To get an Emirates ID in the UAE, start the application after your residence visa is stamped. You can apply online via the ICA website or offline at a typing or Amer center. Submit required documents, complete biometrics, and pay the applicable fees. The standard processing time is 7–10 business days. For urgent needs, the Fawri service provides the ID within 24–48 hours. You’ll be notified via SMS when your Emirates ID is ready for collection or home delivery.

How to Get an Emirates ID in UAE – 2025 Updated Guide

Having plans to live in the UAE requires an Emirates ID card as one of your essential documents. All residents, together with citizens, need this important identification card, which ensures admission to public services and bank accessibility along with domestic travel in the UAE. The following guide demonstrates how to acquire an Emirates ID in the UAE through detailed instructions about the identification system and its significance. 

You will gain knowledge about the application choices for an Emirates ID alongside necessary paperwork processing durations and status verification advice. This guide presents detailed information about Emirates ID acquisition through straightforward explanations that are accessible to all readers.

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What is an Emirates ID?

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship in UAE issues official identity cards that have the name Emirates ID. The Emirates ID functions beyond standard ID identification because the country requires it to operate services and execute legal obligations. The Emirates ID card presents official identification data with its 15-digit number and personal information and stored biometric elements, including fingerprints and facial recognition information.

The Emirates national identity card serves as the official identification document of the nation, and it receives its name from the country because of its status.

Why is the Emirates ID Important?

The Emirates ID is crucial because it is tied to almost every aspect of life in the UAE. Here are some of the Emirates ID benefits that make this card a must-have:

1. Proof of Identity: It is the primary means of identifying yourself in all official transactions.
2. Access to Services: Government services such as healthcare, education, and social benefits all require the Emirates ID.
3. Banking and Financial Transactions: Opening a bank account and applying for loans will require you to show your Emirates ID.
4. Travel: For UAE citizens, the Emirates ID can even be used as a travel document within GCC countries.
5. Legal and Regulatory Requirements: Not having your Emirates ID can lead to fines, detention, or even deportation. Always carry it with you.

Eligibility and Documents Needed

You need to check your eligibility status before starting the application procedure for an Emirates ID. All UAE nationals, together with residents and both expatriates and GCC nationals, must undergo mandatory Emirates ID application. Your status determines which documents you precisely need to submit.

A. For UAE Citizens

• For UAE citizens, there exists a basic requirement to provide an Original Family Book when applying.
• Birth Certificate: Necessary for newborns.
• A fresh passport photograph with a white backdrop has to measure precisely 4.5 x 3.5 centimeters.

B. For Expatriates

• Your passport requires both validity and a proper residency visa for acceptance.
• The Residency Permit and Entry Permit must maintain their active status.
• Passport-Sized Photo: Adhere to the required size and background.
• Birth Certificate (if under 15): In addition to your parent’s ID or passport.

C. For GCC Nationals

• Valid Passport: Essential for identification.
• GCC card: Other Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council need this card if they reach the age of 21. Young individuals under the age of 21 might need their parents to present their GCC cards.
• Proof of Residence: contains valid trade licenses, employment certificates and certificate of enrollment.

Two Methods for How to Apply an Emirates ID

Application for Emirates ID proceeds through both offline channels and online channels. Choose the offline or online approach to apply for an Emirates ID by following the step-by-step procedure below.

Method 1: Apply Offline for Emirates ID 

Step 1: Visit an Accredited Typing Center or Service Center

You can go to a defined centre after processing your residency visa. You need to present your passport together with your residency documents and the required images.

Step 2: Fill Out the Application Form

Users should complete and submit the Emirates ID application form that the centre provides. Users need to supply their identity information and passport data in the necessary sections of the form.

Step 3: Provide Your Biometric Data

Depending on your status, you should visit an ICP centre to give your biometric data, which includes fingerprint scanning and taking your facial image.

Step 4: Payment of Fees

Payment amounts depend on the card validity period and any choice of express processing. The cost of obtaining a one-year visa stands at AED 170 for UAE citizens and AED 100 annually for foreign residents, whereas the two-year visa fees amount to AED 270. Users should be aware that express service encompasses additional fees which will be applied to your payment.

