Introduction

Welcome to the UAE! 🎉 Whether you’ve arrived for work, family sponsorship, or investment, the journey doesn’t end at the airport. Your Emirates ID and residency visa process officially begins after entry.

This process is mandatory for all residents and involves several steps: application typing, medical fitness test, visa stamping, biometric enrollment, and finally, Emirates ID issuance.

In this complete guide, we’ll explain each step clearly, including costs, timelines, required documents, and recommended centers.

Step 0: Company Setup – The Foundation Before Your Visa Process

Before starting the UAE residency visa and Emirates ID application, the very first step is establishing your business license and company setup. Without this, the visa sponsorship and Emirates ID process cannot begin.

At Theta7, we specialize in seamless company formation tailored to your business needs. Our expertise covers:

• Meydan Free Zone (Dubai): Ideal for entrepreneurs and startups who want a prestigious Dubai address, 100% ownership, and access to global markets.

• RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone): Popular for SMEs, trading companies, and industrial businesses due to its cost-effectiveness and wide sector options.

• Ajman Free Zone: Perfect for small businesses and freelancers looking for a budget-friendly, fast setup with UAE residency eligibility.

With Theta7, you get a one-stop solution—we handle your trade license, company registration, and PRO services, setting the stage for your residency visa and Emirates ID process.

By starting with the right company setup, you’ll avoid delays, secure the right visa quota, and ensure a smooth transition into your residency journey.

Types of Service Centres in the UAE

Before moving ahead with your Emirates ID and residency visa process, it’s important to know the different centres in the UAE and the role each plays. This knowledge will help you avoid confusion and save time.

1. Smart Salem Centers (Dubai Only)

Smart Salem Centers are advanced facilities approved by the Dubai Health Authority (DHA), offering a premium and fully digital experience for UAE residency and visa applicants.

Services:

• Visa medical fitness testing (blood test and chest X-ray).

• Fast-track coordination for Emirates ID biometric appointments for pre-typed applications.

• Same-day medical results and seamless digital integration with DHA and ICP systems.

Key Point:

Smart Salem is the only centre in Dubai that enables applicants to complete their visa-medical test and immediately schedule a preferred Emirates ID biometrics appointment through its fast-track service.
The biometrics are carried out at an authorised government centre nearby, ensuring a smooth, coordinated, and hassle-free process.
Standard medical packages include only the medical fitness test, while biometrics are arranged separately at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre.

Cost & Timing:

The visa medical test at Smart Salem costs AED 700, with results ready within 30 minutes.

2. Typing Centres (Private Offices)

Typing Centres are private offices licensed by the UAE government to assist residents and companies with preparing and submitting official applications related to visas, Emirates ID, and other government services.

Services:

• Typing and submission of Emirates ID and visa applications.

• Medical test form preparation and typing.

• PRO (Public Relations Officer) and document processing services.

Key Point:

Typing Centres handle only documentation and data entry. They do not conduct medical fitness tests or biometric enrollment; instead, they prepare and submit the forms required for those steps.

Cost Range:

Fees typically range from AED 250 to AED 400, depending on the type and urgency of the service requested.

3. Amer Centres (Dubai & Other Emirates)

Amer Centres were first established under the GDRFA in Dubai, but today, Amer Services are also available through service partners in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm al-Quwain.

• Services: Visa typing, Emirates ID application, medical test form typing, and scheduling appointments for medical and biometrics..

• Key Point: Amer Centres act as centralized hubs for organizing your paperwork and scheduling appointments, including your ICP biometric visit — though they do not perform medical tests or biometrics themselves.

• Best For: Residents who prefer a one-stop solution to organize all visa-related appointments and documentation.

4. ICP Customer Happiness Centres

These are official centres under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).

• Services: Biometric enrollment for Emirates ID (fingerprints, facial scan, and photo capture). They also offer urgent ID printing (Fawri service).

• Key Point: All first-time Emirates ID applicants must visit an ICP centre for biometric enrollment — unless using a fast-track service like Smart Salem.

• Special Role: Focus solely on biometric and ID issuance services. They do not handle typing or medical tests.

Pro Tip:

Begin your visa application by visiting an Amer Centre or an authorised Typing Centre to have your Emirates ID and visa forms accurately prepared and submitted. Once your paperwork is complete and your application is pre-typed, book your appointment at a Smart Salem Centre.

If you select the standard medical package, Smart Salem will conduct your visa medical fitness test and send your results digitally to the relevant authorities — after which you’ll attend an ICP Customer Happiness Centre for your biometric enrollment.

If you choose the Fast-Track Visa Medical + Emirates ID Biometrics package, Smart Salem will complete your medical fitness test in under 30 minutes and then schedule a priority biometric appointment for you at a nearby authorised Government Services Centre (usually within five minutes of the branch). This coordinated process ensures your entire residency procedure, from medical clearance to biometric enrollment, is completed smoothly, often within the same day.

Step 2: Medical Fitness Test (AED 300–400)

Once your company setup is complete, the next mandatory step is the medical fitness test. This ensures that all applicants are medically fit to live and work in the UAE.

What’s Included:

The exam involves a blood test (screening for infectious diseases like HIV and Hepatitis) and a chest X-ray (to check for tuberculosis).

