Emirates ID: Complete 2025 Guide for Expats in Dubai and UAE

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The Emirates ID is your number 1 priority for settling peacefully in the Emirates. Here's what to remember:

1. Prepare your documents before your arrival
2. Make your online application as soon as possible
3. Track your file using digital tools
4. Anticipate renewal 60 days before expiration

What is the Emirates ID?

A modern and secure identity card

The Emirates ID is the official identity card of the United Arab Emirates. It's a biometric smart card that modernizes the country's identification system.

This smart card contains all your personal information. It serves as your official reference document to establish your identity and citizenship status in the Emirates.

In summary: the Emirates ID is your digital passport to all the country's services. It plays a fundamental role in the UAE's national security.

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Cutting-edge technology

This Emirati identity card uses advanced technology. It ensures security and prevents any falsification. Each card has a unique number that serves as the primary identifier for all your administrative procedures.

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Who must apply for it?

Simple rule: anyone living in the United Arab Emirates for more than three months must have an Emirates ID.

This concerns:

• Expats
• Permanent residents
• Emirati citizens
• Children (from a very young age)

The holder of this identity document benefits from complete access to numerous government services and private services in the country.

Special case: nationals of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries who establish their main residence in the UAE are also concerned. Resident status is determined by the federal authority for identity and citizenship, which issues all official identity cards.

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Why is the Emirates ID essential?

Without an Emirates ID, it's impossible to live normally in the Emirates. This biometric identity card is your key to accessing all government and commercial services.

The 8 essential uses

The Emirates ID allows you to:

• Identify yourself officially in all government agencies and private companies
• Access public services: hospitals, schools, federal administrations
• Open a bank account with any local financial institution
• Subscribe to a phone plan with all telecom operators
• Sign digitally your electronic transactions securely
• Rent accommodation and sign real estate contracts
• Obtain your Emirati driving license
• Pass customs controls at all entry points in the country

Other practical advantages

This identity card is also necessary to:

• Renew your residence visa
• Access government services online
• Benefit from numerous public services

Important: the Emirates ID is the only legal document recognized to establish your identity in the UAE.

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How to get an Emirates ID in 2025?

The 4 simple steps of the procedure

Good news: the procedure to get an Emirates ID card is now very simple. The digitalization of services has considerably accelerated the process.

Step 1: Check your status Make sure you have a valid residence visa. The Emirates ID can only be issued to people with legal resident status in the Emirates. You must also have your entry permit validated.

Step 2: Online application Go to the official ICA (Identity & Citizenship Authority) website: https://icp.gov.ae

On this platform, you can:

• Fill out the application form
• Upload your documents
• Track your file in real time

The service through which you can make your request is available 24/7.

Step 3: Biometric appointment Make an appointment at an approved service center or typing center. This step includes:

Step 4: Delivery by mail Wait during the processing of your file. Once your Emirates ID is ready, it will be sent to you by mail to the address indicated during your application.

Advantage: you can track your file in real time thanks to the digitalized process.

Documents to prepare

Here's the complete list of essential documents:

Mandatory documents:

1. Original passport with validity of at least 6 months
2. Residence visa currently valid
3. Recent identity photo meeting Emirates standards (can be taken on-site)
4. Professional or residential proof: work contract or proof of residence
5. Application form completed online

Possible additional documents:

• A certified copy of the visa (in some cases)
• Specific documents according to your nationality

Practical tip: call the service center before your appointment to verify that you have all the necessary documents. Data collection is crucial, and one missing document can delay your application.

For those who benefit from our specialized expat services, assistance in compiling this file is an integral part of our installation offer.

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Timeframe, cost and validity of the Emirates ID

How long to receive your card?

Standard timeframe: 7 to 10 working days after your biometric appointment.

This timeframe may be slightly extended during:

• High-demand periods
• System updates

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How to track your application?

Real-time tracking: you can check the status of your application 24/7.

Tip: you can get your number from immigration services if necessary.

Residents of Abu Dhabi and other emirates can access this service from anywhere in the UAE. The national data security council guarantees the protection of all your personal information.

