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.
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.
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.
Typing Centres are private offices licensed by the government to prepare and submit official applications.
Services: Emirates ID applications, visa forms, medical typing, and PRO (Public Relations Officer) services.
Key Point: These centres focus on documentation and form submissions. They do not conduct medical tests or biometric scanning.
Cost Range: Around AED 250–400 depending on the specific service.
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 typing, and appointment scheduling.
Key Point: They act as a one-stop hub for arranging most paperwork and bookings in one place. While biometrics aren’t done here, Amer Centres help schedule your ICP appointment.
Best For: Residents who want the convenience of having all services coordinated from one centre.
These are official government-run centres under the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
Services: Biometric enrollment, including fingerprint capture, facial scans, and photo capture. They also offer urgent Emirates ID printing.
Key Point: All first-time Emirates ID applicants must complete their biometric process at an ICP Centre.
Special Role: ICP Centres focus only on the biometric and ID side of the process. They do not handle visa typing or medical typing.
Pro Tip: Begin your application at a Typing Centre or Amer Centre to get your documents and forms in order. Once completed, you’ll be guided to an ICP Centre to finish your biometric step.
After your company setup is complete, the first official requirement is to undergo a medical fitness test, which is mandatory for all residency visa applicants. This test is conducted to ensure that you are medically fit to live and work in the UAE.
The examination includes a blood test, which screens for infectious diseases such as HIV and Hepatitis, as well as a chest X-ray to check for tuberculosis.
These tests are performed only at government-approved health centers — such as DHA facilities in Dubai, MOHAP clinics in the Northern Emirates, and SEHA centers in Abu Dhabi.
Results are usually available within 24 to 48 hours, although a same-day fast-track option is available at an additional cost. Passing this test is a crucial step before your visa and Emirates ID can be issued.
The Emirates ID is the official identity card for all UAE residents, and applying for it is a mandatory part of your residency process. The application itself is submitted at an Amer Centre or Typing Centre, where you’ll provide your passport, entry permit, personal details, and a photo. The standard fee is AED 380–400 for a 2-year card. Once submitted, you’ll receive an Emirates ID application form with a unique 21-digit reference number (starting with 8002).
However, this application is not considered complete until you attend a biometric appointment at an ICP Customer Happiness Centre. During this appointment, your fingerprints, facial scan, and official photo will be captured, and your Emirates ID application form will be officially stamped and validated.
⚡ Why This Matters: The biometric process is what activates your Emirates ID application. Without completing biometrics and getting the application form stamped, your residency visa cannot be issued.
Where: ICP Centres such as Al Barsha (Dubai) or Al Wahda (Abu Dhabi).
Who Needs It: All first-time applicants and those whose Emirates ID has expired for more than two years.
Processing Time: Once biometrics are done, the application moves forward to the residency visa stage.
After completing the medical and biometric process, and once your Emirates ID application form is stamped, your residency visa is processed by the relevant authority.
The residence visa is only produced as an online copy.
Finally, once the residency visa is issued and your application is complete, your Emirates ID card is printed. Standard issuance takes 5–7 working days, while the urgent Fawri service delivers the card within 24 hours for an additional fee.
You’ll receive an SMS notification once the card is ready for collection. This card is your legal identity in the UAE and must be carried at all times.
Urgent service (Fawri): 24 hours (extra cost - approximately 105 AED).
You’ll receive an SMS once it’s ready for collection.
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 and residential address – needed for official communication.
Sponsor’s Emirates ID – required if your residency is under sponsorship.
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.
Centre Location: Amer Centres in Dubai may charge slightly higher than Typing Centres in smaller emirates.
Service Level: Some offer fast-track or PRO (Public Relations Officer) services for extra convenience.
Package Services: If you apply for Emirates ID + Medical Typing + Visa Typing together, they may give you a bundle cost.
On average, it takes 5–7 working days to receive your Emirates ID after completing your medical test and biometric appointment.
Yes. Through the Fawri service, your Emirates ID can be issued within 24 hours at an additional cost of 105 AED.
Absolutely. All first-time applicants must pass a government-approved medical exam, which includes blood tests and a chest X-ray.
Only applicants aged 15 years and above are required to provide fingerprints and biometric data.
You’ll need to reschedule your appointment through Amer or ICP. Missing it will delay the Emirates ID issuance process.
Yes. Information such as your address, phone number, or other personal details can be updated through ICP. Note that fees apply for updates.
The UAE residency visa and Emirates ID process may seem complicated at first, but with the right preparation, it can be completed in less than a week. By sticking to authorized centres, keeping your documents ready, and following each step carefully—from medical tests to biometrics—you’ll avoid unnecessary delays and stress.
At Theta7, we specialize in making the UAE residency journey simple and stress-free. From company setup in Meydan, RAKEZ, and Ajman Free Zone to medical test bookings, biometric appointments, and fast-track Emirates ID issuance, we handle everything on your behalf.
Here’s why clients trust us:
✅ End-to-end support — from trade license to Emirates ID
✅ No errors, no rejections — we get it right the first time
✅ Bookings managed for you — medicals & biometrics made easy
✅ Fast-track options available — get your Emirates ID in as little as 24 hours
Whether you’re an entrepreneur, an employee, or setting up your family’s residency, we take care of the paperwork so you can focus on building your new life in the UAE.
📞 Take the first step today — contact our team and let us handle your company setup, visa, and Emirates ID process from start to finish.
