what is emirates id

Emirates ID

The emirates id is also known as ‘UAE ID CARD’.

It is an identification card which is issued by ‘FEDERAL AUTHORITY OF IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP’ (FAIC). it is a portable personal database and it is mandatory to have for all the residents and citizens of UAE and it is mandatory for all the people in the UAE to carry the id card all the time. Every id card contains 15 digit number on the card and it is registered to a particular cardholder forever, The personal data with an electronic chip which is consisting of fingers biometrics and a photocopy of the cardholder is present on it.

Uses of ID

1. To get government services.

2. To vote in the elections of Federal National Council.

3. As a travel document for UAE citizens to travel within the GCC.

4. As a document to pass immigration through the eGates and smart gates at several airports in the UAE.

The validity of the ID

the validity of the id differs from expatriate residents, UAE nationals and GCC nationals.

1. The ex-pat (expatriate) residents:- depending on their visa deadline.

2. UAE nationals:- 5 to 10 years 

3. GCC nationals:- 5 years

For ex-pat residents, they get either by company behalf or by applying through validly approved centres in the UAE.

Once the id card is expired from the date of expiry they have a period of thirty days of time for the renewal for a new id. And in case if late renewal of id fine of AED 20 is charged per day and a maximum amount of charge of AED 1,000. The processes for the renewal of id is as same as applying a new id. It is applied through FAIC service centres. The processes are started after 24 hours of issue.

Required documents for the renewal of emirates id

The documents required for renewal is as same as the new application of emirates id and old id card and residence renewal documents should also be carried along with the needed documents. 

Fee charged for ID renewal

The service fee charged for the renewal by FAIC  service centre is same as the cost of first time application which is differed by  depending by a variety of card method of application whether the applicant is a ex-pat or UAE or GCC NATIONALITY

1. Year Validity: AED 290

2. 2 Years Validity: AED 390

3. Years Validity: AED 490

In case of loss, theft or damage of emirates ID card

In the above-mentioned cases, there are specific steps and conditions should be followed as mentioned further,

1. File a case in the police station as lost or theft in case of loss or theft.

2. The cardholder should apply for emirates id replacement through FAIC service centre or an approved typing centre. if someone is applying for their dependents they can apply through a smart app or FAIC online website and the applicants may be required their biometrics to submit.

3. The mentioned amount of fee is paid for a replacement application.

When the application is applied through FAIC service centre the emirates card is received from 24 hours of application otherwise they will receive in a period of 5 official working days.

The documents required for application of replacement of emirates ID

Expat residents:- original passport with residency visa stamped

UAE nationals:- original passport and family book (when applying through typing centre or online), 

No documents required when visiting FAIC centre)

GCC nationals:- original passport, Unified Identification Number, original GCC ID card and proof of residency

For applicants below the age of 15 years, they will also require a personal photograph with white background, original birth certificate OR father’s passport or Emirates ID. 

For GCC national applicants below 15 years, they will need their father’s GCC ID card.

 Fee charged for emirates id replacements by the FAIC service centre

the id replacement cost will differ on the type of method of submission and is same for EXPECT GCC AND UAE NATIONALITIES 

1. FAIC website or smart app: AED 340

2. Typing centre: AED 370

3. FAIC Centre: AED 490

Tracking your card status

You can track your card status by following below steps 

1. Visit the official Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship website

2. On the homepage, select the option ‘ID Card Status’

3. To check application status,

4. Enter the application (PRAN) number, or your Emirates ID number to check renewal or replacement status.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EMPLOYMENT VISA AND EMIRATES ID?

Generally, an entry permit visa s issued and approved by ‘GENERAL DIRECTORATE OF RESIDENCY AND FOREIGNERS AFFAIRS’ (GDRFA). That allows the foreigners to enter into UAE and stay for a permitted period of time. The documents copy may be in a  printed copy or computerized version but check before the starting of application weather we need have entry permit of we might get after arrival.

The sponsor or the company who wants the person to enter into UAE handles all the online and offline versions applications and is responsible to get visa permit from GDRFA online and offline channels.

The sponsor can be a private sector, public entity, UAE based airline and so on…

The visa entry permit has a validity date which differs from cases to cases, which refers to the period within which the entry permit must be used by entering the UAE through one of its entry points at the land borders, airports or seaports. 

For most entry permits, the validity is two months. The validity of entry permits can’t be extended, they automatically expire upon the lapse of their respective time.

An employment visa generally consisting of 2 months, during this period the sponsor must change the employee visa into a residential visa or else the person should leave the country within the permitted amount of time. To avoid fines and penalties or renew their application according to new rules 

A new rule has been executed on 21 October 2018 as all types of visa permits can be extended for twice by staying in the country i.e., without any need to leave to their native country

The GDRFA will paste a residence visa on the passport enabling him to travel freely in and out of the UAE within the validity period of the visa, provided the duration of travel does not exceed six months, or else the residence visa will be cancelled automatically.

IS IT NECESSARY TO GET AN VISA STAMPING TO GET AN EMIRATES ID?

Yes, the visa stamping is necessary to get an emirates id. As the FAIC checks, the visa permitted details and etc are checked for the approval of emirates id.