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Every resident of the UAE needs an Emirates ID, and that includes children and newborn babies. For expatriate families, the child's ID is issued together with the child's residence permit, so the steps are tied to the sponsoring parent's visa. This guide covers who applies, the documents, the fees ICP lists, the deadline for newborns, what changes when a child turns 15, and how renewal works.
Who applies for a child's Emirates ID
ICP's service rules say the application can be submitted by the head of the family, a legally authorised representative, or a guardian. For residents, the ID is part of the unified application for the Emirates ID and residence permit, and ICP says the sponsor submits it on behalf of family members. In other words, the parent who sponsors the child applies, either:
- online through the ICP smart services website or the UAEICP app, using UAE Pass
- through GDRFA Dubai channels for residence files issued in Dubai
- or through an accredited typing centre
Documents you will usually need
- the child's passport, valid for at least three months according to ICP's resident conditions
- a recent colour photo that meets ICAO standards, with a white background
- the child's birth certificate; a certificate issued outside the UAE must be attested
- the sponsoring parent's passport and valid residence or Emirates ID
- for a newborn, any parent details the system asks for; we confirm the list for your case
- valid health insurance for the child
- proof of housing, such as a registered tenancy contract, when the system asks for it
Children under 18 do not need the residence medical test. The UAE Government portal says the medical fitness test applies to applicants aged 18 and above.
Fingerprints: not needed until 15
ICP states that individuals who have completed 15 years of age must complete fingerprints and signature at an ICP service centre. Younger children do not give biometrics; a compliant photo is enough. This makes the first ID for babies and young children a paperwork-only process. When a child turns 15, the fingerprint step is done at the next issue or renewal.
Fees
For residents, ICP lists these Emirates ID fees:
| Item | Fee |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID, per year of residence | AED 100 |
| Smart service fee | AED 100 |
The ID follows the length of the residence, so a two-year residence means a two-year ID fee. Residence permit fees, insurance and any typing centre charges are separate. ICP adds that a family member's residence matches the sponsor's permit and cannot exceed it, so the child's ID expires no later than the parent's residence.
The newborn deadline
This is where most fines happen. The UAE Government portal says residents have 120 days from the birth to arrange the baby's documents: birth certificate, passport, Emirates ID and residence. ICP's fines list shows that, for a foreigner's child born in the UAE, an ID delay fine of AED 20 per day starts after four months from the date of birth, capped at AED 1,000. The portal also warns of daily fines on the residence side and that the baby cannot leave the country until the residence is done.
A simple order that works:
- Get the birth notification from the hospital and the official birth certificate.
- Apply for the baby's passport at your embassy.
- Submit the unified residence and Emirates ID application.
- Keep the delivery SMS and track the card through ICP.
Our newborn baby visa guide covers the residence side in more detail.
Delivery and collection
ICP says the standard card is delivered by its authorised courier. Track the status on the ICP website or app with the application number. Make sure the mobile number on the application is one you check, as delivery updates come by SMS.
Renewing a child's Emirates ID
The UAE Government portal says an Emirates ID can be renewed from six months before expiry. ICP says residents renew the ID together with the residence through the unified residence and identity form in every emirate except Dubai, where the steps can differ. If the ID is renewed more than one month after expiry, the portal lists a late fee of AED 20 per day, up to AED 1,000. Children who have turned 15 by renewal time must visit an ICP centre for fingerprints.
Data changes and lost cards
ICP lists a fine of AED 20 per day, capped at AED 1,000, for not reporting a change in personal data within 30 days. If your child's passport is renewed, update the residence and ID details. If the card is lost or damaged, apply for a replacement; see Emirates ID replacement. For adult renewal costs, read Emirates ID renewal cost.
Quick checklist
- Passport valid for at least three months
- ICAO-standard photo, white background
- Attested birth certificate if born abroad
- Sponsor's valid residence
- Health insurance active
- Application within 120 days of birth for newborns
Official sources: ICP: New identity card issuance · u.ae: Emirates ID · u.ae: Having a baby
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my baby need an Emirates ID? Yes. Every resident needs an Emirates ID, including newborns. For expatriate families it is issued with the baby's residence through the unified application.
At what age are fingerprints taken? ICP requires fingerprints and signature from people who have completed 15 years of age. Younger children only need a compliant photo.
How much is an Emirates ID for a child? ICP lists AED 100 per year of residence plus a AED 100 smart service fee for residents. Residence fees and insurance are extra.
What is the deadline for a newborn's documents? The UAE Government portal gives residents 120 days from birth to complete the birth certificate, passport, Emirates ID and residence. ICP's ID delay fine is AED 20 per day after four months, capped at AED 1,000.
Can my child's Emirates ID be valid longer than my visa? No. A dependant's residence cannot exceed the sponsor's, and the child's ID follows the residence.
Getting a child's ID right the first time saves fines and travel delays. PRO VISA UAE (NOR ALAYAM Documents Clearing Services) can check your documents and submit the residence and Emirates ID application for your child. WhatsApp us on +971 52 505 3494 (wa.me/971525053494).