A unique identification document is a critical aspect of modern life for citizens and residents in any country. This document (such as the Aadhaar Card in India) is relied on for identity verification, as well as access to public benefits and services. It ensures security and prevents fraud by streamlining the administrative processes. In the UAE, this crucial identification document is known as the Emirates ID, which serves as a multipurpose card for citizens and residents, including Non-Resident Indians (NRIs). Here, we provide a comprehensive overview of the Emirates ID and its significance.

What Is Emirates ID?

​The Emirates ID is an official identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to all UAE citizens and residents. This smart card contains a unique 15-digit identification number, biometric data, and a digital photograph. It is mandatory by law for all residents and citizens of the UAE to carry an Emirates ID.

When Can NRIs Apply for Emirates ID?

Your sponsor institution (employer, university, government, or other UAE guarantor) is required to apply for your Emirates ID alongside submitting your application for a UAE residence visa. If you’re applying independently as the owner of a property in the UAE, or as a ‘digital nomad’ (‘Virtual Work’ category), or for your dependent family members, you would similarly apply for the Emirates ID alongside your application for the applicable residence permit. Hence the Emirates ID application for NRIs is integrated with the UAE residence visa application. The validity of the Emirates ID aligns with the duration of the residency visa, which is usually 1-3 years for a general employment-related application, and 5 years for the special ‘Green Visa’ category. Additionally, the Emirates ID must be renewed along with the renewal of the UAE residence visa.

Features and Uses of Emirates ID

The Emirates ID is a close equivalent to the Aadhaar card in India, containing the cardholder’s unique personal information and biometric data. The following are the key features and uses of your Emirates ID card:

  • It is used as the primary official identification document in the UAE.
  • The card can be used to access various government and private sector services. This includes applying for visas, government benefits, residence permits, healthcare services, transportation services, banking services, and enrollment in universities and schools.
  • It is used for identity verification purposes in many transactions, ensuring the authenticity of the cardholder’s credentials.
  • This smart card comes with security features in the form of an electronic chip containing the cardholder's personal data. This mainly protects data privacy and helps prevent identity theft and fraud.

How do you apply for an Emirates ID Card as an NRI?

Obtaining an Emirates ID is mandatory for accessing various services and facilities in the UAE. As mentioned above, the application for your Emirates ID card would be submitted by your sponsor institution (employer, university, government, or other guarantor) along with your residence visa application.

If you’re seeking to apply independently, or if you need to submit applications for your dependents, you can visit ICP Customer Happiness Centers or government-approved typing centers to submit the application along with your biometric data.

You can also apply online by visiting the ICP website, setting up your individual account with ICP and then submitting the application through the website. You would subsequently need to visit a Customer Happiness Center to submit your biometric data.

The fee for the Emirates ID will depend on the duration of the validity period for which it is issued. The ‘card issuance fee’ would be AED100 for each year of validity (eg. AED200 for 2 years). There is an additional ‘e-services fee’ of AED100 which is the application processing fee. If you opt for application through a typing center, there would be an additional fee of AED30 for their services.

Once the application is processed, the ID is issued within 5 days after completing all requirements. You can also track applications online with the tracking number you receive via SMS after application submission.

Urgent 'Fawri' Service

A facility called ‘Fawri’ (similar to the ‘Tatkal’ service in India) issues Emirates ID within 24 hours for an additional ‘urgent services fee’ of AED150. NRIs in UAE can avail themselves of this urgent service only if their identity cards are to be replaced (eg. in cases where the ID is damaged, lost or stolen).

The ‘Fawri’ service of the Emirates ID Card is available at all the Customer Happiness Centers of ICP:

  • Madinat Zayed, situated in the Western Region
  • Sharjah Centre
  • Khalifa City and Al Jazeera in Abu Dhabi
  • Al Rashidiya, Al Barsha as well as Karama in Dubai
  • Fujairah Centre
  • Al Ain Centre
  • Ras Al Khaimah Centre
  • Ajman Centre
  • Umm Al Quwain Centre

As the Emirates ID card's validity aligns with the residency visa's duration, maintenance and retention of residency status must be ensured. You can seek help from NRI residency advisory services for residency law compliance and navigating the complexities of maintaining residency status.

How to Renew NRI Emirates ID Card?

You will be notified when your Emirates ID is due for renewal. Renewal applications are accepted from between 6 months to 1 month before the expiry of the Emirates ID.

Similar to the process for applying for a new Emirates ID, the process of renewal is linked to renewal of your residence permit as well. This would be done by your sponsor institution (employer, university, government, or other guarantor).

To apply independently (including for your dependents), you can submit the renewal application via the ICP website or a typing center along with the application for renewal of the corresponding residency visa.

The ‘card issuance fee’ would be the same AED100 per year of validity as before. Additionally, there would be an AED40 ‘service fee’ and AED30 ‘printing office fee’.

As before, you’ll be able to track your renewal application online with the help of the tracking number provided. You may need to visit an ICP Customer Happiness Centre to submit biometric data if needed.

Conclusion​

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification document that plays an essential role in accessing various services in daily life in the UAE. Understanding the process of obtaining and renewing the Emirates ID ensures that you can smoothly navigate your responsibilities and access the necessary services without any hindrance.