Quick answer: You can complete an Emirates ID status check for free on the ICP website (icp.gov.ae) or the UAE ICP app using your application (PRAN) number or passport details. The card is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), usually within 5–10 working days after your visa is stamped. If your status shows "Card is printed," you can collect it from Emirates Post or your nearest ICP centre — there is no fee for the status check itself.
Key takeaways
- The Emirates ID status check is a free online service on the ICP website and app — you never need to pay a third party to see it.
- You can track your card using your application/PRAN number, your Emirates ID number, or your passport number.
- Common statuses include "Under process," "Under printing," "Card is printed," and "Card delivered."
- Most cards are ready 5–10 working days after residency visa approval; delays usually mean a document mismatch or biometrics pending.
- The Emirates ID is mandatory for banking, telecom, tenancy, government services and starting a company in the UAE.
An Emirates ID status check is the process of tracking where your ID card is in the government's issuance pipeline — from application received, to printing, to ready for collection. The Emirates ID is the official identity card every UAE resident and citizen must hold, and its status is managed entirely by the ICP (formerly ICA). Below we cover every way to check it, what each status means, realistic 2026 costs, and how to collect your card.
What is an Emirates ID and why does the status matter?
The Emirates ID is a government-issued smart card that serves as your legal proof of identity and residency in the UAE. Every resident visa holder is required to have one, and it is linked to your visa file, health insurance, and most government and private services.
Checking the status matters because you often cannot complete other steps — opening a bank account, signing a tenancy contract, getting a phone line, or completing a company setup — until the card is issued. Tracking it lets you plan those steps and spot problems early, such as a passport-number mismatch or pending biometrics.
How do I do an Emirates ID status check online?
The fastest way to check your Emirates ID status is on the official ICP website at icp.gov.ae, using your application number. It is free and available 24/7.
Follow these steps:
- Go to icp.gov.ae and select your language (English or Arabic).
- Search for the service "ID Card Status" or navigate to the Public Services section.
- Choose whether you'll search by Application Number (PRAN), Emirates ID number, or passport number.
- Enter the requested details exactly as they appear on your documents.
- Complete the on-screen verification and submit.
- Read your current status — for example "Under process," "Under printing," or "Card is printed."
Your PRAN (Personal Registration Application Number) is the long reference number printed on the receipt you receive when you apply or renew. Keep it — it's the easiest way to track everything.
Can I check my Emirates ID status by passport number?
Yes — if you don't have your application or PRAN number, you can run an Emirates ID status check by passport number on the ICP website or app. This is the go-to method for newcomers who applied through a typing centre or PRO and never noted their PRAN.
Select the passport number search option, then enter your passport number and, when prompted, your nationality. Make sure the details match your visa application exactly; even a single digit or an extra space can return "no record found." If it still fails, your application may not yet be in the system (allow 24–48 hours after applying), or the biometrics step may be incomplete.
Checking your status on the UAE ICP app
The UAE ICP app offers the same status check as the website, plus notifications and a digital copy of your Emirates ID once issued.
Download the UAEICP app from the App Store or Google Play, create or log in to your UAE Pass account, and open the ID services section. The app lets you check status, view your card details, and — after issuance — access a digital version of your Emirates ID accepted at many government counters. For residents managing renewals, the app also sends reminders before expiry, which helps you avoid late fines.
What do the Emirates ID statuses mean?
Each status describes a specific stage in the ICP pipeline, and knowing them tells you whether to wait, act, or collect. Here is a plain-English guide.
| Status shown | What it means | What you should do |
|---|---|---|
| Application received / Under process | Your application is registered and being reviewed | Wait; ensure biometrics are done |
| Under printing | Card details approved, card is being produced | Wait 2–4 working days |
| Card is printed | Card is ready | Collect from Emirates Post or ICP centre |
| Card delivered | Card handed over or posted | No action needed |
| Rejected / needs correction | A document or detail didn't match | Contact ICP or your PRO to fix |
If you're stuck at "Under process" for more than 10 working days, the usual causes are pending biometrics (fingerprints/photo not captured), a name or passport mismatch, or an unpaid fee. A quick call to ICP on 600 522222, or a message to your PRO, resolves most cases.
How much does an Emirates ID cost in 2026?
