Emirates ID is an UAE ID that all citizens and residents of the Emirates must obtain. A plastic card with an electronic chip stores basic data, biometrics and a photo of the owner, as well as information about the duration of their resident visa and the type of medical insurance.

The ID can be used to open a bank account, get a driver’s license, pay utility bills, and etc. From June 2021, the Emirates began issuing a new Emirates ID. In this post, you will find what are its main differences and how to get an Emirates ID in the UAE today.

Contents:

• • Emirates ID Updates
• • What is an Emirates ID for?
• • Emirates ID Documents
• • Emirates ID procedure
• • Electronic Emirates ID
• • Emirates ID renewal and extension
  • - Extension
  • - Emirates ID replacement
  • - Data update
  • - Emirates ID Cancellation
• • How can we help?

Emirates ID Updates

The updated Emirates ID has enhanced security features to protect citizens from fraud and identity loss. Five new Emirates ID features:

1. • Data is read only through the state e-link system. They are not visible to third parties or organizations.
2. • High-capacity chip with contactless reading.
3. • 3D photo with laser printed date of birth.
4. • Additional fields that indicate the holder’s profession, the population group to which they belong, and the authority that issued the certificate.
5. • The material of the card is polycarbonate, which makes it more durable and reliable as it can last more than 10 years.

In addition, applicants will not have to pay more: the cost of issuing a new Emirates ID card has remained the same.

What is an Emirates ID for?

UAE citizens and residents are required by law to obtain an Emirates ID and carry it with them at all times. Everyone must have their card, including children and newborns. The certificate allows you to:

• • verify your identity;
• • Receive all government and many non-government services, including:
  • - opening a bank account in the UAE;
  • - renting or purchasing property in Dubai and other emirates;
  • - applying for a driver’s license;
  • - registering the vehicle;
  • - paying a fine;
  • - connecting / paying for utility services, telephone, internet.
• • pass through immigration control through eGates and smart gates at several airports in the UAE and much more.

In addition, UAE nationals can use their ID to travel around the Gulf countries. Otherwise, the Emirates ID card issued to foreigners has the same functionality as that of local residents. Note that in the UAE it is illegal to confiscate someone else’s Emirates ID under any pretext. Companies do not have the right to take the IDs of their employees, customers, or visitors. Otherwise, cardholders need to go to court.

Emirates ID Documents

You can easily get an Emirates ID, but first you need to prepare the required documents:

• • a valid international passport;
• • a resident visa (when a new Emirates ID is issued, the visa is immediately stamped on the card without any stickers in the passport);
• • a photo (4.5×3.5 cm) on a white background;
• • for children under 15: a birth certificate and mother’s or father’s passport.

Nationals of the Gulf countries need a similar set of papers, but instead of a visa, they can provide a Gulf card. An agent, employer or dependent visa sponsor can issue an Emirates ID for the person they represent.

Emirates ID procedure

If you are applying for an Emirates ID for the first time, you must complete the following steps:

1. • Apply to the Federal Office of Identity and Citizenship (ICP). This can be done online through the ICP website or in person at one of the multifunctional Customer Happiness Centers.
2. • Pay your fees. The amount will depend on the validity of your visa, ranging from AED 170 ($50) for a 1-year visa to AED 1,070 ($290) for a 10-year golden visa.
3. • Wait for an SMS confirming your request and notifying you that you must visit the CHC for biometric verification.
4. • Visit the Customer Happiness Center for a biometric scan.
5. • Wait. The status of the application can be tracked on the ICP website using the track number, which will also be sent via SMS.
6. • Get your Emirates ID. When the card is ready, you will again receive an SMS with information about the post office where you can pick it up. Please note that the ID must be obtained within 90 days or it will be disposed of.

On average, the Emirates ID process for expats takes 5-10 business days.

Electronic Emirates ID

When you have submitted documents to Emirates ID, but have not yet received a physical card, or if it is lost, you can use the electronic version of the ID. For this:

1. • Download the UAE ICP app from iTunes or Google Play.
2. • Register and complete your account. At the end of the procedure, an email will be sent to your email to confirm your account.
3. • Go to the Emirates ID section to find the QR code to scan.
4. • Click Get Emirates ID QR Code.
5. • Use the electronic version of Emirates ID in the “Documents Wallet” section.

The digital version of Emirates ID is free. It gives the owner the same options as a physical one.

Emirates ID renewal and extension

Extension

When your Emirates ID expires, it will need to be renewed. You will receive an SMS with a corresponding notification, after which you will need to repeat the same steps as when applying for the card for the first time.

For 30 days after your ID expires, there is a grace period that allows you to renew your ID without penalty. At the end of this period, you will have to pay a penalty up to 1,000 AED ($270).

Note that foreigners can apply for an Emirates ID renewal only after their residence visa has been extended or reissued. This should be taken into account in order to send all documents on time and not face fines.

Emirates ID replacement

If you have lost or damaged your Emirates ID, or if it has been stolen from you, you must immediately contact ICP for a new ID. To do this, you need to come to the CHC with a passport and visa and report the incident so that the stolen or lost card is deactivated. If the card has been damaged, take it with you.

Then apply for a replacement and pay the fees: from 340 to 370 AED (90 to 100 $) depending on where you are applying. A new ID will be ready within 48 hours.
If for some reason you are in a hurry, the process can be shortened to 24 hours. Such a service is called Fawri – with it, replacing a card will cost a total of 450 AED ($ 120). In standard cases (primary issuance or renewal of Emirates ID), this service is not available to expats from non-Gulf countries.

Until your card has been reinstated, you can use the Emirates ID digital version in the UAE ICP app.

Data update

If the details entered in the Emirates ID have changed, it is necessary to update the relevant information through the CHC. This must be done when changing the address, name, marital status or other information specified in the certificate. An application for updating data must be submitted within a month from the date of the change.

If you would like to change the mobile number associated with your Emirates ID, it is easy to do so online through the ICP website.

Emirates ID Cancellation

If you decide to leave the country, your Emirates ID must be cancelled. To do this, it is enough to submit a document to the General Directorate of Residents and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) of your emirate. From there, the information will automatically go to the ICP. No further action is required on your part.

How can we help?

Are you planning to move to the UAE? Our experienced specialists at DSQ Real Estate agency in Dubai will not only select for you a quality property in a resort country with amazing infrastructure, low taxes and a great climate, but also advise on all related issues, help you apply for a resident visa and provide assistance and support at every step of the way.