Emirates ID is an identification card for residents in the United Arab Emirates. It serves as proof of identity and residency and is used by citizens and non-citizens in the country. Before we head towards the process of checking Emirates ID status, let’s have a deeper look into the details of Emirates ID.
What is Emirates ID?
An Emirates ID is the identity card issued to all residents of Dubai, whether UAE nationals or ex-pats, by the Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (FAIC). The card includes a unique 15-digit identification number, an electronic chip, the cardholder’s photograph, and their data, including their visa status.
The Emirates ID is a valuable piece of document that streamlines many processes in the UAE. The card is directly connected to your medical insurance. It is also a requirement by all government service departments like Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA), the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), and Dubai Municipality. It can be used to quickly access your banking and credit history as well as pay traffic fines and pay at ADNOC fuel stations. The card can be used to quicken the process of immigration in the UAE airports for the cardholder and dependents under the age of 15 that they may be sponsoring.
The Emirates ID card is proof of your identity and your residence in the UAE. Its unique code can save you from the hassles of identity theft and fraud.
Process to Check Your Emirates ID Status
Emirates IDs, like any other document, have an expiry date. If you’re unsure of the validity of your Emirates ID, you can easily check its status to confirm its validity. You’ll need to know your PRAN/IDN/Request Number, which is your registration application number, or the Emirates ID number that can be found on your Emirates ID card.
There are two methods to check your Emirates ID status:
1. Online Method
You can check your Emirates ID status through the official Federal Authority of Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) website using the following steps:
- Visit the official FAIC website by going to the following URL: www.ica.gov.ae .
- On the right side of the page, inside the box titled Check ID Status, there is a field labeled (PRAN/IDN). Enter your Emirates ID number in this field without including the hyphen and click the arrow at the right of the field to proceed.
- Check your Emirates ID status details in the pop-up box that appears.
2. Direct Calling Method
If for some reason you are unable to access the FAIC official website, you can directly contact the relevant authorities to check your Emirates ID status.
Simply dial 600 522222 and mention your Emirates ID number to get the current status of your Emirates ID.
How to Obtain An Emirates ID?
Getting your Emirates ID is necessary for obtaining your residency visa. Emirates ID costs are combined with the residency visa processing fees when using a business consultancy like Idea Bizone. The total costs can range from 2500 AED to 7000 AED depending upon the emirate whose visa you’re applying for.
The process of getting an Emirates ID and residency visa is as follows:
1. Apply for An Entry Permit
It is easiest to get an entry permit if you are a company owner of a UAE company or if you are employed at a company based in the UAE.
Your electronic entry permit has a validity of 60 days. You will be required to complete the rest of the requirements, including a medical checkup and getting an Emirates ID in this period so your residency visa can be approved.
2. Get A Medical Checkup
You will need a thorough medical assessment after receiving your entry permit. This assessment should include tests for AIDS, tuberculosis, and Hepatitis B.
If your medical certificate declares you free of these diseases, you can proceed to apply for your Emirates ID card.
3. Apply for Your Emirates ID
You can apply for an Emirates ID in the closest Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC) office or apply online. The process for online application is as follows:
- Make an account on the ICA official website.
- Prepared the following documents:
- A scan of your passport
- Proof of residencies like an employment certificate, company ownership contract, or a trade license
- Fill out the application form on the ICA website by clicking on apply for new card.
- Pay 100 AED for the application fee.
- Visit your closest EIDA branch to complete the process by meeting biometric requirements like fingerprint and photo.
- Track the status of your Emirates ID card application on the EIDA website using the account number you are given.
- Upon receiving an SMS from Emirates Post, you can collect your card from the mentioned post office branch.
4. Get Your Visa Stamped
You can get your UAE residency visa stamped by presenting your Emirates ID and medical certificate.
Cost of Emirate ID Card
The cost of your Emirate ID card will depend on its validity period. A 1-year validity card costs 170 AED, a 2-year validity card will cost 270 AED, and a 3-year validity card will cost you 370 AED.
How to Renew Your Emirates ID?
You must renew your Emirates ID within 30 days of its expiry if you wish to continue residing in the UAE. After 30 days, a late fine of 20 AED will be charged for every passing day. FAIC will send you an SMS as a reminder to renew your Emirates ID.
You can apply for a renewal of your Emirates ID on the official ICP website. You will not be required to submit biometric details as these physically can be pulled from your previous ID card information.
You may also be interested in: Visa Renewal UAE | Cost and Features in Dubai
How to Cancel Your Emirates ID?
You will need to cancel your Emirates ID if you are switching jobs or permanently leaving the UAE.
To cancel your Emirates ID, you can simply hand your Emirates ID card over to your employer or to the ICP office that issued it to you.
The Emirates ID-making process is relatively easy, thanks to the UAE government officials. You can hand the process over to reliable, trustworthy business consultancies like Idea Bizone. Idea Bizone’s team is experienced in navigating procedures like this, and our connections to relevant authorities can help cut processing costs.
FAQs
1. Can you renew your Emirates ID before the validity period expires?
Yes, you can apply for a renewal 6 to 1 month before expiry if you are a UAE national. If you’re a residence visa holder, you can only apply for a renewal of your Emirates ID along with your visa renewal.
2. What happens if I lose my Emirates ID?
You should report your lost Emirates ID to the police within 7 days and notify the FAIC as well. You will be guided about applying for a new process by the FAIC.
3. What is the cost of getting a new Emirates ID if you lose it?
You will be charged 70 AED to file a police report for your lost Emirates ID. The fee for making a new card is 300 AED with an extra 40 AED or 70 AED for online and in-person applications, respectively.
Hence, the total cost incurred is 410 AED to 440 AED.
4. Will I lose my Emirates ID number upon canceling my Emirates ID?
No, your Emirates ID number is unique and is not reused if you cancel your Emirates ID card. If, in the future, you ever want to become a resident of the UAE again after canceling your Emirates ID, your ID card will have the same number that you had before.
5. How long does Emirates ID renewal take?
Renewing your Emirates ID can be done within 24 hours.
