In this no-fluff guide, I’m going to show you the exact Emirates ID process to follow in 2026.
In fact, this is the same process we have been using for our clients for more over a decade.
After reading this post, you’ll be able to get an Emirates ID for both UAE nationals and expatriates without any compliance issues or delays.
Without further delay, let’s get into it…
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Leah Maglalang
Business Coordinator UAE
Before learning the process to get an Emirates ID, it is very important to understand what an Emirates ID actually is.
An Emirates ID is the official national identity card. The Federal Authority issues it for identification, citizenship, and customs and port security to all UAE citizens and nationals. So, it serves as the primary proof of identity in the UAE.
An Emirates ID typically includes:
Anyone who legally resides in the UAE must obtain one, including:
The card is used for many everyday and official purposes, such as:
Now you have clearly understood the basics about the Emirates ID. In this section, I’ll mention the three simple steps to get it for your employees, specifically for UAE nationals.
One more thing to mention here: as an employer, you’re usually guiding the employee rather than sponsoring them. UAE nationals apply as individuals, but you can support them in the Emirates ID process.
Before jumping into collecting and submitting the documents to the authorities, you must confirm whether your employee is eligible. However, this confirmation is only required for expatriates. They must have a work permit and residence visa before applying for an Emirates ID. UAE nationals can get one directly, and no eligibility check is required.
UAE nationals can apply for an Emirates ID directly through the ICP via the UAEICP website or app, or they can visit a typing center to apply for a new Emirates ID.
This is an optional step. Although no documents are needed from employers for UAE nationals to obtain an Emirates ID, sometimes a government entity or bank may ask them to provide proof of employment (salary certificate, employment contract, etc.) when using their Emirates ID.
At this simple but important step, the UAE national submits the application online or via a typing center. If it is their first time applying, or when required, the employee has to attend an ICP service/registration center for fingerprints, a signature, and facial biometrics.
Once approved, the physical card is printed and delivered. The digital Emirates ID also becomes available instantly through UAEICP application.
You might be thinking, why would you need to assist a UAE national with an Emirates ID when they already have one? Yes, most already do, but because of the rise of AI and remote work, younger candidates are entering the workforce earlier. It is possible that they have just reached the eligible age and are applying directly to your job posting. Another scenario is that they may need to renew their Emirates ID or resolve issues with their existing card.
For expatriates, you’re the visa sponsor. It means the Emirates ID is part of the employment residence visa workflow. Now, the employer handles most of the steps rather than the employee.
Issue the offer letter and secure approval from the relevant authority (e.g., MOHRE for mainland companies or the free zone authority for FZ companies). After that, you need to apply for the employment entry permit for the employee. It allows expatriates to enter the UAE or change their status if the employee is already in the country.
Once the employee is in the UAE and you are processing the residence visa, you need to complete the following procedure.
The documents for the Emirates ID application for expatriates include (these are submitted alongside visa processing):
Your company’s trade license and sponsor details are already embedded in the visa file. They don’t appear on the ID card but are important in the immigration system.
The process for submitting the Emirates ID application is the same as discussed in the UAE national section. One extra point is that you need to select a validity period matching the intended residence visa (usually 2 or 3 years for standard work visas and 10 years for a Golden Visa). You also have to pay the ID fee, which is around AED 100 per year.
The employee must attend an approved health authority medical center (e.g., DHA/SEHA) for the medical fitness test as part of the residence visa process. Emirates ID biometrics (fingerprints, signature, and facial image) are captured at ICP registration/service centers.
The government health authority or medical fitness center automatically uploads the medical fitness results to the immigration system (Salama or a similar system). The Emirates ID application typically moves automatically to printing after medical clearance and residence visa approval.
Once the medical test is cleared and the fees are paid, the authorities issue the residence visa. It is issued as a sticker in the passport or as e-residency details in the system.
After approval, the physical Emirates ID card is printed and delivered via courier or made available at a collection point. It usually takes a few days to 10 working days after biometrics. After the card is approved, the digital Emirates ID becomes available immediately.
For UAE nationals and GCC residents, ICP offers 24-hour urgent issuance for first-time applications and renewals. Expatriates can use the urgent service mainly for replacements (lost or damaged cards).
Remember that you can’t keep the employee’s Emirates ID in HR or with security. Only temporary use, such as for verification, is permitted. For payroll, HR files, E-channel, and many government portals, the Emirates ID number becomes a key identifier. That’s why it is important for employers as well.
One more important point is that the Emirates ID is usually valid for the same period as the residence visa. You can initiate the renewal up to six months before it expires. You may have to pay a late renewal fine of AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000.
That is not a standalone service, but we have been providing Employer of Record services for over 15 years. We can hire employees for you without registering a legal entity, handle payroll, monthly contributions, and other essentials, such as arranging Emirates IDs for expatriates.
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