Key takeaways
- Resident renewal: AED 340 total for a 3‑year card (AED 100/year + AED 40 service fee) — unchanged since 2022.
- UAE nationals: AED 140 (5‑year, under 21) or AED 240 (10‑year, 21+). GCC nationals: AED 140 for 5 years.
- Grace period: 30 days after expiry with no fine. From day 31: AED 20/day, capped at AED 1,000.
- Online by default: Renew via ICP portal or app using UAE Pass; biometrics only if not done in 5 years.
- Window opens 6 months early: Renew anytime in the 180 days before expiry; new card validity starts from old expiry date.
As of October 2026, the Emirates ID renewal fee for a standard three‑year resident card is AED 340 (AED 300 base + AED 40 service fee). UAE nationals pay AED 140 (5‑year, under 21) or AED 240 (10‑year, 21+); GCC nationals pay AED 140 for 5 years. Standard processing takes 5 working days; an urgent 24–48 hour service is available for an extra charge. A 30‑day grace period follows expiry before a AED 20/day fine (capped at AED 1,000) kicks in.
What is the Emirates ID renewal fee for residents in 2026?
The fee for expatriate residents has not changed since 2022. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) charges a base fee of AED 100 per year of card validity plus a mandatory AED 40 service fee per application. For the typical three‑year residency visa, that works out to AED 340 total (AED 300 base + AED 40 service).

| Resident category | Card validity | Base fee (AED) | Service fee (AED) | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Standard expatriate resident | 3 years | 300 | 40 | 340 |
| Standard expatriate resident | 2 years | 200 | 40 | 240 |
| Standard expatriate resident | 1 year | 100 | 40 | 140 |
| Golden Visa holder (5‑year) | 5 years | 500 | 40 | 540 |
| Golden Visa holder (10‑year) | 10 years | 1,000 | 40 | 1,040 |
Fees are identical across all seven emirates — Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The ICP is the sole issuing authority; there are no emirate‑level surcharges. If your sponsor (employer or family member) handles the renewal, they may add a processing charge, but the government fee remains AED 340 for a three‑year card.
How much does Emirates ID renewal cost for UAE nationals and GCC nationals?
Citizens and GCC nationals follow a different fee schedule. The AED 40 service fee still applies to every application.
| Category | Card validity | Base fee (AED) | Service fee (AED) | Total (AED) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| UAE national (under 21) | 5 years | 100 | 40 | 140 |
| UAE national (21 and over) | 10 years | 200 | 40 | 240 |
| GCC national | 5 years | 100 | 40 | 140 |
Golden Visa holders follow the resident fee schedule (AED 100 per year of validity). A 5‑year Golden Visa renewal therefore costs AED 540; a 10‑year renewal costs AED 1,040. The ICP official fee page confirms these amounts as of October 2026.
What is the Emirates ID grace period and late fine?
The grace period is one of the most misunderstood parts of the process. Here is the day‑by‑day breakdown:
| Days after card expiry | Status | Fine |
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 – Day 30 | Grace period | No fine |
| Day 31 onwards | Late renewal | AED 20 per day |
| Maximum cap | — | AED 1,000 |
Key points:
- The 30‑day grace period applies only to the Emirates ID renewal window. It does not extend your residence visa validity — if your visa expires, you must renew that separately.
- The fine accrues per calendar day of delay, not per application. Renewing on day 45 means 15 days × AED 20 = AED 300 in fines.
- The fine caps at AED 1,000 (reached after 50 late days). After that, no additional daily fines apply, but you still cannot use an expired ID for official transactions.
- Traffic police and other authorities can fine you separately for carrying an expired Emirates ID during a stop.
Can I renew my Emirates ID online via UAE Pass?
Yes. The ICP has made full online renewal the default channel. You do not need to visit a typing centre or ICP office unless biometrics are required.
- Log in to the ICP portal or the ICP mobile app (iOS / Android) using UAE Pass.
- Select "Renew Emirates ID" and verify your details.
- Upload the required documents (see next section).
- Pay the fee by credit/debit card or Apple Pay.
- If your biometrics were captured within the last five years, the system reuses them. Otherwise you will be prompted to book a biometric appointment at an ICP centre.
- Once approved, a digital Emirates ID appears instantly in your UAE Pass wallet. The physical card is couriered within 1–2 working days.
UAE Pass is the federal digital identity; if you don't have it yet, register at uaepass.ae using your Emirates ID and registered mobile number.
How early can I renew my Emirates ID before expiry?
The renewal window opens 180 days (6 months) before the card expiry date. Submitting early does not shorten the new card's validity — the new card runs from the expiry date of the old one, giving you the full term.
- Recommended: Renew at least 2 weeks before expiry to allow for processing and courier delivery.
- Your residence visa must be valid for the entire new ID term. If your visa expires sooner, renew the visa first (or simultaneously via your sponsor).
- For sponsored residents (employees, dependents), the sponsor typically initiates the renewal. Confirm with your HR or sponsor that they have started the process.
- If you are outside the UAE when the window opens, you can still renew online via UAE Pass, but the physical card can only be delivered to a UAE address. Arrange collection with a trusted person or request delivery upon your return.
What documents are required for Emirates ID renewal?
