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. From opening bank accounts to buying/renting real estate and concluding contracts of all kinds.
GCC nationals can now also travel throughout the GCC with Emirates and no longer need a passport. This is also planned for expats in the future.
Applying for an Emirates ID is one of the first and most important steps for anyone wishing to emigrate to 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 foundation. In the case of families, the husband also has the option of sponsoring the VISA of the wife and children. However, the husband must have a VISA and Emirates ID himself.
The second requirement is to pass the medical test (more on this later), which primarily tests for highly infectious diseases and sexually transmitted diseases.
Procedure
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 buying a property or setting up a company. In the case of employment as an employee, the employer sponsors the VISA. However, the majority of VISAs are issued to established companies, as this also gives you the opportunity to do business and many entrepreneurs need a company anyway.
2. application EVISA / 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 the parents and name 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 this with you and show it at passport control when entering the country via DXB airport.
3. medical test
After entering the country via EVISA, you can immediately make an appointment for the medical test. There are numerous facilities for this in Dubai and the UAE. The test usually takes no longer than 30 minutes (waiting time included) and includes a blood test and lung 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") is 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.
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. Doing the entire process yourself is not necessarily recommended, as communication and appointment coordination with the authorities can often be complicated. If you hire an agency, you usually pay €1,000 - €1,500 and the process is much faster and less stressful.
Summary
The Emirates ID is sometimes the most important document when it comes to emigrating and living in Dubai. It is an identity card and key document at the same time 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.
