UAE Emirates ID Requirements and Replacement Procedures

In the United Arab Emirates, the Emirates ID is a mandatory biometric smart card for all residents, including Dubai business owners. The card is required for corporate banking, government service portals, visa sponsorship, legal contracts, healthcare registration, and telecommunications. Fees for new cards in 2026 range from AED 170 for a one‑year validity to AED 1,070 for a ten‑year (golden visa) option, with additional service charges for processing and express handling.

To obtain an Emirates ID, business owners must first complete company formation, secure an investor or partner visa, undergo a medical fitness test, and then submit the application through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The process is linked to the residence visa and can be expedited for an extra fee.

If an Emirates ID is lost, stolen, or damaged, residents can replace it online via the UAE ICP app. The replacement procedure includes reporting the issue at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre, providing required documents (passport, visa, photo, and optional supporting papers), completing the online form, paying a total of Dhs 451.40, and tracking the request through the ICP portal. The new card retains the same expiry date as the original.