Do Newborns Need an Emirates ID?
Yes — every newborn in the UAE must be issued an Emirates ID shortly after birth. The ID is required for the child's residency visa, school registration, healthcare and travel within the GCC. Parents typically have 120 days from the birth date to complete the process, and it's strongly recommended to do it early because the medical fitness test and visa processing take time.
Requirements for a Newborn's Emirates ID
- Original birth certificate (attested by the hospital and the Ministry of Health — MOHAP for most emirates, or DHA in Dubai)
- Father's passport and Emirates ID
- Mother's passport and Emirates ID (if the child is sponsored by the mother, additional documents may apply)
- Both parents' valid residence visas
- Child's passport (newborn passports are usually issued within 5–7 working days)
- Passport-sized photos of the newborn with white background
- Attested marriage certificate (for the residence visa application, in most cases)
Step-by-Step Process (2026)
- Birth certificate: obtain it at the hospital, then get it attested by the health authority (MOHAP or DHA)
- Residence visa: apply for the child's residence visa through ICP e-channel, GDRFA (Dubai) or a typing center — most families use a typing center to avoid errors
- Medical fitness: children under 18 may need a medical test depending on the emirate (in some cases it's waived for infants)
- Emirates ID application: submit the application with biometrics at an ICP Customer Happiness Center or through a typing center
- Card delivery: the card is printed and delivered to your chosen address (Emirates Post) within 5–10 working days
2026 Fees for a Newborn's Emirates ID
The standard fees include: AED 100 per year of card validity (typically 2–3 years for children), plus the AED 70 ICP service fee for the ID application. The residence visa itself costs between AED 100 and AED 300 depending on the visa type and emirate, plus medical and typing center service fees (usually AED 30–100). Many typing centers offer complete newborn packages — ask for an itemised receipt separating government fees from service charges.
Where to Apply
You can apply through the ICP smart app (UAEICP), the ICP website, or in person at an ICP Customer Happiness Center. Most families in Dubai use Amer Centers (GDRFA) for the visa and then an ICP center or typing center for the Emirates ID. Using a professional typing center for the newborn paperwork is the most common choice because the process involves multiple government portals and small data-entry errors cause delays.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Waiting more than 120 days after birth (overstay fines apply to the newborn's visa status)
- Not attesting the birth certificate before starting the visa process
- Mismatched name spelling between the birth certificate, passport and ID application
- Not bringing both parents' Emirates IDs and visas
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a newborn's Emirates ID take? 5–10 working days after biometric submission, plus 3–5 days for delivery.
Can I apply for my baby's Emirates ID online? Yes, via the ICP smart app, but biometrics may still be required at a center for the first application.
What if we travel before the ID arrives? The child can travel on the residence visa stamp; carry the application receipt for the ID.
Related Services and Guides
If you need help with your paperwork, these resources may help:
- Emirates ID typing centers
- Emirates ID Typing Centers UAE: Application, Renewal & Fees Guide
- How to Emirates ID New Application in a Typing center with the cheapest price?
- Emirates ID Renewal at a Typing Center: Steps, Documents & Fees UAE 2026
You can also browse our complete directory of typing centers in Dubai or all services to find a verified center near you.