Why You Need an Emirates ID
Before you can rent an apartment, open a bank account, or get a phone contract in Dubai – you need an Emirates ID. It's the gateway to everything in the UAE.
Visa vs Emirates ID: What's the Difference?
| Document | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Visa | Allows you entry into the UAE |
| Emirates ID | Enables everything else (bank, phone, rental, etc.) |
Think of the visa as the entry ticket. The Emirates ID is what lets you actually live here.
What You Need Emirates ID For
- Opening a bank account
- Getting a phone contract
- Renting an apartment
- Buying property
- Getting a checkbook
- Setting up utilities (DEWA)
- Converting your driving licence
Get this sorted first - everything else follows.
The Process Overview
| Stage | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Employment visa application | 2 days | Remote |
| Visa approval | 5-7 business days | Remote |
| Medical test | 15-20 minutes | Dubai |
| Medical results | 24-48 hours | - |
| Biometrics | 5-10 minutes (plus queue) | Dubai |
| Digital ID issued | Same day | - |
| Physical card | 1-2 weeks | Shipped or collected |
Step 1: Employment Visa
Your employer (or business setup company) handles this part.
What's needed:
- Signed contract of employment
- Copy of passport
- Passport-size photo
Timeline: 5-7 business days for approval
Once approved, you get a document you'll need at passport control when you enter Dubai.
Step 2: Medical Test
You must be physically in Dubai for this.
Coming from the UK NHS, I expected to be there for hours. The reality was completely different.
| Time | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 8:25am | Arrived at medical center |
| 8:25am | Scanned passport, checked in |
| 8:30am | Bloods taken |
| 8:45am | Body scan complete |
| 8:45am | Out the door |
Total time: 15-20 minutes.
The facilities were incredible. Clean. Modern. Felt like stepping 10-15 years into the future compared to what I was used to.
Results
Within 24-48 hours, you'll receive notification that you've passed and are "deemed fit to become a resident of the UAE."
Keep this certificate - you'll need it for the next step.
Step 3: Biometrics
You'll need to visit a typing center or service center (like Al Gazelle Center) for biometrics.
What to Bring
- Passport
- Medical pass certificate (digital version on phone works)
- Visa documents
The Process
- Show medical certificate
- Get a ticket number
- Wait inside (5-10 minutes, air-conditioned)
- Get called
- Photo taken
- All fingerprints recorded (both hands)
- Done
Sara's tip: Ask about the expedited queue if you've paid for faster processing. Many people wait in the main queue when they didn't need to.
Step 4: Receive Your Emirates ID
You'll get a digital Emirates ID immediately after biometrics - this works for most things.
The physical card takes 1-2 weeks. Options:
- Hold it at their office and collect on your next visit
- Get it shipped to your address
Using a PRO Service
Can you do this yourself? Technically yes.
Does anyone? Not that we've met.
Most people go through their employer's PRO (Public Relations Officer) service or a relocation company. They handle the paperwork, scheduling, and know exactly what's needed at each step.
If you're setting up independently, companies like Virtuzone, Creative Zone, or IFZA can help manage the process.
Costs
Cost depends on your visa type and who you use:
| Item | Approximate Cost |
|---|---|
| Medical test | AED 200-350 |
| Emirates ID application | AED 100-370 |
| Typing/service fees | AED 50-150 |
Many employers cover these costs as part of your relocation package.
What Comes Next
Once you have your Emirates ID, you can:
- Open a bank account
- Get a phone contract
- Get a checkbook (needed for rent)
- Rent an apartment
- Set up utilities (DEWA)
It's the first domino. Everything else follows.
Quick Tips
- Passport stamp is fine – Don't panic at passport control
- Keep medical certificate on your phone – Digital version works
- Ask about expedited queue – You might not need to wait
- Book morning appointment – Get it done early
- Budget 2-3 weeks total – From visa application to ID in hand
The Emirates ID process sounds complicated. It's actually straightforward – once you know the steps. The hardest part is the waiting.
Questions about the process? I'm happy to help walk you through it.