The Emirates ID is the UAE’s national identity card. The ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) issues it for the individuals who decide to stay in the UAE for more than a visit duration. Every UAE citizen and resident must have one. The card stores your personal details and biometrics on a secure chip. You can use your valid Emirates ID for day-to-day life, banking, utilities, healthcare, telecom, travel gates at airports, and more. It’s legally required and used to access government and private services.
Since 11 April 2022, your Emirates ID also serves as the official proof of UAE residency for expatriates. The old visa sticker in passports was phased out. Now Airlines and authorities check the card instead of a physical visa label. If you want an investor visa, business setup consultants at Momentum can assist with business setup and the Emirates ID process.
This blog will explain what the card is, who needs it, the most important Emirates ID services, and exactly how to do an Emirates ID check.
Who Needs an Emirates ID?
Emirates ID is a smart identity card issued by ICP to UAE citizens and residents. It contains your name, photo, nationality, date of birth, ID number, as well as encrypted biometrics.
Group | Requirement | Description |
|---|---|---|
UAE citizens | Mandatory | Needed for all government and private services. |
Expatriate residents | Mandatory | Serves as the official residency proof. |
GCC nationals residing in the UAE | Required | Needed to access services while living in the UAE. |
Children and newborns | Must be registered and issued a card | Issued with the child’s residency file. |
Whatever your country of origin, the Momentum team can assist you with your Emirates ID application.
Emirates ID Uses
Like other countries’ ID cards, the Emirates ID is very important in the UAE. You can use it for both personal and professional purposes. Some of the uses are:
Use Area | What You Can Do with Emirates ID |
|---|---|
Government & private services | Access healthcare, schooling, utilities, telecom, vehicle and license services, and online portals. |
Banking | Open accounts, complete KYC checks, apply for loans and cards. |
Travel convenience | Use e-Gates/Smart Gates at UAE airports; UAE citizens may use the card for GCC travel. |
Digital access | Log in to services and sign digitally where enabled. |
If you want to learn more about the Emirates ID usage or how to apply for it, you can contact our consultant.
Emirates ID number vs. UID number
They are not the same number, and they are used in different places. Most of the time you will give your Emirates ID number for the services in the United Arab Emirates.
Emirates ID number | A 15-digit number that doesn’t change, even when you get a new card. |
UID (Unified Number) | a residency/immigration file number linked to your visa record. |
Emirates ID Services
You can complete most tasks through the ICP Smart Services portal and mobile app yourself. Otherwise, you can do these via an approved typing center. The Emirates ID services include:
- New ID card issuance (citizens, residents, GCC).
- Renewal of an expiring ID.
- Replacement of a lost or damaged card.
- Data update.
- Application status tracking (Emirates ID check).
Find these under “New ID Card,” “Renew ID Card,” “Replace ID Card,” “ID Card Status,” and “Data Update.”
Recently, ICP announced that residents can pay ICP service fees in credit-card installments. It was rolled out at GITEX 2025 with local banks. If cash flow matters, this option can help you.
Emirates ID Check: How to Track Your Application or Card
There are two simple ways to track your application through ICP:
First Option: Online Status Check through Web
- Go to the ICP ID Card Status page.
- Enter your Application Number (PRAN) if it’s a new card, or your Emirates ID number if you are renewing/replacing.
- Submit to view the latest status.
Second Option: UAEICP Mobile App
- Download UAEICP from play store or apple store.
- Sign in with UAE PASS as it’s quick.
- Tap your Emirates ID tile to see status and the digital card. ICP confirms the e-version is viewable in the app.
What’s PRAN PRAN is short form for Personal Registration Acknowledgment Number. It’s your application number generated when you submit the form (new/renewal/replacement). Keep it safe; you’ll need it to track your file. |
Documents You Will Need
The exact requirements to apply for the Emirates ID depend on whether you are a citizen, resident or GCC national. Normally, you need these documents:
- Passport (original + copy).
- Residence visa/entry permit for expatriates.
- Family book (for citizens) where applicable.
- Passport photo (as per specs).
Step-by-Step Process for New Emirates ID for Expats
Step 1: When you partner with Momentum team, we will help you submit the application online via ICP Smart Services or at an approved typing center along with the fee payment.
Step 2: After that, you might be requested for biometrics. We will also help you with it. You will receive an SMS with location/time.
Step 3: Give fingerprints and photo at the ICP service center.
Step 4: We will provide you login details and you can also track your status via the ICP website or UAEICP app.
Step 5: With our smooth process, you will get the ID card by Emirates Post. You will get an SMS when it’s ready.
If you need it urgently, ICP’s urgent Fawri service can issue an Emirates ID in about 24 hours for citizens and GCC nationals.
The Role of Emirates ID for Business in Dubai
If you are starting a business setup in Dubai with the support of Momentum team, you will use your Emirates ID at many steps:
- Investor/employee visas are linked to your identity record.
- Bank account opening and KYC rely on the Emirates ID.
- Utilities, telecom, and leasing for your office require the card.
In short, your Emirates ID is the everyday credential in the UAE.
At Momentum, we can help you with smooth setup as well as processing your Emirates ID and applying for the renewal once it expires.
Start Strong, Grow Fast with Momentum!
