It is significant to know that there are several stages you must do if you have recently relocated to the UAE and intend to apply for your resident visa.
In order to apply for residency in the UAE, you must enter the country with an entry permit, begin the visa application procedure, undergo a medical fitness exam, and apply for an Emirates ID.
For citizens and residents of the UAE, the government issues an identity card called an Emirates ID. The official UAE government website, u.ae, states that applying for an Emirates ID is required of all UAE citizens and residents.
Here is a detailed instruction on how to complete the procedure if this is your first time applying for an Emirates ID.
What is Emirates ID?
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Ports Security issues Emirates IDs as identification cards (ICP). All residents and citizens of the UAE are required by law to obtain one and keep it on them at all times. When using an Emirates ID,
- to get government services
- to vote in the elections of the Federal National Council
- as a travel document for UAE citizens to travel within the GCC
- as identification to pass through immigration at eGates and smart gates at several UAE airports.
ICP stated earlier this year that Emirates IDs would take the place of the visa sticker on residents’ passports as the main document proving residency. This means that a person needs an Emirates ID to demonstrate both their status as a legal resident of the UAE and the specifics of their residency, such as the issue and expiration dates.
How can one get an Emirates ID?
You must take the following actions if you are applying for an Emirates ID for the first time:
1. Submit the application for a new Emirates ID
You can apply for a new Emirates ID card in two ways:
- Online, through the ICP website – icp.gov.ae
- Through a typing center with certification or an American center with an ICP department. For the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Dubai, Amer centers handle visa processing.
This process is finished at the same time as your application for a residency visa. You will be asked for information about your passport and entry permission whether you are at a typing center or an Amer center (if you are in Dubai). You will fill up these details on your application form.
2. Pay the fees
The amount of the service and card charge depends on the type of visa you are applying for, and it must be paid next. The cost of the Emirates ID is roughly Dh170 if you hold a one-year visa. The price for a two-year visa is roughly Dh270. The fee for a 10-year Golden Visa application would be about Dh1,070.
3. Visit an ICP center for your biometric scan
You would then need to provide a fingerprint scan for the Emirates ID database at an ICP Customer Happiness Center.
It’s crucial to remember that this step is only necessary if this is your initial application for an Emirates ID.
4. Collect your Emirates ID
Once you have finished the above processes, you can use ICP to check the progress of your Emirates ID application. Once the Emirates ID has been issued, ICP will send you an SMS letting you know which post office to go to in order to pick up your Emirates ID.