Visas
Obtaining an Emirates ID
How to obtain an Emirates ID: what documents are needed, what is the procedure to follow and when the residency can be cancelled.
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Overview
The final stage of residency issuance is obtaining the Emirates ID, a physical identification card confirming your status.
This is the national identity card, issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). With it, you can open personal and corporate bank accounts, register a mobile phone number. verify your identity in government and commercial institutions.
Process of Obtaining an Emirates ID
Step 1
Application Submission
To obtain a residency visa, you must submit the following documents:
- Application form
- Passport
- Photograph
- Entry permit
- Medical examination results
- Copy of the company’s immigration card (establishment card)
- Copy of the employer’s business license
- Signed employment contract
With these documents and after paying the prescribed fee, you can complete the electronic application at an authorized center or online via the ICP website. After submission, you will receive an SMS and email notification.
Step 2
Medical Tests and Biometrics
The employee must undergo medical tests at an authorized UAE center.
If you have not previously provided biometrics and are obtaining a residency visa for the first time, you must visit an ICP-authorized center to submit biometric data. If biometrics were previously submitted, this step can be skipped.
Step 3
Receiving the Emirates ID
If all documents are complete and requirements met, the employee will be issued an Emirates ID. Once ready, the Emirates ID will be delivered by courier.
When Can the Emirates ID Be Cancelled?
The Emirates ID is cancelled if the residency visa expires or is no longer valid, and there is no intention to renew it.
“For example, if you have been outside the UAE for 6 months or more, your residency visa may be cancelled (this does not apply to the ‘Golden Visa’). In such a case, the Emirates ID may also be deactivated. To avoid negative consequences, you would need to obtain an entry permit from the ICP, stating valid reasons for your absence from the UAE.” Sergey Kovalkov Head of International Incorporation Practice
A complete roadmap for launching and running a business in the UAE — in our guide 'How to Do Business in the UAE?'
In the guide, you will find not only basic information but also expert recommendations based on real cases and deep jurisdictional knowledge:
- How to register a Mainland company
- Types of business licenses in the UAE
- What to do in the UAE after registering your company
- When a bank account in the UAE can be closed
- How to use cryptocurrency in the UAE
- All about UAE corporate tax and IP-Box incentives
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- A list of required documents
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