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Emirates ID services
New cards, renewals, replacements and data updates with the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), with the fees, documents and steps set out before you apply.
- Residents pay AED 100 per year of residence
- ICP turnaround is usually 5 days
- Fingerprint and signature needed from age 15
What do you need?
Pick the service to see the ICP fee, the documents and what happens next.
A resident's first Emirates ID is issued together with the residence permit. The fee is AED 100 for each year of residence plus a AED 100 smart services fee, so a 2-year card costs AED 300.
- ICP fee
- AED 100 per year + AED 100 smart services
- Documents
- Passport and personal photo. Employees add proof of employment, students an enrolment certificate
- Next step
- Fingerprint and signature at an ICP centre for anyone aged 15 or over
Government fees only, as published by ICP for the stated category. ICP revises fees from time to time and delivery is charged separately, so we confirm the total before you pay.
The Emirates ID, in brief.
The Emirates ID is the identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to UAE citizens, GCC citizens and UAE residents. For residents it is tied to the residence permit: ICP describes a new residence permit as linked to an Emirates ID application, and since 2022 the card has served as the residence visa.
Anyone taking up or renewing UAE residence needs one, and a company needs a valid Emirates ID or Unified Number for an authorised signatory before its establishment card can be issued. My Eloah Business Hub checks your documents and photo, prepares the application and tells you when to attend for fingerprints.
- Issued by
- ICP, the federal identity authority
- Resident fee
- AED 100 per year + AED 100 smart services
- Turnaround
- Usually 5 days
- Biometrics
- Fingerprint and signature from age 15
New, renewal or replacement.
ICP treats these as three separate services. Each one usually takes 5 days.
New Identity Card Issuance
For a first card. A resident's application runs together with the residence permit, so the card follows the visa. Residents pay AED 100 per year of residence plus AED 100 smart services.
Identity Card Renewal
For a card that has expired or is close to expiry: under 6 months left for non-citizens, under 1 year for citizens. The fee scale is the same as a new card and a new photo is required.
Lost or damaged card
For a card that is lost or damaged before it expires. The fee is AED 300 plus AED 100 smart services, and the new card keeps the same validity as the old one.
ICP fees, as published.
These are the ICP fees for each Emirates ID service. The fee depends on whether the applicant is a resident, a UAE citizen or a GCC citizen.
| Service | Card fee | Smart services fee |
|---|---|---|
| New card or renewal, resident | AED 100 per year of residence | AED 100 |
| Example: resident on a 2-year visa | AED 200 | AED 100, total AED 300 |
| New card or renewal, UAE citizen under 21 (5-year card) | AED 100 | - |
| New card or renewal, UAE citizen aged 21 or over (10-year card) | AED 200 | - |
| New card or renewal, GCC citizen (5-year card) | AED 100 | AED 100 |
| Replacement for a lost or damaged card | AED 300 | AED 100 |
| Replacement for a data update, at a service centre | AED 150 | - |
| Data update: phone, email or address | - | AED 50 |
| Urgent service, service centres only | AED 150 extra | - |
Courier delivery is charged separately, typically AED 15 to AED 20. Only issuance fees are refundable if a service is not completed. Application and smart services fees are not refunded. My Eloah Business Hub's service fee is separate and quoted on WhatsApp.
What to have ready.
ICP pulls some data directly from other government systems, so the upload list is short. These are the items it asks for.
Four rules that cause delays.
Most Emirates ID problems come from a missed prerequisite. These are worth checking before you pay.
Reusing the old photo
A renewal photo must be new and must not be identical to the one on the current card. It also has to meet ICAO standards.
Expecting urgent service online
The AED 150 urgent service is only available at ICP service centres. It is requested in person at the counter and the card is collected in person.
Skipping the centre visit
Anyone aged 15 or over must give a fingerprint and signature at an ICP service centre. An employer cannot do this step on an employee's behalf.
Reporting changes late
ICP fines late reporting of changes to personal or civil data at AED 20 per day, up to AED 1,000. The same fine applies to registering a newborn after four months.
Six steps to your Emirates ID.
This is the application flow ICP publishes for its services, through the ICP Smart Services portal, the UAEICP app or a Customer Happiness Centre.
Start on WhatsApp →Submit the application
The request goes in through an approved ICP channel, alongside the residence permit application for a resident.
Review the details
The application details are checked and updated where needed.
Attach the documents
Passport, photo and any supporting document are uploaded, unless ICP already holds them through its links with other authorities.
Pay the fees
The ICP fees are paid once you have confirmed the total shown.
Fingerprint and signature
Anyone aged 15 or over attends an ICP service centre to give a fingerprint and signature.
Receive the card
Standard service delivers the card by authorised courier, and urgent service is collected from the centre.
Emirates ID questions, answered.
Ask anything else on WhatsApp and we will answer for your company.
How much does an Emirates ID cost for a UAE resident?
A resident pays AED 100 for each year of residence plus a AED 100 smart services fee. A card for a 2-year residence visa therefore costs AED 300 in ICP fees, before delivery.
How long does it take to get an Emirates ID?
ICP's turnaround for new cards, renewals and replacements is usually 5 days. Anyone aged 15 or over also needs to attend a centre for fingerprint and signature.
How much is a replacement for a lost Emirates ID?
The replacement fee for a lost or damaged card is AED 300 plus a AED 100 smart services fee. The new card has the same validity as the one it replaces.
When can I renew my Emirates ID?
You can renew once the card has expired, or earlier when it has under 6 months left for non-citizens and under 1 year left for UAE citizens. Your passport must be valid for at least 3 months.
Is the Emirates ID linked to the residence visa?
Yes. ICP issues a new residence permit linked to an Emirates ID application, and since 2022 the Emirates ID has served as the residence visa. A resident's card is issued or renewed with the residence permit.
Can I get an Emirates ID urgently?
Yes, ICP offers an urgent service for AED 150 on top of the normal fees. It must be requested in person at an ICP service centre, and you collect the card from the centre.
Is there a fine linked to the Emirates ID?
Yes, delay fees can apply. Late reporting of changes to personal or civil data is fined at AED 20 per day up to AED 1,000, and ICP has a service to request exemption from delay fees, submitted with the ID card request and proof from the competent authority.
How do I change the phone number or address on my Emirates ID record?
Use ICP's Data Update service from your own account, which costs AED 50. Family members are updated through the sponsor's or head of family's account.
Get the fee and document list before you apply.
Tell us on WhatsApp whether you need a new card, a renewal or a replacement, and My Eloah Business Hub will confirm the ICP fees and what to prepare.