time required to get emirates id - complete guide

How Much Time Required to Get Emirates ID in UAE?

17-Dec-2025 0 Comments 0 Views

The Emirates ID usually takes 5 to 15 working days after biometrics. From UAE entry to card delivery, most residents receive their Emirates ID within 2 to 4 weeks.

Based on our experience handling UAE residence documentation, delays are most commonly caused by medical clearance issues, biometric appointment availability, or public holidays. In ths guide you will know the time required to get Emirates ID, processing time and application method.

Average Time Required to Get Emirates ID

Most residents receive their Emirates ID within 7 to 10 working days after completing biometrics, assuming medical tests are clear and all documents are correct.

Stage Time Required
Medical test 1–3 days
Biometrics appointment Same day (10–20 minutes)
ICP processing 5–10 working days
Card delivery 2–5 working days
Total from entry 2–4 weeks

Standard Processing Time for Emirates ID

In our experience processing Emirates ID applications, the timeline breaks down as follows:

  • Application submission to biometrics: 3–7 days
  • Biometrics to card approval: 5–10 working days
  • Approval to delivery: 2–5 working days

Most delays occur during September–November and January–March when application volumes spike due to new employee arrivals.

Fast-Track Emirates ID Processing (If Applicable)

Golden Visa holders receive prioritized processing with typical delivery in 3 to 5 working days after biometrics. The ICP does not offer official fast-track services for standard residence visa holders.

For exceptional urgent circumstances, contact the ICP call center at 600 522222 to explain your situation. Approval is not guaranteed but may be considered for medical emergencies or immediate travel requirements.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Emirates ID Issuance

Time Required After Entry into UAE

You must complete your medical fitness test and Emirates ID application within 30 days of entering the UAE on your residence visa.

Days 1–3: Complete medical fitness examination at an approved health center. Results typically arrive within 48–72 hours.

Days 3–7: Submit Emirates ID application through a typing center or ICP online portal and book your biometrics appointment.

Days 7–10: Attend biometrics appointment.

Biometrics Appointment Duration

The biometrics appointment takes 10 to 20 minutes and includes:

  1. Fingerprint scanning
  2. Photograph capture
  3. Iris scanning

Appointment slots are typically available within 2–7 days of booking, though this varies by emirate. Dubai and Abu Dhabi centers generally have more frequent availability.

Emirates ID Card Printing & Dispatch Time

After successful biometrics capture:

  • Card production: 3–7 working days
  • Quality verification: Included in production time
  • Dispatch: 2–3 additional days

Your application status will show "under process" or "printing in progress" during card production.

Emirates ID Processing Time by Visa Type

Emirates ID for Employment Visa Holders

Average duration: 7–14 working days after biometrics.

Employment visa processing is typically handled by your employer's PRO or authorized typing center. Companies with established relationships often experience smoother processing due to proper document preparation.

Emirates ID for Family Residence Visa

Typical timeline: 8–15 working days post-biometrics.

Spouses and children sponsored by UAE residents follow the same procedures. Multiple family members can complete biometrics on the same day, though each receives an individual Emirates ID.

Ensure your sponsor's Emirates ID is valid and income meets required thresholds to avoid delays.

Emirates ID for Student Visa Holders

Expected duration: 7–12 working days after biometrics.

Educational institutions typically assist students with applications. Processing may take longer in August–September and January when new student arrivals increase application volumes.

Emirates ID for Golden Visa Holders

Accelerated timeline: 3–7 working days after biometrics.

Golden Visa holders receive expedited processing with Emirates IDs typically issued for 5 or 10 years, matching visa duration.

Processing Time Based on Application Method

Applying Through Typing Centers

Experienced typing centers know exact documentation requirements and proper application formatting, reducing rejection risks. They handle the entire process from document preparation to biometrics booking.

Processing time remains the same (7–15 working days), but typing centers prevent delays caused by documentation errors.

Applying Through ICP Online Portal

Direct online applications take the same 7–15 working days after biometrics. You control submission timing and can track progress in real-time, but you're responsible for ensuring all uploaded documents meet specifications.

Factors That Affect Emirates ID Processing Time

Medical Test Clearance

Standard clearance: 48–72 hours for most applicants.

If initial tests show abnormalities requiring further investigation, medical clearance can take 1–2 weeks or longer. You cannot proceed with Emirates ID until medical fitness is confirmed.

Biometrics Appointment Availability

Peak periods (September–November, January–March): Appointments may be booked 1–2 weeks in advance.

Off-peak (June–August): Immediate or next-day availability is common.

