Emirates ID
The Emirates ID consists of several components:
- A physical plastic card
- A virtual version with a digital signature
- Biometric data (fingerprints)
- A unique 15-digit digital number
Who Can Get an Emirates ID?
- UAE Citizens – Emirates ID serves as an official identity card.
- UAE Residents – Expats with a valid UAE visa, including students, employees, real estate investors, and business owners.
- GCC Residents – Citizens of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can obtain an Emirates ID without a visa.
- Long-Term Visa Holders – Holders of special visa categories such as Golden, Green, or Blue visas are eligible.
Documents Required for an Emirates ID:
For UAE Citizens:
- Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid)
- Copy of passport
- Recent passport-size photo (meeting official requirements)
- For newborns – Birth certificate and vaccination documents
For Foreign Specialists and Employees:
- Copy of passport
- Valid resident visa
- Recent passport-size photo
- Employment contract or employer’s letter
- Entry permit
For Companies:
- Valid copy of the trade license
- Copy of the passport of the company owner or an authorized representative
- Valid visa of the company owner or authorized representative
- Recent passport-size photo
- Memorandum of Association (MOA) or Power of Attorney (POA)
For Special Visa Holders (Golden, Blue, Green Visas):
- Copy of passport
- Valid visa
- Recent passport-size photo
- Proof of visa eligibility (e.g., talent certificate, investment proof, etc.)
For Students:
- Copy of passport
- Valid visa
- Recent passport-size photo
- Student ID card or official letter from an educational institution
- Entry permit
Benefits of an Emirates ID:
The Emirates ID serves as an essential document for identity verification and provides various advantages, including:
Travel – Allows free movement within GCC countries.
Government Services – Enables access to voting, public services, and online portals.
Medical Services – Required for obtaining medical insurance and treatment at hospitals.
Banking & Business – Essential for opening bank accounts, registering a company, and paying fines.
Automobile Services – Required for vehicle registration.
Airport Privileges – Some airports allow priority queue access for Emirates ID holders.
How to Apply for an Emirates ID?
To obtain an Emirates ID, submit an application through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) via one of their centers or online using the ICA UAE Smart mobile app.
Emirates ID Fees (Based on Validity Duration):
1 year – AED 250
2 years – AED 350
3 years – AED 450
4 years – AED 550
5 years – AED 650
Application Process:
Submit an application (online or at an ICA center) and pay the required fees.
Visit an ICA office for biometric data collection (fingerprints and photo).
Receive your Emirates ID at an ICA office after processing.
Important Information About Emirates ID
Do Entrepreneurs Need an Emirates ID?
Yes, if you plan to open a business in the UAE, you must obtain an Emirates ID along with the relevant visa.
Photo Requirements for Emirates ID
Your passport photo must meet strict ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) standards:
- Color photo with a white background
- Taken within the last 6 months
- Size: 35×40 mm
- Resolution: 600 dpi
- Neutral expression, head straight, no tilting
- Glasses are allowed (as long as they do not obstruct eyes)
- UAE citizens must wear traditional attire
- Expats can wear standard passport-compliant clothing
- Photos taken with a phone or edited using Photoshop are not accepted.
How to Track Your Emirates ID Application?
Via ICA UAE Smart App – Track status in your personal account.
Online – Visit ICA official website and enter your application number.
How Long is an Emirates ID Valid?
Your Emirates ID validity matches your UAE visa duration. It must be renewed periodically, with renewal fees based on the number of years chosen.
What to Do if You Lose Your Emirates ID?
Report the loss immediately at the nearest ICA office to block the card.
Prepare the necessary documents (passport, visa, and any supporting documents).
Pay replacement fees:
- AED 300 for a new Emirates ID
- AED 70 for applications via printing centers
- AED 40 for online applications via the ICA website
For urgent processing, use the express issuance service (additional AED 150 fee).
