Key Highlights
- The Emirates ID is an identity card that every UAE national and every UAE resident must have. It is given out by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security.
- Each Emirates ID card has a unique identification number. This number does not change, even if someone gets a new card later. You need this number to get government services.
- You cannot open a bank account, use airport eGates, or take part in some voting without the Emirates ID.
- To start the application process, you need some documents. You must have a passport, your residence visa, and other proof with you.
- The Emirates identity card has new features. It uses a smart chip, has better security, and can store biometric data.
The Emirates ID is important for every person in the UAE. It helps you to get many government services without any trouble. The Federal Authority gives out this card to every UAE national and other people living in the country, including those who come from outside. You must have an Emirates ID if you live, work, or stay in the country for any time. You need it for doing business, getting a visa, or using healthcare. The identity card helps with all these things and more, so it is something you must have. Here, you will find each step of the application process for your Emirates ID. This will help make getting your ID much easier if you are one of the UAE nationals or an expat in the country.
Understanding Emirates ID: An Overview
The Emirates ID is an important identity card for all citizens and people living in the UAE. This ID is run by the Federal Authority. You will need it for different things you do each day and for a lot of official tasks. For example, you can use your identity card to get public services or to show who you are. You cannot do many things without this ID.
This id card also has things like your fingerprint, which is your biometric data, and a special identification number. With these, it helps keep you safe and makes it easier for you to get services. The emirates id is more than just a paper you need for office work. It is a big part of daily life for everyone in the UAE.
What is the Emirates ID and Who Needs It?
The Emirates ID is a type of identity card. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security gives out this card. You need the Emirates ID to show who you are in the UAE. The card is needed for many things, like using healthcare, proving you live in the country, or opening a bank account.
Every UAE national, expat with a valid residence visa, and GCC national must have an Emirates ID. If you have a child who is born in the UAE, you must also get them registered for an Emirates ID right after birth, using their birth certificate.
This ID card comes with a special identification number that is different for each person. This number stays with you for life. The Emirates ID helps people do things with government services in a fast and simple way. No matter if you are a resident, a uae citizen, or from the GCC, you must get this ID to show who you are in the UAE.
Key Features and Uses of Emirates ID
The Emirates ID uses the latest technology. This smart card is not just an ordinary ID. It gives strong security and many uses.
- Access to Government Services: You need the Emirates ID for healthcare, going to school, and doing official work.
- Travel Document: This ID lets you pass through UAE eGates at airports with ease.
- Banking and Financial Transactions: You must have the Emirates ID to open bank accounts or do any money work.
- Customs and Port Security: It helps check your identity for safe and easy movement.
The identity card comes with a top-level electronic chip. It uses your fingerprints and a special identification number for extra safety. The Emirates ID helps you get government services, work, and live in the UAE. It keeps all your information secure and makes sure your identity stays safe.
Eligibility Criteria for Emirates ID Application
Eligibility to get the Emirates ID is simple. The Emirates ID application can be done by UAE citizens, nationals from GCC who live in the UAE, and expats who have a valid visa. The Emirates ID is something that everyone living in the UAE needs to have.
You must follow some rules before you start. For example, UAE citizens need a birth certificate for newborns to get an ID. Expats must have a valid visa and the right papers. No matter if you are applying for the first time or want to renew your Emirates ID, knowing about these steps will save you time and help you avoid delays in your application. Now, let’s see who can apply for this ID in the UAE.
Who Can Apply for an Emirates ID in the UAE?
Nearly everyone who lives in the UAE can ask for an Emirates ID, but you must follow some rules. UAE citizens have to get this ID at birth or when they first become a citizen. Expats need the ID as part of their process for getting a residency visa. People from GCC countries who officially live in the UAE also need to get this id card.
Anyone in the UAE on a business visa or a long-term work visa also needs the Emirates ID. This helps you use many services in the UAE like banking and government services. The ID is very important because it shows that you are living in the country legally.
This shows there is a wide range of people who need the Emirates ID when they get a residency permit in the uae. Now, we will talk about age rules and special cases about how long applications take.
Age Requirements and Special Cases
Age is very important when you apply for an Emirates ID. This is true for minors and newborns, and there are special things to think about for each group.
