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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
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Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Nov 21, 2025
The Emirates ID is a basic document required for anyone who wants to live or work in the UAE. In this article, we will examine the entire process of obtaining this document and provide other useful tips.
- What is an Emirates ID?
- This is why Emirates ID mattes
- Features of the Emirates ID сard
- Importance of the Emirates ID card
- Step-by-step Process for applying for an Emirates ID
- These are the documents you need to apply for an Emirates ID
- Validity of the Emirates ID
- What is the cost of obtaining Emirate ID
- How to update details on your Emirates ID
- How long does the Emirates ID application process take?
What is an Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID is your official identification card, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to all residents of the UAE. It's used to prove your identity for government services and private businesses. It also acts as proof that you're legally in the country.
Every Emirates ID has a smart chip that stores important biometric and demographic information, such as your photograph and fingerprints, as well as your basic personal information.
Every Emirates ID has a smart chip that stores important biometric and demographic information, such as your photograph and fingerprints, as well as your basic personal information.
This is why Emirates ID mattes
In the UAE, the Emirates ID is mandatory for all residents and citizens. You’ll need it to:
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Open a bank account
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Get a mobile phone plan
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Complete most government and legal processes
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Obtain a driver's license or register a vehicle.
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Access healthcare services
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Pass through eGates at UAE airports
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Sign rental agreements
Basically, regardless of what type of visa you have, your Emirates ID is the key to living and working in the UAE and accessing all the services you need.
Features of the Emirates ID сard
The Emirates ID is an advanced ID card that's all about security and ease. Some of its key features are:
- Smart chip: Stores personal and biometric data.
- **Unique Identification Number (UID):** Each individual in the UAE has this number.
- Digital signature capability: Used for online authentication in government resources.
- Advanced security layers: It prevents tampering and identity theft
Importance of the Emirates ID card
The Emirates ID is way more than just a regular ID card. It's your digital hub connecting all your official documents and making it easier to get government services online. With it, you can be quickly identified at airports and government offices, and it protects your identity with biometric verification.
Without it, most everyday activities, ranging from healthcare to legal documentation, would be nearly impossible. If you need any help getting it or with any paperwork in the UAE, just let us know. There's no need to worry about the details of the paperwork yourself; we've got you covered. Hand it over to the professionals, and they'll take care of it quickly and easily.
Without it, most everyday activities, ranging from healthcare to legal documentation, would be nearly impossible. If you need any help getting it or with any paperwork in the UAE, just let us know. There's no need to worry about the details of the paperwork yourself; we've got you covered. Hand it over to the professionals, and they'll take care of it quickly and easily.
Step-by-step Process for applying for an Emirates ID
First, let's define your target
- For individuals
- Virtual worker contract with the same visa type
- Employment contract and standard employee visa
- Golden visa options for talents
- For freelancers and sole proprietors
- Freelance visa and freelance license
- Golden visa options
- For business owners
- Business license and partner visa
- Golden visa options for business owners
“
Choosing the right docs and licenses is super important, especially if you're a freelancer. It can seriously affect your taxes and even your ability to stay in the country. Check out what happened to one of our clients — she spent a lot of time and cash fixing the wrong docs for her freelance gig.
Now, let's go back to the process of obtaining the documents. It’s pretty similar in all cases, so here's a general outline of what you need to do:
By yourself 🤔
- Step 1: Visa issuanceTo get an Emirates ID, you need to have a valid residency visa first. Usually, you apply for your Emirates ID at the same time as you apply for a visa, either at a typing center or through an online portal.
- Step 2: You are submitting an application for an Emirate IDYou can apply for your Emirates ID through:
- ICP Smart Services Portal
- Authorized Typing Centers across the UAE
- Step 3: Biometrics appointmentFirst-time applicants and individuals over 15 years old must undergo a biometrics scan at an ICP service center. This includes capturing fingerprints, taking a digital photo, and recording a signature.
- Step 4: Application process monitoringAfter submitting your biometric data, ICP will process your application. You can track the status of your application on their website using your application number.
- Step 5: Emirates ID сollectionAfter your application is approved, you will receive an SMS notification from ICP. You can then collect your Emirates ID card from your designated Emirates Post office.
With us 🏖
1
Step 1: We will arrange your visa
We handle all the paperwork and obtain visas for you, your family, and your employees.
We handle all the paperwork and obtain visas for you, your family, and your employees.
2
Step 2: We will submit the application for you
We will help you gather all the necessary documents and submit your application.
We will help you gather all the necessary documents and submit your application.
3
Step 3: Fast-track biometrics appointment
With the help of our partner, you can bypass the lines and submit your biometric data seamlessly.
With the help of our partner, you can bypass the lines and submit your biometric data seamlessly.
4
Step 4: You obtain your new Emirate ID
We will monitor the process and deliver your finished document to you, allowing you to focus on other matters.
We will monitor the process and deliver your finished document to you, allowing you to focus on other matters.
These are the documents you need to apply for an Emirates ID
-
For UAE residents:
- Original passport
- Valid UAE residence visa (or entry permit for new residents)
- Passport-sized photo (white background)
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For UAE nationals:
- Valid family book
- Original passport
- Passport-sized photo
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For GCC nationals residing in the UAE:
- Original passport
- Proof of UAE residence (e.g., tenancy contract or utility bill)
- Passport-sized photo
Validity of the Emirates ID
The validity of your Emirates ID matches your residence visa duration:
- Expat residents: 1, 2, or 3 years (depending on visa type)
- UAE citizens: 5 or 10 years
- GCC nationals: 5 years
What is the cost of obtaining Emirate ID
The fee depends on the duration of your residence visa:
How to update details on your Emirates ID
You must update your Emirates ID within 30 days if you change your address, marital status, employer, or any other personal information. You can:
- Visit an ICP Customer Happiness Center, or
- Update online via the ICP Smart Services portal
- You may need to reissue your ID depending on the type of update.
How long does the Emirates ID application process take?
The Emirates ID process typically takes seven to ten business days, provided that all documents are in order and biometrics are completed promptly. For urgent cases, the ICP’s Express Service offers fast-track processing for an additional fee, allowing issuance within 24 to 48 hours.
However, there is a shortcut that can help you avoid unnecessary hassle and speed up the process of obtaining the document. Give us a call to discuss how we can help you. We can take care of fast tracking, document collection, and turnkey payment of fees so that you don't have to.