Keep digital copies ready before you start the online form. The ICP system will reject blurry or incomplete uploads.
| Document | Specification | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Passport copy | Colour scan, all pages with visas/stamps | Must be valid for at least 6 months |
| Residence visa copy | Entry permit or stamped visa page | Valid for the new ID term |
| Current Emirates ID | Front and back, clear photo/scan | Even if expired |
| Recent photo | 4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, no glasses | Taken within last 6 months |
| UAE Pass account | Active, linked to registered mobile | Required for online submission |
For dependents (spouse, children): add sponsor's passport copy, visa copy, and Emirates ID copy. Newborns need a birth certificate (attested if issued abroad) and a passport issued in the baby's name.
How long does Emirates ID renewal take — standard vs urgent?
Processing times are measured in working days (Sunday–Thursday). Weekends and UAE public holidays are excluded.
| Service tier | Processing time | Additional cost | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard | 5 working days | Included in base fee | Most renewals |
| Urgent (24–48 hrs) | 1–2 working days | ~AED 150–200 extra (varies) | Imminent travel, expired card |
| Courier delivery | 1–2 working days after approval | Usually included | All applications |
Track status in the ICP portal/app or via SMS notifications. Common delays:
- Biometrics required (not captured in last 5 years) — adds 1–2 days for appointment booking.
- Document mismatch (visa expiry < ID term, blurry scans).
- System maintenance windows (ICP announces these on their social channels).
What is the fee for replacing a lost, stolen or damaged Emirates ID?
Replacement follows a different fee schedule from renewal. The total is AED 340 (AED 300 replacement fee + AED 40 service fee), regardless of how much validity remained on the lost card.
| Scenario | Fee (AED) | Extra steps |
|---|---|---|
| Lost card | 340 | Report loss in ICP app/portal; no police report needed |
| Stolen card | 340 | Police report required (file online via Dubai Police / Abu Dhabi Police apps) |
| Damaged card | 340 | Surrender old card at ICP centre during biometrics (if required) |
| Urgent replacement | 340 + urgent surcharge | 24–48 hour processing |
If you find the lost card after receiving the replacement, surrender the old one at any ICP centre — it is invalid and cannot be reactivated.
Quick checklist before you submit
- ☐ Confirm your residence visa covers the new ID term.
- ☐ Scan all documents at 300 DPI, colour, no corners cut off.
- ☐ Take the photo to spec (4.5 × 3.5 cm, white background, neutral expression).
- ☐ Ensure UAE Pass is active and linked to your current mobile number.
- ☐ Pay with a UAE‑issued card or Apple Pay; international cards sometimes fail.
- ☐ Save the payment receipt and application reference number.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Emirates ID renewal fee different in Dubai vs Abu Dhabi?
No. The ICP sets a single federal fee structure. AED 340 for a 3‑year resident card applies in every emirate.
Can I renew my Emirates ID if my residence visa is under process?
No. The residence visa must be valid and stamped (or the entry permit approved) for the full term of the new Emirates ID. Renew the visa first, then the ID.
What happens if I don't renew within the grace period?
From day 31, a AED 20/day fine accrues (capped at AED 1,000). You can still renew, but you must pay the fine before the application is approved. Carrying an expired ID may also attract separate fines from police.
Do I need to visit an ICP centre for biometrics every renewal?
Only if your biometrics were not captured in the last 5 years. The system checks automatically and prompts you to book an appointment if needed.
Can my employer deduct the Emirates ID renewal fee from my salary?
Under UAE Labour Law, the employer bears the cost of the employee's Emirates ID (initial and renewal). Deductions require written consent. Check your contract and MOHRE guidelines.
How do I get the digital Emirates ID after renewal?
It appears automatically in the UAE Pass app under "My Documents" once the application is approved. No separate download needed.
Is there a discount for senior citizens or people of determination?
As of October 2026, the ICP fee schedule does not list specific discounts for seniors or people of determination for Emirates ID renewal. Contact the ICP call centre (600 522 222) for case‑by‑case guidance.
Key takeaways
- Resident renewal: AED 340 total for a 3‑year card (AED 100/year + AED 40 service fee) — unchanged since 2022.
- UAE nationals: AED 140 (5‑year, under 21) or AED 240 (10‑year, 21+). GCC nationals: AED 140 for 5 years.
- Grace period: 30 days after expiry with no fine. From day 31: AED 20/day, capped at AED 1,000.
- Online by default: Renew via ICP portal or app using UAE Pass; biometrics only if not done in 5 years.
- Window opens 6 months early: Renew anytime in the 180 days before expiry; new card validity starts from old expiry date.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Emirates ID renewal fee for a 3‑year resident card in 2026?
AED 340 (AED 300 base fee + AED 40 service fee).
How long is the grace period after my Emirates ID expires?
30 days with no fine. From day 31, a AED 20 daily fine applies, capped at AED 1,000.
Can I renew my Emirates ID entirely online?
Yes, via the ICP portal or app using UAE Pass. Biometrics are only required if not captured in the last 5 years.
What documents do I need for Emirates ID renewal?
Passport copy, residence visa copy, current Emirates ID (front/back), recent 4.5×3.5 cm white‑background photo, and an active UAE Pass account.
How long does standard Emirates ID renewal take?
5 working days. Urgent service (24–48 hours) is available for an extra ~AED 150–200.
What is the replacement fee for a lost Emirates ID?
AED 340 (AED 300 replacement fee + AED 40 service fee), same as a 3‑year renewal.
Photos: Robert Bock / Wikimedia Commons, CC0; Tonenight / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
