How to Apply for Emirates ID in Abu Dhabi 2026

Quick answer

Apply for your Emirates ID through the ICA or ICP app (or at an Amer centre) within 60 days of receiving your UAE residence visa. The process takes 10–15 minutes online, costs AED 370 for a 5-year card, and requires a valid passport, Emirates ID photo, and your visa copy.

Why you need an Emirates ID in Abu Dhabi

The Emirates ID is your official UAE identity card. It is mandatory for opening a bank account, getting a driver’s licence, signing an Ejari tenancy contract, registering with DEWA or Etihad Water, and accessing most government services. Without it you cannot complete many everyday tasks in Abu Dhabi.

Who must apply and when

Every resident aged 15 and above who holds a valid UAE residence visa must obtain an Emirates ID. You have 60 days from the date your residence visa is stamped or issued electronically. Children under 15 can be added as dependants on a parent’s application.

Where to apply in Abu Dhabi

Three main channels exist:

• Online via the ICA or ICP mobile app (fastest for new applicants).
• Amer centres in Abu Dhabi City, Mussafah, or Khalifa City.
• Some typing centres partnered with GDRFA Abu Dhabi that offer “application + typing” packages.

Most new expats choose the app route because it removes the need to queue.

Step-by-step: apply online via the ICP app

Step 1 – Download and register

Download the free “ICP UAE” app from the App Store or Google Play. Register with your mobile number, then verify using the OTP sent by SMS.

Step 2 – Choose the service

Tap “Residency Services” → “Emirates ID” → “New Emirates ID”.

Step 3 – Enter your details

Fill in your passport number, residence visa number, mobile number, and email. The system auto-fills most fields if your visa was issued recently.

Step 4 – Upload documents

Upload clear colour scans of: passport bio page, residence visa page or e-visa, and one passport-sized photo (white background, 4.5 × 3.5 cm). The app lets you crop the photo automatically.

Step 5 – Pay the fee

Pay AED 370 for a standard 5-year card using Apple Pay, card, or online banking. Keep the receipt number for tracking.

Step 6 – Book a biometrics slot (if required)

Some nationalities are asked to attend an Amer centre for fingerprinting. Choose a convenient date and time via the app. Most Abu Dhabi residents finish this step within 3–5 days.

Step 7 – Collect or receive the card

Once approved, the physical card is mailed to your registered Abu Dhabi address within 5–7 working days. You can also collect it from the same Amer centre you visited.

Documents checklist

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity).
• Copy of residence visa (or e-visa printout).
• One recent passport photo (white background).
• Proof of residential address in Abu Dhabi (Ejari or DEWA bill).
• Emirates ID application fee receipt.

Fees and validity periods

The standard fee for a new 5-year Emirates ID is AED 370. If you already hold a valid residence visa and only need to renew the card, the fee is the same. Children under 15 pay AED 100. Always verify the current fee with ICP before payment.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Submitting a low-resolution photo – the app rejects it and you lose time.
• Waiting past the 60-day grace period – you risk a fine of AED 50 per day.
• Using a typing centre that charges extra “service fees” without telling you; always compare the ICP app price first.
• Forgetting to update your mobile number – you will miss the biometrics SMS.

Tips for a smooth application

• Apply during the first week of your visa issuance when data is fresh in the system.
• Keep your passport and visa in a single PDF file under 2 MB for faster upload.
• If you live in Al Ain or the Western Region, check the ICP app for “mobile Amer” units that visit once a month.
• Save the ICP application reference number; you will need it for bank account opening and driver’s licence tests.

After you receive the card

Activate your Emirates ID at any ATM or through the ICA app to enable digital services. Then update your details with DEWA, Etisalat, du, your bank, and your employer’s HR portal. The card is now your key to almost every government and commercial service in Abu Dhabi.

Key takeaway

Applying for your Emirates ID in Abu Dhabi is straightforward if you act within the 60-day window, use the ICP app, and prepare clear scans of your passport and visa. The AED 370 investment gives you five years of hassle-free access to banking, utilities, and daily services across the emirate.