How to Renew Your Emirates ID Online

The Emirates ID is an important multi-purpose card and document that you need throughout your stay in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). It is a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents, including overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) since you are residing in the country while you work there.

But just like other IDs, the Emirates ID has limited validity. Based on information from the Government of Ras Al Khaimah’s official website, the Emirates ID has the following validity:

  • Private sector sponsored Resident employees’ ID cards are valid for 2 years from the issuance date
  • Public sector and free zone sponsored Resident employees’ ID cards are valid for 3 years from the issuance date
  • Emirates and GCC Nationals’ ID card validity is for 5 years from the issuance date

Fees are as follows:

  • UAE Nationals: AED100 (Php1,450) for a 5-year ID and AED 200 (Php2,900) for a 10-year ID.
  • GCC Nationals: AED 100 (Php1,450) for a 5-year ID.
  • Expatriates: AED100 (Php1,450) for each residency year.
  • Printing and services fee is at AED 70 (Php1,000) at the typing office
  • Service charge for online service is at AED 40 (Php580)

Take note, however, that fines will be collected for late registration, after 30 days of the card’s expiry: AED 20 (Php290) per day and maximum of AED 1000 (Php14,500)

Sample Emirates ID
Photo credit: Arabian Business

Renewing Your Emirates ID Online

Because most employers or companies will make you renew the Emirates ID on your own, you have to set time off your busy schedule to visit a Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FAIC).

But you do have an easy option to do it online.

Step 1. Registration. Visit https://www.ica.gov.ae/en/home.aspx to begin your application. You are required to log-in to your account for security purposes.

Step 2. Submit your application and pay the fees. You need to prepare the following documents:

  • Current Emirates ID
  • Original passport
  • Visa page on your passport, the one with the orange stamp
  • Credit cards

Step 3. Confirm your biometrics if asked to do so.

Step 4. Complete the procedures for issuing residency, applicable only for expats (this includes OFWs).

Step 5. Collect your new Emirates ID at the post office of your choice or at your company’s post box, depending on what you chose during the application process.

Just in case you made a mistake but had already submitted the form, immediately call 600530003 for assistance. The application form will be returned to you so you can make the changes for free. Once the card has been issued, changes you make will be more difficult to do – and will be quite expensive!