What the Emirates ID actually is
The Emirates ID is the national smart identity card issued to every UAE resident by the ICP, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. It carries a chip with your biometric and personal details, and it is your main proof of identity and residency for everything from banks and hospitals to government offices and your mobile provider.
Each card carries a 15-digit Emirates ID number that is yours for life. It does not change when you renew the card or switch to a different visa, and it appears on your residence visa. You will use it constantly, so it is worth keeping the number to hand once you have it.
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Cost and how long it takes
The Emirates ID fee is AED 100 for each year of your visa’s validity, so a two-year visa means an AED 200 card fee, paid once at the start rather than every year. There are small extra service fees on top, and as a new resident this cost is usually bundled into your overall visa and setup fees.
- AED 100 per year of visa validity
- A 2-year visa means AED 200, paid once
- Small ICP service fees on top
- Card produced in 5 to 10 working days
- Plus a few days for delivery
- Usually bundled into your visa cost
Emirates ID fees are set by the ICP and can change, and the exact total depends on your visa length and how you apply, so these are indicative 2026 figures rather than a quote. When we handle your visa, the Emirates ID is included in the itemised price we give you upfront.
Renewing it
Your Emirates ID is valid for as long as your residence visa, so you renew the two together. You can start up to six months before it expires, and there is a 30-day grace period after.
Miss that window and a fine of AED 20 a day kicks in, capped at AED 1,000. An expired ID also blocks banking and government services, so it is not worth letting lapse.
Replacing it
If your card is lost or damaged, report it to the police first, as a police report is part of the replacement application. The replacement fee is AED 300.
You apply through the ICP portal, app or a typing centre, and there is an express option for an extra AED 150 if you need it back within a day or so.
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
The questions UK founders ask us most about choosing where to set up in the UAE. Rules change, so treat these as a guide and confirm your own case before you commit.
What is the Emirates ID?
It is the national smart identity card issued by the ICP to every UAE resident. It holds your biometric data on a chip and is your main proof of identity and residency, used for banking, healthcare, government services and more.
Do I need an Emirates ID?
Yes. It is mandatory for every UAE resident. You cannot open a bank account, sign a tenancy, get a mobile contract or use government services without one, so it is one of the first things you sort after your visa.
How do I get an Emirates ID as a new resident?
It comes with your residence visa. After your visa is approved you complete a medical, give your biometrics at an ICP centre, and your card is produced and delivered. It is not a separate application you make on your own.
Is the Emirates ID separate from my visa?
Not for a new resident. The biometrics and the card are part of the same process as getting your residence visa. The two are linked, and your card stays valid for as long as your visa.
How long does it take to get an Emirates ID?
The card is usually produced within five to ten working days of your biometrics appointment, plus a few days for delivery. The whole thing runs alongside your visa, so it does not add a separate wait.
How much does an Emirates ID cost?
The fee is AED 100 for each year of your visa validity, so a two-year visa means AED 200, paid once. There are small ICP service fees on top, and it is usually bundled into your overall visa cost.
What is the 15-digit Emirates ID number?
It is a unique number assigned to you for life, in the format starting with 784. It does not change when you renew your card or switch visa, and you use it for government services, banking and official documents.
What is UAE Pass?
UAE Pass is the national digital identity app, linked to your Emirates ID. You use it to log in to government services, sign documents and verify your identity online, so it is worth setting up as soon as you have your card.
How long is an Emirates ID valid?
For as long as your residence visa, typically one, two or three years. You renew the ID alongside your visa when it expires.
How do I renew my Emirates ID?
You renew it together with your residence visa. The window opens up to six months before expiry, and there is a 30-day grace period after. Beyond that, a fine of AED 20 a day applies, capped at AED 1,000.
What do I do if I lose my Emirates ID?
Report it to the police first, as a police report is needed, then apply for a replacement through the ICP for a AED 300 fee. An express service is available for an extra AED 150 if you need it quickly.
Do children need an Emirates ID?
Yes. Every resident needs one, including children, though biometrics such as fingerprints are only taken from the age of 15. We arrange the family cards alongside yours.
Settling into the UAE? We will handle the paperwork
Book a free consultation. From your visa to your Emirates ID and beyond, we take care of the government side so you can settle in.
