Emirates ID Renewal Guide For Expats

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 this card, you will not be able to access government services, pass through immigration eGates or travel within the GCC. You will also be subject to daily fines.

In this article, we will explore the process for Emirates ID renewal. We will cover the following topics:

• Emirates ID renewal process – step by step
• Emirates ID renewal requirements
• How to replace a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID
• Emirates ID renewal for expats
• How long does an Emirates ID take to renew?
• What is the cost of Emirates ID renewal?
• How much is the Emirates ID renewal delay fine?
• Why choose SPC Free Zone?

Emirates ID renewal process – Step by step

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 our team at SPC Free Zone, to ensure you’ve jumped through the right hoops. We’ve broken down the process into three simple steps:

Step 1: Submit your application for renewal on the ICP website or through an accredited typing centre and pay the fee.

Step 2: Update your biometric details if requested by visiting one of ICP’s service centres and complete your residency procedures.

Step 3: Collect your Emirates ID replacement card. You can choose to either collect this from the post office or have it posted to your company address.

Emirates ID renewal requirements

In order to apply for your Emirates ID card, you will need to ensure that you supply the following documents:

• Passport
• Valid UAE visa
• Current ID card
• Credit card

You will also need to upload scans of both sides of your current ID card, passport, UAE visa and a passport photo taken in the past three months.

How to replace a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID

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:

• A valid passport and family book if you are a UAE national
• Proof of residency in the UAE if you are a GCC national
• Original passport with valid residency permit if you are an expat resident

If the person who has lost the ID card is under the age of 15 years, their legal guardian should provide an original birth certificate and passport photo.

Then, you should 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. Lost or damaged ID replacement cards cost AED 300. You will also need to pay an additional fee, which depends on how you applied for the replacement. Currently, it costs an additional AED 70 to apply through an accredited typing centre and an additional AED 40 to apply using an eForm on the ICA website. These fees are the same for both UAE nationals and expat residents.

If you need to speed up the renewal of your Emirates ID card, there is also an option to pay an additional AED 150 for the Express Replacement Service, known as ‘Fawri’. However, this service 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.

Emirates ID renewal for expats

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. You may need to undergo medical tests to update your biometric details, and you will need to complete the steps outlined above.

You should also report any changes to the details listed on your card, such as your address, within one month from the date of change.

How long does an Emirates ID take to renew?

Generally speaking, it takes around 48 hours to process each application and 24 hours to process an express delivery application.

What is the cost of Emirates ID renewal?

For expats, an Emirates ID renewal costs AED 100 per year of validity. The number of years is capped at the remaining number of years on your visa. So, for example, if you have two years left on your visa, you will only be able to renew your current Emirates ID for two years.

How much is the Emirates ID renewal delay fine?

If you do not renew your card within 30 days of its expiry, you will be subjected to penalties. You will need to pay AED 20 per day, up to a maximum of AED 1,000. The ICP will usually send you a reminder when your Emirates ID requires renewal.

However, there are certain exemptions, such as if the individual is suffering from an infectious disease validated by a medical certificate or individuals aged over 70 years old who cannot visit the registration centres. 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.

Why choose SPC Free Zone?

Conveniently located in the heart of Sharjah, SPC Free Zone offers fast and flexible business setup in the UAE. With immigration services on-site, you can receive your licence – including e-commerce licences UAE – in under two hours. Expand your business with a choice of over 1,500 activities and enjoy competitive incentives including up to 20 visas under one trade licence, 100% foreign ownership and zero paid-up capital. Sharjah Publishing City Free Zone also offers a dual-licence option that includes both mainland and free zone on the same licence.

Ready to renew your Emirates ID? Get advice and speed up the process with help from our market-leading experts at SPC Free Zone.

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