You can apply for a new Emirates ID online through the ICP website or the UAE Pass app, or in person at a typing center. Most first-time residents now apply for the Emirates ID and residence visa together in one combined application, which includes a medical fitness test and a biometric appointment. ICP states applications are processed within 5 working days, though biometric capture and printing typically add a day or two on top before your card is ready for collection.
Who Needs to Apply, and What You’ll Need First
You’ll need a valid entry permit or residence permit before you can apply — the Emirates ID isn’t issued on its own without one. Since November 2022, ICP (the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) has processed new residents’ Emirates ID and residence visa as one combined application rather than two separate ones, so if you’re a first-time resident, expect the medical fitness test and visa stamping steps below to apply to you as part of the same process.
Documents Required by Applicant Type
What you need depends on whether you’re an expat/resident, a UAE national, or a GCC national.
Expats and Residents
- Valid original passport
- Valid residency or entry permit
- Personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background
- Birth certificate (applicants under 15, plus a parent’s passport)
UAE Nationals
- Valid original passport
- Family Book
- Personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background
GCC Nationals
- Valid original passport
- Valid GCC ID card
- Proof of UAE residency — a valid trade license, employment certificate, or study certificate
- Personal photo (4.5 x 3.5 cm) with a white background
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for Your Emirates ID Online
1. Register or Log In via UAE Pass
Download UAE Pass for Android or UAE Pass for iOS, or go directly to the ICP Smart Services portal and log in with your UAE Pass account.
2. Complete the Medical Fitness Test (First-Time Residents)
If you’re applying for the first time as part of the combined visa + Emirates ID process, you’ll need to complete an approved medical fitness test before your application can proceed — this is a standard part of the residence visa pipeline, not an optional extra.
3. Fill Out and Submit Your Application
Select the Emirates ID (or combined residence permit + Emirates ID) service, and enter your details carefully — mismatched or incomplete information is one of the most common causes of delay.
4. Pay the Application Fees
Pay online by credit or debit card, or at your typing center if applying in person. See the fee table below for the current breakdown.
5. Attend Your Biometric Appointment
Applicants aged 15 and above must provide biometric data (fingerprints and a photograph) in person. You can check available appointment slots online and reschedule if your first available date doesn’t work.
6. Collect Your Emirates ID Card
Once your application is processed — ICP states this typically takes 5 working days, with biometric capture and printing adding roughly another 1–2 days — Emirates Post will send you an SMS telling you which post office to collect your card from. Most branches offer extended collection hours (around 8am–9pm), and you have up to 90 days to collect before further action is needed. If you hold a private P.O. Box, your card may be delivered there directly instead of requiring a branch visit. In the meantime, you can track your application status online.
How to Apply via a Typing Center (Alternative Method)
If you’d rather not handle the online application yourself, an ICP-approved typing center can submit it on your behalf for an extra typing fee (see the fee table below). ICP no longer publishes a separate directory of typing centers specifically — its Customer Happiness Centers list covers official government-run service centers by emirate, and typing services are often available there too.
Emirates ID Application Fees
| Applicant | Card Issuance | Application/Typing Fee | Approx. Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Expat — 1-year visa | AED 100 | AED 30–70 | ~AED 170 |
| Expat — 2-year visa | AED 200 | AED 30–70 | ~AED 270 |
| Expat — 10-year Golden Visa | AED 1,000 | AED 30–70 | ~AED 1,070 |
| UAE / GCC National — 5-year card | AED 100 | AED 30–70 | ~AED 170 |
The typing/application fee varies by channel and emirate — expect roughly AED 30 at a government typing center up to AED 70 through some online self-service options; a few private typing centers charge more, so confirm the exact fee with your chosen center before applying in person.
Need your card faster? ICP’s Fawri (urgent) service can process an eligible application in as little as 24 hours for an extra AED 150 on top of the standard fees — but eligibility depends on your nationality and transaction type. UAE and GCC nationals can use Fawri for first-time issuance, renewal, and replacement. Expat residents can only use Fawri to replace a lost or damaged card — first-time issuance and renewal for expats are tied to residency visa processing and aren’t eligible for the 24-hour service.
Tips to Avoid Delays
- Book your biometric appointment as early as possible — slots fill up, especially around public holidays.
- Make sure your passport has enough remaining validity before you apply; renewing it afterward can cost you your place in the process.
- Applying directly yourself (rather than through an agent) gives you more control over rescheduling if an appointment date doesn’t work.
- Double-check every field on your application — incomplete or mismatched information is a common cause of rejection or delay.
- Watch for the SMS from Emirates Post telling you your card is ready for collection.
If your application does get delayed or rejected, you can visit a typing center to help resolve it, or see how to check your Emirates ID application status for what each status actually means.
After You Apply: Track, Download, or Renew
While you’re waiting for your physical card, you can download a digital version of your Emirates ID through UAE Pass or the UAEICP app, which works the same as the physical card for most purposes. Your Emirates ID application is separate from your UAE visa number, which you’ll find on your visa sticker or entry permit. Once your card is close to expiring, see our guide to renewing your Emirates ID online — the process and fees for renewal differ slightly from a first-time application.
Why You Need an Emirates ID
Beyond identification when entering or leaving the UAE, your Emirates ID is required to:
- Access eServices
- Open a bank account
- Apply for insurance
- Connect and pay utilities
- Apply for a driving license
- Register or renew a vehicle
- Rent or buy property
Contact ICP Support
| Call Support | 600 522 222 |
| [email protected] | |
| Tel (international) | +971 2 4955555 |
| Fax | +971 2 4955550 |
FAQs
How long does it take to get an Emirates ID after applying?
ICP states applications are processed within 5 working days. Biometric capture and printing typically add another 1–2 days, and Emirates Post will send you an SMS once your card is ready for collection.
How much does an emergency (Fawri) Emirates ID service cost, and who can use it?
The Fawri urgent service costs AED 150 on top of standard fees and cuts processing to about 24 hours. UAE and GCC nationals can use it for first-time issuance, renewal, or replacement. Expat residents can only use Fawri to replace a lost or damaged card — first-time issuance and renewal aren’t eligible.
Is there an age limit for applying for an Emirates ID?
No. Applicants under 15 need a birth certificate and one parent’s passport in addition to the standard documents.
Can I apply for an Emirates ID without a visa or entry permit?
No — you need a valid entry permit or residence permit before ICP will process an Emirates ID application; for most first-time residents, the two are now processed together in one combined application.
Do I need to provide biometric data?
Yes — applicants aged 15 and above must provide fingerprints and a photograph in person at an approved center.
How do I collect my Emirates ID once it’s ready?
You’ll get an SMS from Emirates Post telling you which post office to collect it from, with up to 90 days to do so. If you have a private P.O. Box, your card may be delivered there directly instead.
