Emirates ID Renewal: Every UAE resident, including employees, domestic workers, and business owners, must hold a valid Emirates ID issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). The Emirates ID renewal process is critical when a residence visa is expiring or being updated. For employers, it’s a legal responsibility to ensure timely renewal to avoid fines and employment disruption.
In this guide, Mahad HRC UAE explains everything employers must know to legally and efficiently renew Emirates IDs for their workforce in 2025.
Emirates ID Renewal 2025 Helpful Guide For Employers
When Should Emirates ID Be Renewed?
Emirates ID Renewal: Emirates ID is linked directly to the UAE residence visa and usually expires on the same date. Employees are required to renew their Emirates ID within 30 days before expiry.
| Emirates ID Validity | Renewal Window |
|---|---|
| 2 years | Start renewal at 1 month before expiry |
| 3 years | Start renewal at 30 days before expiration |
Failure to renew within the timeline results in late penalties of AED 20 per day, up to AED 1000.
Step-by-Step Emirates ID Renewal Process (2025)
Emirates ID Renewal: Here is the current renewal procedure followed by companies and PROs across the UAE:
1. Visa Renewal First
Since the Emirates ID is tied to the residence visa, the employer must first renew the employee’s work visa with MOHRE (for mainland) or the free zone authority.
📝 Required Documents:
Passport copy
Old Emirates ID
Medical fitness test result
Passport-sized photo
Labor contract or offer letter
Visa renewal fee
2. Medical Fitness Test
The employee must complete a medical exam at an approved health centre. Results are usually issued in 24–48 hours.
3. Apply for Emirates ID Renewal
Once the visa is renewed, apply for Emirates ID renewal through
ICP website: www.icp.gov.ae
Typing centers
Amer centers (for Dubai residents)
Tasheel centers (for mainland employers)
💳 Fees:
AED 270–370 (for 2–3 year validity)
Extra charges for urgent service
4. Biometric & Fingerprint Update (if required)
If it has been more than 5 years or if the employee has changed passport details, they may be called for fingerprint scanning.
5. Receive New Emirates ID
The new card will be issued within 5–7 working days. You can track delivery via:
ICP tracking service
Emirates Post website (if couriered)
Registered mobile SMS
Employer Responsibilities for Emirates ID Renewal
Emirates ID Renewal: In the UAE, employers are legally obligated to
Ensure timely residence visa renewal for staff
Cover all Emirates ID renewal costs (except for freelancers or under own visa)
Keep valid ID records for all active employees
Support workers in fingerprint appointments
Report any delays due to medical or system issues
Failure to act can result in:
Visa fines
Labour contract cancellation
Delays in payroll or WPS processing
Legal liabilities under MOHRE
Worker Rights: What Employees Should Know
Emirates ID Renewal: Employees must cooperate by
Submitting medical results quickly
Visiting fingerprint center if required
Verifying ID details (name, nationality, expiry date)
Informing HR of passport renewals or changes
Workers should always receive a copy of their new Emirates ID once issued. Employers cannot withhold it without a valid reason.
Penalties for Late Emirates ID Renewal
| Delay Period | Penalty |
|---|---|
| 1–30 days | AED 20 per day |
| Over 50 days | Up to AED 1000 max |
| No renewal | Visa cancellation, labor ban risk |
Mahad HRC advises all employers to set automated reminders at least 45 days before expiry.
Renewing Emirates ID for Part-Time or Freelance Staff
Emirates ID Renewal: For workers not under your visa:
You can assist with documentation and tracking
Legally, they must renew ID themselves via ICP
Avoid hiring staff with expired Emirates IDs—this is a labor violation
Can an Emirates ID be renewed without leaving the UAE?
Emirates ID Renewal: Yes. As long as the individual is present in the country and the residence visa is valid or being renewed, there’s no need to exit. All fingerprint, application, and collection processes happen locally.
In some urgent cases, 24-hour ID renewal is available at a premium through ICP Smart Services.
How Mahad HRC Supports Employers with Emirates ID Renewals
Emirates ID Renewal: As part of our HR compliance services, Mahad HRC helps UAE businesses manage end-to-end identity and visa renewals.
We provide:
Automated expiry reminders for staff IDs
Visa & ID renewal tracking dashboards
Document collection and PRO support
Fast processing via typing & Amer centers
Emergency replacement for lost/damaged IDs
Legal compliance with MOHRE & ICP
Common Questions About Emirates ID Renewal
Q: Can an employee renew their ID on their own?
A: Only if they are under their own visa or freelance status.
Q: What if the ID is lost during the renewal process?
A: You must report it immediately and apply for a replacement through ICP.
Q: Does the ID expire with the visa?
A: Yes. Emirates ID expiration is linked directly to the residence visa duration.
Final Thoughts
Emirates ID Renewal: The Emirates ID is not just an identity card; it’s your employee’s legal status in the UAE. Employers must treat Emirates ID renewal with priority. It’s tied to salary processing, visa status, medical coverage, and even access to government services.
Let Mahad HRC UAE handle your Emirates ID renewal process and stay compliant with labor laws in 2025.