What is an Emirates ID and How to Get It? 

Imagining a life in the United Arab Emirates? Maybe you want to have your very own business, want to study, work professionally, or just live there? If the answer is yes, then getting your Emirates ID is among the initial & most crucial steps from an administrative point of view. To put it simply, Emirates ID is an official ID card serving as an identity & residency proof throughout the United Arab Emirates. For those who do not know, it’s the ICP, also known as the Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, that issues your Emirates ID.   

From having access to UAE government services to bank account opening & finishing daily tasks, the Emirates ID card has a crucial role to play in everyday life. No matter if you’re a United Arab Emirates national, citizen of the GCC, or an expatriate resident, knowing about the application can help you steer clear of unwanted delays.  

This guide will cover what the Emirates ID is all about, who requires one, the process of application, paperwork needed, fees, renewal, & how to track the application. That said, Dart UAE offers complete support when it comes to helping you with your Emirates ID. Our experts offer comprehensive support, assisting you every step of the way, right from the application to arranging the documents. 

What Do You Mean By a UAE Emirates ID? 

It is an official ID card that the ICP (a federal UAE authority) issues to the citizens of the UAE, GCC nationals who are living within the UAE, & expatriates who have a residence visa that is valid. Your Emirates ID has crucial personal information, such as your: 

• Complete name 

• Photo 

• Nationality 

• Birth date 

• Unique identification number 

• Biometric information (where relevant) 

The Emirates ID is used to gain access to a variety of government as well as private sector services throughout the United Arab Emirates & is widely recognised as an official identity proof.  

Why is It Important to Have an Emirates ID? 

You need your Emirates ID for different UAE daily activities. Based on your circumstances, the ID might be used for: 

• Identity verification 

• Accessing services provided by the government 

• Opening UAE bank accounts 

• Finishing formalities related to employment 

• Mobile phone connection registration 

• Renting a residential property 

• Getting access to healthcare services (where relevant) 

• Using eGates at certain airports in the United Arab Emirates (subject to eligibility) 

Since a lot of essential services need an identity document that is valid, it’s important that you keep your card active as well as updated.  

Who May Apply for a UAE Emirates ID? 

Typically, a UAE Emirates ID is issued to: 

• United Arab Emirates nationals 

• GCC nationals who are living within the United Arab Emirates 

• Expatriates who hold a United Arab Emirates residence visa that is valid 

Based on the category of their visa, applicants typically submit the application for their Emirates ID concurrently with or after finishing the formalities of their residence visa. 

What Are the Different Emirates ID Requirements? 

Before applying, make sure you have the important paperwork. Although requirements might differ based on the type of visa you have, applicants are typically required to provide: 

For United Arab Emirates Nationals 

• Family book (where relevant) 

• Valid passport 

• Passport-sized photo 

For GCC Nationals 

• A passport that is valid or national ID 

• Proof of residence (if relevant) 

• Passport-sized photo 

For the Expatriate Residents 

• Valid passport 

• Residence visa or application for approved residency  

• Passport-sized photo 

• Additional supporting documentation, if the authorities request the same  

Applicants might also have to finish biometric enrolment. This includes fingerprints & a facial photo, based on their age & status of application.  

Understanding the Emirates ID Process (Step-By-Step) 

Thinking about the Emirates ID process? You’d be surprised to know that it is relatively simple provided all the needed documentation is available. Here are the typical steps you need to know: 

Step 1: Submitting the Application 

You can submit your application via typing centres (that are authorised), service centres of the ICP, or digital channels that are approved.  

Step 2: Completing the Biometric Enrolment  

Applicants who are eligible get a biometric registration appointment. This is where their fingerprints as well as facial recognition data are gathered.  

Note: Children who are below the age limit that is applicable might be exempt from the collection of fingerprints.  

Step 3: Application Review 

The Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security reviews the submitted paperwork & verifies the information of the applicant.  

Note: In case additional paperwork is needed, applicants are usually notified.  

Step 4: Printing the Card 

After approval, the ICP authority moves ahead with the printing of your Emirates ID card.  

Step 5: Collecting the Card 

Those who apply get notified when their card is ready. They can then collect it from the designated branch of the Emirates Post or via the particular option for delivery that they chose while applying.  

Feeling confused?  

What’s the Emirates ID Fees? 

At this point, many of you might be wondering about the Emirates ID fees. To add, it can differ based on factors like: 

• Period of the visa validity  

• Category of the applicant 

• Service channel that has been used 

• Whether the processing is standard or express 

Extra service charges might also be applied if you are submitting the application via typing centres that are authorised or in case you wish to request premium processing.  

Now that we’ve established that, here’s the fee for you to know: 

Note: Any costs related to the visa are not included in these fees since they are separate. Also, because the charges of the government are subject to change over time, those who apply must double-check the most recent fee structure prior to application submission.  

What’s the Emirates ID Status Check? 

After you have submitted your application, you may go for an online Emirates ID status check.  

Generally, applicants need their: 

• Personal Registration Acknowledgement Number (Application number) 

• Emirates ID no. (if relevant) 

The online tracking service offers you updates on whether your ID application:  

• Has been approved 

• Is printed 

• Is under review  

• Awaits biometric enrolment 

• Ready to be collected 

• Delivered 

If you track your application on a regular basis, it can help you stay updated regarding the latest progress. 

Explained: The Emirates ID Renewal 

It is important for residents to make sure that their ID card stays valid during their UAE stay.  

The process of renewal might include: 

• Personal detail updating (if needed) 

• Submitting supporting paperwork 

• Paying the government fees that apply 

• Finishing biometric registration (if asked) 

Remember, if you fail to renew your card in a timely manner, it might lead to extra administrative processes or penalties that apply under the prevailing regulations.  

5 Common Mistakes You Shouldn’t Make When It Comes to Your Emirates ID  

To help make sure that your application experience is smoother, avoid the below-mentioned 5 common mistakes:  

1. Submitting incomplete paperwork. 

2. Entering personal information that is incorrect. 

3. Not meeting your biometric appointments. 

4. Holding off on renewing the card until the very last moment. 

5. Not keeping up with the updates related to your application. 

Thoroughly checking your application again prior to submitting could help you minimise pointless delays.  

Get Your Emirates ID with Dart UAE!  

There’s more to your Emirates ID than merely an ID card. It acts as a crucial document for getting access to a wide variety of UAE public as well as private services. Knowing about the requirements of the application, preparing the documents that are necessary, & following the right process could help make getting or renewing the Emirates ID much easier.  

That said, our aim at Dart UAE is to assist you with not just your Emirates ID application but other business setup services, too. We make sure you are well-supported every step of the way, and make everything simple for you. Contact us at +971 4 516 2100 or drop an email at enquiries@dartuae.com for Emirates ID assistance, immigration services guidance, and business setup services.  

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