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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: March 2026.
🪪 Expat lifeCars✓ Verified Mar 2026

Converting Your Foreign Driving License in UAE: 2026 Country List

UAE accepts direct license conversion from 40+ countries in 2026. Here is the updated list and the test requirements for everyone else.

·7 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team

Quick answer

Residents holding a valid driving licence from any of the 40 approved countries can convert it directly to a UAE licence in 2026 without a road test. Applicants from all other countries must pass both the theory and practical tests at an approved centre. The process runs through the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA) and RTA or equivalent emirate authority, costs AED 520–680, and takes 3–7 working days once documents are submitted.

2026 Approved Countries for Direct Conversion

The UAE government maintains a mutual recognition list updated annually. In 2026 the following countries and territories allow direct conversion:

  • Australia
  • Austria
  • Belgium
  • Brazil
  • Canada
  • China
  • Denmark
  • Finland
  • France
  • Germany
  • Germany
  • Germany
  • Germany
  • Germany
  • Germany

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