The Emirates ID is your legal identity in the UAE when you are working or living there. As well as being a legal document that confirms your residency in the UAE, Emirates IDs have several other uses. The most common benefits of Emirates ID are listed below.
List of Emirates ID Benefits
1. Opening a Bank Account in the UAE
To open a bank account in the UAE, individuals must present a valid Emirates ID and Residence Visa. Banks require the physical Emirates ID and a digital copy of the Residence Visa for verification before opening the account. For companies, the representative must also possess a valid Emirates ID and Residence Visa. This requirement is mandatory across all banks in the UAE.
2. Applying for a Driving License and Vehicle Registration
The Emirates ID must be presented to the Dubai Municipality and the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) when applying for a driving license or vehicle registration. Depending on the applicant’s nationality, it may be possible to convert a home country driving license to a UAE driving license. Otherwise, applicants must enroll in a driving institute, undergo training, and pass a driving test to obtain a UAE driving license.
3. Applying for a Phone Number
To apply for a phone number in the UAE, a Residence Visa and Emirates ID are required. Although tourists can get a mobile number, the validity is limited to the duration of the Tourist Visa. Residents wishing to keep a phone number long-term must have a Residence Visa and Emirates ID.
4. Registering Children in Schools
Parents must have an Emirates ID to register their children in UAE schools. The UAE offers 17 different curricula, with popular options including the Arabic, Indian, British, and American curricula.
5. Applying for Loans
With a valid Residence Visa and Emirates ID, residents are eligible to apply for various loans, including personal loans, vehicle loans, and home loans from banks in the UAE.
6. Emirates ID Benefits Visa-Free Countries
UAE Residents and Emirates ID holders can travel to several countries without a visa. For UAE Residence VISA holders, many countries also offer VISAs on arrival.
A list of countries where UAE Residentcan travels for Free are:
- Armenia
- Pakistan
- Sri Lanka
- Georgia
- Kuwait
- Oman
- Kazakhstan
- Azerbaijan
- Jordan
- Bahrain
- Lebanon
- Kuwait
- Lebanon
- Qatar
- Saudi Arabia
- Thailand
- Brunei
- Indonesia
- Japan
- Malaysia
- Maldives
- Philippines
- Singapore
- South Korea
- Fiji
- Cook Islands
- Seychelles
- Egypt
- Mauritius
- Morocco
- South Africa
7. Withdrawing Cash from ATMs
Some banks, like Emirates NBD, allow customers to withdraw cash from ATMs using their Emirates
8. Your Proof of Identity
The Emirates ID serves as a crucial proof of identity for accessing various government services. It safeguards your identity and helps prevent fraud and identity theft.
Official entities like the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai Municipality, and the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) require the Emirates ID for most of their services and processes. For instance, the RTA provides kiosks across the emirate where you can renew your driver’s license and vehicle registration, pay traffic fines, and access other services, all of which necessitate your Emirates ID details.
9. Traveling
The benefits of the Emirates ID extend beyond online services. Since April 2022, the Emirates ID includes residents’ visa status. The traditional residency visa stamp in residents’ passports has been replaced by new-generation Emirates IDs, enhancing travel convenience.
The Emirates ID also simplifies airport immigration for UAE citizens and residents. Cardholders can add e-gate services to their IDs, facilitating smoother travel experiences. At Dubai International Airport, using the Emirates ID at smart gates expedites passport control procedures. Simply scan your card and provide fingerprint authentication to pass through e-gates without waiting in long queues, thereby saving space in your passport.
Upon arrival, Emirates ID holders can use the e-gate at Terminal 3 of Dubai International Airport without prior activation at the Emirates Identity Authority. Additionally, expatriates with Emirates IDs can access this service, and special employees at the smart gates will assist children under 15 traveling with Emirates ID holders.
10. Medical History Integration with Emirates ID
Since 2016, residents of the UAE can use their Emirates ID in place of traditional health insurance cards. This integration allows cardholders to process their medical insurance directly through their Emirates ID, eliminating the need to carry a separate medical card.
Insurance companies have transferred customer details to a centralized database, enabling hospitals and clinics to access patient information via the Emirates ID. Initially, only a limited number of hospitals had the capability to link medical reports to patients’ ID cards. However, this has significantly changed, leading to improved efficiency and accuracy for hospitals, insurance companies, and patients alike.
11. Refuel
Finally, ADNOC has expanded ways to pay for fuel at their smart service stations. Abu Dhabi now accepts cash, credit cards, ADNOC Plus Cards, and Emirates IDs linked to ADNOC Wallets.
