Applying for your Emirates ID is one of the first official tasks after your UAE residence visa is issued. The application runs through ICP — the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security — and is the same in every emirate. Get the documents right and the whole thing takes one online application plus a single biometrics visit.
This guide walks through the full 2026 process: who applies when, the documents you need, the fees, biometrics, and how long the card takes to arrive.
Before You Apply: The Order of Things
The Emirates ID application comes after your residence visa is issued — not before. The standard sequence for a new resident is:
- Entry permit issued → you enter the UAE
- Medical fitness test at an approved centre
- Residence visa issued and stamped electronically
- Emirates ID application ← you are here
Your employer or sponsor usually starts the ID application alongside the visa process. If you are sponsoring family members, each person — including newborns — needs a separate application. See the newborn Emirates ID guide for babies.
Documents Required
| Applicant | Documents |
|---|---|
| New expat resident | Passport (original), entry permit / residence visa copy, passport-size photo per photo specs |
| Family members | Above plus sponsor’s Emirates ID and passport copies, attested marriage/birth certificates where applicable |
| Newborn | Attested birth certificate, baby’s passport, photos, sponsor documents — full newborn checklist |
| GCC nationals | Valid GCC passport or national ID, proof of UAE residence (tenancy contract), photos |
How to Apply: Step by Step
Option A — Online (icp.gov.ae or UAEICP app)
- Go to icp.gov.ae → Services → Emirates ID → New ID Card, or open the UAEICP app and log in with UAE Pass.
- Fill in the application: personal details exactly as in your passport, nationality, and contact details.
- Upload documents — passport copy, visa/entry permit, and a photo meeting the photo requirements.
- Pay the fee: AED 100 per year of card validity plus the online service fee (about AED 100). See the 2026 fee breakdown.
- Save your PRAN — the Pre-Registration Application Number on your receipt. You need it to track your application.
- Book biometrics — you will get an SMS with an appointment at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre.
Option B — Typing centre
Authorised typing centres fill in the form for you, scan your documents and take payment. Their service charge is typically AED 30–70 on top of the government fees — useful if you are unsure about the online form or need the application in a language other than English/Arabic.
Biometrics: What Happens at the Centre
First-time applicants must visit an ICP Customer Happiness Centre in person for:
- All 10 fingerprints scanned digitally
- A digital facial photo taken on the spot
- Signature capture
Children under 15 are exempt from fingerprinting — only a photo is taken. Bring your passport, application receipt (with PRAN) and the SMS appointment. The visit usually takes 15–30 minutes. Find locations in our Emirates ID centres guide.
How Long Until the Card Arrives?
- Approval: usually 24–48 hours after biometrics
- Printing + delivery: about 5–10 working days via Emirates Post
- Total: roughly 1–2 weeks from application
Need it faster? The Fawri express service (+AED 150, select centres) delivers within 24 hours. Meanwhile, the digital Emirates ID in UAE Pass or the UAEICP app works for most government and banking needs as soon as your application is approved.
Watch: Video Walkthrough
A visual run-through of the process:
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply for an Emirates ID for the first time?
Apply on icp.gov.ae or the UAEICP app after your residence visa is issued, pay AED 100 per year of validity plus the service fee, then attend a biometrics appointment at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre. Typing centres can do the paperwork for you for AED 30–70 extra.
What documents do I need for a new Emirates ID?
Your original passport, entry permit or residence visa copy, and a passport-size photo meeting ICP specs. Family members add the sponsor’s ID copies and attested relationship certificates.
Do I need fingerprints for an Emirates ID?
Yes for first-time applicants aged 15 and above — all 10 fingerprints are scanned at an ICP centre, plus a digital photo. Children under 15 only have their photo taken. Renewals usually skip biometrics if yours are already on file.
How much does a new Emirates ID cost?
AED 100 per year of card validity plus a service fee (about AED 100 online, or AED 30–70 at a typing centre). A 2-year card therefore costs roughly AED 300 online. See the full 2026 fee list.
Can I apply for an Emirates ID before my visa is issued?
No — the ID application requires an issued residence visa (or entry permit with completed medical). The standard order is: entry permit → medical fitness test → residence visa → Emirates ID application.
How do I track my Emirates ID application?
Use the PRAN (Pre-Registration Application Number) from your receipt on ICP’s ID Card Status service, or track in the UAEICP app. See our Emirates ID tracking guide for statuses and delivery times.
Do tourists need an Emirates ID?
No. Tourists and visit-visa holders do not get Emirates IDs — a passport is sufficient for their stay. The ID is mandatory only for residents.
What is a PRAN number?
PRAN stands for Pre-Registration Application Number — the transaction number printed on your application receipt and sent by SMS. It is the reference you use to track a new Emirates ID application on ICP before the card number is assigned.
Emirates ID guides: Complete Guide · Fees 2026 · Track Application · Photo Requirements · Centres & Booking · Visa help: Residence Visa Status · Entry Permit Status
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