Before you can rent an apartment, open a bank account, or get a phone contract in Dubai – you need an Emirates ID.
Here's exactly how I got mine.
Visa vs Emirates ID: What's the Difference?
Quick clarification because this confused me at first:
| Document | What It Does |
|---|---|
| Visa | Allows you entry into the UAE |
| Emirates ID | Enables everything else (bank, phone, rental, etc.) |
Think of the visa as the entry ticket. The Emirates ID is what lets you actually live here.
What You Need Emirates ID For
- Opening a bank account
- Getting a phone contract
- Renting an apartment
- Buying property
- Getting a checkbook
- Setting up utilities (DEWA)
It's the gateway to everything. Get this sorted first.
Step 1: Employment Visa
Your employer (or business setup company) handles this.
An application goes to the IFZA (International Free Zone Authority) or relevant authority.
What's needed:
- Signed contract of employment
- Copy of passport
- Passport-size photo
Timeline: 5-7 business days for approval
Once approved, you get a document you'll need at passport control when you enter Dubai.
Step 2: Medical Test
You must be physically in Dubai for this.
The Passport Control Panic
When I arrived, I had a document that needed stamping at passport control. The staff stamped my passport instead of the document.
I panicked. Sent an email while walking to my medical appointment:
"The counter staff stamped my passport and not the E-Visa I was sent. Can you please confirm that is correct? I'm en route to my medical now."
They confirmed it was fine. But the 10 minutes waiting for that reply were stressful.
Lesson: Passport stamp is correct. Don't panic like I did.
The Actual Medical Test
Coming from the UK NHS, I expected to be there for hours.
Reality:
| Time | What Happened |
|---|---|
| 8:25am | Arrived at medical center |
| 8:25am | Scanned passport, checked in |
| 8:30am | Bloods taken |
| 8:45am | Body scan complete |
| 8:45am | Out the door |
Total time: 15-20 minutes.
The facilities were incredible. Clean. Modern. Felt like stepping 10-15 years into the future compared to what I was used to.
Results
Within 36 hours, I received notification that I'd passed and was "deemed fit to become a resident of the UAE."
Keep this certificate. You'll need it for the next step.
Step 3: Biometrics
I went to Al Gazelle Center for biometrics.
The Queue Situation
There was a big queue – about 45 minutes in the sun. I assumed everyone had to wait.
What I learned afterwards: There's a separate, faster queue for new Emirates ID applicants who paid for expedited processing. I didn't need to wait in the main queue.
Ask before you queue.
The Document Check
Got to the front. The staff asked to see my medical pass certificate.
Everyone else had physical documents. I didn't have mine printed.
Solution: Pulled up the digital version from email. That was fine.
Tip: Keep your medical pass certificate accessible on your phone.
The Biometrics Process
- Show medical certificate
- Get a ticket number
- Wait inside (5-10 minutes, air-conditioned)
- Get called
- Photo taken
- All fingerprints recorded (both hands)
- Done
Total time inside: 5-10 minutes
Step 4: Receive Your Emirates ID
You'll get a digital Emirates ID immediately after biometrics.
The physical card takes longer.
Options:
- Hold it at their office and collect on your next visit
- Get it shipped (I was impatient – shipped it to the UK)
Full Timeline
| Stage | Duration | Location |
|---|---|---|
| Employment visa application | 2 days | Remote |
| Visa approval | 5-7 business days | Remote |
| Medical test | 15-20 minutes | Dubai |
| Medical results | 36 hours | - |
| Biometrics | 5-10 minutes (plus queue) | Dubai |
| Digital ID issued | Same day | - |
| Physical card | 1-2 weeks | Shipped or collected |
Using a Broker
Can you do this yourself? Probably.
Does anyone? Not that I've met.
"I've spoken to tens of people who have been through this journey. Everyone goes through a broker."
There are lots of companies offering relocation services. Finding good ones matters. It's a bit like the wild west – in the best way.
I went through the company that manages my employer's Dubai office. That worked out well.
Costs & Renewal
Cost depends on your visa type and who you use.
Renewal: Every 2 years typically (depending on visa type).
Budget for renewal costs when planning your ongoing expenses.
What Comes Next
Once you have your Emirates ID, you can:
- Open a bank account
- Get a phone contract
- Get a checkbook (needed for rent)
- Rent an apartment
- Set up utilities (DEWA)
It's the first domino. Everything else follows.
Quick Tips
- Passport stamp is fine – Don't panic at passport control
- Keep medical certificate on your phone – Digital version works
- Ask about expedited queue – You might not need to wait
- Book morning appointment – Get it done early
- Budget 2-3 weeks total – From visa application to ID in hand
Related Content
- How We Rented Remotely
- Setting Up a Business in Dubai
- Converting Your Driving Licence
- Work with Sara
The Emirates ID process sounds complicated. It's actually straightforward – once you know the steps. The hardest part is the waiting. 🪪