Author: Ayushi Doegar | Published: June 27, 2022
Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security-ICP, your Emirates ID card is a national identity card. It is mandatory for UAE citizens and residents to hold a valid Emirates ID card, which means that expats will need to apply for and renew theirs regularly too.
Without a valid Emirates ID card, you will not be able to:
Additionally, failure to maintain a valid Emirates ID will result in daily fines.
This comprehensive guide explores the complete process for Emirates ID renewal for expatriates in the UAE, including:
The route for renewing your Emirates ID is the same as the initial application process. While this is relatively straightforward, it's worth getting in touch with a knowledgeable advisor, such as a member of the team at SPC Free Zone, to ensure you've jumped through the right hoops.
Submit your application for renewal on the ICP website or through an accredited typing centre and pay the fee.
Update your biometric details if requested by visiting one of ICP's service centres and complete your residency procedures.
Collect your Emirates ID replacement card. You can choose to either:
In order to apply for your Emirates ID card renewal, you will need to ensure that you supply the following documents:
| Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Passport | Valid passport |
| UAE Visa | Valid UAE visa |
| Current ID Card | Your existing Emirates ID card |
| Credit Card | For payment processing |
You will also need to upload scans of:
It is a legal requirement to have an Emirates ID card, so you must ensure that you alert the relevant authorities as soon as you notice it is missing or damaged.
First, you should report the incident to the nearest ICP Customer Happiness Centre to ensure the card is deactivated immediately. You should ask the centre for a copy of the lost ID or ID number confirmation in case you don't have one. If you've damaged your old card, bring it along with you to show to the service centre.
At the ICP Customer Happiness Centre, you will need to present several documents based on your status:
| Status | Required Documents |
|---|---|
| UAE National | Valid passport and family book |
| GCC National | Proof of residency in the UAE |
| Expat Resident | Original passport with valid residency permit |
Special Case - Minors Under 15 Years:
If the person who has lost the ID card is under the age of 15 years, their legal guardian should provide:
Fill in the application form at ICA's Customer Happiness Centre or via the UAE ICP app. This is available via both Apple and Google Play. Request your replacement and pay the fees.
| Fee Type | Cost | Applicable To |
|---|---|---|
| Lost or Damaged ID Replacement | AED 300 | UAE nationals and expat residents |
| Accredited Typing Centre Application Fee | AED 70 | Additional fee |
| eForm Application Fee (ICA Website) | AED 40 | Additional fee |
| Express Replacement Service (Fawri) | AED 150 | Additional fee (UAE and GCC nationals residing in UAE, or expats who lost/had card stolen) |
Note: The Express Replacement Service (Fawri) is only available for UAE and GCC nationals residing in the UAE, or for expats who have lost or had their card stolen.
Once you have submitted your application, the ICP will send you a text message confirming the status of your replacement card and when it will be ready.
Expats will need to ensure that they renew their card within 30 days of its expiry. Failure to do so will result in a daily fine.
Processing times for Emirates ID renewal:
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard Application | 48 hours |
| Express Delivery Application | 24 hours |
For expats, an Emirates ID renewal costs AED 100 per year of validity.
If you do not renew your card within 30 days of its expiry, you will be subjected to penalties.
| Penalty Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Daily Fine | AED 20 per day |
| Maximum Fine | AED 1,000 |
The ICP will usually send you a reminder when your Emirates ID requires renewal.
There are certain exemptions, including:
For the full list of exemptions and further information, get in touch with a business advisor at SPC Free Zone, who will be happy to give clarity and extra peace of mind.
Conveniently located in the heart of Sharjah, SPC Free Zone offers fast and flexible business setup in the UAE.
Ready to renew your Emirates ID? Get advice and speed up the process with help from market-leading experts at SPC Free Zone.
Related Topics: #EmiratesIDRenewal #SPCFreeZone #EIDRenewalUAE