How to Apply for an Emirates ID in the UAE

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Written ByMousree DasSenior Content Writer (Expertise - Health and Travel Insurance)

Reviewed ByToshita ChauhanBusiness Head - General Insurance

Last updated on 07 October 2024Editorial Standards

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The Emirates ID is an essential and mandatory document for all UAE residents, including GCC nationals, UAE nationals and expatriates. There are two primary ways to apply for the Emirates ID. First, you can apply through the ICP website (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security). Alternatively, you can visit a customer happiness centre to apply in person.

Let's explore the steps to apply for an Emirates ID through these methods.

Emirates ID - Meaning and Benefits

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identity card for all UAE citizens, GCC nationals and expatriates residing in the UAE. It serves as a primary form of identification and is essential for legal verification as per international standards. The Emirates ID is required for a legal stay in the UAE and is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Beyond its role in identity verification, it is crucial in accessing a wide range of government services.

Key Benefits of the Emirates ID

Access to Government Services: The Emirates ID is essential for utilising various government services for smooth and secure transactions.
Health Insurance Benefits: It is linked to health insurance, which helps UAE residents to access healthcare facilities across the UAE.
Voting in Federal National Council Elections: UAE citizens can use the Emirates ID to vote in the Federal National Council elections.
Travel Document within GCC: For UAE citizens, the Emirates ID can serve as a travel document for journeys within the GCC.
E-Gates and Smart-Gates Access: The Emirates ID allows for quick immigration clearance through E-gates and smart-gates at multiple UAE airports.
Secure Access to E-Services: The card can be used to securely access a variety of online services, which provides convenience and security for residents.
Prevents Fraud and Identity Theft: The Emirates ID provides protection against identity fraud and thus, secure your personal information.
Portable Personal Database: It acts as a portable personal database, storing essential identity information that can be used for multiple applications in the future.

Did you know?

The Emirates ID is equipped with advanced features that provide high levels of accuracy and security. Here’s a quick look at the components that make it so reliable —

Smart Card: The Emirates ID is a smart card embedded with a microprocessor, which securely stores personal data and enables various electronic transactions.
Public Key Infrastructure (PKI): This technology confirms that the data stored on the card is encrypted. It protects it from unauthorised access and tampering.
Digital Signature: The Emirates ID supports digital signatures. This helps in secure online transactions and electronic document signing.
Authentication Certificates: These certificates verify the identity of the cardholder, which provides secure access to services and reduces the risk of fraud.
Fingerprint Biometrics: The card includes biometric data, such as fingerprints, which adds a layer of security by verifying the cardholder’s identity with precision.

How to Apply for Emirates ID Online?

Applying for an Emirates ID is a structured process facilitated through the official ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website. Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide to help you navigate the process —

Step 1

Create Your UAE Pass Account: You can start the process by registering with UAE Pass – the national digital identity and signature solution that gives you access to a variety of government services online. Download the UAE Pass app and follow the instructions to create your account.

Step 2

Submit Application and Payment: After registering, log in to the ICP website using your UAE Pass credentials. Navigate to "Apply for a New Emirates ID" section. Complete the online application form with all necessary personal details. After completing the form, proceed to pay the applicable fees online. The fees vary depending on the validity period of the ID (5 or 10 years), with additional service fees included.

Step 3

Provide Biometric Data: After submitting your Emirates ID application, you will need to visit an ICP service centre to provide your fingerprints and digital signature. This step is mandatory for all applicants above the age of 15.

Step 4

Link with Residency Visa (for expatriates): For expatriates, the Emirates ID application is linked to your residency visa process. Once your residency visa is approved and stamped, the ICP will proceed with the issuance of your Emirates ID.

Step 5

Collect or Receive Your Emirates ID Card: Once all the steps are completed, your Emirates ID will be printed. You can choose to collect your ID card from an ICP service centre or have it delivered to your registered address via courier. The standard processing time usually takes up to 5 working days, but an urgent service option is available if needed.

How to Apply for an Emirates ID Offline?

To apply for an Emirates ID offline in the UAE, you can visit an accredited typing centre. These centres are authorised by the government to facilitate the application process for Emirates IDs. Here's a general process you can follow —

Visit an Accredited Typing Centre: Go to any authorised typing centre across the UAE. You can find a list of accredited centres on the official UAE government portals or refer to the upcoming section.
Submit the Required Documents: At the typing centre, you'll need to provide the necessary documents. This usually includes a valid passport, residency visa (for expatriates) and any other identification required, such as a previous Emirates ID if you're renewing it.
Complete the Application Form: The staff at the typing centre will assist you in filling out the Emirates ID application form electronically. All details must be accurately entered into the system to avoid issues with your application.
Pay the Applicable Fees: Once the application form is completed, you'll need to pay the associated fees. The fees will depend on the duration of the ID’s validity and the type of service (standard or urgent).
Receive Confirmation: After submission, you will receive a confirmation message via SMS on your registered mobile number. This message will contain the application details and reference number.
Biometrics and ID Issuance: If you're applying for the first time or renewing it after a significant period, you might be required to visit an ICP service centre to provide your biometric data, including fingerprints and a digital signature. After this step, your Emirates ID will be processed and issued.

