UAE Passport: How to Apply for First-Time Ordinary Passport

The United Arab Emirates has outlined how citizens can apply for an ordinary passport for the first time, with the government listing a processing period of just two days once the application requirements have been completed.

The service is managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). According to the published guidance, applicants can complete the process digitally, submit the required documents, pay the applicable fee and receive their passports through an authorised delivery company.

The process applies specifically to UAE nationals applying for a passport for the first time. People seeking to renew an existing passport or replace a lost or damaged document must follow the relevant separate procedures.

How long does it take to get a UAE passport?

The ICP lists the service completion time for a first-time ordinary passport application as two days.

The timeline is the authority’s stated service duration, not a guarantee that every application will be completed within two days regardless of its circumstances. Applicants should ensure their information and supporting documents are complete to avoid delays.

The authority has not specified the passport fee amount on the service page cited in the report. Applicants are expected to pay the applicable fee through the digital application channel.

Steps to apply for a UAE ordinary passport

UAE nationals applying for their first ordinary passport can follow these steps:

1. Submit the application online

Applicants must begin by submitting their request through an approved digital service channel provided by the relevant UAE authorities.

2. Review personal information

After submitting the application, applicants should check their details carefully and correct any errors before proceeding.

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3. Upload the required documents

Some supporting documents may already be available through links between government systems. Where the required documents cannot be retrieved through these connections, applicants must upload them manually.

4. Pay the service fee

Applicants must pay the prescribed fee through the digital platform. The application proceeds after the necessary information, documents and payment requirements have been addressed.

5. Receive the passport by delivery

Once the process is completed, the new passport is delivered through an authorised delivery company. Applicants do not need to collect the document in person under the procedure described by the ICP.

Who can use the UAE’s two-day passport service?

The service is intended for UAE nationals obtaining an ordinary passport for the first time.

It should not be confused with the procedures for renewing an existing passport or replacing a document that has been lost or damaged. Those applications may have different requirements and processing arrangements.

Foreign residents living in the UAE also cannot use this service to obtain an Emirati passport simply because they reside in the country. The service is for UAE citizens.

When can UAE citizens renew their passports?

UAE passport holders are eligible to apply for renewal six months before their current passport expires, according to the renewal guidance referenced in the report.

Citizens should check the applicable renewal requirements and use the appropriate service rather than submitting a first-time passport application.

Frequently asked questions

How many days does a first-time UAE passport take?

The ICP lists a service completion period of two days for a first-time ordinary passport application.

Can I apply for a UAE passport online?

Yes. The procedure described by the ICP uses approved digital channels for application submission, document uploads where required and fee payment.

How much does a UAE ordinary passport cost?

The report does not state the applicable fee. Applicants should check the official ICP service platform for the current amount before submitting their applications.

Will the UAE passport be delivered to my home?

The published procedure states that the passport is delivered through an authorised delivery company after the application process is completed. Applicants should confirm the available delivery arrangements when applying.

Can a foreign resident apply for an Emirati passport?

The first-time ordinary passport service described by the ICP is for UAE nationals. Residence in the UAE alone does not make a foreign national eligible for an Emirati passport.

When can UAE citizens renew their passports?

The reported guidance allows UAE citizens to apply for renewal six months before the expiry date of their existing passport.