AI image
UAE · Identity & residency · Last verified September 20, 2026
For a new UAE resident, Emirates ID is not a separate “optional card” to sort out later. It is the UAE’s government-issued identity card, mandatory for residents, and the first-time ID process is linked to the residence-permit journey. The practical sequence is usually: your residence application moves forward, you complete any required medical or sponsor steps, you complete Emirates ID biometrics if required, and ICP issues and delivers the card.
Quick answer
- Who needs it? Emirates ID is mandatory for UAE citizens and residents.
- Where do you apply? First-time ID services are available through ICP smart services and approved channels; an accredited typing centre can also help prepare an application.
- Biometrics: people aged 15 or older must complete fingerprint and signature procedures when required.
- Resident issuance fee: ICP currently lists AED 100 per year of residence, plus AED 100 smart-service fee.
- Processing: ICP lists a 5-day service-completion duration for the ID-card service itself.
- Delivery: the standard card is delivered through an authorised courier after the necessary residence/ID requirements are complete.
What is Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The UAE government describes it as a legal requirement for citizens and residents and a core identity document for accessing government and private-sector services.
For expatriate residents, it also plays an important role in proving UAE residency. The UAE stopped using the physical residence sticker in passports in 2022 and uses the resident’s Emirates ID and electronic residence data instead.
How the first-time resident process fits together
The biggest newcomer mistake is treating the Emirates ID application as completely separate from the residence process. ICP’s current service information links first-time resident ID issuance to residence-permit issuance.
- Your residence process is started through the appropriate authority or sponsor channel. Employers, family sponsors and other sponsors may coordinate parts of this for you.
- Your Emirates ID application is created or linked. ICP provides the identity-card service nationally, while the residence/visa channel can differ by emirate. Dubai commonly uses GDRFA channels for residence matters; other emirates commonly use ICP channels.
- Complete any required medical-fitness and residence steps. The exact requirements depend on your residence category.
- Complete biometrics if required. Applicants aged 15 and above must complete fingerprint and signature procedures through an ICP service centre when required.
- ICP issues the card after the linked requirements are cleared. Standard cards are delivered by an authorised courier.
Turtle tip: follow the channel tied to your sponsor and emirate
Do not assume a Dubai residence application and an Abu Dhabi, Sharjah or other-emirate residence application use the same front-end portal. The Emirates ID is an ICP identity service, but the residence side of the journey can use different competent-authority channels.
What documents should you expect?
ICP’s first-time identity-card service lists a passport and personal photo for resident applications, with additional residency-linked requirements handled through the connected residence process. Your sponsor or application channel may request more documents depending on your residence category.
- valid passport
- recent personal photograph that meets the required standards
- residence-application details or linked residence transaction
- any sponsor/employment/family documents required for your specific residence category
Because applications are increasingly integrated between government systems, not every document always needs to be manually uploaded. ICP says supporting files are attached when information cannot be retrieved through institutional linkage.
How much does a first Emirates ID cost for a resident?
ICP’s current service card lists the following identity-card charges for residents:
| Charge | Current ICP amount |
|---|---|
| New resident Emirates ID issuance | AED 100 per year of residence |
| Smart-service fee | AED 100 |
That is not necessarily the total cost of becoming a resident. Medical fitness, residence-permit processing, typing-centre assistance, courier or sponsor-related costs may be separate. Always check the final fee screen or official service channel before paying.
Example: what could the ID portion cost?
If your Emirates ID is linked to a two-year residence period, the identity-card issuance component would be AED 200 based on AED 100 per year, plus the AED 100 smart-service fee shown by ICP. That makes AED 300 for the ID service components listed above, before any separate residence, medical, typing, delivery or sponsor costs.
Who needs fingerprints and a signature?
ICP states that people who have completed 15 years of age must complete fingerprint and signature procedures through its service centres when required for the application.
If biometrics are needed, follow the appointment or instructions attached to your application rather than walking into an arbitrary centre. Missing a required biometric step can delay or cancel the transaction if the application requirements are not completed within the prescribed period.
How long does Emirates ID take?
ICP currently lists a 5-day service-completion duration for first-time identity-card issuance. Treat that as the ID-card service timeline, not a promise that your entire residence process will finish in five days. The residence permit, medical fitness, sponsor approvals, biometrics or corrections can add time before the card is ready.
Can a new expatriate resident get Emirates ID in 24 hours?
Usually not for a first-time card. The UAE government’s Emirates ID guidance says ICP’s 24-hour urgent service covers first-time registration for UAE nationals and GCC nationals residing in the UAE. For expatriate residents who are not GCC nationals, the urgent service is available for replacement of an existing identity card, not ordinary first-time issuance.
Be cautious if a third party markets “24-hour Emirates ID” to an ordinary first-time expatriate applicant without explaining this limitation.
How to track your Emirates ID application
ICP provides an online ID Card Status service. For a new application, use the application number (PRAN) shown on your transaction. Renewal and replacement applications can also be tracked using the Emirates ID number where applicable.
How is the physical card delivered?
For the standard service, ICP says the new card is delivered through an authorised courier. Make sure your contact details are correct and pay attention to official messages about delivery or application corrections.
Six mistakes new residents should avoid
- Applying through the wrong residence channel. Dubai’s residence authority route can differ from other emirates.
- Treating Emirates ID as separate from residency. For residents, the first-time ID process is linked to the residence-permit journey.
- Missing a biometric requirement. Applicants aged 15+ may need fingerprints and a signature through ICP.
- Budgeting only the AED 100-per-year card fee. ICP also lists a smart-service fee, and other residence-related costs can be separate.
- Believing every first-time expatriate application qualifies for 24-hour service. The official urgent-service rule is narrower.
- Losing your PRAN. Keep the application number because it is the easiest way to track a new ID application online.
Official sources checked
- ICP — New Identity Card Issuance
- ICP — Issuing Residency Permit
- ICP — ID Card Status
- UAE Government — Emirates ID
- UAE Government — where to apply for visa/residence services
Verification date: September 20, 2026. Residence and sponsor requirements vary by visa category and emirate, so follow the competent authority and sponsor instructions for your exact case.
← Back to the UAE hub · More moving guides · Living in the UAE · How we research
