What is Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is issued by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship. This basically acts as the portable personal database and is mandatory for all UAE citizens and residents.
Every Emirates ID has a unique 15-digit identity number assigned to the cardholder. This card has an electronic chip with the holder’s personal data (including finger biometrics) and the holder’s photo.
What is its validity?
Expat Residents: Depends on the validity of the UAE residence visa
UAE Nationals: 5 or 10 years
GCC Nationals: 5 years
Where can one apply for Emirates ID?
Expats can put in their applications by approved typing centers all over the UAE. One can apply for this online through the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) website. Once done with the submission of the application, you will get an SMS providing the time and location of the EIDA office you need to visit.
Expat residents can also apply for Emirates ID online for their dependents (spouse or children) by the ICA website or Smart App. But this can only be done after their own Emirates ID has been provided (which must be done through a typing center).
Documents required:
- Original passport
- Original valid residency or entry permit
Documents required for the newborn or for those under the age of 15:
- Personal photo with white background
- Original birth certificate or father’s passport or Emirates ID
- Passport and visa of the sponsor of the applicant (only for newborns)
Once you submit the application, you will receive a receipt.
Fees:
The fees depend on the number of years the card remains valid. Mostly, you will be charged AED 100 for each year. You will be charged extra for using a smart app or for typing offices.
TYPING CENTRE
- Extra Charges: AED 30
ICA WEBSITE
- Service Charges: AED 40
Emirates ID application Process for Expats:
- One must visit an approved typing center to have your new Emirates ID application form filled out. Check if you are carrying all the required documents with you, and once the application is completed, pay the required fees.
- Once done with the application you will receive an SMS confirming that your application has been received. The message will also inform you about the EIDA office you need to visit to complete the process, including taking biometrics and official photograph.
- After all these steps are completed and your residency visa has been stamped, your application will be processed. You will get an account number by SMS for tracking your Emirates ID application status through the ICA website.
- You will then get an SMS from Emirates Post notifying you when your card will be ready to collect, which is typically five working days after your residency visa has been stamped. Then you are required to visit the post office mentioned in your application to collect your new UAE identity card.
- By any chance, if you fail to collect your card within 90 days, it will be returned and made redundant.
If you are applying for Emirates ID for your dependents by online channels like the FAIC website or Smart App, you are required to fill out the application and also you can pay fees online rather than visiting the typing center. Once done with this step you can follow the same procedure as above.
How UAE nationals can apply for a new Emirates ID?
UAE nationals can apply for their ID card by the main Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website or an approved typing center.
Documents required:
For UAE Nationals:
- Original Family Book (in case of newborn application, make sure the child is added to the family book) (Only required when applying through a typing center)
- Original passport
For Emirates ID applications for newborns or those under the age of 15, the following documents are also required:
- Personal photo with white background
- Original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID
- Population Register ID Number (only for newborn applications)
Fees:
Emirates ID fee for a 5 years card is AED 170 and also it depends on the length of validity, which applicants can choose between 5 or 10 years.
Process:
- Submit the application through the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship website or an approved typing center with the necessary documents. Pay the required fees.
- Now you will receive an SMS informing you that your application has been received. It will also inform you of the EIDA office, which you are required to visit to complete the process, including taking biometrics and the official photograph.
- Once these steps are covered, you will receive an account number via SMS which you can use to track your Emirates ID application status by the ICA website.
- You will get an SMS from Emirates Post informing you when can you collect your card, which is roughly five working days after your residency visa has been stamped. You will be required to visit the post office mentioned in your application to collect your new UAE identity card.
- By any chance, if you fail to collect your card within 90 days, it will be returned and made redundant.
Where can GCC Nationals apply for a New Emirates ID?
GCC Nationals can apply for a new Emirates ID by the ICA website or approved typing centers.
Documents required:
- Original passport
- Original Valid GCC ID Card
- Proof of residency in the UAE (like valid trade license, certificate to prove the applicant is studying in the UAE, employment certificate, or attested employment agreement) (For children, the relevant documents for the parent of the applicant can be used)
For newborns or those under the age of 15, there are additional documents required:
- Personal photo with white background
- Original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID
Application Fees:
Same as that of UAE nationals.
Process:
Same as that of UAE nationals.