What are the benefits of Family book?

The book is supposed to streamline various administrative governmental processes, so people don’t have to wait in long queues. The book also contains a smart chip, which reduces the chance of fraud, identity theft, and other fake transactions.

What is the photo size for Family Book?

The required family book photo size is 35x45 mm.

UAE Family Book Information

As the name suggests, the UAE Family Book is an official record that contains key personal, familial, and in some cases financial information about citizens, residents, and their family members. It serves as an important reference for government transactions, benefits, and legal matters. This policy applies to Emirati citizens, ensuring that all family-related data is accurately documented and accessible to relevant authorities.

Benefits of the Family Book

The Family Book makes many government services faster and easier. Instead of filling out endless forms or standing in long lines, you can use this single document for tasks like renewing residency, registering for healthcare, or enrolling children in school. It includes a secure smart chip that lets officials verify your details instantly, which helps stop fraud, identity theft, and other scams.

How to apply for a UAE Family Book (2025)

Who can apply: The Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) is for Emirati citizens. Expatriate residents do not receive a Family Book; they manage family residency through visa and Emirates ID services.

Create or log in with UAE Pass (the national digital ID).
Open the ICP Smart Services portal or the ICP UAE app.
Select Family Book Services and choose the relevant option (e.g., issue a new Family Book by marriage, add a newborn, replacement for lost/damaged). Examples:
- Dubai (GDRFA): Issuance of a New Family Book
- Abu Dhabi (TAMM): Request to Issue a New Family Book (Marriage Statement)
Complete the application and upload the required documents (these vary by case—e.g., marriage contract, passports, birth certificates).
Pay the fees:
- Base ICP fee: AED 50 for issuing a Family Book (replacement typically AED 105).
- Channel/service fees: may apply depending on emirate and channel (e.g., Abu Dhabi TAMM often adds AED 28 e-service + AED 22 ICP service).
- Urgent service at centers: an additional urgent fee may apply if you use Customer Happiness Centers.
Submit and track your request in the ICP portal/app. The Family Book is issued in electronic form and is viewable in the ICP UAE app; printed extracts (family data statements) can be requested if needed.

Need to amend or get a printout? Use the ICP service to issue family data (statement) online via the portal/app.

Note for expatriate residents: To sponsor family members, use the UAE’s family residence visa process (not the Family Book).

Documents required for a Family Book application

Applicants must provide official identification, proof of family relationship, and photographs that meet UAE standards.

Original passports of both husband and wife
Original Emirates IDs of husband and wife (and children, if applicable)
Two recent passport-sized photographs of the husband; some emirates may request photos of both spouses
Original Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) of the husband’s father and the wife’s father (for verification of lineage)
Marriage contract issued in the UAE; if more than 1 year has passed since marriage, a continuity of marriage certificate from the UAE court
Birth certificates of both spouses
Educational qualification certificates for husband and wife (if available / as requested)
Employment proof (work card or employer certificate). If unemployed, an official non-employment certificate from the court
Any additional documents requested by the emirate’s issuing authority (e.g., decree for adoption, court orders, or guardianship documents)

Note: Requirements can change, and some emirates now issue the Family Book in electronic form via the ICP Smart Services or local portals like TAMM and GDRFA. Always check the latest list before applying.

Family Book photo requirements

Your photo must clearly identify you, so it needs to meet the official specifications.

Size: 35 × 45 mm
Must be in color and free from blur, pixelation, or distortion
Taken within the last 6 months
Background should be plain and light, with no shadows or objects
Head straight, eyes looking directly at the camera, fully visible
Full head visible, with no facial features covered
Glasses allowed if they do not hide the eyes or cause glare
Head coverings only for religious purposes, with the face fully visible
Clothing should contrast with the background

Example:

Get photos for a UAE Family Book application online

Applying for a Family Book can be a detailed process, as it requires documents and information from both you and your spouse. Fortunately, you can make at least one step simpler—your application photos—by leaving them to professionals.

Visafoto can prepare your picture to meet all UAE Family Book photo requirements. Just take a photo of yourself in good lighting, with any background, while following the posing and dress code guidelines. Then upload it to our tool below, and we will adjust it to the exact specifications.

Take an image with a smartphone against any background, upload it here and instantly get a professional photo for your visa, passport or ID. No registration required. You will see results in seconds.

Upload photo & Continue

Source

Result

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.

You will have two types of photos: a digital one for electronic applications and another one suitable for printing.

Here they are:

UAE Family Book fees (2025)

The cost of issuing or updating a Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) depends on the type of service and the emirate where you apply. All payments are made online through the ICP Smart Services portal, the ICP UAE app, or your emirate’s service platform (such as TAMM in Abu Dhabi or GDRFA in Dubai).

Issuing a new Family Book: AED 50 (ICP fee) + service/channel fees (typically AED 22–28 depending on platform)
Replacement for lost or damaged Family Book: AED 105 (ICP fee) + service/channel fees
Updating details or adding family members: AED 50 (ICP fee) + service/channel fees
Urgent processing at Customer Happiness Centers: Additional urgent service fee (varies by emirate)

Note: The Family Book is now issued in electronic form by default and can be viewed in the ICP UAE app. Printed extracts or certified copies of family data may carry additional fees.

How long does it take to issue a Family Book

Processing times for a Family Book (Khulasat Al Qaid) depend on the type of application and the emirate. Since 2023, most applications are handled electronically via the ICP Smart Services portal, the ICP UAE app, or local emirate platforms such as TAMM (Abu Dhabi) and GDRFA (Dubai).

Standard applications: 2–5 working days from submission, provided all documents are correct
Urgent service (at Customer Happiness Centers): Same day or next working day
Updates and amendments: Usually processed within 1–3 working days

Tip: Processing may take longer if your documents need additional verification, such as court-issued continuity of marriage certificates or foreign-issued marriage contracts that require attestation.

Last Update: August 2025