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Home Blog Emirates ID in UAE: Obtain & Renew in 2025

Emirates ID in the UAE: what it is, how to obtain and renew in 2025

Dec 5, 2025
11 min
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Gulnora
Dec 5, 2025 09:14
Emirates ID в ОАЭ: что это, как получить и продлить в 2025 году

Emirates ID in the UAE: what it is, how to obtain and renew in 2025

Emirates ID is the mandatory biometric identity card for UAE citizens and residents. It is issued by the federal authority ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security) and you will use it for almost everything: opening a bank account, getting a SIM card, arranging health insurance, renting a home and accessing most e-government services. This article explains who needs Emirates ID, how the application and renewal process works, what happens if you miss the deadlines and how Mirad can support you at each stage.

  • Emirates ID is the primary identity document for UAE nationals, residents and certain categories of GCC citizens living in the UAE.
  • The card is required for almost all key interactions: banking, mobile and internet, health insurance, tenancy contracts, utilities, driving licence and many government services.
  • For expatriates, the Emirates ID validity is linked to the residence visa validity; for nationals and some GCC residents it can be issued for up to 5 or 10 years.
  • The process is split into stages: application via ICP or a typing centre, medical fitness test (where required for your visa), biometrics (fingerprints + photo), printing and card collection.
  • Renewal must be done on time; late renewal can trigger a fine, and an expired ID will cause issues with your visa, bank and access to government portals.
  • The UAEICP mobile app provides a digital Emirates ID, which many authorities and banks accept while you are waiting for the physical card or in case of loss.
  • Mirad helps with Emirates ID: we clarify requirements for your scenario, prepare checklists, assist with booking ICP appointments and, where needed, coordinate with licensed UAE service providers.
CategoryIs Emirates ID required?Typical validity
UAE nationalsYes, mandatory from birth (biometrics from around age 15)Usually 5–10 years depending on age and card type
Resident expatriatesYes, mandatory with a valid residence visaMatches residence visa validity (1–3 years; for Golden Visa up to 10 years)
GCC citizens residing in the UAERequired when formalising resident statusOften up to 5 years, depending on the specific category
ChildrenEmirates ID is issued together with the child’s residence visaTypically follows the sponsor’s visa or relevant nationals’ rules

What is Emirates ID and why you need it

Emirates ID is a plastic smart card with your name, photo, ID number, nationality and date of birth, plus a chip that stores biometric data and a secure digital signature. Inside the UAE, it functions as the primary proof of identity and replaces a whole bundle of separate documents for many public and private transactions.

  • accessing e-government services (immigration, fines, licences, municipal services);
  • issuing and renewing a residence visa for you and your dependants;
  • opening personal and corporate bank accounts and enabling online banking;
  • getting mobile and internet services and connecting utilities;
  • issuing or renewing a UAE driving licence;
  • signing tenancy contracts and completing property transactions;
  • enrolling children in schools and universities;
  • using e-gate / smart gate in airports (for eligible categories).

In day-to-day life, you will show your Emirates ID far more often than your passport. The passport is usually needed only for border crossings and a few high-risk operations such as the first bank account opening.

Who must have Emirates ID

  • All UAE nationals, regardless of age.
  • Foreigners who obtain or renew a UAE residence visa (employment, investor, freelancer, family, Golden Visa and other categories).
  • GCC nationals who formalise resident status in the UAE.
  • Children of all resident categories: a separate Emirates ID is issued for each child together with their residence visa.

How to get Emirates ID: basic step-by-step

If you do not want to navigate all the steps alone, Mirad can guide your Emirates ID journey: we help you choose the correct ICP service for your case, prepare a document checklist, avoid common application errors and pick a suitable biometrics centre. On request, we also connect you with licensed UAE providers who can submit applications and handle on-the-ground processing from visa to card delivery.

Validity, renewal and late penalties

  • For expatriates, Emirates ID validity usually mirrors the residence visa validity (1–3 years; for Golden Visa up to 5 or 10 years).
  • For UAE nationals and some GCC residents, the card can be issued for longer periods, often up to 5–10 years.
  • You can typically apply for renewal from around 30 days before expiry; leaving it to the last moment is risky because visa and ID are linked.
  • Late renewal may trigger a daily fine up to a capped maximum, and access to certain services can be limited until the ID is updated.
  • If you stay outside the UAE for a long period, pay attention to both ID and visa expiry; prolonged absence may affect your resident status.

Mirad can help you set a simple compliance calendar so you do not miss key dates for your Emirates ID and visa, and plan windows in advance for medical tests, biometrics and renewal submissions.

Practical tips for using Emirates ID

  • Always check the spelling of your name and passport number when you receive the card; correcting mistakes requires a separate process.
  • Keep ICP and Emirates Post SMS messages and receipts until the card is physically in your hands.
  • If the card is lost or damaged, immediately apply for a replacement through ICP and rely on the digital ID in the meantime.
  • Keep your mobile number and address up to date in the ICP system, as they are used for notifications and some banking verifications.
  • When you renew or change your passport, check whether you need to update details linked to your Emirates ID and notify ICP.

How Mirad supports Emirates ID and residency planning

  • Analysing your situation: why you need UAE residency, what visa route you are using (principal, family, partner, Golden Visa, etc.) and whether a company or employer is involved.
  • Building a tailored document checklist for your visa and Emirates ID for the specific emirate and status type.
  • Explaining which ICP services and forms match your scenario so you are not lost in terminology and application categories.
  • Aligning your story for banks and compliance (source of funds, business model, ties to the UAE) so your Emirates ID, visa and banking case look consistent.
  • Coordinating, when requested, with licensed immigration and PRO companies in the UAE that can file applications and handle in-person steps.

Emirates ID FAQs

  • Do I need Emirates ID if I am only on a tourist visa? — No. Emirates ID is for nationals, residents and some GCC categories, not for tourists.
  • Can I live in the UAE with a residence visa but no Emirates ID? — In practice, no. The card is mandatory, and without it most services will be unavailable.
  • How long does Emirates ID issuance take? — Typically a few working days after biometrics, but timelines vary by emirate and ICP workload.
  • What if the ICP status shows 'Card printed' but I have not received it? — Track the Emirates Post shipment and, in case of delays, contact ICP; meanwhile use the digital card in the UAEICP app where accepted.
  • Does my child need a separate Emirates ID? — Yes, every resident child has their own Emirates ID issued together with the child’s visa.
  • Can Mirad issue Emirates ID on my behalf? — Mirad is not a government body. We structure the process, prepare documents and, if you wish, connect you to licensed UAE partners who submit applications and manage practical steps.

Disclaimer: This material is for information purposes only and does not constitute legal or immigration advice. ICP rules and emirate-level procedures change over time; before making decisions you should verify current requirements on official UAE resources and seek advice from qualified professionals where appropriate.

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