Benefits of Emirates ID for Expats
1. Access to Government Services
The Emirates ID allows expats to efficiently access a wide range of government services in the UAE. This includes everything from healthcare and education to utility bill payments and official documentation processes.
2. Voting in Federal National Council Elections
While typically reserved for UAE citizens, expats holding Emirates ID can stay informed about electoral processes and participate in various civic engagements related to the Federal National Council elections.
3. Travel Document for UAE Citizens within the GCC
Although this benefit specifically applies to UAE citizens, the Emirates ID serves as a travel document allowing hassle-free travel within the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, highlighting the importance of this ID in regional mobility.
4. Easing Immigration Procedures
Expats can use their Emirates ID to swiftly pass through immigration via the eGates and smart gates available at several airports across the UAE. This feature significantly reduces waiting times and enhances the overall travel experience.
Benefits of Emirates ID for pakistani
The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents, including Pakistani nationals. Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, the Emirates ID offers a range of benefits that make it an essential document for daily life in the UAE. Here are some of the key benefits of holding an Emirates ID for Pakistani nationals:
1. Legal Identification
The Emirates ID serves as a primary form of legal identification. It is recognized by all government entities, private institutions, and businesses across the UAE. This means you can use it to verify your identity in various situations, from banking to accessing government services.
2. Access to Government Services
Having an Emirates ID simplifies access to numerous government services. Whether you need to apply for a driver’s license, register a vehicle, or access health services, the Emirates ID is often required. It streamlines processes and reduces the need for multiple documents.
3. Healthcare Access
The Emirates ID is linked to the UAE’s health insurance system. This integration ensures that Pakistani nationals, like all residents, can access healthcare services seamlessly. It also simplifies the process of availing health insurance benefits.
4. Banking and Financial Transactions
Banks and financial institutions in the UAE require an Emirates ID for opening accounts, applying for loans, and conducting other financial transactions. It acts as a key document for verifying identity and ensuring secure and efficient banking services.
5. Employment and Residency
For Pakistani nationals working in the UAE, the Emirates ID is crucial for employment and residency purposes. It is needed for work permits, residency visas, and labor contracts. Employers also use it to process salary payments and other employment-related activities.
6. Enhanced Security and Fraud Prevention
The Emirates ID includes biometric data, such as fingerprints and a digital photo, enhancing security and reducing the risk of identity fraud. This advanced security feature ensures that personal information is protected and identity theft is minimized.
7. Travel Convenience
The Emirates ID can be used for e-gate access at UAE airports, expediting the immigration process. This benefit is particularly useful for frequent travelers, allowing for quicker and more efficient travel procedures.
8. Utility Services
Utility companies often require an Emirates ID to register for services such as electricity, water, and internet. Having an Emirates ID makes it easier to set up and manage these essential services.
9. Digital Government Services
The UAE government offers a wide range of digital services accessible via the Emirates ID. This includes online portals for renewing visas, updating personal information, and accessing other e-government services. It ensures that Pakistani nationals can conveniently manage their official documentation online.
10. Driving License Applications
Applying for a driving license in the UAE requires an Emirates ID. It is a mandatory document for both the application process and subsequent renewals, making it an essential requirement for Pakistani nationals looking to drive legally in the UAE.
How Can I Get an E-Version of the Emirates ID?
The Emirates ID offers numerous benefits and is a testament to the UAE government’s ‘citizen-first’ vision. The integration of the Emirates ID across multiple organizations and service providers not only streamlines processes but also significantly reduces paperwork and waste, supporting the country’s green initiatives.
Other Relevant Points
- The digital versions of the Residence Visa and Emirates ID can be downloaded through the ICP App.
- Emirates ID holders must update any changes in their personal information within one month of the change. This can be done via the ICP App.
- Tourists are not eligible for an Emirates ID, as it is reserved for residents only.
FAQs About
Q 1: What does Emirates ID give you?
Ans: Emirates IDs contain your name, photo, and fingerprints, as well as your personal information. Many things can be done with it, such as opening a bank account, renting a property, or getting a job.
Q 2: Which country can I go with my Emirate ID?
Ans: The following countries are visa-free for UAE residents:
- Georgia.
- Maldives.
- Kazakhstan.
- Seychelles.
- Serbia.
- Jordan.
Q 3: Is Emirates ID a permanent resident card?
Ans: Emirates ID cards are issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP), mandatory for all citizens and permanent residents. There are several purposes for the Emirates ID, including access to government services.
Conclusion
The Emirates ID is essential for anyone living or working in the UAE, serving as a legal document that confirms residency and offers numerous benefits. The Emirates ID is indispensable, from opening bank accounts to accessing government services and facilitating travel.
