The United Arab Emirates has made a major adjustment to the Emirates ID renewal process, offering Emirati citizens a simpler and quicker way to complete one of the country’s most essential services.
The update, announced by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP), came into effect on 9 September 2025. It forms part of the UAE’s Zero Government Bureaucracy initiative, which seeks to streamline services and reduce time spent on routine procedures.
One-step Emirates ID renewal for citizens
In the past, UAE nationals renewing their Emirates ID had to provide several details, including personal address information and supporting data, before completing the application.
The new system removes these additional requirements. Citizens now only need to submit a renewal application and pay the applicable fee. Once processed, the system automatically sets the validity of the Emirates ID based on the applicant’s age:
- 21 years and under: validity of five years
- 21 years and above: validity of 10 years
This change cuts multiple steps down to just one, reflecting the UAE’s wider effort to simplify government services.
Renewal updates apply exclusively to Emirati citizens
Although the Emirates ID is mandatory for everyone living in the UAE, the simplified renewal system is currently available only to Emirati citizens. Expatriate residents continue to follow the existing procedures for renewal.
The reform also mirrors recent improvements introduced for UAE passport holders, further highlighting the government’s focus on reducing unnecessary processes and ensuring quicker service delivery.
The Emirates ID is central to daily life
The Emirates ID is more than just an identification card. It is required for a wide range of services that affect daily life, such as:
- Accessing healthcare
- Opening or managing bank accounts
- Signing employment contracts
- Completing residency formalities
- Accessing government services
By cutting renewal time, the ICP is reducing potential delays in these essential areas, ensuring smoother access for citizens.
Faster, digital-first services
The reform is part of the Zero Government Bureaucracy Programme, which is transforming how government services operate. Key objectives of this programme include:
- Removing unnecessary documentation
- Digitising services for greater efficiency
- Reducing service times across sectors
- Enhancing overall customer experience
The Emirates ID renewal update is one of several changes aimed at positioning the UAE as a leader in efficient and digital-first governance.
Emirati citizenship remains selective
The announcement also brought attention to citizenship eligibility in the UAE. While Emirati nationality remains highly selective, certain categories of foreigners may be nominated under existing regulations. These include investors, doctors, scientists, inventors, intellectuals, and individuals with creative talents.
Foreign wives of Emirati citizens and children born to Emirati parents also qualify for citizenship, though such cases remain limited.
For Emiratis, the update means less paperwork, fewer delays, and a faster way to secure an identity document central to everyday life. For residents, it highlights the UAE’s broader push to simplify government services and reduce bureaucracy.
As more services come under the Zero Government Bureaucracy umbrella, both citizens and residents can expect smoother interactions with government entities in the years ahead.
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