Quick Answer: Workers in the UAE must obtain an Emirates ID after receiving their work permit and completing the medical fitness test. The process involves submitting an application through the ICP portal or typing center, attending biometrics at a Customer Happiness Center, and paying AED 100 per year of visa validity plus service fees. Standard processing takes 7-10 working days, with the card delivered via Emirates Post.
What is the Emirates ID for Workers
The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) to all UAE residents, including workers. The card contains a 15-digit unique identification number linked to biometric data, including fingerprints and facial recognition. This ID helps workers feel recognized and secure in their legal status in the UAE.
For workers, the Emirates ID serves as the primary identification document for accessing government services, opening bank accounts, obtaining SIM cards, signing tenancy contracts, and proving legal work status. Since 2022, the Emirates ID has replaced the traditional visa sticker in the passport for residency verification.
The card is linked directly to your employment visa and remains valid for the duration of your work permit. All personal, immigration, and employment details are stored on the embedded smart chip, allowing instant verification by authorities and service providers.
Who Must Apply
All foreign workers employed in the UAE must obtain an Emirates ID. This includes:
| Worker Category | Requirement |
| Mainland employees | Mandatory after work permit approval |
| Free zone employees | Mandatory through zone authority process |
| Domestic workers | Mandatory with the sponsor application |
| Part-time workers | Mandatory for each work permit |
| Workers aged 15+ | Biometrics required |
| Workers under 15 | ID issued without biometrics |
The Emirates ID application cannot proceed without visa approval. Workers must first have their entry permit issued, a medical fitness test completed, and a residence visa approved before their ID can be processed.
Documents Required
Workers must prepare the following documents for the Emirates ID application:
| Document | Specification |
| Valid passport | Minimum 6 months validity |
| Passport copy | Clear scan of bio page |
| Entry permit | Original or electronic copy |
| Residence visa | Approved status required |
| Passport-size photo | White background, ICAO compliant |
| Medical fitness certificate | From a DHA or EHS-approved center |
| Employment contract | Signed and attested |
| Employer trade license | Copy for verification |
The employer typically handles document submission through the Work Bundle platform or typing centers. Workers outside the UAE cannot apply for an Emirates ID until they enter the country and complete the medical fitness test.
Step-by-Step Application Process
The Emirates ID application for workers follows this sequence:
1. Employer submits work permit through the MOHRE portal with the required company documents
2. Entry permit issued. Worker receives approval to enter the UAE (valid 60 days)
3. Worker arrives in the UAE. Must complete remaining steps within 60 days
4. Medical fitness testatt DHA or EHS-approved center (required for all workers 18+)
5. Emirates ID application submitted through the ICP portal, the UAEICP app, or the typing center
6. Biometrics appointment SMS notification with date and location
7. Attend Customer Happiness Center: Fingerprints, facial scan, and photo capture
8. Pay applicable feesonlinee or at the service center
9. Residence visa stamped Passport submitted for final processing
10. Emirates ID delivered Via Emirates Post to the registered address
The employer handles steps 1-2 and may assist with step 5. Workers must attend the medical test and biometrics appointment in person.
Emirates ID Fees for Workers
Emirates ID fees depend on visa validity and service type:
| Fee Component | Amount (AED) |
| Base fee per year | 100 |
| 2-year visa total | 200 |
| 3-year visa total | 300 |
| Online service fee | 40 |
| Typing center fee | 70 |
| Urgent (Fawri) service | 150 additional |
| Lost/damaged replacement | 300 |
| Late renewal penalty | 20 per day (max 1,000) |
Total cost for 2-year visa: AED 240-270 (standard processing)
Medical fitness test fees are separate: Standard centers AED 250-400, Premium centers (Smart Salem) AED 750.
Under UAE Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, employers must cover work permit and visa costs. Some employers also cover Emirates ID fees, though this varies by company policy.
Medical Fitness Test Requirements
The medical fitness test is mandatory before Emirates ID issuance. Testing must be completed at centers approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA) in Dubai or the Emirates Health Services (EHS) in other emirates.