- Newborn UAE Citizens: You must have the original birth certificate to get the ID.
- Minors Under 15: Parents have to show the child’s birth certificate and give a passport photo with a white background.
- Special Cases: If your ID card is damaged or lost, you may get a faster process, but you have to bring more papers to prove things.
Adults must follow general rules. They need a residence visa and must prove they live in the UAE the right way. Those who are under 15 or who want to use the urgent Fawri service need to meet extra steps. This is to make sure everyone, no matter their age, can get their Emirates ID in the UAE.
Documents and Information Required Before You Start
Applying for an Emirates ID means you need to get together some important documents and details. You must have a valid passport, proof of residency, and copies of your visa for the submission. You also need to give some of your personal details so you can finish the application process.
It is good to prepare these necessary documents early. This will help make the emirates id application faster and you will have fewer delays. Once you have all of this ready, you can look at the next part. It will tell you the full list of mandatory documents you need for your Emirates ID application.
Mandatory Documents Needed for Application
The Emirates ID application requires submitting key documents. Below is a table showing these requirements:
| Category | Mandatory Documents |
|---|---|
| UAE Citizens | Original passport, family book, Emirates ID application form |
| GCC Nationals | Passport with residency proof, Emirates ID application form |
| Expatriates | Passport with valid residence visa, Emirates ID application form |
| Minors (Under 15) | Original birth certificate, passport photo with white background |
Ensure each document is correctly updated and valid. Missing details could disrupt the application process, delaying progress for this identity card.
Important Details to Prepare in Advance
When starting your Emirates ID application, you will need to get a few things ready first:
- Photos: Make sure you have passport-size photos. They should have a white background to meet the emirates id rules.
- Supporting Documents: Have your birth certificates, where you live, and any extra info from your sponsor with you.
- Application Form: Fill out the application form right. Be careful not to make mistakes.
- Biometric Requirements: Be ready to give your fingerprints or have scans taken. This depends on your case.
Doing these things helps the application process for your emirates id go smoother. It also makes it more likely that your id will get approved.
Where and How to Apply for an Emirates ID
Getting an Emirates ID in the UAE is easy. You can apply using ICA’s website or by going to special centres in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi. A support staff member will be there with you at every step. This person helps you give your documents and biometric data, to make the whole thing go smoothly.
It is good to know the good points about both online and offline ways. These help you pick what is best for you. Online application portals offer fast service, and in-person centres give you live help. The centres for submission are found all over, in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and other areas.
Online Application Portals and Their Benefits
Online platforms like the ICP website help make the Emirates ID application process much easier. Here is why people find them helpful:
- Efficiency: You can send in your documents and pay fees right away.
- Support Services: You get to use live chat or talk to virtual assistants to get quick answers if you need them.
- Accessibility: You can open a web browser and check on your application anytime without trouble.
These online choices save you lots of time and help give you clear, fast answers from support teams. The next part will talk about going to centres in the UAE for in-person applications.
In-Person Application Centers Across the UAE
For people who want to talk to someone face to face, you can go to centres like ICA’s Customer Happiness Centres. These are in cities like Abu Dhabi, Dubai, and Fujairah.
There, a support staff member will help you with every step. You get help with your document submission and your biometric scanning. You can use an Emirates ID typing service centre or go to an ICP-approved centre for your Emirates ID. The staff will give you full help. Visiting in person gives you more confidence in this important process.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for Your Emirates ID
The process to get your Emirates ID happens in a few clear steps. First, you have to fill out the application form. Be sure you do this part right. After that, you need to get all the necessary documents together. This includes your original birth certificate and proof of residency. These be checked for verification. Next, go and pay the fees. You can do this at a service center or on the ICP website.
Once you have paid, you will give your fingerprints for a biometric scan. Last, you will need to check how things are going with your ID. You can track the status of your Emirates ID by using SMS or by visiting the ICP website, so you know about any change in your application.
Step 1: Complete the Application Form
Completing the application form is the first and most important step to get your Emirates ID. You can find this form on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) site or at customer happiness centers. Make sure all details in your application form match your original valid passport and your residency papers. If you are one of the UAE nationals, you may also need a good copy of your birth certificate. After you fill in the application form, go back and check everything again. This helps you spot any mistakes, so it does not slow down the entire process to get your Emirates ID.
