Did you know that not having your Emirates ID can literally freeze your entrepreneurial ambitions by denying you access to bank accounts and rental agreements in Dubai? This biometric ID card is not just an administrative formality, but a mandatory requirement that validates your resident status and unlocks all government services in the United Arab Emirates. Discover now the practical steps to obtain this valuable pass, control the costs associated with your visa, and leverage its digital benefits for a smooth transition.
The Emirates ID: more than just a card, your key to Dubai
What exactly is the Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID is the official and mandatory identity card for all citizens and residents living in the United Arab Emirates. This vital document is managed directly by the ICP, the Federal Authority for Identity.
It is a secure smart card that incorporates your biometric data, including your fingerprints. It assigns you a unique 15-digit identification number that stays with 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.
Your key to life in the Emirates
Without this card, normal life in Dubai is simply impossible. It is the master key that opens all administrative doors.
It is becoming essential for validating even the most basic everyday actions. You will quickly realize that every service provider requires this document in order to provide you with even the smallest service.
- Open a bank account
- Accessing health services
- Enroll your children in school
- Rent an apartment or sign up for a subscription (phone, internet)
- Passing through eGates at airports in the UAE
Obtaining your Emirates ID: paths to residency
Now that you know how vital it is, let's see how to obtain it. The process is directly related to your residency status.
The residence visa, the first essential step
Let's be clear: the Emirates ID is inseparable from the residence visa. You simply cannot obtain one without the other. The validity of the card is strictly aligned with that of your visa.
There are various options for obtaining this status. You can be sponsored by an employer or take the initiative by setting up your own company. Others prefer toinvest in real estate in order to settle in the country. Family sponsorship also remains a classic solution for relatives.
Each sector has its own administrative requirements. This is where expert support makes all the difference in ensuring you don't get lost.
The specific steps involved in the application process
The procedure follows a strict logic. Once the residence visa has been approved, the Emirates ID application can officially begin.
Two physical steps are then mandatory: the medical fitness test to prove that you are in good health. Next, you must go to an ICP center to have your biometric data taken, including a photo and fingerprints.
- Completed application form (online or via an authorized center)
- 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?
The cost and validity of the Emirates ID depend on your status. For expatriates, the duration is strictly linked to that of the residence visa.
| Profile | Validity | Government cost (Issuance) | Service fee (Estimate)* | Approximate total |
| Expatriate Resident | Linked to visa (1, 2, 3, 5, or 10 years) | AED 100 per year of validity | ~40 to 70 AED | 140–170 AED (for 1 year) 240–270 AED (for 2 years) |
| UAE citizen (Local) | 5 or 10 years (your choice) | 100 AED (5 years) 200 AED (10 years old) | ~40 to 70 AED | ~$140–$170 (total for 5 years) ~$240–$270 (Total for 10 years) |
| GCC national | 5 years | 100 AED | ~40 to 70 AED | ~$140–$170 (total for 5 years) |
Important Notes on the Cost of the 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. Card Cost Breakdown (AED 100/year)
The cost shown in the table represents only the government fees for issuing the Emirates ID card (payable to the ICP – Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security).
Actual cost: The final amount paid always includes:
- Issuance fees (annual or flat rate).
- Service Fee: Approximately AED 40-70 (mandatory fee for using the Smart Services platform).
2. The Cost of Residence (Essential Distinction)
If you are a newcomer or renewing your residence visa, the total amount paid will be much higher (often between AED 3,000 and AED 4,500 for a 2-year visa). These fees include:
| Expenses | Description |
| Residence Visa | Entry fees, processing fees, and visa stamping fees on the passport (the most expensive part). |
| Medical Test | Mandatory health examination (Fitness Test) at a Department of Health (DHA or DoH) center. |
| Service Fees (PRO) | Fees paid to the company, agent, or typing center to handle all administrative procedures. |
Renewal, loss, or theft: the right reflexes
The ICP notifies residents of renewal by text message. For residents, this step is simply synchronized with visa renewal.
Please note: renew within 30 days of expiration to avoid fines. After this period, penalties will accrue daily.
In case of loss or theft, report it immediately to the ICP center to deactivate the card. Replacement costs approximately AED 300. Find out more about the entire process of obtaining your Emirates ID here.
Beyond plastic: Emirates ID in the digital age
But the Emirates ID is no longer just a piece of plastic. It has become a powerful digital tool that makes life even easier.
Your ID card on your smartphone
You may not be aware of this, but a physical card is not always necessary in everyday life. The digital version is an official, certified copy that can be accessed instantly. It sits in your pocket, ready to prove your identity without having to rummage through your wallet.
This digital version is deeply rooted in the UAE's digital ecosystem. Via the UAE Pass app, it acts as your digital signature and indisputable national ID. It's much more than just a scan; it's your universal access key to local services.
- Via theUAEICP application
- Integrated into Apple Wallet
- Accessible via the UAE Pass app
- By generating a QR code from the ICP application
Rules to know to avoid trouble
Be careful not to make this common mistake, which could cost you dearly. It is strictly illegal for a company, whether an employer or a rental agency, to retain your physical ID card. They have the right to note down the details, but confiscating it is out of the question.
Has there been a change in your personal details? 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 will remain linked to you indefinitely.
The Emirates ID is the cornerstone of your move to Dubai. More than just a legal requirement, this document is the key to unlocking access to banking services, housing, and government services. Don't overlook this step: obtaining your ID quickly and in accordance with the rules is the first step to a successful expatriate experience in the Emirates.
Frequently asked questions :
What exactly is the Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID is the official and mandatory identity card for all residents and citizens of the United Arab Emirates. Issued by the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity), it is a secure smart card containing your biometric data and a unique 15-digit identification number that stays with you throughout your life as an expatriate.
How to obtain your Emirates ID?
Obtaining the card is directly linked to your residence visa. The procedure involves filling out an application form (online or through an authorized data entry center), undergoing a mandatory medical examination, and providing your biometric data (fingerprints and photo) at an ICP center. Once the visa has been validated, the card is issued.
How long does it take to obtain the card?
Under standard procedures, the card is usually issued within 48 hours of final approval and delivered within five business days. If you need to replace a lost card urgently, the "Fawri" service allows for issuance within 24 hours for an additional fee of AED 150.
How can I check the status of my Emirates ID application?
Tracking is fully digitalized. You can check the status of your application at any time on the ICP's "Smart Services" website or via their mobile app, simply by entering your application number. The system will tell you whether the card is being printed or has been shipped.
What access does this card provide on a daily basis?
It is your essential key to living in Dubai. The Emirates ID is required to open a bank account, rent accommodation, sign up for a phone plan, access healthcare, or even pay your electricity bills. It also serves as a secure digital signature for many contracts.
