Emirates ID Card Application In 2026
An Emirates ID is an essential document that confirms your identity as a UAE resident. It’s required for accessing a wide range of government and private services, as well as for travel within certain neighbouring countries. If you hold a UAE residence visa as a foreign national, obtaining this card is mandatory.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about the Emirates ID - including its validity, requirements, and application process - along with practical tips on getting a compliant ID photo with ease.
Table of contents
- Emirates ID Eligibility and Rules
- How to Apply for an Emirates ID at ICP Portal: Step-by-step
- How to Use an Emirates ID Self-Service KIOSK
- Documents Required for Emirates ID Card Application
- Emirates ID Photo Requirements
- Get a UAE ID Photo Online!
- Take a UAE ID Photo with a Phone
- UAE ID Fees
- Emirates ID Processing Time and Status Tracking
- Emirates ID Validity and Renewal
Emirates ID Eligibility and Rules
Everyone living in the UAE - citizens and residents alike - must have an Emirates ID issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP).
Expats become eligible for the ID card once they hold a UAE residence visa, typically sponsored by an employer, family, investor, or business setup. GCC nationals residing in the UAE also qualify under similar rules.
UAE residents typically need to visit an ICP service centre for biometric registration, with self-service kiosks available for select identity and residency services at key locations.
A residence visa and Emirates ID are distinct documents, though for expatriate residents, the ID's validity aligns with the visa duration; all must obtain one promptly upon residency, including newborns.
How to Apply for an Emirates ID at ICP Portal: Step-by-step
To apply for your Emirates ID online as an expat, follow these steps:
- Log in to the ICP Portal (formerly ICA) using your UAE Pass, or create an account if you don’t have one yet. Complete the Emirates ID application form and upload the required documents: a passport copy, residence visa or entry permit, a passport photo (white background, 4.5 × 3.5 cm), and sponsor details if applicable.
- Pay the applicable fees online. These typically range from AED 100 to AED 370 for issuance and the card itself, depending on your visa type and duration (for example, around AED 370 for a 2–3 year visa). Payment can be made by card or other accepted methods.
- If you are applying for the first time and are aged 15 or above, book and attend a biometric appointment at an ICP service centre for fingerprints, a photo, and an iris scan. Applicants under 15 may not be required to complete this step. Renewals usually do not require biometrics.
- Track your application through the ICP portal or app using your reference number. Once approved (typically within 5–10 working days), collect your Emirates ID from the designated Emirates Post office. Bring your passport and visa; the card is usually held for up to 90 days after notification.
How to Use an Emirates ID Self-Service KIOSK
ICP self-service kiosks are useful for quick checks and payments, but a full Emirates ID application must be submitted online, with a visit to a service centre required for biometrics.
- Start by completing your Emirates ID application online via the ICP Portal or mobile app.
- Visit a self-service kiosk (available in malls, airports, and ICP centres) to check your application status, make payments, or print receipts using your QR code, passport, or Emirates ID.
- If you are a first-time applicant, attend a scheduled appointment at an ICP service centre to provide your biometrics (fingerprints, photo, and iris scan), as this step is mandatory.
- Track your application online and, once approved (typically within 5–10 days), collect your Emirates ID from Emirates Post.
Documents Required for Emirates ID Card Application
Expats typically need the following documents to apply. Originals should be scanned and uploaded during the online process. Requirements may vary slightly depending on the emirate, visa type, and the applicant’s age.
- Valid passport (with at least 6 months’ validity, including the relevant entry stamp or page).
- Recent passport-sized photo (4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, no glasses or headwear unless for religious or medical reasons).
- Valid UAE residence visa or entry permit (or sponsor approval if applying at the pre-visa stage).
- Online application form (automatically generated via the ICP portal after entering your details).
- Medical fitness certificate (required only for certain visa types, such as employment or investor visas, and issued after a medical exam at an approved centre).
Emirates ID Photo Requirements
The photo you submit with your Emirates ID application must meet the following ICP specifications:
- Size: 3.5 × 4.5 cm, required for both online ICP uploads and in-person submissions.
- Colour photo, high resolution, and clear (no blur, grain, distortion, or filters).
