In the UAE, the Emirates ID has become an essential piece of identification for both citizens and residents alike.
This small, plastic card contains a wealth of information, including the cardholder’s name, photograph, date of birth, and residency status.
Applying for an Emirates ID in five minutes
You can apply for or renew an Emirates ID via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) website, or through the ICP App on Google Play, App Store and Huawei, or through an accredited typing centre. Using the website is a quick process that can take a little as five minutes.
The UAE has sought to implement numerous layers of digital governance in a bid to increase efficiency and improve the service for customers.
Late last year, the country ranked among the top five in the world for digital government implementation. The five-minute online application process for the Emirates ID is one example of the UAE simplifying government processes for citizens.
After the application has been sent, ICP will then need to process the physical ID card.
According to the ICP, here’s how long it takes to receive the physical ID card after applying or renewing it:
| Service Channel | Service channel availability | Time to complete the service after its requirements are completed |
| Smart Services System (Website/Mobile App) | 7 days a week; 24 hours | 5 Days |
| Typing Centers | As per working hours | 5 Days |
If you are opting to apply or renew your Emirates ID through one of the customer care centres, this is how long it will take you to receive your physical card:
| Service Channel | Service channel availability | Service time and waiting in the center | Time to complete the service after its requirements are completed |
| Customer Happiness Centers | As per working hours | Waiting 5m – Transaction 9m | 24hours |
That being said, here’s how you can apply for an Emirates ID:
- Register yourself on the ICP website or sign in with the Green Pass
- Apply and pay fees
- Take fingerprint and signature
- Issue residency
- Receive Emirates ID
These are the documents required, according to the ICP website:
| UAE nationals | GCC nationals | Residents/Expatriates |
| ِ1. Personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background for all age groups. | 1. A valid passport 2. A GCC ID card that is valid for those who are over 21 years old, or for one of the parents for those who are under 21 years old. 3. A personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background for all age groups. 4. Original birth certificate, passport of one of the parents or Emirates ID for those under 15 years old. 5. The original of the agency certificate for the person acting on behalf of the customer in the event that the person concerned was not present and the application was submitted by a third party 6. Show one of the documents below to prove residency within the countryOriginal document proving kinship with a citizen up to the third degree, such as family book – birth certificate – marriage contract. and the like, in addition to the original identification documents of the citizen (family book – passport – identity card) 7. The original valid trade license. 8. The original ownership of a residential or commercial property. 9. The original certificate of continuity of study from one of the schools, colleges or universities accredited in the country. 10. The original work certificate issued by one of the government institutions in the country for workers in the government sector. 11. A work contract certified by the Ministry of Emiratisation and Human Resources for workers in the private sector. 12. Proof of the customer’s residence for the children by one of the documents described above belonging to him, one of the parents. | 1. A valid passport. 2. A permit to issue a valid residence permit, a residence origin under renewal procedures, or a valid residence permit for those who did not issue an identity card when issuing the residence permit. 3. A personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background for all age groups. 4. Original birth certificate, passport of one of the parents or Emirates ID for those under 15 years old. 5. The original of the agency certificate for the person acting on behalf of the customer in the event that the person concerned is not present and the application is submitted by other party. |
Emirates ID fees
The fees for UAE nationals are:
- AED100: Card issuance fee for five years
- AED200: Fees for issuing a card for ten years
- AED50: Service fee
- AED30: Typing Center fee
- AED150: Fees for urgent service, which are carried out at customer happiness centers
The fees for GCC nationals:
- AED100: Card issuance fee for five years.
- AED50: Service fee
- AED30: Typing Center fee
- AED150: Fees for urgent service, which are carried out at customer happiness centers
The fees for residents/expats:
- AED100 (depending on the period of years): Card issuance fee for five years.
- AED50: Service fee
- AED30: Typing Center fee
- AED150: fees for urgent service, which are carried out at customer happiness centers
The documents required and cost of renewing an Emirates ID is the same as applying for a new one.
Renewing an Emirates ID
However, the Emirates ID has an expiry date.
The time limit to renew an expired ID card is 30 days from the date of expiry, after which late fines will apply, according to information shared by the official UAE government portal.
Note that after the Emirates ID expires, the ID holder must apply for its renewal. The ICP will also send a notification via SMS requesting them to renew their ID card.
As per the website, individuals may need to visit one of ICP’s service centres to provide their biometric details.
How early can the Emirates ID be renewed?
- UAE nationals can apply for renewal of Emirates ID between six and one month before the expiry date.
- UAE residence visa holders can only apply for renewal when their residence visa is renewed or reissued.
Why is an Emirates ID important?
Originally introduced in 2004, the Emirates ID was designed to improve the accuracy and efficiency of government services, as well as to enhance national security.
Today, the card is mandatory for all residents of the UAE over the age of 15, and failure to obtain one can result in hefty fines and even deportation.
The process of obtaining an Emirates ID can be relatively straightforward, but it does require some effort on the part of the applicant.
Benefits of an Emirates ID
The benefits of the Emirates ID are numerous. For one, it streamlines many government processes, making it easier for residents to access services such as healthcare, education, and social security.
Additionally, the card is a crucial tool in combating identity theft and fraud, as it contains several layers of security features that make it difficult to replicate.
Today, the Emirates ID remains a central component of life in the UAE. As the country continues to modernise and innovate, it is likely that the card will play an increasingly important role in the years to come.
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