The process of obtaining an Emirates ID in the UAE: a detailed guide

The UAE has a booming economy and a high standard of living. Obtaining resident status and opening bank accounts here will be an important step for those planning to invest or develop a business in the region. Antwort Law is happy to assist you at every stage of legal adaptation in the country of your business, and this article provides recommendations to facilitate the process of obtaining an identification document (ID) in the UAE and opening local bank accounts. This short guide will detail every step of this important process, providing you with all the necessary information and guidance.

Dress code

First, we warn you that all government agencies and banks must follow a certain dress code. Clothing should be conservative: knees and shoulders should be covered, and slippers and flip-flops should be excluded.

Step 1: At the airport

Upon arrival in the UAE, please comply with local COVID-19 travel requirements. After this, you need to get a stamp on the entry permit and send us a scan of this stamp to prepare the documents.

• COVID-19: Please review the UAE's COVID-19 travel requirements before departure.
• Obtaining a stamp: Contact an immigration officer to get a stamp on your entry permit.
• Please send us a stamp: After receiving it, send us a photo or scan it for further document preparation.

Step 2: Local SIM card

To obtain resident status, you will need a local SIM card. Visit the Etisalat store to purchase a 90-day prepaid visitor plan.

• For what? A local SIM card is required to reside in the UAE and be able to receive calls.
• Where can I buy it? Visit the Etisalat store at Dubai Festival City Mall.
• Which one should I buy? The prepaid visitor rate is valid for 90 days.
• Send a number: Provide us with your local mobile phone number so we can schedule a medical examination.

Step 3. Medical examination

Get a medical examination, including blood tests and a chest x-ray. Confirming the absence of certain diseases and obtaining residency status is necessary.

• You will receive a call from Meydan, free zone: A free zone employee will contact you to set up a meeting place.
• It would help to have A foreign passport and an entry permit with a stamp to register.
• What happens during the examination?: You will have blood tests and a chest x-ray.

Step 4. Biometrics

After the medical examination, you will undergo a biometric scanning procedure. It is an important step to obtaining your Emirates ID.

•   Application form: Obtain the Emirates ID application form.
•   When is the reception?: 15 days after passing the medical examination.
•   To register, you need A foreign passport, a medical test and an entry permit with a stamp.

Step 5. Residence visa

We will help you with your application for a residence permit. Once you receive it, stay in the country for 3-7 days to process your visa.

• About the visa: The UAE citizen's Emirates ID officially serves as a residence document.

Step 6. Emirates ID

The ID will be received within 1 week after receiving the residence permit. You can choose how to accept it: in person or through a courier.

Step 7. Banks

After receiving the ID, we will meet with bank managers to open corporate and personal bank accounts. Communicate your plans and intentions to the bank for a more efficient process.

This article will help you successfully go through all the stages of obtaining an ID and opening bank accounts in the UAE. If you are just planning to open a company in the UAE, our guide will give you a complete understanding of the process and the time you need. Find out more here. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact our team at Antwort Law, and we will be happy to assist you through the process.

Lidia Ivanova

International lawyer
Antwort Law