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1) Identity & Nationality Evidence

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Ports Security (ICP/ICA) requires documents that establish your identity and Emirati nationality. For renewals the current or expired passport often provides both; for first-time or replacement cases you will need more documentary proof.

• Current/expired UAE passport (if renewing or replacing): primary identity document.
• Emirates ID (Emirates ID card / smart card): must be valid and shown when requested.
• Original birth certificate (for some registrations) or official family records if required by ICA.
• Family book / family registry (where applicable) for Emirati nationals — often used to confirm family links.
• Naturalisation or citizenship papers if the status was conferred (rare cases).

2) Address & Contactability

The ICA may require contact details and proof of residence for communications or when dispatching the passport. Keep recent, readable documents showing your name and UAE address.

• Residency proof: tenancy contract, recent utility bills, or a DEWA/Etisalat/du bill.
• Emirates ID as a contact/ID reference — ensure it is up to date.
• Employer letter for working nationals or residents if address confirmation is needed.

3) Photographs — Digital & Printed Standards

Passport photo rules in the UAE are strict — incorrect photos are a common reason for rejection. Whether you submit online or in person, follow the ICA specifications exactly.

• Size & framing: head and shoulders visible, neutral expression, no smiling that distorts features.
• Background: plain light-coloured (usually white or cream), no shadows.
• Glasses & headwear: no tinted glasses; head coverings allowed only for religious reasons but facial features must be visible.
• Quality: sharp focus, natural skin tones, no filters or heavy editing.
• Digital uploads: ensure file size and pixel dimensions match ICA requirements when applying online.

4) Adult First-Time UAE Passport — Checklist

First-time passport applicants (including newly naturalised nationals) must demonstrate Emirati nationality and identity. Originals are usually required at submission/verification.

5) Adult Renewal — What ICA Usually Needs

Renewing is straightforward when your Emirates ID and previous passport are valid and undamaged. Online renewal via the ICA or the UAE government portal is common for residents and nationals.

• Existing UAE passport (to be surrendered)
• Valid Emirates ID
• Compliant passport photo (digital/printed as required)
• Payment receipt for the renewal fee

6) Child Passport (Minors) — Parent/Guardian Documents

Applications for children require parent/guardian consent and documents proving parentage, nationality and custody where relevant. The primary carer or legal guardian usually signs the application.

Official UAE Government Passport & Identity Services

• 🇦🇪 Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) – Official Passport & ID Portal
• 🌍 UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) – Embassy & Consular Services

7) Name, Status & Document Changes — Evidence You Need

Any legal change such as marriage, divorce, or a legal name change must be backed by the appropriate UAE or recognised foreign certificate. Update your Emirates ID and residency records first to keep records consistent.

• Marriage certificate: UAE marriage certificate or recognised foreign certificate with legalisation/translation if needed.
• Divorce decree: official court documents where applicable.
• Legal name change: court order or notarised deed showing the change and supporting IDs.
• Gender marker: follow the formal process with ICA and present official medical/legal documents where allowed.

8) Lost, Stolen, or Damaged Passports — Replacement Evidence

Report loss or theft immediately to local police (if abroad to the local police) and to ICA. Replacement processes typically require re-establishing identity with supporting documents.

• Police report (especially important for overseas incidents).
• Emirates ID and any remaining identity documents.
• Proof of travel: copies of visas or travel tickets if needed for emergency travel documents.
• Nationality evidence similar to first-time cases if the old passport cannot be relied upon.

9) Attestations, Translations & Foreign Documents

Foreign civil documents (birth, marriage, divorce) must be legalised and translated when required. Official translations should include the translator’s credentials and contact details.

• Certified translations: translate into Arabic or English depending on ICA instructions; include translator contact details.
• Legalisation: many foreign documents require embassy/legalisation and sometimes an apostille before UAE authorities accept them.
• Originals vs copies: ICA may request originals after initial upload for final verification.

10) Applying from Outside the UAE — What to Expect

UAE citizens and residents can start many passport processes through UAE diplomatic missions or via designated online channels. Expect extra postal steps and possible requests for originals depending on the post/mission’s procedures.

• Local police report if passport was lost/stolen while abroad.
• Proof of local residence and contact details for delivery arrangements.
• Certified translations/legalisation for foreign documents.
• Follow embassy/consulate guidance for emergency travel documents if required.

11) Special Cases — Stateless, Refugee or Non-citizen Travel Documents

Non-citizen residents do not receive an Emirates passport; they continue to use their national passport along with a UAE residency permit. Refugee or stateless travel documents are handled case-by-case with the relevant UAE authorities and the UN where applicable.

• Residents: keep residency (visa) documents and Emirates ID current; renew passport with your home country as required.
• Stateless/refugee status: consult the immigration office or your legal adviser for the correct travel document process.
• Emergency assistance: UAE diplomatic missions can help with temporary travel documents in urgent cases.

12) Document Do’s & Don’ts

• Do: Keep Emirates ID and passport details identical where possible.
• Do: Use original, full documents for nationality proofs (family registry, citizenship papers).
• Do: Scan in colour at 300–400 DPI and label files clearly.
• Don’t: Use selfies with filters for passport photos.
• Don’t: Mix mismatched names, dates or transliterations without explanation.
• Don’t: Ignore ICA requests for originals — that causes long delays.

13) Quick Matrix — Which Documents Fit Your Case?

14) Digital Hygiene & File Prep

Create a folder named UAE-Passport-Docs with subfolders: Nationality, Identity, Address, Photos, Changes, and Special. Scan in colour at 300–400 DPI, keep pages upright, and label files clearly so you can upload without confusion.

• File names: FamilyRegistry.pdf, EmiratesID_Front.pdf, Photo_2025.jpg.
• Combine multi-page items (bank statements) into one PDF in correct order.
• Open files at 125% zoom to check for blur or clipped edges.
• Backups: one cloud + one offline copy; keep a read-only copy on your phone for travel.

Pre-Submission Checklist — Beat the Common Delays

1. I have verified whether I’m applying as an Emirati national, a renewing resident, or for a child/ replacement.
2. My Emirates ID and contact details are current and match the application.
3. My photos meet ICA guidelines and are high-quality (digital/printed as required).
4. Name or detail changes are supported by court/marriage documents and Emirates ID is updated.
5. If needed, my police report (lost/stolen) or embassy guidance is ready for overseas cases.
6. I have translated and legalised foreign documents where applicable.
7. All files are scanned at 300–400 DPI, clearly named, and backed up.

Documents – Quick FAQs