New to the UAE? Not sure how the Emirates ID application process works? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.
Post securing your visa in the UAE, your Emirates ID or the UAE ID Card is an identification card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
It’s a mandatory personal database for all residents in the UAE to apply for and carry with them at all times.
Each Emirates ID card has a unique 15-digit identity number assigned to the cardholder. There is an electronic chip with the holder’s personal data (including finger biometrics) beside the holder’s photo on the card.
The process of applying for an Emirates ID generally begins in parallel with the visa application, as you need to submit the receipt. However, you won’t receive the physical or digital version of the card until your valid residence visa is secured.
Disclaimer: As with all government information and law updates, the information below is accurate at the time of writing. However, do use this as a general guide and cross-check document requirements and other processes on official websites.
Why do you need an Emirates ID?
- Identification
- From healthcare, insurance, to utilities and more
- For banking services or any financial transactions
- To get a mobile phone plan or an internet connection
- To get a driver’s license or register your vehicle
- Renting property, signing contracts, and other legal agreements.
- Faster immigration clearance (Smart gates, etc)
A step-by-step guide to the Emirates ID application process
Generally, the Emirates ID application is undertaken by the employer in tandem with the visa application process. However, you can also do it yourself; the process remains the same.
Typically, the process can take anywhere between 10 days to 2 weeks at the most.
- Residence visa
You need to have obtained a valid UAE residence visa before your EID application. This is an absolute must, or your EID will not be processed or released to you, even if you began the application process earlier. - Visit an ICP-accredited typing centre
Next up, visit an ICP accredited typing centre. You’ll find a list of approved places on the official website. This is the most typical route, and the experts there can easily walk you through the documents required and help you fill up the forms.
Alternatively, you may be able to do the Emirates ID application process online via the ICP website, but not all visa types are eligible.
Here’s a comprehensive list of the documents you’ll require:- Original passport (with a valid UAE residence visa)
- Original valid residency or entry permit
- Passport-sized photo with a white background
- Original birth certificate or father’s passport, or Emirates ID (for those under 15 or being sponsored)
- Passport and visa of the sponsor of the applicant (only for newborns)
- Application submission and fees
Following the application submission, you need to pay the fees at the typing centre. The Emirates ID application fee for expats varies based on your visa validity. Typically, it costs about AED 100 for each year.
There are usually extra charges of AED 30 for the typing centre, or AED 40 service charges if you’re applying via the ICP website. - Biometric Data Collection
After you’ve collected all the documents and submitted your application (or your employer has), you need to visit an ICP service centre/EIDA office to have your fingerprints and photograph taken. The appointment is better scheduled to avoid long wait times.
That’s it! Once your application is processed, you will receive an account number through SMS for tracking your Emirates ID application status through the ICP website.
When it’s approved, you can access the digital version via UAE Pass or the MoHRE apps. Nowadays, you also receive either a WhatsApp message or an SMS from Emirates Post about the card collection. You can simply enter your address and have it delivered (usually takes no more than 2 days).
Alternatively, you could visit the post office and pick it up within a 90-day period.
Is the EID process different for expats and UAE nationals?
While the purpose of the card remains the same, the process is slightly more straightforward for UAE Nationals or even GCC citizens, for that matter. The biggest differences are in
- Validity: Expat EIDs are valid depending on the visa validity and have to be renewed more frequently. For UAE nationals, the EID stays valid for 10 years, and 5 years for GCC citizens.
- Application: The process for UAE nationals is typically initiated through the family book and is managed by the ICP.
- Eligibility: All UAE nationals are automatically eligible, whereas expats need to have a valid UAE residence visa.
Emirates ID renewal, updates and cancellation
Renewal
Once your EID expires, residents have 30 days from the date of expiry to renew. Post that, you risk a late fee of AED 20 per day, which can go up to AED 1,000. While UAE nationals can apply for renewal anytime between six to one month before the card expiry, expats need to wait for the date of expiry.
In terms of fees and documents required, it’s almost identical as the initial Emirates ID application process.
Updating EID info
You cannot do it online; you will have to visit a Happiness Centre, details of which you can find on official websites.
Cancellation
If you’re moving out of the UAE, your EID should automatically get cancelled with your residence visa. However, it’s best to check with your employer/sponsor to ensure the cancellation process was completed. In some cases you might have to hand the EID back to the authorities before leaving as well.