Emirates ID: Everything You Need to Know in 2025

The Emirates ID is an essential document for citizens of the United Arab Emirates. It serves as an identity card required for various national transactions and services. Having an Emirates ID is crucial for signing leases, opening bank accounts, and accessing government services, regardless of whether you are a citizen, foreign national, or even a newborn child in the United Arab Emirates.

As a result, we will go over all you need to know about Emirates ID requirements here, including how to apply and renew.

What is an Emirates ID?

People living in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), including citizens and foreign nationals, are given an Emirates ID, which is a special identification card. It comprises vital personal data such as name, date of birth, nationality, and a unique identification number and is the main means of identification for those residing in the United Arab Emirates.

Why is an Emirates ID Required?

An Emirates ID is required for several reasons:

1. Serves as Identification Proof

Opening a bank account, obtaining a mobile phone plan, or registering for government services is just a few of the many tasks that require the Emirates ID.

2. Residency

The Emirates ID is frequently needed as part of the residency visa application procedure for foreign nationals who live and work in the United Arab Emirates. It assists in confirming the person’s legal status within the nation.

3. Service Access

To register and gain access to several services in the United Arab Emirates, including banking, energy, healthcare, and education, the Emirates ID must be presented.

4. Security Objectives

By offering a standardised method of confirming a person’s identification, the Emirates ID improves security by lowering the possibility of fraud and identity theft.

Does Anyone Require an Emirates ID?

In summary, an Emirates ID is required for all residents and citizens of the United Arab Emirates. It is necessary for daily living in the nation.

• Citizens:- Every citizen of the United Arab Emirates must possess an Emirates ID.
• Residents Abroad:- An Emirates ID is also necessary for foreign nationals who are employed and reside in the United Arab Emirates on residency visas.
• Reliance:- Depending on their visa status, residents’ dependents, such as spouses and kids, may also need to have Emirates IDs.
• Workers:- As part of the documentation requirements for employment and residency, many UAE employers demand that their staff members possess Emirates IDs.

Application Requirements for Emirates ID

Your age and nationality will have a modest impact on the requirements for applying for an Emirates ID in the United Arab Emirates. The general documentation required is given below.

• Genuine Passport:- In order to be verified, applicants must show their genuine passports. The passport must be current and unexpired.
• Photos the size of a passport:- Candidates must normally submit passport-sized photos that meet certain Emirates ID photo specifications, like being 4.5 cm by 3.5 cm, having a white backdrop, and showing the applicant’s face.
• Residence Visa:- Residents of the United Arab Emirates must provide a current residence visa issued by the country’s immigration officials. A minimum of six months must pass before the residence visa expires.
• Address Verification:- Some applicants might need to submit documentation, like a utility bill or a rental agreement, attesting to their residential address in the United Arab Emirates.
• Application Form Completed:- The application form can be downloaded from the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website or obtained via an Emirates ID typing centre.
• Extra Conditions for Children:- Original birth certificate, parents’ passports, for those under 15. If the application was filed by a third party and the child was not present, the original Agency Certificate for the person representing the minor is required.
• Biometric Information:- At the Emirates ID service centre, applicants will need to provide biometric information, such as fingerprints and a facial scan.

Application Process for UAE Emirates IDs

In the UAE, there are two primary methods to apply for an Emirates ID:

1. Online through the website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP):

• For convenience and ease of use, this is the suggested approach.
• The ICP website [Apply for a new ID card] requires you to register or use your digital identity/username. https://icp.gov.ae/en/.
• After logging in, look for the “Apply for a new ID card” option and enter your information in the application.
• You can upload any required documents and follow the website’s instructions to complete the procedure.
• The application fees will probably also need to be paid online.

Depending on your circumstances, you might still need to go to an ICP service centre to give your biometric information (fingerprints, iris scan).

2. In Person at an Amer or Typing Centre:

• In Dubai, Amer and typing centres are permitted to help with Emirates ID applications.
• Go to an Amer centre with an ICP department or a typing centre.
• Give them the details of your passport and, if relevant, your residency permits.
• They might impose extra service costs, but they will walk you through the application procedure.
• You may be sent to a specific ICP service centre for this phase, or the facility may gather your biometric data.

You will receive a notification after your application has been processed and your UAE Emirates ID is prepared for pickup. Through the typing centre or online, you might be able to monitor the status of your application.

Consequences for the Law of Not Having an Emirates ID

In the UAE, not having an Emirates ID has a number of legal ramifications. The following are a few possible outcomes:

1. Unlawful

For residents and citizens of the United Arab Emirates, not having an Emirates ID is illegal.

2. Penalties

If you don’t have an Emirates ID or don’t renew it on time, you risk a penalty. The precise quantity may change.

3. Challenges in Day-to-Day Living

For many everyday activities in the United Arab Emirates, an Emirates ID is required. Without it, you might run into issues with:

• Creating a bank account
• Getting a contract for a mobile phone
• Getting a rental
• Utility registration
• Making use of government services
• Travel restrictions for people in the United Arab Emirates
• Using airport eGates

4. Residency Status Problems 

For residents, not having an Emirates ID may make it more difficult to maintain residency status and may cause delays or problems when it comes to visa renewal.

5. The Possibility of Being Arrested

In severe circumstances, authorities may hold someone without an Emirates ID for identification.

Emirates ID Renewal and Replacement

For UAE nationals and residents, your Emirates ID is good for three years, and for GCC citizens, it is valid for five years. You will then have to renew it.

If your Emirates ID is due to expire or has already expired, you have 30 days to renew it.

The following is a list of the paperwork required to renew your Emirates ID:

• A copy of your residency visa and your original passport
• A recent, white-background passport-sized photo
• The Emirates ID card that has expired
• The renewal fees (AED 300) are paid.

How Can I Update My Emirates ID?

You can renew your UAE Emirates ID in three different ways:

• Website: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) website is where you may renew your Emirates ID online. Since you can complete it from the comfort of your home, this is the most practical choice.
• ICP App: The ICP app, which is accessible on Google Play, the App Store, and the Huawei App Gallery, allows you to renew your Emirates ID.
• Typing Centre: You can go to a typing centre and fill out the renewal application there.

What Should You Do If You Misplace Your Emirates ID?

You will need to get a new Emirates ID if yours is misplaced, stolen, or broken. There are a few more requirements, but the procedure for replacing a lost or destroyed Emirates ID is comparable to that for renewal. This could consist of:

• A completed application to replace a misplaced or damaged identification document
• Original passport (together with a copy of the residents’ residency visa page)
• One current white-background passport-sized photo
• Payment of the relevant fees
• Police report (if your Emirates ID was stolen or misplaced)

Are You Relocating Your Company to Dubai? Speak with Dubai Firmz

Anyone living or working in the United Arab Emirates must be aware of the criteria for Emirates IDs. To live, work, and use services in the United Arab Emirates, one must possess a valid Emirates ID.

Are you thinking about relocating to Dubai for work? The legalities about employee Emirates IDs and business setup can appear complicated. Help is available from Dubai Firmz Mainland Company Formation in Dubai!

Our team of professionals will make sure you fulfil all legal criteria for registering a company in Dubai, obtaining visas, obtaining a license, and more. We take care of the PRO services, paperwork, and documentation so you can concentrate on managing your company.