If you’re planning to stay in the UAE having a Residence VISA and an Emirates ID is mandatory. These documents are crucial as they confirm your identity and residency status across all seven emirates of the UAE.
The Essential Emirates ID
The Emirates ID issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security, is a legal requirement for all UAE citizens and residents. It must be carried at all times. This card confirms your identity and allows you to reside in any emirate, regardless of where it was originally issued.
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Residence VISA and Emirates ID: Unified System
The Emirates ID is available in both hard and soft copies, whereas the Residence VISA is now only issued in a soft copy. The requirement for Residence VISA stamping on passports has been removed, and the Emirates ID now officially serves as the residency document.
The Emirates ID contains an electronic chip with encrypted personal data, including fingerprints and biometrics. The front side displays your name, photograph, signature, date of birth, nationality, issue date, and expiry date. The back side includes the place of issue and other details. The hard copy is delivered via courier, while the soft copy can be downloaded through the ICP App, the UAE government’s official app for such services.
7 Remarkable Emirates ID Benefits
1- Opening a Bank Account:
To open a bank account in the UAE, you must have an Emirates ID and Residence VISA. Both documents are verified by the bank. This requirement also applies to company representatives opening corporate accounts.
2- Applying for a Driving License and Vehicle Registration:
You need to present your Emirates ID to the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) when applying for a driving license or registering a vehicle. Depending on your nationality, you may convert your home country’s driving license to a UAE license or need to pass a driving test.
3- Applying for a Phone Number:
A Residence VISA and Emirates ID are necessary to apply for a long-term phone number. Although a tourist visa allows for a temporary mobile number, its validity is limited to the duration of the tourist visa.
4- Registering Children in Schools:
Parents must have an Emirates ID to register their children in UAE schools. The UAE offers 17 different curriculums, including Arabic, Indian, British, and American.
5- Applying for Loans:
With a valid Residence VISA and Emirates ID, you can apply for various loans such as personal, vehicle, and home loans from UAE banks.
6- Travel VISA-Free to Certain Destinations:
UAE residents with a valid Residence VISA and Emirates ID can travel VISA-free to several countries or obtain VISA on arrival. Some of these countries include:
- Sri Lanka
- Armenia
- Azerbaijan
- Georgia
- Jordan
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Oman
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Kazakhstan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Fiji
- Cook Islands
- Seychelles
- Egypt
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- South Africa
7- Withdrawing Cash from ATMs:
Some banks, like Emirates NBD, allow customers to withdraw cash from ATMs using their Emirates ID. The ID is linked to your bank account, enabling verification and easy cash withdrawal.
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Additional Information
- The soft copy of the Residence VISA and Emirates ID can be downloaded through the ICP App.
- Any changes to your personal details must be updated within one month via the ICP App.
- Tourists are not eligible for an Emirates ID, as it is only for residents.
Conclusion
The Emirates ID and Residence VISA are essential for living and conducting various activities in the UAE. These documents simplify processes and provide remarkable benefits, making life in the UAE more convenient and accessible.
