How to Register a Birth and Get a Birth Certificate in Malawi

Birth registration in Malawi is a free process for Malawian children, managed by the National Registration Bureau (NRB) through the National Birth Registration Campaign. The campaign is implemented in phases across different districts to ensure every Malawian child receives an identification document (birth certificate).³⁷

How to register

Parents or guardians have a duty to register their child or children at a designated centre, typically a government primary school.⁷ The child does not need to be present at the time of registration.⁷ You should bring your national ID or national ID number when you come to register.⁷

Fees

Normal birth registration for Malawian children is free.⁸ However, if you register a child after 6 weeks, late registration costs K5,000 per registration.⁸ If you need a replacement birth certificate later, the fee is K5,000 per certificate.⁸ For Malawians over 16 years old registering on demand, the fee is K5,000 per certificate.⁸

Campaign phases and locations

The National Birth Registration Campaign is being implemented in seven phases across the country.⁷ Recent phases have included districts such as Mzimba North, Mzuzu City, Lilongwe City, Lilongwe Rural West, Mulanje, Thyolo, Chikwawa and Nsanje.³⁴ Each phase typically runs for 10 days.³⁴ The NRB announces the commencement of each new phase, so you should check for announcements about when registration will come to your district.⁵

What you need

Bring your national ID or national ID number.⁷ If you are registering an adopted child, you will also need a certified copy of the Adoption Court Order when one or both adopting parents are Malawian Citizens.¹⁰