The Emirates ID status check is free, but issuing or renewing the card carries government fees that vary by visa duration and processing speed.
| Item | Approximate 2026 cost (AED) |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID (2-year residency) | 370 – 390 |
| Emirates ID (5-year residency) | 670 – 690 |
| Emirates ID (10-year / Golden Visa) | 1,070 – 1,150 |
| Typing centre / service fee | 40 – 80 |
| Urgent "Fawri" service (extra) | 150 – 250 |
| Lost / damaged card replacement | 300 – 350 + service fee |
These are realistic 2026 ranges; the exact amount depends on your visa type and whether you use standard or urgent processing. The ID fee is normally bundled into your overall residency visa costs, so if a company or PRO handled your visa, this is usually already paid.
Document checklist for a new Emirates ID
Before applying or checking why an application stalled, make sure you have these ready:
- Original passport with a valid residence visa (or entry permit)
- A recent passport-size photograph meeting ICP specifications
- Completed biometrics (fingerprints and photo at an ICP centre)
- Your PRAN / application number from the receipt
- Health insurance details, where required by your emirate
- For renewals: your existing Emirates ID and an updated visa page
How to collect your Emirates ID
Once your status reads "Card is printed," you collect the card from the Emirates Post branch linked to your application — you'll receive an SMS with the pickup location. Bring your original passport and, if collecting on someone's behalf, an authorisation letter and your own ID. Some ICP centres also allow direct collection. Cards not collected within 90 days may be returned to ICP, so check your status promptly and pick it up as soon as the SMS arrives.
If you applied as part of a new residency visa — say, through an investor or employment visa during a company setup — your PRO or visa services provider often handles collection and delivery for you. Many first-time entrepreneurs prefer this because it removes the guesswork from timing and document handling.
Where the Emirates ID fits into starting a business in the UAE
For entrepreneurs, the Emirates ID is a milestone: it usually arrives right after your residency visa is approved, and it unlocks the practical steps of running a company. You'll need it to open a bank account, sign your office lease, and register for VAT or corporate tax where applicable.
If you're planning your move, it helps to understand the full sequence — trade licence, establishment card, visa, biometrics, then Emirates ID. Our PRO services team manages this end-to-end, and if you're still deciding on a structure, our guide on mainland vs free zone explains how each path affects your visa quota and timeline. To see typical all-in figures before you start, use the cost calculator.
FAQ
How long does it take to get an Emirates ID after applying?
Most Emirates IDs are issued within 5–10 working days after your residency visa is stamped and biometrics are complete. Urgent "Fawri" processing can produce the card in about 24 hours at select ICP centres. Delays beyond 10 days usually point to a document mismatch or pending biometrics.
How much does it cost to check my Emirates ID status?
Checking your Emirates ID status is completely free on the official ICP website (icp.gov.ae) and the UAEICP app. You never need to pay a third party for a status check. Fees only apply to issuing, renewing, or replacing the physical card — roughly AED 370 to AED 1,150 depending on your visa duration.
Can I check my Emirates ID status without an application number?
Yes. You can run an Emirates ID status check using your passport number or your existing Emirates ID number instead of the PRAN. Just select that option on the ICP website or app and enter your details exactly as they appear on your documents to avoid a "no record found" message.
What does "Card is printed" mean on my Emirates ID status?
"Card is printed" means your Emirates ID has been produced and is ready for collection. You'll typically receive an SMS with the Emirates Post branch or ICP centre where you can pick it up. Bring your original passport, and collect within 90 days before the card is returned to ICP.
Why is my Emirates ID stuck on "Under process"?
An Emirates ID stuck on "Under process" for more than 10 working days usually means your biometrics are incomplete, a name or passport number doesn't match, or a fee is unpaid. Contact ICP on 600 522222 or ask your PRO to review the application and submit any correction needed.
Do I need an Emirates ID to start a company in the UAE?
You don't need an Emirates ID to register a company, but you'll need one as a resident to open a corporate bank account, sign a lease, and complete most government services. It's issued after your residency visa, so it fits naturally into the setup process rather than blocking your licence.
Need help with your visa, Emirates ID, or the full setup process? DBM's PRO and visa specialists handle applications, biometrics scheduling, and card collection so you don't have to chase government portals. With a 5.0-star rating from 120+ clients and 1,000+ companies formed, we make the process transparent from day one. Book a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 504 6228.