Where to Go:

Medical tests must be done at government-approved health facilities, such as:

• DHA medical centers or Smart Salem (Dubai),

• MOHAP clinics (Northern Emirates),

• SEHA centers (Abu Dhabi).

Fast-Track Option:

Smart Salem offers a VIP service where you can receive your test results in as little as 30 minutes, with the option to combine it with your Emirates ID biometrics.

Timeline:

Standard results are available within 24–48 hours, but express options are available for an additional fee.

Step 3: Emirates ID Application & Biometric Enrollment (AED 380–400)

The Emirates ID is your official identity card in the UAE and is essential for accessing services, signing leases, and completing most formalities.

Application Process:

You’ll submit your Emirates ID application at a Typing Centre or Amer Centre by providing your passport, entry permit, personal information, and a photo. Once submitted, you'll receive a form with a 21-digit reference number (starting with 8002).

Biometric Requirement:

The application is not complete until you attend a biometric appointment, where your fingerprints, facial scan, and official photo are taken.

Where to Complete Biometrics:

• Standard Route: Go to an ICP Customer Happiness Centre (e.g., Al Barsha in Dubai or Al Wahda in Abu Dhabi).

• Fast-Track Option: If you use Smart Salem, you may be able to complete both your medical and biometrics in one visit (VIP package only).

Why It Matters:

Biometric enrollment officially activates your Emirates ID application. Without it, your residency visa cannot be processed.

Who Needs It:

• All first-time Emirates ID applicants

• Anyone whose Emirates ID has been expired for more than 2 years

Processing Time:

Once biometrics are completed, the application moves to the residency visa issuance stage.

Step 4: Residency Visa Processing

After you’ve completed both the medical fitness test and biometric appointment — and your Emirates ID application is officially stamped — your residency visa is processed.

Note:

UAE residency visas are now issued in digital format only and linked to your Emirates ID. You’ll receive an online copy, which serves as official proof of residency.

Step 5: Emirates ID Issuance

Once your residency visa is approved and your biometric data is submitted, your Emirates ID card moves into the issuance phase.

Standard Delivery:

The Emirates ID is typically printed and ready for collection within 5–7 working days.

Express Option:

For eligible applicants, the urgent Emirates ID service offered through ICP Customer Happiness Centres can expedite delivery to within 24 hours, for an additional fee (approx. AED 105). This option is ideal for those needing their Emirates ID quickly for official tasks.

Notification:

You’ll receive an SMS alert once the card is printed and ready for pickup.

Your Emirates ID is your legal identity in the UAE — required for accessing healthcare, banking, government services, and more. Carry it at all times.

Required Documents

Before starting the Emirates ID and residency visa process, make sure you have the following documents ready:

• Original passport – valid and required at every stage.

• Entry permit or residence visa page – proof of legal entry into the UAE.

• Passport-sized photo with a white background – keep a few copies ready for applications.

• UAE mobile number (This could be ours/agent's) and residential address – needed for official communication.

• Sponsor’s Emirates ID – required if your residency is under sponsorship.

Estimated Total Cost of the Process

The overall cost of completing your Emirates ID and residency visa process usually falls between AED 780 and AED 1,050, which includes:

• Emirates ID application fee: AED 380–400

• Medical fitness test: AED 300–400

• Typing and service charges: AED 100–250 (varies by centre and emirate)

While AED 780 is the minimum, the cost may be slightly higher depending on the emirate, centre fees, and whether you choose standard or fast-track processing.

Why It Varies

1. Centre Location: Centres in Dubai may charge slightly more than those in smaller emirates.

2. Service Level: Optional fast-track or PRO services can increase the price.

3. Bundled Packages: Some centres offer bundled pricing for visa typing, medical typing, and Emirates ID processing.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does the Emirates ID process take?

Typically 5–7 working days after medical and biometric steps are complete.

2. Can I fast-track my Emirates ID?

Yes. Through the Fawri service, your Emirates ID can be issued within 24 hours at an additional fee.

3. Is the medical fitness test mandatory?

Absolutely. All new applicants must pass a government-approved medical exam, which includes blood tests and a chest X-ray.

4. Do children need biometrics?

Only applicants aged 15 and above are required to complete biometrics.

5. What happens if I miss my biometric appointment?

You’ll need to reschedule through Amer or ICP, which can delay your Emirates ID issuance.

6. Can I update my Emirates ID later?

Yes. You can update personal details (e.g., address, phone number) via ICP, though update fees apply.

Conclusion

While the UAE residency visa and Emirates ID process may seem complex at first, it can be completed smoothly in under a week with proper preparation. By following each step in order, and using approved centres, you can avoid delays and ensure your documents are processed correctly.

How Theta7 Can Help You

At Theta7, we offer end-to-end support for your entire UAE residency journey — from company formation to Emirates ID delivery.

Why Clients Trust Us:

✅ One-stop service: Company setup, visa, and Emirates ID
✅ 100% accuracy: No rejections or delays
✅ Full coordination: We handle all bookings for medicals and biometrics

Whether you’re an entrepreneur, employee, or sponsoring your family, we simplify every step of the process so you can focus on building your life in the UAE.

📞 Start your journey today — contact our team to begin your company setup, visa, and Emirates ID application.