First things first — your visit visa
If you hold a UK or US passport (and most Western passports), you'll automatically receive a 90-day visit visa on arrival in the UAE. You don't need to apply for this in advance — it's stamped at the border. This gives you 90 days to sort your residency before you need to leave the country.
You cannot legally work on a visit visa. But you can use this time to find accommodation, open a bank account, and begin your visa and Emirates ID process — which is exactly what most people do.
Check your passport: Not all nationalities receive an automatic visit visa. If you're unsure, check the ICP website or contact the UAE embassy in your country before travelling.
What is an Emirates ID and why does it matter?
The Emirates ID is a national identity card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Without it, you cannot open a bank account, sign a tenancy contract, register for utilities, get a phone contract, or register a vehicle. It is the gateway document — everything flows from it.
Key point: Your Emirates ID application is integrated with your residence visa application. You no longer apply separately — when your visa is processed, your Emirates ID is generated automatically. You do still need to complete biometrics in person.
Two different experiences
How straightforward this process is depends entirely on your situation.
If your employer is sponsoring you, most of the heavy lifting is done for you. Your company's HR or PRO team will arrange your entry permit, book your medical, and walk you through biometrics. You show up when and where they tell you and sign what's in front of you. It's genuinely straightforward.
If you're moving independently — as a freelancer, remote worker, or self-sponsored individual — you'll need to manage the process yourself. The good news is there's a straightforward way to do this: the Amer Centre in Al Quoz handles visa applications and Emirates ID processing under one roof, with the medical centre in the same location. Rather than navigating multiple government departments, one visit to Al Quoz can move the whole thing forward.
The step-by-step process
Step 1: Entry permit
You need an entry permit before your residence visa can be processed. Your employer arranges this if you're sponsored. Independent applicants handle this through their free zone or the relevant authority depending on their visa type.
Step 2: Medical fitness test
All applicants must complete a medical fitness test — a blood test and chest X-ray at an approved health centre. Results are typically available within 24–48 hours. Cost is approximately AED 300–500 depending on visa type.
Step 3: Biometrics
You'll visit an ICP service centre or Amer centre to provide fingerprints and a photograph. This takes under 30 minutes. Bring your passport and entry permit.
Step 4: Visa stamping
Once medical and biometrics are complete, your residence visa is issued and your Emirates ID generated as part of the same process.
Step 5: Receiving your card
The physical card arrives by courier within 2–3 weeks of visa approval. Your digital Emirates ID appears in the ICP UAE app much sooner — usually within a few days — and is accepted by most banks and service providers.
Documents you'll need
- Original passport — valid for at least 6 months
- Passport-sized photographs — white background
- Entry permit — provided by your sponsor or free zone
- Medical fitness test results
- Employment contract or free zone licence — depending on visa type
- Educational certificates — attested, if required for your category
What it costs
The Emirates ID costs AED 370 for a three-year card (standard for employment visas). Five and ten-year cards cost more. Add AED 100–200 for typing centre fees. If your employer is sponsoring you, they typically cover everything. Independent applicants should budget AED 1,500–2,500 for the full visa and Emirates ID process.
Realistic timeline
- Medical test: 1–2 days
- Biometrics: Same or next day
- Visa processing: 3–7 working days
- Physical card delivery: 2–3 weeks after approval
Total: approximately 3–4 weeks from arrival. Your digital Emirates ID will be available far sooner and works for most purposes in the meantime.
Pro tip: Download the ICP UAE app before you arrive. Your digital Emirates ID will appear there automatically once your visa is processed. You'll need it constantly in the first few weeks.
Things to know
Your Emirates ID number is not the same as your visa number or UID. You'll have all three, and different services ask for different ones. Your Emirates ID number starts with 784.
Your Emirates ID expiry matches your visa. Keep a photo of both sides on your phone and store a copy in your email in case the physical card is lost.