Did you know that the absence of your emirates id can literally freeze your entrepreneurial ambitions by denying you access to bank accounts and rental contracts in Dubai? This biometric identity card is not a simple administrative formality, but the compulsory pillar which validates your residency status and unlocks all government services in the United Arab Emirates. Find out straight away how to obtain this precious sesame, control the costs associated with your visa and make the most of its digital advantages to help you settle in without the slightest friction.
Emirates ID: more than just a card, it's your ticket to Dubai
What exactly is Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID represents the official and compulsory identity card for all citizens and residents living in the United Arab Emirates. This vital document is managed directly by the ICP, the Federal Identity Authority.
This is a secure smart card that integrates your biometric data, including your fingerprints. It gives you a a unique 15-digit identification number that follows you for life and serves as proof of legal residence.
The law requires you to carry it with you at all times. It is the basis of your existence in the government system.
The master key to your life in the Emirates
Without this card, a normal life in Dubai is simply impossible. It is the master key that opens all administrative doors.
It has become indispensable for validating the most basic everyday actions. You'll soon realise that each service provider requires this document to provide you with any service at all.
- Opening a bank account
- Access to health services
- Registering your children at school
- Renting a flat or taking out a subscription (telephone, internet)
- Passing through the eGates in UAE airports
Getting your Emirates ID: the road to residency
Now that you know how vital it is, let's look at how to get it. Visit process is directly linked to your residency status.
The residence visa, the first essential step
Let's be straightforward: Emirates ID is inseparable from the residence visa. You simply can't get one without the other. The validity of the card is strictly aligned with that of your visa.
Options for achieving this status are varied. You can be sponsored by an employer or take the lead by setting up his company. Others opt for the’property investment to set up in business. Family sponsorship also remains a classic solution for relatives.
Each sector has its own specific administrative requirements. This is where a expert support makes the difference so you don't get lost.
The practical stages of the application
The procedure follows an implacable logic. Once the residence visa has been approved, the Emirates ID application can officially begin.
Two physical steps are then required A medical fitness test to prove that you are in good health. Next, you need to go to an ICP centre to have your biometric data taken, including photo and fingerprints.
- Completed application form (online or via an approved centre)
- Original passport
- Valid residence visa
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Costs, validity and management of your card
How much does it cost and for how long?
Le cost and validity of the Emirates ID depends on your status. For expatriates, the duration is strictly linked to that of the residence visa.
| Profile | Validity | Government cost (Issue) | Service charges (estimate)* | Approximate total |
| Resident Expatriate | Linked to visa (1, 2, 3, 5 or 10 years) | 100 AED per year of validity | ~40 to 70 AED | 140 - 170 AED (for 1 year) 240 - 270 AED (for 2 years) |
| Citizen EAU (Local) | 5 or 10 years (your choice) | 100 AED (5 years) 200 AED (10 years) | ~40 to 70 AED | ~140 - 170 AED (Total 5 years) ~240 - 270 AED (Total 10 years) |
| GCC national | 5 years | 100 AED | ~40 to 70 AED | ~140 - 170 AED (Total 5 years) |
Important notes on the cost of Emirates ID
It is crucial to distinguish between the direct cost of the identity card (Emirates ID) and the total cost of the UAE residency procedure.
1. Composition of the Cost of the Card (AED 100/year)
The cost shown in the table represents only the government issue costs Emirates ID card (payable to ICP - Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security).
Actual cost : The final amount paid always includes :
- Issuing costs (price per year or flat rate).
- Service charge : Approximately AED 40-70 (compulsory fee for using the Smart Services platform).
2. Cost of residence (essential distinction)
If you are a newcomer or if you are renewing your residence visa, the total amount paid will be much higher (often between 3,000 and 4,500 AED for a 2-year visa). These fees include :
| Fees | Description |
| Residence visa | Fees for entry, processing and stamping the visa in the passport (the most expensive part). |
| Medical Test | Compulsory health examination (Fitness Test) at a Health Authority centre (DHA or DoH). |
| Service Charge (PRO) | Fees paid to the company, agent or Typing Centre to manage all the administrative procedures. |
Renewal, loss or theft: the right reflexes
ICP notifies renewal by SMS. For residents, this stage is simply synchronised with visa renewal.
Please renew within 30 days of expiry for avoid fines. After this time, penalties start to accrue daily.
In the event of loss or theft, report it immediately to the ICP centre to deactivate the card. The replacement costs around AED 300. Click here the whole process of obtaining your Emirates ID.
Beyond plastic: Emirates ID in the digital age
But the Emirates ID is no longer just a piece of plastic. It has become a a powerful digital tool that makes life even simpler.
Your identity card in your smartphone
You may not have realised it, but a physical card is not always necessary in everyday life. The digital version is a true and official copy, accessible by the second. It sleeps in your pocket, ready to prove your identity without having to search your wallet.
This paperless version is deeply rooted in the Emirates' digital ecosystem. Via the UAE Pass application, it acts as a your digital signature and unique national identifier. It's much more than just a scan; it's your universal access key to local services.
- Via the’UAEICP application
- Integrated into Apple Wallet
- Accessible via the UAE Pass application
- Visit generating a QR code from the ICP application
The rules you need to know to avoid trouble
Don't make this common mistake, which could cost you dearly. It is strictly illegal for a company, whether an employer or a letting agency, to retain your physical identity card. They have the right to note the details, but the confiscation is out of the question.
Has your personal data changed? You have exactly one month to report this to the ICP. Finally, if you cancel your visa, the card must be returned to the authorities, although your identification number remains linked to you indefinitely.
Emirates ID is the the cornerstone of your installation in Dubai. More than a simple legal obligation, this document is the essential key to unlock access banking services, housing and administration. Don't neglect this stage: obtaining it quickly and correctly marks the beginning of your career. the first success of your expatriation in the Emirates.
Frequently asked questions :
What exactly is Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is the official and compulsory identity card for all residents and citizens of the United Arab Emirates. Issued by the ICP (Federal Identity Authority), it is a secure smart card containing your biometric data and a unique 15-digit identification number that follows you throughout your expatriate life.
How do I get my Emirates ID?
Obtaining the card is directly linked to your residence visa. The procedure involves filling in an application form (online or via an approved entry centre), passing a compulsory medical test, and providing your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an ICP centre. Once the visa has been validated, the card is issued.
How long does it take to obtain a card?
In standard procedure, the cards are generally issued within 48 hours after final approval and delivered within 5 working days. If you need to replace a lost card urgently, the «Fawri» service can be issued within 24 hours for an additional charge of AED 150.
How do I check the status of my Emirates ID application?
Monitoring is entirely digital. You can now check the progress of your application at any time on the ICP «Smart Services» website or via their mobile application, simply by using your application number. The system will tell you whether the card is being printed or dispatched.
What access does this card provide on a day-to-day basis?
It's your essential sesame to live in Dubai. The Emirates ID is required to open a bank account, rent accommodation, take out a telephone subscription, access healthcare or pay electricity bills. It also serves as a secure digital signature for many contracts.