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Official 2025 rates

Fees vary according to the chosen validity period:

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Important: these rates are fixed. They do not include possible service fees from private registration centers.

Advice: choose a validity period corresponding to that of your residence visa. This avoids administrative complications.

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Validity and renewal

Basic rule: the validity period of your Emirates ID depends on your residence status.

Practical examples:

• Employed expats: validity aligned with work contract
• Investors and free zone residents: longer periods possible

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Renewal procedure

Crucial timing: renewal must be done at least 30 days before expiration.

Process: the renewal procedure follows the same steps as the initial application, but with a generally shorter timeframe.

Consequences of delay:

• Fines
• Significant administrative complications

Payment: renewal fees can be paid online or directly at a service center.

Official recommendation: the federal authority recommends starting your procedures at least 60 days in advance. If you need assistance, many service centers are available to help you with your renewal application.

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Emirates ID for expats: what you need to know

Differences according to your status

Employed expats:

• Generally simplified process
• Possible assistance from employer in procedures
• Validity aligned with work contract

Self-employed workers and entrepreneurs:

• Mandatory individual procedures
• Residence status maintenance to monitor carefully
• Avoid any problems with Emirates ID

Special cases

Free zone residents:

• Specific procedures
• Often managed directly by zone activity authorities
• Sometimes different process from general regime

Golden visa or investor visa holders:

• Longer validity periods
• Accelerated processes
• Specific advantages

Family situation

Children under 15:

• Free Emirates ID
• Mandatory renewal every 5 years
• Simplified procedures

Spouses and dependent children:

• Same procedure as main applicant
• Dependence on sponsor status
• Coordination of validities recommended

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What to do in case of loss or error?

Loss or theft of your Emirates ID

Immediate reaction: report the incident to competent authorities as soon as possible.

Steps to follow:

1. Report the loss quickly (avoid any fraudulent use)
2. Make a replacement request
3. Pay additional fees (approximately 200 AED)

Who manages the process: the federal authority for identity and citizenship handles all replacement requests.

Important: customs controls and other security services must be informed to update their data systems.

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Modification of personal information

Mandatory timeframe: you have 30 days to report any change.

Changes concerned:

• Residential address
• Marital status
• Other personal information

Update methods:

• Online via official platforms
• Directly at an approved registration center

Why it's crucial: these modifications ensure that your card remains valid and that all your data is up to date.

For expats discovering the subtleties of life in Dubai, particularly regarding housing and rents, keeping this information updated avoids any administrative problems.

The national database must reflect your current situation so you can continue to benefit from all government services.

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Useful links and resources

Essential official sites

ICP UAE (https://icp.gov.ae)

• Main site for all your Emirates ID procedures
• Online applications available 24/7
• Real-time file tracking

DubaiNow Application

• Available on iOS and Android
• Numerous services related to Emirates ID
• Simple and intuitive interface

UAE Pass (https://uaepass.ae)

• Single portal for all government services
• Secure digital identification
• Simplified access to your procedures

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Service centers

Many service centers are distributed throughout all emirates to assist you with your procedures.

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Frequently asked questions about Emirates ID

For tourists

Is Emirates ID mandatory for tourists? No. Short-stay visitors are not concerned.

This obligation only concerns long-term residents (more than 3 months).

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Procedures from abroad

Can you apply from abroad? No. You must be physically present in the Emirates with a valid residence visa to make your initial application.

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Difference with visa

Is it the same as a visa? No, these are two distinct but complementary documents:

• The visa: authorizes your stay in the country
• The Emirates ID: serves as official identification on the territory

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For real estate rental

Do you need it to rent accommodation? Yes. Most landlords and real estate agencies require a valid Emirates ID to sign a rental contract.

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Tracking your application

How to check the status of your Emirates ID? Several options are available to you:

• Online: ICA website with your application number
• By SMS: automatic notifications at key stages
• Real-time tracking: feature available 24/7

This functionality allows complete tracking of your file from submission to receipt.

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For entrepreneurs, our step-by-step guide on setting up a company in Dubai covers everything you need to know.

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