Public Holidays & Weekends in UAE

The UAE weekend is Saturday and Sunday. Applications submitted late in the week begin processing on Monday, adding 2–3 days to your timeline.

UAE public holidays (Eid Al Fitr, Eid Al Adha, National Day) pause processing, potentially adding 3–7 days depending on holiday duration.

Errors in Application or Documents

Common errors that trigger rejections:

  • Mismatched names between passport and visa
  • Poor quality photographs
  • Incorrect address format
  • Missing signatures

A rejected application must be corrected and resubmitted, adding 1–2 weeks to your timeline.

Emirates ID Delivery Time After Approval

Home Delivery vs Post Office Collection

Home delivery: Emirates Post delivers to your registered address within 2–5 working days. Someone must be present to sign for the card.

Post office collection: Cards are available 1–3 working days after you receive an SMS notification. This option offers more flexibility if your delivery address is difficult to locate.

Both methods are free of charge.

How to Track Emirates ID Status

Online tracking: Visit the ICP website or download the UAEICP mobile app. Enter your application number to check real-time status.

SMS notifications: ICP sends automated updates at key milestones: biometrics confirmation, approval, printing completion, and dispatch.

Call center: Contact 600 522222 (within UAE) or +971 2 313 9999 (international).

What to Do If Emirates ID Is Delayed

Common Reasons for Delay

Based on our experience, the most frequent delay causes are:

Background verification: Some nationalities or professions undergo additional security screening, adding 1–3 weeks.

Medical issues: Outstanding medical clearance delays the entire process.

Peak season backlog: High application volumes during September and January can cause system-wide delays.

Document verification: Additional verification of passport, visa, or other documents may be required.

How to Contact ICP for Emirates ID Issues

If your Emirates ID exceeds standard processing time:

  1. Check your online status first
  2. Call the ICP helpline at 600 522222 with your application number ready
  3. Visit your nearest ICP center with passport, visa copy, and application receipt
  4. Contact your typing center if you applied through them

For delays exceeding 30 days without explanation, file a formal complaint through the ICP website.

Conclusion: How Long You Should Expect to Wait for Emirates ID

Most residents receive their Emirates ID within 7 to 10 working days after biometrics, with the complete process from UAE entry to card delivery taking 2 to 4 weeks.

Golden Visa holders benefit from expedited 3–7 day processing. Standard visa holders should plan for the full two-week timeframe after biometrics.

To ensure the smoothest experience:

  • Complete your medical test within the first few days of arrival
  • Use a reputable typing center or apply carefully online
  • Book your biometrics appointment promptly
  • Track your application status regularly

Delays beyond 20 working days warrant investigation through the ICP call center or in-person visit.

Final Words

Most applicants receive their Emirates ID within 7–10 working days after biometrics if medical results are clear and documents are accurate. Delays are most common during September and January due to high application volume.

Processing times are approximate and may vary based on individual circumstances. For official information, contact the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Security (ICP) at 600 522222 or visit www.icp.gov.ae.

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Frequently Asked Questions

There is no official fast-track service for standard residence visas. However, Golden Visa holders usually receive their Emirates ID faster, sometimes within 3–7 working days. For urgent employment cases, you can request guidance from ICP, but expedited approval is not guaranteed.

Usually within 5–15 working days. Most people receive it in 7–10 days.

If your status shows “Dispatched” but you haven’t received the card, check the delivery details, contact Emirates Post, or follow up with the ICP support centre for tracking assistance.

You should apply for your Emirates ID within 30 days of entering the UAE. Most residents complete the medical test and biometrics within the first 7–10 days of arrival to avoid delays or fines.

The ICP does not offer official fast-track services for standard cases. Golden Visa holders automatically receive prioritized processing (3–7 days). For exceptional urgent circumstances, contact the ICP call center, though expedited processing is not guaranteed.

Even after medical clearance, the Emirates ID approval can take several days because the ICP must verify biometric data and supporting documents. If your status shows “under process,” this is normal, and approval usually follows within a week after biometrics.

Yes, you can legally work if your work visa is stamped in your passport and you've completed your medical fitness test. The Emirates ID is required for banking and rental agreements but not for commencing employment.

You can track your Emirates ID status via the ICP online portal or UAEICP app using your application or passport number. You may also receive SMS updates at key stages like “Under Process,” “Printed,” or “Dispatched.”

Yes — all UAE residents, including children and dependents, are required to obtain an Emirates ID. While children under 15 may not require the full biometric scan, the application process and timeline remain similar.

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