If you want to emigrate to Dubai, there's no getting around it: the Emirates ID. The key document is necessary if you want to open bank accounts, buy real estate or do business in Dubai or the UAE.
But how do you get the Emirates ID, what are the requirements and what is the exact procedure and costs? Everything about the Emirates ID in this comprehensive guide.
What is the Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID is the central identification document in the UAE, alongside the passport. The Emirates ID is linked to the visa and enables daily life in Dubai and the UAE. This ranges from opening bank accounts and buying/renting property to concluding contracts of all kinds.
Nationals of GCC countries can now travel throughout the GCC region with their Emirates ID and no longer need a passport. This is also planned for expats in the future.
The Emirates ID application is one of the first and most important steps for all those who Emigrate to Dubai or would like to live in Dubai.
Prerequisites
There are only two basic requirements for obtaining an Emirates ID. The first requirement is access to a VISA via Real estate purchase or Company Formation. In cases involving families, the husband also has the option to sponsor his wife's and children's visas. However, the husband must possess a visa and Emirates ID himself.
The second requirement is passing the medical test (more on that later), where you are tested for highly infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases.
Apply for Emirates ID – All Steps
Below is a step-by-step guide to obtaining the Emirates ID. As a rule, the process begins before you enter the UAE, as steps 1 and 2 can be done remotely.
1. VISA Sponsoring
As described above, a visa must be sponsored. This can be done either by purchasing property or Founding a company in Dubai. In the case of employment as an employee, the employer sponsors the visa. However, the majority of visas are for established companies, as this also provides the opportunity to engage in business activities and many entrepreneurs require a company anyway.
2. eVisa Application / Visa
The application for the VISA is then submitted, during which all important master data is recorded and the VISA sponsor is entered. Some of the data collected also includes details of parents and names in Arabic script.
An eVisa will then be issued. This is valid for 60 days and should be carried when entering the country. You should also carry and present this again at passport control when entering via DXB airport.
3. medical test
After entering via eVisa, you can immediately schedule your medical test appointment. There are numerous facilities in Dubai and the UAE for this. The test usually takes no longer than 30 minutes (including waiting time) and includes a blood draw and a chest X-ray.
Many people are afraid of this doctor's appointment, but the only thing that is tested here is the blood for sexually transmitted diseases and the lungs for abnormalities that could be an indication of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis has not been a serious issue in Europe for a long time and as long as you do not have any sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV, there is no reason to worry.
If you book the VIP service on-site, the result (hopefully “FIT”) will be available in 3 hours.
4. biometrics
Biometrics is the second important part on site in Dubai and is basically nothing more than taking fingerprints, which are stored on the Emirates ID. A photo is also taken and this data is then stored on the Emirates ID.
This is also the reason why the Emirates ID is the key document, as it can be used to verify and sign documents using a finger scan. With optimal planning, this step usually takes no longer than 1 hour including waiting time.
5. application and delivery of Emirates ID
The last step is the written application for the Emirates ID via (online) form. As soon as this form is submitted, the Emirates ID goes to print and processing usually takes just a few working days.
Duration
The entire process usually takes no longer than 3-4 working days on site if it is ideally planned and executed. If you are under time pressure or want the process to run smoothly, you should definitely hire a service provider to handle the process once. In particularly unfortunate cases, it has already been reported that it took several weeks, as some people try to do it themselves without any knowledge or experience.
In case of doubt, you can also leave the country after these 3-4 working days and arrange for the card to be sent to another person after it has been printed.
Emirates ID Renewal
The Emirates ID can be renewed without problems during or shortly before its expiry, as long as the visa is active. As a rule, this depends on the job, one's own company, or the investment through which the residence visa was obtained. The following is an overview of how long an Emirates ID is valid and when it needs to be renewed.
- Golden Visa: 10 Years
- Job / Company: 2 years
- Investor Visa: 2 Years
- Freelancer: 1 year
The process is essentially the same, except that you no longer have to undergo biometrics because your fingerprints are already stored in the system and do not change over the course of your life. The process is therefore as follows:
- Medical test
- Emirates ID Application
- Submission of documents
Costs
The total cost of the Emirates ID is usually around €500 if you do it yourself. This includes the medical test (VIP processing - recommended), biometrics and delivery by post. Taking the entire process into your own hands is not necessarily recommended, as communication and coordination of appointments with the authorities can often be complicated. If you hire an agency, you usually pay €1,000 - €1,500 and the process is much quicker and less stressful.
- Medical Exam: 750 AED
- Emirates ID (Application): 385 AED
- Biometrics: 1000 AED
Summary
The Emirates ID is sometimes the most important document when it comes to emigrating and living in Dubai. It is both an identity card and a key document and allows you to sign documents, conclude contracts, open accounts, buy/rent real estate and much more.
However, the basic requirement is a VISA sponsor. This can either be a company, a property or a family member (spouse).
However, the process should be well planned, otherwise it may take several weeks instead of a few working days.
