If you already live and work in the UAE, you’ll no doubt be familiar with the Emirates ID.
For those that aren’t, the Emirates ID is an identity card issued by Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). It is a legal requirement and must be carried by all UAE citizens and residents at all times.
Its primary purpose for expats is for proof of identity when applying for government services, though it is also used by citizens as a travel and immigration document.
To apply for an ID, you must either visit an authorised typing centre or fill in an online form on the ICA web site. The process for renewing your Emirates ID is slightly different. In both cases, however, it is advisable to work with an immigration expert such as Set Hub. We can manage your application for you, ensuring a seamless process.
Emirates ID renewal for expats
The first thing to be aware of when renewing your Emirates ID card is the permitted time limit. This is always 30 days from the date of expiry. Any attempt to renew your ID card after this date will result in a late fine of AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000, added to your Emirates ID renewal fees.
UAE residents can apply for an Emirates ID renewal whenever a residence visa is renewed or reissued. You should receive an SMS from ICA reminding you to apply for your new card. This will contain details of how to renew – either in person at an accredited typing centre or via the ICA website.
Another option is to renew your Emirates ID through Set Hub. We can handle every step of the process, ensuring your renewal is free from errors with no effort on your part. Simply give us your details and we’ll do the rest.
However you decide to process your renewal, be aware that in some cases you may be required to attend a service or medical centre to update your biometric details.
The UAE ID renewal process is as follows:
- Submit your renewal application
- Pay the required fee
- Update biometrics if necessary
- Complete residency procedures
- Collect your Emirates ID replacement from the post office
It is also possible to have your Emirates ID mailed to your company address but this must be stated at the time of your renewal application. You will receive an SMS from ICA as soon as your new ID is available.
Need your Emirates ID renewal urgently? ICA also offers a fast-track service that drastically reduces the Emirates ID renewal processing time. The service, known as Fawri, takes just 24 hours and carries an additional cost.
This service is only available to UAE nationals and expat GCC nationals when renewing Emirates ID. UAE residents from outside the GCC can only make use of the fast-track service when replacing a lost or stolen UAE ID.
Once again, Set Hub can take care of your urgent Emirates ID renewal for you to ensure the process runs smoothly and you receive your card in time.
Replacing a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID card
If you have damaged or misplaced your Emirates ID card or believe it to be stolen, you must contact ICA to request a replacement straight away.
The process of obtaining a replacement follows four simple steps:
- Report the incident: In the first instance, you must contact your nearest Customer Happiness Centre to report your card damaged, lost or stolen. If your card is damaged, bring the old one with you. If it is lost or stolen, you should ask for a copy of the ID for you to keep in the meantime.
- Apply for replacement: Next you should fill in the application for a replacement ID either in person or via the ICA website or app.
- Pay fees: The fee for a replacement Emirates ID card is AED 300 plus AED 70 when applying in a typing centre and AED 40 if applying online. The express replacement service costs AED 150.
- Collect your replacement ID: As soon as your ID is ready, you will receive an SMS from ICA. Replacements are usually issued within 24 hours.
Emirates ID renewal requirements
When submitting your UAE ID card renewal, you should have your current ID card, passport, UAE visa and credit card details to hand.
You will also be required to upload and submit several documents. These include:
- Front and back scans of your current ID card
- Scan of your passport details page
- Scan of your UAE visa page
- Passport photo taken within last three months (if wishing to change your ID photo)
How many days it will take to get Emirates ID after medical test?
It can take between two to four weeks to get your Emirates ID after your medical test.
Emirates ID renewal cost and fees, 2021
The Emirates ID renewal fee for expats is AED 100 for every year of validity – usually two or three years.
If you wish to submit your application to a typing office rather than online, there is an additional AED 70 service charge.
When you apply online, you are also required to pay visa fees – AED 200 for two years and AED 300 for three years, plus a AED 40 online service fee.
For the 24 hour fast-track service, an additional AED 150 is payable.
Your stress-free Emirates ID
If you’re armed with the right knowledge, applying for your Emirates ID card doesn’t have to be overly complex.
That being said, it does require a level of prior knowledge of the process. What’s more, it is important to note that the application process is only straightforward if your renewal application is complete at the time of submission and free from errors.
To help you to ensure that this is the case, it’s a good idea to work with a company formation specialist such as Set Hub.
As well as handling your Emirates ID application, we can also assist with trade license applications and renewals, visa applications and renewals, the opening of corporate bank accounts and advise on the most appropriate financial institution to suit your specific needs.
We can also handle all government formalities, permissions, work permits and applications that are required to trade in the UAE.
In short, our experts can make a wide range of vital applications on your behalf – taking care of all the necessary admin, leaving you free to get on with running your business.