Step 5: Receive SMS Notification

When the application processing finishes, the system will send you a text message. You need to go to the post office or service centre identified for the collection of your Emirates ID.

Method 2: Apply Online Emirates ID Application Process

Step 1: Create an Account

Users must access the official Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website. You must register on the official website using both your email address and UAE mobile number.

Step 2: Prepare Your Documents Digitally

Place digital scans of your present Emirates ID (if you have one), passport, plus residency permit on record. You need to maintain a recently taken passport photo on hand.

Step 3: Fill Out the Online Application Form

Provide exact personal data when you complete the online application form. You must examine your written entries twice to prevent application delays.

Step 4: Make Payment Online

Pay the application costs through a credit card or an approved payment option. An online application costs AED 100 per year of validity during the payment process.

Step 5: Visit an EIDA Branch for Biometrics

Consumers need to check their mailbox for an SMS notification which directs them to an EIDA office to complete their biometric fingerprint capture.

Step 6: Collection of Your Emirates ID

Finally, your Emirates ID will be delivered through local postal services once the processing stage ends. You need to present your passport and application form to collect your Emirates ID card.

How to Check Your Emirates ID Status

After submitting your application, it’s important to track its progress to stay informed and avoid delays. Here’s how you can check your Emirates ID status:

A. Online via the ICA eServices Portal

• Visit the official ICA eServices website.
• Log in using your account credentials.
• Navigate to the ID application status section to view real-time updates on your Emirates ID process.

B. Using the ICA Mobile App

• Download and open the ICA UAE Smart app.
• Log in and access your application details.
• The app provides updated information and also sends SMS notifications regarding your application.

C. Check Status Using Your Passport Number

• Go to the status check section on the ICA portal.
• Enter your passport number to track your Emirates ID application.
• This method offers a convenient alternative if you don’t have your application number.

Why Monitoring Your Application Matters

Keeping an eye on your application status helps you:

• Stay updated on processing progress.
• Quickly respond to any issues or delays.
• Be prepared for the next steps, like biometric appointments or collection.

Emirates ID Renewal and Updating Personal Details

Emirates ID Validity

The Emirates ID is typically valid for two years for UAE residents. It is essential to keep your information up to date and renew your card before it expires.

A. Renewal Process

1. Receive Renewal Notification

   • You will receive an SMS notification from the authorities with the expiration date of your card.

2. Initiate Renewal

   • You can renew your Emirates ID through the ICA website, mobile app, or by visiting accredited typing centres.

3. Provide Updated Biometric Data (if required)

   • In some cases, you may be asked to visit an ICP centre to resubmit your biometric data.

4. Pay Renewal Fees

   • Fees vary depending on your visa type and duration.

5. Collect Your Renewed Emirates ID

   • The collection process is the same as that for a new card.

B. Updating Personal Details

If there is a change in your address or civil status, you must update your Emirates ID within one month. Follow these steps:

1. Visit an ICP Centre or Use the Online Portal

   • Submit an announcement form along with supporting documents (e.g., new passport, marriage certificate).

2. Submit Your Application

   • A fee is applicable, and you must complete the necessary steps to update your card.

Taking timely action ensures that your Emirates ID remains active and accurate.

What to Do if You Lose Your Emirates ID

Losing your Emirates ID can be a burden, but knowing these steps can help ease your anxiety:  

A. Report Immediately: 

• If you lose your card or it has been stolen, the first thing you should do is go to the police. Don’t wait before informing them; let them know right away!  

B. Inform the Authorities:

• Go to the ICP Customer Happiness Center and make an official loss report. Without this step, your identity document will remain active, and a third party may abuse it.  

C. Apply for a Replacement:

• You can complete the form whether you are online or at a service centre. As with everything, you will have to make payment for it, and it will cost around AED 300, along with extra charges if paid at a typing centre.  