Are ICP Service Centres and Typing Centres Same?

No, ICP service centres and typing centres are different entities in the UAE, though they are both involved in the process of applying for an Emirates ID.

ICP Service Centers: These are official centres operated by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). These centres are responsible for various services related to identity and citizenship, including capturing biometric data like fingerprints and photographs, processing applications and issuing Emirates IDs. When you apply for an Emirates ID, especially for the first time or for renewal, you may need to visit an ICP service centre to complete the biometric process.
Typing Centers: Accredited typing centres, on the other hand, are private service providers authorised by the UAE government to assist with the application process for various documents, including the Emirates ID. These centres help applicants fill out the necessary forms, submit the application electronically and pay the fees. Typing centres act as intermediaries between the applicant and the ICP, ensuring that their applications are submitted correctly.

How to Get an Emirates ID in 24 Hours?

To help individuals obtain an Emirates ID within 24 hours, the UAE government offers the FAWRI service. This service must be accessed offline. The service is available at selected ICP Customer Happiness Centers and other centres including Al Jazira and Khalifa City in Abu Dhabi, Al Barsha, Rashidiya, and Karama in Dubai. Across Sharjah, Al Ain, Fujairah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah and Umm Al Quwain offer this service.

Important

The FAWRI service is exclusive to UAE nationals, GCC nationals and certain residents. It applies to first-time registration, renewal of expired cards and replacement of lost or damaged cards. For expatriates, it is only available for card replacement due to the residency linkage requirement.

List of Customer Happiness Centers for Issuing Emirates ID

Given below are the customer happiness centres across UAE —

Abu Dhabi - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
Khalifa City Happiness Center	Khalifa City A, next to Al Forsan Sports Building
Al Ain Happiness Center	Al Ain
Mussafah Happiness Center	Mussafah
Al Jazira Happiness Center	Al Jazira City, Abu Dhabi
Khalifa Medical City Happiness Center	Khalifa Medical City, Abu Dhabi
Ghayathi Happiness Center	Ghayathi, Abu Dhabi
Dalma Island Happiness Center	Dalma Island, Abu Dhabi
Madinat Zayed Happiness Center	Madinat Zayed, Abu Dhabi
Al Marfa Happiness Center	Al Marfa, Abu Dhabi
Sila Happiness Center	Sila, Abu Dhabi

Dubai - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
Al Barsha Customer Happiness Center	Al Barsha, Dubai
Al Ghazal Mall Happiness Center	Al Bida Area, 2nd December Street, Dubai
Rashidiya Customer Happiness Center	Rashidiya, Dubai
Al Nahda Customer Happiness Center	Al Qusais, Dubai
Al Yalayis Happiness Center	Al Yalayis, Dubai
Hatta Customer Happiness Center	Hatta, Dubai
Al Baraha Happiness Center	Al Baraha, Dubai

Sharjah - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
Sharjah Customer Happiness Center	Al Rahmaniya Area, Airport Street, Sharjah
Al Ghuhaiba Happiness Center	Al Ghubaiba, Sharjah
Al Dhaid Happiness Center	Al Dhaid, Sharjah
General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs	Sharjah

Ajman - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs	Ajman
Ajman Customer Happiness Center	Ajman

Umm Al Quwain - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
Falaj Al Mulla Customer Happiness Office	Umm Al Quwain

Ras Al Khaimah - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
Ras Al Khaimah Customer Happiness Center	Ras Al Khaimah

Fujairah - Customer Happiness Centers

Name	Location
Fujairah Customer Happiness Center	Fujairah

Documents Required for Emirates ID

Following documents required to apply for an Emirates ID —

Applicant Type	Required Documents
UAE Nationals	· Personal Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background) · Valid Passport · Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) · Birth Certificate (for children under 15 years old)
GCC Nationals	· Personal Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background) · Valid Passport · GCC ID Card · Proof of Residency in UAE (e.g., property ownership, trade licence, work/study certificate, kinship with a UAE national)
Expatriates/Residents	· Personal Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background) · Valid Passport · Valid Residency Visa · Birth Certificate (for children under 15 years old) · Agency Certificate (if applying on behalf of someone else)

