The Emirates ID is the identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security to every UAE citizen and resident. It carries your identity number, biometric data and residency information, and it is required for banking, telecoms, healthcare, licensing, tenancy registration and virtually every government transaction.
This guide explains who must hold one, how the application and biometric process works, what it costs, how renewal and replacement are handled, and the fines that apply when a card is allowed to expire.
Who needs an Emirates ID
Every UAE citizen and every resident visa holder must hold a valid Emirates ID, including infants and dependants. Application is a mandatory part of the residence visa process, not a separate optional step, and the residence file is not completed until biometrics are captured.
Visitors and tourists do not require one. Investors, employees, dependants and domestic workers all do.
How to apply
- The residence visa application generates the Emirates ID application automatically in most cases
- Complete the medical fitness test where required for your visa category
- Attend an approved typing centre or ICP service centre for biometrics — fingerprints and photograph
- Track the application using the reference number on the receipt
- Collect the card from the designated Emirates Post outlet or receive it by courier
Documents required
- Original passport and a copy
- Residence visa or entry permit copy
- Passport-size photograph meeting ICP specifications
- Medical fitness certificate for applicants aged eighteen and above
- Sponsor's Emirates ID and trade licence for dependants and employees
Fees and validity
| Item | Fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID — 2 years (residents) | 370 |
| Emirates ID — 3 years | 470 |
| Typing centre service fee | 70 – 150 |
| Urgent (Fawri) service | 150 additional |
| Replacement for lost or damaged card | 300 + service fees |
| Late renewal fine | 20 per day, capped at 1,000 |
Renewal
The Emirates ID expires with your residence visa and must be renewed within thirty days of expiry. Renewal is initiated automatically for most residents when the visa is renewed, but the biometric step must be completed in person if the authority requests updated data.
Fines of AED 20 per day begin after the thirty-day grace period, capped at AED 1,000, and an expired card blocks banking, telecom and government transactions well before the cap is reached.
Lost, stolen or damaged cards
Report a lost or stolen card to the ICP or a service centre immediately and apply for a replacement. A police report is required in cases of theft. Replacement cards are typically issued within three to five working days, or the same day with the urgent service.
Where the Emirates ID is required
- Opening and operating bank accounts
- Mobile and internet subscriptions
- Ejari tenancy registration and utility connections
- Healthcare registration and insurance claims
- Company licensing, notarisation and MOA signing
- Passport-free travel through UAE airport smart gates
Practical advice
Keep a digital copy of both sides of the card and the ID number stored securely; many transactions can proceed with the number alone while a replacement is in production.
For companies, tracking staff Emirates ID expiry alongside visa expiry avoids a common failure: a renewed visa with an expired card, which still blocks bank and telecom transactions.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get an Emirates ID?
Typically five to ten working days after biometrics, or twenty-four to forty-eight hours using the urgent Fawri service where eligible.
How much does an Emirates ID cost?
AED 370 for a two-year card and AED 470 for three years, plus typing centre fees of AED 70 to AED 150 and AED 150 for urgent processing.
What is the fine for a late Emirates ID renewal?
AED 20 per day after a thirty-day grace period, capped at AED 1,000.
Can I travel without my Emirates ID?
You can travel internationally on your passport, but the Emirates ID is required for UAE smart gates and for many services on return.
Do children need an Emirates ID?
Yes. Every resident, including infants, must hold a valid card.
What do I do if I lose my Emirates ID?
Report it to the ICP or a service centre, obtain a police report if it was stolen, and apply for a replacement for AED 300 plus service fees.
Is a medical test needed for the Emirates ID?
The medical fitness test is part of the residence visa process for applicants aged eighteen and above, and the ID application runs alongside it.
Can IDOS handle Emirates ID processing?
Yes. We manage typing, biometric appointments, tracking and collection for individuals and for company staff in bulk.