Standard Screening
| Test | Purpose |
| Blood test | HIV, Hepatitis B/C, syphilis screening |
| Chest X-ray | Tuberculosis detection |
Additional Screening for Specific Occupations
| Occupation | Additional Tests |
| Food handlers | Hepatitis B vaccination proof |
| Domestic workers | Pregnancy test, expanded panel |
| Healthcare workers | Hepatitis B, expanded infectious disease panel |
| Salon workers | Syphilis, Hepatitis B |
Test results are transmitted electronically to immigration authorities. Standard results take 24-48 hours; premium services deliver results within 30 minutes.
For detailed information on medical requirements, see: UAE Work Visa Medical Test: Complete Guide
Biometrics Appointment
After submitting the application, workers receive an SMS with biometrics appointment details. Applicants aged 15 and above must attend in person for fingerprint scanning, facial recognition, and iris capture.
Dubai Biometric Centers
• Al Barsha Customer Happiness Centre, Al Barsha 3 District
• Al Ghazal Customer Happiness Centre, Al Wasl Road, Al Bada’a
• Al Baraha Customer Happiness Office Deira
• Alyalyis Customer Happiness Centre, Dubai Investments Park
Operating Hours
Monday-Thursday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, Friday 7:30 AM – 12:00 PM
Required at Appointment
• Original passport
• Entry permit or visa copy
• Application reference number (PRAN)
• Passport-size photo
Walk-ins are accepted at some centers, but booking through the ICP portal ensures minimal wait time.
Processing Time
| Service Type | Timeline |
| Standard processing | 7-10 working days |
| Urgent (Fawri) service | 24-48 hours |
| Document verification | 1-2 days |
| Biometrics capture | Same day |
| Card printing | 1 day |
| Emirates Post delivery | 1-7 days |
Delays occur when documents are incomplete, biometrics are missed, or medical results are pending. The 30-day grace period after ID expiry allows renewal without penalties; after this, late fees of AED 20 per day apply.
For workers changing jobs, see: UAE Job Change & Visa Transfer: Complete Process
How to Track Your Application
Track Emirates ID status through:
1. ICP Smart Services Portal: Enter application number or Emirates ID number at icp.gov.ae
2. UAEICP Mobile App Available on iOS and Android
3. UAE Pass App: View digital Emirates ID under My Documents
4. Emirates Post Tracking: Check the delivery status with the tracking number
Status updates include: Application Submitted, Under Review, Biometrics Completed, Approved, Printing, Dispatched. For card collection, Emirates Post delivers to the address registered at the time of application.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the Emirates ID take after the medical test?
Emirates ID issuance takes 5-7 working days after medical results are approved and biometrics are completed. The medical test itself provides results within 24-48 hours at standard centers or 30 minutes at premium facilities.
Can my employer apply for an Emirates ID on my behalf?
Employers can submit applications through the Work Bundle platform or at authorized typing centers. However, workers must attend the biometrics appointment in person for fingerprint and facial scanning.
What happens if I miss my biometrics appointment?
Reschedule immediately through the ICP portal or contact the Customer Happiness Center directly. Missing the appointment without rescheduling delays your Emirates ID and may require a new application.
Is an Emirates ID the same as a work permit?
No. The work permit (labor card) authorizes employment and is issued by MOHRE. The Emirates ID is an identification document issued by ICP that proves your identity and legal residency. Both are required for workers, and they are linked through your employment record.
Can I work in the UAE without an Emirates ID?
No. Workers cannot legally commence employment without a valid Emirates ID. Banks, landlords, and service providers require the Emirates ID for account opening, tenancy registration, and SIM activation.
Official Sources
• Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP): https://icp.gov.ae/en/
• Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE): https://www.mohre.gov.ae/
• UAE Government Official Portal Work Permits: https://u.ae/en/information-and-services/jobs/
• Dubai Health Authority (DHA): https://www.dha.gov.ae/
• Emirates Health Services (EHS): https://www.ehs.gov.ae/
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Fees, requirements, and procedures may change. Always verify with official UAE government sources (ICP, MOHRE) before proceeding with any application.
Last Updated: February 2026