If you plan to move to the Emirates, you will be required to have an Emirates ID. All residents and citizens of the country are required to have on. This is the primary identification document that you will need for all your official business in the country. Indeed, in pretty much every area of life, your card will be necessary, so it is essential that you obtain it when you move to the country.
What is Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is the main identity card that residents and citizens of the UAE use for conducting official personal activities in the country. On the ID, all your personal information is stored, including your biometric data, as well as a digital certificate.
If you live in the Emirates, the Emirates ID is mandatory for traveling throughout the region, as well as for conducting any activity that involves government services, visiting healthcare providers, paying utility bills, and obtaining residency status. You also need it to vote.
The Emirates ID is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP).
Who Needs an Emirates ID?
There are different categories of people that must have the Emirates ID. This includes citizens of the country, foreigners residing in the country, and GCC nationals.
- Citizens
- Residents (including expats) who have a UAE residence visa
- GCC Nationals residing in UAE
Why is Emirates ID Important?
Having an Emirates ID is important for many reasons. It serves many purposes related to government transactions, regional travel, healthcare, and access to local places. Renting property is not possible without official proof of your Emirates ID for UAE residents, and Emirates ID serves various other purposes, as well. Even registering for a SIM card is not possible without an Emirates ID.
Key Uses of Emirates ID
The ID ensures that you have access to the following facilities and services:
- Access to all necessary government services
- Access to medical services and medical insurance
- A digital identity necessary for e-services and apps
Emirates ID Card Features
The Emirates ID has several distinct features. This includes:
- Your full official name
- Your nationality
- Your Emirates ID number
- The chip that holds your biometric data
- The validity and expiry date of your ID
How to Apply for an Emirates ID
We will now deceive the step-by-step process that you need to go through to obtain an Emirates ID. This applies to both residents and UAE citizens who do not yet have one.
Step 1 – Obtain a Residency Visa (for Expats)
For expats who have become residents of the country, they must first obtain a residency visa. There are different ways that people can do this, including gaining legal employment in the country, through family members that are UAE citizens or UAE residence visa holders, or by investing in the country.
Step 2 – Submit Emirates ID Application
The next step is to submit an Emirates ID application for an Emirates ID. This includes basic details that you will submit to judicial authorities that deal with foreigners affairs. You can either do this through the ICP website, or at one of the typing centers in the country. The application can be found online and includes clear instructions on how to complete it.
Step 3 – Biometrics Appointment (if applicable)
To obtain your ID, you will have to submit biometric data. This includes your fingerprints, as well as a photograph. It will be kept in the form of an electronic chip that includes your Emirates ID details and stores personal data. You can take care of both of these things at the ICP center.
Step 4 – Wait for Approval & Card Delivery
Once you submit your application form, you will have to wait between 7-10 days for it to be approved. You can then have it delivered to your address. You may be eligible for express service if you need urgent service for some reason.
Required Documents for Emirates ID Application
Along with your application form, there are several required documents with vital information that you must submit to the authorized authorities. While the requirements are specific to different categories of applicants, they include:
- Your original passport
- For expats, a copy of your UAE residence visa
- For children, a copy of their original birth certificate or their father’s birth certificate and Emirates ID card
- A passport photo
Emirates ID Fees & Validity
Applicants must also pay fees along with their application form. This fee varies depending on which category the applicant falls into.
- For UAE nationals, the fee is AED 180 for five-year validity and AED 280 for ten-year validity
- For GCC nationals, the fee is AED 180 for five-year validity
- For foreigners with residency visas, the validity varies depending on the validity of their visas and the fee can also vary.
These fees include the card issuance fee, service fee, and printing office fee. The financial transactions must be complete according to UAE regulations before various government services can be provided. If you need express service, pay the extra free for a hassle free experience. You can choose to receive an SMS notification once it is approved.
Emirates ID Renewal Process
At the end of the validity period, you will need to apply for renewal of your Emirates ID as your Emirates ID expires. Although you will have a 30-day grace period, you should be sure that you do not exceed it because you will be fined every day that you are late afterwards. Fines start at AED 20 per day and go up to AED 1000.
How to Track Emirates ID Status
After you send in your application, you can track your status online. Just go to the ICP site and enter your application number (also known as PRAN) if you are a first-time applicant. If you are renewing or need a replacement, you can enter your existing Emirates ID number. The site will give you your status. Alternatively, you can request a status update via SMS.
Lost or Damaged Emirates ID – What to Do?
If your Emirates ID is lost or damaged, you should take swift measures to report it immediately. You don’t want to take the risk of someone using your card as their own. Go to the nearest police station to where the ID was lost and obtain a loss report.
Also, you should go to the ICA site and list the ID as lost there, as well.
Emirates ID for Children
For children under the age of 15, parents or legal guardians need to apply for a card. This also applies to newborn babies. Without it, children won’t have access to medical care, travel privileges, or any other government services designated for residents and citizens.
To obtain an ID for a child, parents need to submit a birth certificate or father’s passport and Emirates ID, as well as a passport photo.
Final Tips & Common Mistakes to Avoid
There are several basic but important things that you should keep in mind when you apply for an Emirates ID. Common mistakes in the application process include:
- Typos in the application. If there are any errors in name spelling, dates, or other important material, the application will need to be submitted again.
- Delays in renewal. It is easy to get complacent after you have received your first ID. Remember that there are consequences for delaying renewal, however.
- Failure to keep contact information updated. If your mobile number or any other personal information changes, be sure that you have this changed in the system. A mismatch could cause you problems.
If you are a citizen or resident of the Emirates, it is essential that you get an Emirates ID. Having an Emirates ID means accessing government services, medical care, insurance, having the ability to vote, being able to open a bank account and use banking credit cards, and many other essential services. Without this important national identity card, you will be stuck in terms of many of the things that you need. The process of obtaining an ID is not difficult, but you need to follow the steps carefully. And when your card expires, you need to make sure that you renew it on time to avoid having to pay costly fees. If you need help, you should employ the assistance of our professional service.