Applicant Type

Required Documents

UAE Nationals

· Personal Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background)

· Valid Passport

· Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid)

· Birth Certificate (for children under 15 years old)

GCC Nationals

· Personal Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background)

· Valid Passport

· GCC ID Card

· Proof of Residency in UAE (e.g., property ownership, trade licence, work/study certificate, kinship with a UAE national)

Expatriates/Residents

· Personal Photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm, white background)

· Valid Passport

· Valid Residency Visa

· Birth Certificate (for children under 15 years old)

· Agency Certificate (if applying on behalf of someone else)

Cost for Issuing an Emirates ID Card

Tabled below presents the breakdown of the fees for issuing an Emirates ID —-

Applicant Type	Issuance Fee (5 Years)	Issuance Fee (10 Years)	Service Fee	Typing Center Fee
UAE Nationals	AED 100	AED 200	AED 50	AED 30
GCC Nationals	AED 100	N/A	AED 150	AED 30
Expatriates/Residents	AED 100	N/A	AED 150	AED 30

Note: There is an additional fee for the urgent service, which is AED 150. This urgent service is available at Customer Happiness Centers and applies to all applicant categories, including UAE Nationals, GCC Nationals, and Expatriates.

Warning

Please be aware that all fees related to the issuance, renewal or replacement of the Emirates ID, including issuance fees, service fees, typing centre fees and urgent service fees, are non-refundable under any circumstances.

It is advised to ensure all details are correct and the process is fully understood before proceeding with the application.

What is the Processing Time for Emirates ID?

When applying for an Emirates ID, the processing time varies depending on the method of application. If you apply online through the official ICP website or mobile app, the service is available 24/7 and the ID will be processed and ready within approximately 5 days, provided all requirements are met.

Similarly, if you choose to apply through an accredited typing centre, the processing time remains the same—around 5 days after completing all necessary steps. The availability of typing centres depends on their working hours, but once the application is submitted, the processing time aligns with the standard 5-day window.

Other Terms and Conditions for Issuing an Emirates ID

When applying for an Emirates ID, several terms and conditions must be considered for compliance with UAE regulations.

Here are some key points —

Mandatory Application: Applying for an Emirates ID is compulsory for all UAE nationals, GCC nationals and expatriates residing in the UAE. Each category has specific requirements that must be fulfilled to obtain the ID.
Linked Services: For expatriates, the issuance of an Emirates ID is directly linked to the issuance or renewal of a residency permit. Therefore, the ID application process is tied to your residency status.
Age Consideration: For UAE nationals, the issuance of a 10-year ID card is limited to those who are either under 5 years old or over 15 years old. Children between the ages of 5 and 14 are not eligible for the 10-year card because the process requires capturing fingerprints and signatures, which starts from the age of 15.
Special Conditions for GCC Nationals: GCC nationals applying for an Emirates ID must provide proof of residency, investment, work, or study in the UAE. This proof must include valid documentation that meets the specific criteria outlined by the authorities.
Specific Exemptions: Certain categories, such as newborns who benefit from the "Mabrouk Ma Yak" package, and elderly or people of determination, may be exempt from specific procedures or fees, provided they meet the required conditions and have the necessary supporting documents.

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If your Emirates ID is lost, you need to apply for a replacement. This can be done by visiting an ICP Customer Happiness Center or an accredited typing centre. You will need to provide your passport and residency visa (for expatriates), as well as a fee for the replacement. After submitting the required documents and payment, your replacement ID will be processed and issued within 5 working days.

To apply for an Emirates ID, you can either apply online through the ICP website or mobile app, or visit an accredited typing centre. The process involves filling out an application form, submitting the required documents (such as your passport, residency visa, and a personal photo), and paying the applicable fees. After completing these steps, you will receive your Emirates ID within approximately 5 working days.

If your Emirates ID is damaged, you should apply for a replacement. This can be done through the ICP website or by visiting a Customer Happiness Centre. The process is similar to replacing a lost ID.

Yes, you can update personal information on your Emirates ID, such as your name, nationality, or other details. This can be done through the ICP website or by visiting a Customer Happiness Centre.

The validity of the Emirates ID depends on the applicant’s residency status. UAE nationals and GCC nationals can choose a validity period of either 5 or 10 years. Expatriates' IDs are generally linked to the duration of their residency visa and are valid for a maximum of 5 years.

Failing to renew your Emirates ID before it expires can result in fines. The fine is AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. It is recommended to renew your ID at least 30 days before its expiry date to avoid penalties.

Yes, UAE nationals can use their Emirates ID as a travel document within the GCC countries. However, expatriates cannot use the Emirates ID for international travel; they must carry their passport and visa documents.

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