Emirates ID Application For Expatriate Residents

The Emirates ID is issued to not just UAE citizens but also residents. This includes foreign or expatriate nationals. We have compiled a detailed yet straightforward guideline to help you with the application.

Table of contents

• Emirates ID rules for foreign residents
• How to apply for the Emirates ID online?
• Ways to get the Emirates ID offline
• Documents required for Emirates ID application
• Emirates ID photo requirements
• Get a UAE ID photo online!
• Electronic Emirates ID
• Emirates ID costs for foreign residents
• Emirates ID processing time
• Emirates ID validity
• Links

Emirates ID rules for foreign residents

Emirates ID is more than just an ID card for citizens and residents. You need to provide your card details for various government and non-government services, such as applying for phone and internet connections, opening bank accounts, paying DEWA bills, registering your car, paying traffic fines and much more.

UAE citizens and residents are legally required to apply for an Emirates ID, including foreign citizens who reside in the UAE. It is also required to be carried at all times.

Unlike in the case of citizens whose ID validity periods are fixed, foreign residents’ Emirates ID validity depends on their visas.

Furthermore, while UAE citizens can use the national ID to travel to fellow GCC countries; foreign residents do not have this same right.

How to apply for the Emirates ID online?

To apply for an Emirates ID online, follow these steps:

1. Apply and submit your application on the ICP website;
2. Pay for the service and card fee;
3. Visit an ICP center to provide biometric data if this is your first time applying;
4. Wait for processing and collect your card.

Ways to get the Emirates ID offline

Besides applying online, you can also apply for your ID offline at an accredited typing center or an Amer center with an ICP section.

1. Have your application done at a typing center and provide your necessary ID documents;
2. Pay for the service and card fee;
3. Visit an ICP center to provide biometric data if this is your first time applying;
4. Wait for processing and collect your card.

Documents required for Emirates ID application

Have these documents for your Emirates ID application:

• Your valid passport;
• Valid visa (work visa, resident visa);
• ID application.

Emirates ID photo requirements

The photo used for the application must fulfil the following parameters:

• The required UAE ID photo size is 4x6 mm (for offline applications),or 35x40 if applying online at ICP.
• The image must be in color, not blurred, pixelated, or distorted in any way;
• The picture may not be older than six months;
• The background should be plain and light, with no shadows or external objects;
• Your head must be straight, and your eyes must look straight into the camera and be fully visible;
• Your entire head must be visible, and no facial features may be obscured;
• Glasses are allowed as far as they do not obscure the eyes and do not reflect glare in the photo;
• Headwear is permitted only for religious purposes;
• Clothes must contrast with the background.

Here is an example:

Get a UAE ID photo online!

The Emirate government has made bureaucratic processes more streamlined and efficient, making applications for Emirates IDs easier. However, there’s a way to make the process more of a breeze, especially regarding the application photos. You can trust this task to the professionals.

Visafoto can adjust your photo to fulfill all the family book application photo requirements. Simply take a picture of yourself with any background but good lighting by following all posing and dress code guidelines. Then, upload it to our tool below.

Take an image with a smartphone or camera against any background, upload it here, and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport, or ID.

First, take a photo of yours under daylight like this one:

Whether you need your photo printed or in digital format, Visafoto has got your back: your resulting files include a template of photos that’s ready to print.

Electronic Emirates ID

What to do if your ID card has not yet been delivered? UAE residents can use the electronic version of Emirates ID before receiving a plastic card. To do this you need to download the mobile application ICA UAE Smart and go through the registration procedure, stating the passport series and number, a valid e-mail address and the expiry date of the resident visa. After this procedure you will be able to create a QR-code for your Emirates ID and upload to your device. Use it when applying to any state institutions and private companies until the delivery of the plastic card.

Emirates ID costs for foreign residents

The fee to apply for Emirates ID for expatriates is 100 AED per year of validity.

Emirates ID processing time

Issuing Emirates ID usually takes 7-10 days from the application date. You will be notified by SMS when it’s done.

Emirates ID validity

The validity of your Emirates ID is tied to the validity of the visa that serves as the basis of your residency in UAE.

Links

• Emirates ID for Children: How to Apply and Take a Photo of Newborn
• ICP Photo (UAE): Smooth Your Application Process