Applying for or renewing a United Arab Emirates (UAE) passport requires accurate identity proofs, Emirates ID coordination, and correct document order. This deep checklist walks UAE nationals through eligibility, documents, application channels, timelines, special cases (minors, name changes, lost passports abroad), and how to avoid avoidable delays. Use it to prepare every file and appointment like a pro.
UAE passports are issued to Emirati citizens by the competent federal authority for identity and citizenship. The process is governed by federal rules; services may be delivered through dedicated service centres, governmental platforms, or UAE diplomatic missions abroad. Most routine transactions (application, renewal, corrections) are digitally initiated and then completed at a service counter or embassy/consulate.
Passport and national identity services are administered centrally. For the most accurate procedural details, use the official channels listed at the end of this guide.
At a high level, applicants for an ordinary UAE passport must be Emirati nationals with verifiable identity records (Emirates ID, family registry records where applicable), and must not be subject to any official restrictions that disallow travel or passport issuance. Citizenship status is the primary requirement—residency or civil status alone does not qualify a non-citizen.
The UAE passport application is an identity-first process. These are the documents you will generally be asked to provide:
| Element | Primary Proofs | Notes / Alternatives |
|---|---|---|
| Citizenship | Emirates ID (front/back), Family Book (if applicable), Birth/Registry record | Ensure Emirates ID is valid; family registry extracts help confirm parentage for minors. |
| Identity | Emirates ID, previous passport (if re-issue), identity certificate | Make sure photo on Emirates ID is recent/legible; update if necessary before passport application. |
| Address & Contact | Residential address registered with Emirates ID; phone and email | Official communications are sent to the registered contact details—keep them current. |
| Date of Birth | Birth registration or family registry extract; previous passport | Any discrepancy in DOB across records must be corrected before applying for a passport. |
| Photograph | Studio quality per ICA/ICP specifications (digital + prints when requested) | Follow size, background and head-position rules precisely to avoid retakes. |
Below is a practical matrix covering common situations: first-time adult, renewal, minors, lost passport, and name changes. This is intentionally detailed — read your specific case and prepare all listed items.
| Case | Documents Typically Required | Practical Tips |
|---|---|---|
| First-time Adult | Emirates ID, original birth registry/family book extract, biometric enrollment, two passport photographs (as per spec) | Complete biometric enrolment early; check photo rules on the official portal. |
| Renewal (within expiry) | Existing passport, Emirates ID, online renewal form, updated photo | Renew early if you have upcoming travel—the validity requirement for some countries is 6+ months. |
| Renewal (expired/long expired) | Old passport (if available), Emirates ID, additional identity verification documents | Long-expired documents may need supplementary verification; expect extra steps. |
| Lost/Stolen Passport (in UAE) | Police report (local), Emirates ID, affidavit, any copies of prior passport if available | File the police report on the same day and keep the incident number for the application. |
| Lost/Stolen Abroad | Local police report, contact nearest UAE embassy/consulate, temporary travel document guidance | Embassies can issue emergency travel documents; follow mission-specific instructions promptly. |
| Minors | Child birth registry, parents’ Emirates IDs and passports, consent from legal guardian, photos | Ensure parent's details are consistent across documents; guardian declarations may be required in single-parent cases. |
| Name change / Correction | Court order (if applicable), official name-change certificate, updated Emirates ID | Update Emirates ID first; then apply for passport correction to keep records consistent. |
Photos and biometrics are critical in an ICA/ICP environment. When instructed, submit digital files that strictly follow specifications (size, background, head position). Biometric enrolment (fingerprints, facial capture) is usually done at service centres and must match the Emirates ID records.
UAE passport workflows are a mix of online initiation and in-person finalization. The following step-by-step pathway is comprehensive:
Fee structures and service types (standard, expedited, emergency travel documents) vary with the applicant’s location (inside UAE vs abroad), urgency, and the nature of the request (renewal, replacement, emergency). Do not rely on third-party screenshots for fee amounts — verify the amount on the official portal before payment.
Children’s passport applications require clear parental identification, relationship proof, and consent declarations. If one parent is unavailable, documented court orders or guardianship papers may be necessary. In custody disputes, follow the legal route and provide court-certified documentation as required.
Any legal change in name, DOB correction, or civil status should be reflected in the Emirates ID and civil registry before applying for passport amendments. Where court or administrative orders are required (e.g., legal name change), attach certified copies of those orders.
Adopt a project approach — create a folder named UAE_PASSPORT_
Emirati nationals registered in the civil registry and holding a valid Emirates ID are eligible to apply for an ordinary UAE passport. Eligibility may be subject to any legal restrictions in place (for example, travel bans or pending legal actions) that the issuing authority must respect.
Begin by contacting or visiting the website of the nearest UAE embassy or consulate. Missions generally provide downloadable forms, appointment booking, and stepwise instructions (including local police report requirements for lost passports).
File a local police report immediately, then contact the nearest UAE embassy/consulate. Provide Emirates ID, police report, photos, and any proof of citizenship. The mission will advise on emergency travel documents or full replacement passports.
If there are active legal restrictions, the issuing authority will check internal systems and any court orders. In some cases, passports are not issued until restrictions are lifted. Disclose legal matters honestly to avoid complications.
Processing times vary by workload and whether additional verification is required. Standard renewal is processed in the normal service timeline; expedited services may shorten this but are subject to eligibility checks. Always check the official portal for estimated timings.
Emirates ID is a central identity document; ideally renew Emirates ID first or ensure it is valid for smooth passport procedures. Some exceptions are managed case-by-case; check official guidance or contact the issuing authority for instructions.
Minors require a birth registry extract, parents’ Emirates IDs and passports, and signed parental consent forms. In single-parent or guardianship cases, legal proof (court order) may be requested. Always verify mission-specific requirements for minors.
Update your civil registry / court-records first (if a court order is required), then update Emirates ID, and finally apply for a passport correction/renewal. This keeps the identity trail consistent and avoids repeated queries at the passport stage.