D. Submit Your Biometric Data (if required):

• Just like the first time you fill out the application, you’ll need to provide some biometric details to validate whom you’re trying to impersonate.  

E. Track and Collect Your New Card:

• Once you place the application for the replacement Emirates ID, you can track the online status and whether it is ready for collection or not. You will be notified once it is completed.  

Follow these specified steps to avoid being a potential fraud victim or incurring legal problems after losing your Emirates ID.

Legal Rules and Penalties for Not Having an Emirates ID

Emiratis or holders of foreign nationalities living in the UAE region are mandated by law to not only have their Emirates ID but also carry it with them during any activities in the country. The following policies highlight the most important aspects of the ID policy and the accompanying consequences:

A. Mandatory Carry:

• Emirati citizens and foreigners residing in the UAE are required, by law, to carry the identification above during any form of domestic travel as well as while engaging in daily activities or chores.

B. Penalties for Non-Compliance:

• Without a compliance mandate being set out for Emirates ID holders, they may face fines, severe punishment, and even expulsion from the country as a worst-case scenario. To prevent such scenarios, the ID must always be kept at all times.

C. Regular Updates:

• Revisions of information such as addresses or names put on the ID must be done as fast as possible. Such changes always need to be accompanied by formal ID and pose a systematic threat to renewals of the multi-purpose identification document.

These rules should be followed accordingly for the proper equilibrium and legislation of the UAE.

Integrating Your Emirates ID with Business Setup in UAE

For business people and entrepreneurs, the Emirates ID is indispensable in creating your business identity. This is especially relevant if you are involved in open a business in Dubai, Business setup in UAE, or even business setup in free zone areas. Let’s examine how it relates to your business needs. 

A. Essential for Business Registration:

• One of the initial tasks when starting a business is acquiring the relevant documentation. An active Emirates ID is required to open a bank account, fulfil legal prerequisites, and obtain access to government services through digital platforms.  

B. Smooth Transactions:

• Your Emirates ID enables easy identification during numerous financial transactions, which boosts your credibility and trust with banks and other service providers. 

C. Role in Company Formation:  

• For company formation in Dubai, Emirates ID serves as the primary identification document verifying you as a legally existing entity. It improves your compliance with local laws, and the process of obtaining several licenses is relatively hassle-free.

D. Consultant Guidance:

• Application of the Emirates ID will be conducted in parallel with the rest of your business documents. Your consultants will guide you through the process if you are working with business setup consultants in Dubai.

Frequently Asked Questions 

Q1: How long does it take to get an Emirates ID?

A: Around 7 to 10 working days for processing, which sums up to roughly two weeks, but there are options for quicker processing in urgent cases.  

Q2: What should I do if I lose my Emirates ID?

A: You first need to inform the police of the lost ID, then go to your closest service centre to fill out the application for a replacement.  

Q3: What are the penalties for not having an Emirates ID?

A: Being caught without your Emirates ID may warrant Fines, detention, or even deportation.  

Q4: What documents do I need for an Emirates ID application?

A: Each application has its own set of unique criteria depending on your status, like a passport and a residency permit, alongside a set of supporting documents such as passport-size pictures and a family book or birth certificate.

Q5: How can I check my Emirates ID status?

A: You can access it through the ICA eServices portal or its dedicated mobile application. Additionally, some systems permit checking your Emirates ID status using a passport number.

Conclusion

For residents, workers, or business owners in the UAE, receiving an Emirates ID is considered necessary. This guide comprehensively details the entire process, starting with what an Emirates ID is and its significance in applying for it online or offline. It also provides explanations on the processing times, checks the card’s status, and tells you what to do in case the card gets misplaced.

Do not forget that the Emirates ID enables the affirmation of your identity while providing government services, banking, and a range of other services. If you are considering a business setup in Dubai or even a Business Setup in UAE for freezone, the Emirates ID is crucial for the success of your business and its formation. With consultants in Dubai who specialize in business setup alongside guides on Company formation in Dubai, all phases, from obtaining your ID to including it in your business processes, can be made effortless and efficient.