What is Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is an identity card issued by Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security-ICP. It is a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents to apply for one and carry it with them at all times. The Emirates ID is used:
- to get government services
- to vote in the elections of Federal National Council
- as a travel document for UAE citizens to travel within the GCC as a document
- to pass immigration through the eGates and smart gates at several airports in the UAE.
As per ICP, it is against the law to seize the Emirates ID card of other people. Companies are not allowed to withhold the Emirates ID cards of their employees or their customers and visitors. They are only allowed to take the personal data on the ID cards. In case of violation, cardholders should refer the case to the judicial authorities.
Renewing Emirates ID
When can you renew your emirates ID?
The time limit to renew an expired ID card is 30 days from the date of expiry, after which late fines will apply. Note that after the Emirates ID expires, the ID holder must apply for its renewal. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) will send you a notification via SMS requesting you to renew your ID card.
You can apply for the ID card renewal service:
- at the website of ICP,
- or through ICP App on Google Play, App Store and Huawei,
- or through an accredited typing centre.
You might need to visit one of ICP’s service centres to provide your 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.
Foreigners are entitled to obtain the card after receiving a residence visa, which in this country is used instead of a residence permit. This ID is used to verify identity, provide access to government services, and other rights.
Is Emirates ID a residence permit or not?
In fact, the document itself is not a residence permit, but it is issued only after one has been granted. All residents (that is, foreigners with legal residence rights), citizens of the UAE, and passport holders of other countries are required to obtain an Emirates ID.
Updating details on Emirates ID
According to Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP), the Emirates ID card holder must report any change in his/her details of the card to the competent department in ICP within one month from the date of change. Apply to modify / update any details related to an existing and valid ID card. This applies to Emirates ID cards issued to nationals and expatriate residents.
When making investments, a foreigner can obtain a residence visa immediately for 10 years. The invested capital must be owned personally by the applicant and not in the form of credit funds. At the visa application stage, the investor will need to provide a letter from an accredited investment fund confirming a deposit of at least AED 2,000,000 (approx. USD 544,600), or hold a valid license for a company that proves ownership of a similar amount of capital. A third option is to be an owner or partner in a company that pays the government at least AED 250,000 (approx. USD 68,075) annually.
A foreigner has the right to relocate after registering a business in the UAE — either on the mainland (so-called mainland company) or in a free economic zone. An entrepreneur may apply for a Golden Visa or a regular residence visa. In both cases, a license is required, but Golden Visa applicants additionally need approval from an accredited business incubator and auditor to assess the project. Furthermore, to qualify for a Golden Visa, the planned activity must be innovative, and the company’s value must be at least AED 500,000 (USD 136,145). The regular business residence visa option is simpler and more attractive since it does not have such requirements.
Specialists can provide assistance in company registration as well as in obtaining a residence visa and Emirates ID afterwards.
Another option to obtain UAE residency and Emirates ID through investment is by purchasing property in the country. This may be one property or several, but the total value must be at least AED 2,000,000 (USD 544,000). In this case, the visa is issued for 5 years.
A quick and affordable way to obtain UAE residency is to form a partnership in a mainland company. The applicant only needs to meet general minimum requirements; knowledge of the language is not mandatory, and the procedure can be completed within 3 weeks. The residence visa is issued immediately for 2 years, and no investments are required except for payment of standard government fees.
There is also a comprehensive solution for obtaining Emirates ID through business registration — the company iWorld provides professional support throughout the process.
A standard residence visa can be obtained by foreigners who have a job in the UAE in either the private or government sector. The application for the permit is submitted by the employer. The right to reside is granted for 2 years. Highly qualified specialists with higher education and a monthly salary of at least AED 15,000 (USD 4,085) can obtain a 5-year Green Visa.
Specialists working in the fields of IT or media, holding creative professions, or providing consulting services may obtain UAE residency on this basis. A freelance residence visa is issued for up to 2 years. The main advantage is that no mandatory financial investment is required; the applicant only needs to pay government fees.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Obtaining Emirates ID
The process of obtaining Emirates ID includes three stages:
Submitting the application.
The responsible authority for issuing ID cards is the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP). Applicants can complete and submit the application on the official website of the authority or through an accredited typing center. For online applications, the applicant must register on the platform to gain access to all forms and document checklists. At this stage, the government fee is also paid — the system provides details on available payment methods.
Providing biometric data.
To obtain Emirates ID, biometric data must be submitted. For this purpose, the applicant needs to visit a specialized ICP service center. These centers are located across different emirates, so the applicant can choose the most convenient one. After submitting the application, further instructions are provided, and the applicant receives SMS updates from the authority with the next steps — one of which will indicate when and how fingerprinting can be done.
Tracking the process and receiving the card.
The standard processing time is 5 days. The ICP website has a function for tracking the status of the application. An urgent service is also available, which issues an Emirates ID within 24 hours; however, this is only available to UAE and GCC citizens, and to residents only if they are requesting a replacement (not their first Emirates ID). Depending on how the application was submitted, the ready card can be delivered by mail or collected in person at a service center.
If you are ready to obtain an Emirates ID card, Fidustria will assist you every step of the way — from submitting your application to successful approval.