Step 2: Submit Required Documents
A crucial step in the emirates id application process is to give the necessary documents. For uae nationals, you need to show the original valid passport, residency visa, and the original birth certificate. If you are an expatriate, you should also give proof of residency, like a bank statement or a utility bill. You must do the submission in person. Go to any of the ICA customer happiness centres or an authorized typing office with these papers. After you finish, take copies of all your documents. This will help you to track your application and fix any possible problems that may come up.
Step 3: Pay the Applicable Fees
Making a payment is a key step in the emirates id application process. It is good to know the fees for your emirates id. The amount you have to pay can change, depending on your residency and the type of emirates id application you do.
Most people finish payments on the ICP website, at designated banks, or at customer happiness centres. After you make your payment, be sure to look out for an SMS or a receipt. You will need these to check the status of your emirates id application. It will help you complete the application process in the right way.
Step 4: Undergo Biometric Scanning
During the biometric scanning step, the process will take your fingerprints and a picture of your face. This helps make the emirates id application more secure and correct. The Federal Authority will keep these details safe in their database. You need to book your appointment soon, because you can not finish the emirates id process without it. After you go in, you will get an SMS notification. This message will tell you what comes next in getting your emirates id, so you always know what’s going on with your id steps.
Step 5: Track Your Application Status
After you send in your application, it is important to keep checking your application status. The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) makes it easy to do this. UAE nationals and expats can use the ICP website to check how their Emirates ID application is going. The ICA might also send SMS alerts so you get the latest updates and always know what is happening. If you have any questions, you can talk to customer support through live chat or email. This gives you more help and answers from the ICA about your Emirates ID in the UAE.
What to Do After Submitting Your Application
After you finish your Emirates ID application submission, you need to check that every detail is correct. You will get a text message or sms notification from ICA about the status of your Emirates ID. Keep all your original papers with you. You may have to give them for verification at any time. When your id is approved, an sms notification will come with collection details. Most people pick up their id at the Emirates Post or the nearest post office that they chose. To start using your Emirates ID, do what they ask after you collect it. If you are active and follow up during this time, you can make the whole emirates id process faster and avoid any delays.
Receiving and Activating Your Emirates ID
When you get your Emirates ID, you will be sent a notification by SMS or email to let you know it is ready to be collected. Go to an Emirates Post office or designated centre to pick up your ID card. After you take your ID from the post office or centre, you will need to activate it. You can do this online on the Federal Authority website or at an ICP customer happiness centre. Your Emirates ID will be your official ID. You will use it to access many government services and make things go faster across the UAE.
Common Mistakes to Avoid During the Process
Submitting an Emirates ID application can be simple, but there are a few things that can make it hard. One big problem is not giving the original valid passport or birth certificate when you apply. You need these for the Emirates ID verification. Some people also forget to double-check the details on their application form. It is important to check things like your residency, identification number, and passport information to avoid any mistakes. If mistakes are found, the process can take longer. Another thing to watch out for is not checking your application status. If you do not check for SMS updates or use the ICP website, you might not know when your ID card is ready for pick-up. This can stop you from getting your Emirates ID on time.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to receive an Emirates ID?
The usual time to get an Emirates ID is between 3 and 10 working days after you finish the submission. But, it may take longer if there are a lot of people applying or if your application is not complete. So, it’s a good idea to check the Emirates ID application status often for any new updates.
What if my Emirates ID application is delayed?
If your emirates id application is taking longer than usual, the first thing to do is check the status of your id online. If there are still issues with your emirates id, you should reach out to the right authority for help. You must also make sure you give all the right and complete papers. This will help you not have more delays in the way your emirates id application is handled.
Can I update my information after applying?
Yes, you can update your details after you apply for your Emirates ID. But, it is important to do this soon. Make sure to have the right papers to show the changes. You should talk to the right people through their main channel or website. This will help make the Emirates ID update go well for you.
What should I do if my Emirates ID is lost or damaged?
If your Emirates ID gets lost or damaged, you should report it right away to the right office. You must fill out an application form for a new emirates id. Then, give them all the needed papers. After that, pay the fee for a new id card. Make sure to do all these steps quickly so you can get your new emirates id as soon as possible.