syrian Arab Republic and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees - Awareness materials.
• Syrian Legal Platform (Civil Status Page).
• Syria Guide – The comprehensive guide for registering birth events in Syria.
• Justice Sharing - Syria: An Overview of “Birth Event” Registration in Syrian Civil Records.

Note: This material provides general information for reference and is not legal advice.