UAE Passport Requirements Guide
Complete 2026 guide on UAE passport eligibility, requirements, fees in AED, application procedures, and processing times for Emirates citizens and residents.
Who Can Get UAE Passport?
Understanding eligibility requirements for obtaining an Emirates passport.
UAE Citizens by Birth
Automatic eligibility for Emirati citizens:
- Born to Emirati father (automatic citizenship)
- Born to Emirati mother (after 6 years residence)
- Born in UAE to unknown parents (foundlings)
- Children of naturalized UAE citizens
- Must provide birth certificate and family book
- Emirates ID required for all applicants
Naturalized Citizens
UAE passport eligibility for naturalized citizens:
- Granted UAE citizenship through naturalization decree
- Minimum 30 years continuous legal residence (7 years for Arabs)
- Exceptional talent holders (immediate eligibility)
- Investors meeting Golden Visa requirements
- Must renounce previous citizenship (in most cases)
- Presidential decree holders
Golden Visa Holders
Special provisions for Golden Visa recipients:
- 10-year residence visa holders (investors, entrepreneurs)
- Doctors, specialists, and researchers
- Outstanding students and graduates
- Eligible for passport after citizenship grant
- Pathway to citizenship after meeting criteria
- Must maintain investment/contribution
How to Apply for UAE Passport
Step-by-step process for new passport applications and renewals.
Check Eligibility
Verify UAE citizenship status, ensure valid Emirates ID, and confirm all eligibility requirements are met before starting application.
Book Appointment
Schedule appointment through ICP mobile app or website for biometric data capture at nearest typing center or ICP office.
Submit Documents
Provide original Emirates ID, family book, photographs, old passport (for renewal), and complete application form with required fees.
Biometric Capture
Attend appointment for fingerprint scanning, iris scan, and photograph. Minors must be accompanied by guardian with authorization.
Application Review
ICP processes application, verifies documents, conducts security checks, and reviews eligibility. Track status via ICP app.
Passport Collection
Receive SMS notification when ready. Collect passport from designated center with Emirates ID within 30 days of notification.
UAE Passport Fees 2026
Complete breakdown of passport costs for different validity periods.
| Service Type | Validity Period | Fee (AED) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| New Passport (Regular) | 5 Years | 300 | Standard adult passport |
| New Passport (Regular) | 10 Years | 500 | Extended validity passport |
| Passport Renewal | 5 Years | 300 | Before or after expiry |
| Passport Renewal | 10 Years | 500 | Extended validity renewal |
| Lost/Damaged Passport | 5 Years | 400 | Police report required |
| Lost/Damaged Passport | 10 Years | 600 | Police report + penalties |
| Emergency Passport | 1 Year | 600 | Urgent travel only |
| Passport Amendment | N/A | 100 | Name change, corrections |
| Express Processing | 48-72 hours | +500 | Additional to base fee |
| Age Category | Validity | Standard Fee (AED) | Special Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|
| Infants (0-2 years) | 2 Years | 100 | Birth certificate required |
| Children (3-10 years) | 5 Years | 200 | Parent/guardian presence mandatory |
| Teenagers (11-17 years) | 5 Years | 250 | Guardian authorization needed |
| Adults (18+ years) | 5 or 10 Years | 300 / 500 | Standard processing |
| Senior Citizens (60+) | 10 Years | 450 | Discounted rate |
Document Checklist
Essential documents for UAE passport applications.
New Application (First Time)
- Valid Emirates ID (original + copy)
- Family book (Khulasa Qaid) certified copy
- Birth certificate (attested)
- 2 recent passport photographs (white background)
- Completed application form
- Payment receipt
- Guardian authorization (for minors)
- Medical fitness certificate (if required)
Passport Renewal
- Original expired/expiring passport
- Valid Emirates ID (original + copy)
- 2 recent passport photographs
- Renewal application form
- Payment receipt
- No Objection Certificate (if applicable)
- Updated family book (if changes occurred)
- Marriage certificate (if name changed)
Lost or Damaged Passport
- Police report (mandatory for lost passport)
- Damaged passport (if applicable)
- Valid Emirates ID
- Family book copy
- Passport photographs
- Affidavit explaining circumstances
- Replacement application form
- Higher fees + penalty charges
Emergency/Express Passport
- All standard documents
- Proof of urgent travel need
- Flight booking confirmation
- Medical emergency proof (if applicable)
- Business travel authorization
- Express processing fee payment
- Valid reason documentation
- Available within 48-72 hours
ICP Application Centers
Visit these Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) centers for passport services.
Application Processing Stages
Expected timeline for UAE passport issuance.
Appointment Booking
Book slot through ICP app or website. Available slots typically within 3-7 days in major cities.
Biometric Registration
Attend appointment for document submission, photograph, fingerprints, and iris scan at ICP center.
Document Verification
ICP verifies all documents, cross-checks with Emirates ID database, and validates citizenship status.
Security Clearance
Background verification and security checks by relevant UAE authorities before approval.
Passport Production
Approved applications sent to secure passport printing facility with biometric chip embedding.
Quality Control
Final quality checks, chip verification, and packaging before dispatch to collection center.
Notification
SMS and app notification sent when passport ready for collection at designated ICP center.
Passport Collection
Collect passport with Emirates ID within 30 days. After 30 days, additional storage fees apply.
Important Notes
- UAE passport is one of the world's most powerful (visa-free access to 180+ countries)
- Biometric passports contain RFID chip with fingerprint and iris data
- All UAE citizens must travel on UAE passport when entering/exiting UAE
- Dual citizenship restricted (check current regulations)
- Minors need both parents' consent for passport issuance
- Express service available for urgent travel (48-72 hours)
- Passport validity should be 6+ months for international travel
- Online tracking available through ICP app
Passport Features (2026)
- Polycarbonate data page with laser engraving
- Biometric chip (contactless RFID)
- Security hologram with UAE coat of arms
- UV-reactive fibers and inks
- Microtext and guilloche patterns
- Color-shifting ink elements
- 52 pages (visa pages with security features)
- Machine-readable zone (MRZ) on bio page
Visa-Free Travel Benefits
UAE passport provides exceptional travel freedom:
- Europe: Schengen Area (90 days visa-free)
- Americas: USA, Canada, Brazil, Argentina
- Asia: Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia
- Oceania: Australia, New Zealand (ETA required)
- Africa: South Africa, Morocco, Egypt
- GCC: All Gulf countries (ID card sufficient)
- Total: 180+ countries visa-free or visa-on-arrival
- Regular updates to visa agreements
Passport Renewal Guidelines
Important information for renewing your UAE passport before or after expiry.
When to Renew
Renew 6-12 months before expiry to avoid travel disruptions. Many countries require 6 months validity.
Simplified Process
Renewal is simpler than new application. Online renewal available for eligible citizens via ICP app.
Same Fees Apply
Renewal costs same as new passport: AED 300 (5 years) or AED 500 (10 years).
Faster Processing
Renewals typically faster (7-10 days) as verification already on file. Express service available.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about UAE passport requirements and application.