If you are living in Dubai or anywhere in the UAE, one document is essential, the Emirates ID. Whether you’re a UAE citizen, an expatriate, or a GCC national, having this card isn’t optional; it’s a legal requirement. More than that, it’s your key to everyday life. You’ll need it for nearly everything: opening a bank account, renting a home, getting a mobile number, accessing healthcare, and even speeding through airport immigration.
In this blog, I’ll explain clearly what the Emirates ID is, where it’s used, and why it matters so much. I’ll also guide you through the actual process of getting one, including the mandatory biometric medical test, so you’ll know exactly how everything works from start to finish.
What is the Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID is the official identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). Simply put, it proves who you are, and where you live, and confirms your legal right to stay and work in the UAE.
Here’s what you should know:
| Feature | Details |
| Issued By | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship (ICP) |
| Mandatory For | 100% of UAE nationals, expats & GCC residents |
| Unique Number | 15-digit Identity Number |
| Validity | 2, 3, or 5 years (depending on visa type) |
| Biometric Data | Fingerprints + Facial photograph |
| Application Time | 24 hours (fast track) / 5–7 working days (standard) |
| Cost | AED 100–370 ($27–100 USD approx.) depending on validity |
The Emirates ID Application Process (Including Medical Test)
Applying for an Emirates ID goes hand-in-hand with getting your UAE residence visa. You can’t get one without the other. Here’s how the whole process works, step by step:
- Visa Typing: First, you’ll apply for your residence visa. This is usually done through your employer, sponsor, or a typing center that prepares all the official paperwork.
- Emirates ID Application: Along with your visa, you’ll fill out the Emirates ID application form and pay the required fee. This officially starts the process of getting your ID.
- Medical Fitness Test (Mandatory): All expats between 18 and 60 years old must complete a medical test. This includes a blood test and a chest X-ray to check for communicable diseases like tuberculosis and hepatitis.
- Biometric Capture: Next, you’ll visit an ICP (Federal Authority) center to give your fingerprints and have a facial photo taken. This biometric data is linked to your Emirates ID.
- Visa Stamping: Once your medical test is clear and all documents are approved, your residence visa will be stamped into your passport.
- Emirates ID Issued: After all of that is done, your Emirates ID card is printed and delivered to you. You can then use it for all legal and everyday activities in the UAE.
Medical Fitness Test (Biometric-linked)
As part of the Emirates ID application process, expats between the ages of 18 and 60 are required to undergo a medical fitness test. This test is a mandatory step to ensure that residents are healthy and free from communicable diseases.
The test includes:
| Medical Test | Required For | Purpose |
| Blood Test | All ex-pats (18–60) | Check for communicable diseases like HIV, Hepatitis B, and TB. |
| Chest X-Ray | All ex-pats (18–60) | Screen for pulmonary tuberculosis (TB). |
| Biometrics Capture | All residents (including citizens) | Fingerprints and facial photo for Emirates ID. |
The biometric data is collected to link your fingerprints and facial photo with your Emirates ID, which is crucial for identity verification.
Interesting Fact:
Around 95% of expatriates (approximately 8.5 million people) in the UAE undergo this medical fitness test as part of their Emirates ID application process every year. This shows just how integral the process is to living and working in the UAE.
Where is the Emirates ID Used? (With Numbers)
The Emirates ID is far more than just an identification card and it’s the key to almost every essential service in the UAE, both in the public and private sectors. It integrates with almost everything you do here. Below, we break down some major services where the Emirates ID is 100% mandatory or highly recommended:
| Service Area | Usage Statistics / Requirement |
| Visa Processing | 100% mandatory for all UAE residence visa applicants |
| Banking | 100% mandatory to open accounts, get credit cards, and apply for loans |
| Telecom (Etisalat / Du) | 100% mandatory to buy SIM cards or sign up for internet packages |
| Property Rental (Ejari) | 100% required for tenancy contract registration |
| Healthcare Access | 98% of hospitals link the Emirates ID to health insurance |
| Airport Smart Gates | ~85% of frequent travelers use their Emirates ID for fast immigration through e-gates |
| Utility Registration (DEWA) | 100% required to set up water and electricity services |
| Driving License | 100% required to apply for or renew your driving license |
| School / University Admissions | 90% of private schools require an Emirates ID for registration |
| Government Services (DubaiNow App) | Linked to over 120+ digital services including payments, permits, and more |
Fun Fact:
In 2023, over 5 million people used their Emirates ID at Smart Gates in UAE airports alone, speeding up immigration to just 15–30 seconds. This highlights just how much the Emirates ID has revolutionized efficiency in daily life.
Why is the Emirates ID So Important for Dubai Residents?
Here’s why the Emirates ID is non-negotiable:
1️. It’s a Legal Requirement
| Without Emirates ID | Penalty |
| Failure to apply/renew | A fine of AED 20/day (up to AED 1,000 = ~ USD 272) |
| Lost / Damaged Card Replacement | AED 300 (~ USD 82) |
Nearly 100% of residents (both citizens and expats =10 million people) are mandated to hold and renew their Emirates ID on time.
2️. It Speeds Up Transactions
| Service | Time with Emirates ID | Without Emirates ID |
| Smart Gate Airport Clearance | 15–30 seconds | 10–15 mins manual queue |
| DEWA Setup | 5–10 mins online | Not possible |
| Opening Bank Account | 20–30 mins | Not possible |
| Mobile SIM Activation | ~10 mins | Not possible |
3️. It’s Linked to Over 500+ Services
- More than 500 government & private sector services require Emirates ID authentication
- Over 80% of Dubai government services (via DubaiNow & Smart Dubai apps) integrate it for single sign-on
Comparison Table: Emirates ID vs Aadhaar Card (India)
| Feature | Emirates ID | Aadhaar Card |
| Mandatory | Yes (100% of residents) | Yes (95%+ citizens) |
| Biometric Data | Fingerprints + Photo | Fingerprints + Iris scan + Photo |
| Legal Requirement to Carry | Yes (penalty for non-renewal) | No (but essential for services) |
| Airport Use | Yes (Smart Gates) | No |
| Services Linked | 500+ | 300+ |
| Application Fee | AED 100–370 ($27–100 USD) | Free (India) |
What Happens If You Lose Your Emirates ID?
Losing your card is serious, here’s what happens:
| Scenario | Fee / Fine |
| Lost/Damaged Card Replacement | AED 300 (~ USD 82) |
| Not Reporting Loss | Possible fine or service blocks |
| Late Renewal | AED 20/day fine (up to AED 1,000) |
About 30,000+ replacement applications are filed monthly in the UAE (ICP stats, 2023).
Quick Official Link (Apply / Renew Emirates ID)
Conclusion
The Emirates ID isn’t just an ID card it’s your key to living and working in Dubai and the UAE. Whether it’s for your residency visa, accessing healthcare, banking, or using airport e-gates, this small smart card connects you to over 500 services. The application process includes a medical fitness test and biometric capture to ensure everything is securely verified. If you’re living in Dubai (or planning to move), make sure your Emirates ID is up-to-date and safe. Without it, many aspects of life in the UAE can become difficult to navigate.