- Taken within the last 6 months and reflecting your current appearance.
- Plain white, off-white, or light grey background, with no patterns, shadows, or objects.
- Full face facing forward (head centred, covering about 70–80% of the frame), both eyes clearly visible, neutral expression, and mouth closed.
- No head or face coverings unless worn for religious reasons (the face must remain fully visible); medical masks are not allowed.
- Glasses are allowed only if the eyes are clearly visible and there is no glare or reflection; sunglasses are not permitted.
- Clothing should contrast with the background (avoid white) and be everyday attire, not uniforms.
Here is an example:
Get a UAE ID Photo Online!
If you need an Emirates ID picture quickly, try Visafoto.com! The service is easy to use and has a remarkable 99.7% success rate.
All you need to do is get your phone or digital camera, stand against a plain white background, take a photo, and upload it to the Visafoto.com website. Visafoto will then take care of all the details, including adjusting the image to the required UAE ID photo size and background color to make sure your face is in the right position for the ID. If you are dissatisfied, Visafoto offers a full refund.
The platform will also provide you with two photo versions: a digital file for online forms and a printed template.
Source
Result
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.
Take a UAE ID Photo with a Phone
Say hello to the UAE ID photo maker — 7ID, a smart app from Visafoto.com that takes the hassle out of taking ID, passport, and visa photos using your smartphone, whether you have an iPhone or an Android device.
Simply upload your photo, select the relevant document and country, and 7ID does the rest. The app automatically adjusts the photo to meet official photo requirements, centering your face and adjusting the background.
Once the photo is optimized, 7ID is ready to print on standard paper sizes such as 4×6 inches, A4, A5, or B5, so you can print it immediately and take it wherever you go.
If you want more precise results, Expert mode lets you fine-tune your photo to perfection, regardless of the background. And if you have any questions or concerns, our 24/7 technical support team is here to help.
UAE ID Fees
Emirates ID costs vary depending on the applicant type, validity period, and any additional services such as smart services (AED 100) or typing centre assistance (AED 30–70). For the most accurate amount, check your application details on the ICP portal.
| Category | Validity | Base Fee (AED) | Total with Smart Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE Citizens | 5 years | 170 | 270 | Fixed; not linked to a visa |
| UAE Citizens | 10 years | 370 | 470 | Includes card printing |
| GCC Nationals | 5 years | 170-270 | 370 | Similar structure to citizens |
| Expats (Residents) | 2 years | 200 | 370-410 | Approx. AED 100 per year plus extras |
| Expats (Residents) | 3 years | 300 | 470-510 | Most common for work visas |
Additional fees: Urgent processing (AED 150), delivery (AED 20–50), and late renewal (AED 20 per day, up to AED 1,000). Applying online via the ICP portal can help avoid typing centre fees.
Emirates ID Processing Time and Status Tracking
New Emirates ID applications are usually processed within 5–10 working days, although this may take longer during busy periods. Once approved, you’ll receive a notification via SMS or email (through ICP or UAE Pass) confirming that your card is ready for collection at your selected Emirates Post office. The card is typically held there for up to 90 days after notification.
You can track your application or renewal online at any time. Basic status checks do not require logging in:
- Go to the ICP Portal homepage.
- Find the “Check Application Status” or “Track Your Request” section, usually displayed on the main page.
- Enter your application file number (PRAN) or Emirates ID number (without dashes), select the service type (for example, “New ID”), complete the captcha, and view your current status instantly.
Emirates ID Validity and Renewal
An Emirates ID is valid for 5 or 10 years for UAE citizens. For expats and residents, the validity period matches the duration of the residence visa—typically 1–3 years for standard work visas, 5 years for Green Residency, and up to 10 years for Golden Visas.
To avoid fines (AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000), renew your Emirates ID within 30 days of expiry. ICP usually sends reminders via SMS or UAE Pass. You can renew online through the ICP Portal or mobile app (the most convenient option for most applicants), or in person at Amer centres, typing centres, or ICP service centres. Make sure you have your passport, valid residence visa, and a compliant photo ready. Fees typically start from around AED 370 for a 2–3 year renewal.
Good luck with your Emirates ID application!
Last Update: April 2026