The Emirates ID is the mandatory national identity card issued to every UAE citizen and resident, used to verify identity for everything from opening a bank account to accessing government services, signing a tenancy contract, and boarding domestic flights.
When You Get One
Emirates ID issuance is a required step in the UAE residence visa process — typically processed alongside your medical fitness test, after which the physical card is issued and mailed or made available for collection.
What It's Used For
Beyond basic identification, an Emirates ID is required for opening a bank account, signing an Ejari tenancy contract, registering a SIM card, accessing many government e-services, and is checked at various points in daily life far more often than a passport once you're a resident.
Renewal
An Emirates ID must be renewed alongside your residence visa renewal, with its own separate fee on top of the visa renewal cost — a line item that's easy to miss when estimating total renewal cost.
Check Your Own Numbers
See the full renewal cost breakdown, Emirates ID included, with the Visa Renewal Cost Calculator, free and in under a minute, with no sign-up required.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Emirates ID the same as a residence visa?
No — they're linked but separate: the residence visa is your legal permission to stay, while the Emirates ID is your physical identification card, both typically processed together.
Can I open a bank account without an Emirates ID?
Most UAE banks require an Emirates ID (or at minimum a labour card) to open a personal account, so this is usually one of the first things new residents need.
How long is an Emirates ID valid for?
It's generally tied to the validity period of your residence visa, so it needs renewing whenever your visa does.
What happens if I lose my Emirates ID?
You'll need to report it and apply for a replacement through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security, which involves its own fee.
Do tourists need an Emirates ID?
No — it's specifically for residents and citizens; tourists use their passport and visa stamp or entry permit instead.