Passport validity, and what to do when you renew your passport

Validity needed: ICP's visa and residence-permit pages (checked 8 October 2026) require a passport valid for at least 6 months; GDRFA Dubai's service for amending residence data also asks for a passport valid for more than 6 months. ICP asks for at least 3 months' validity to renew an Emirates ID. In practice, renew your passport well before applying for or renewing any visa.

No more visa stickers: since 11 April 2022 the UAE no longer puts residence stickers in passports. The Emirates ID is the proof of residence, and the residence record is linked to your passport number.

When you get a new passport, the residence record must be updated to the new passport number: - Dubai residence: GDRFA Dubai 'Amendment of all types of residence permit data', online or at an Amer centre, with the new passport and a recent photo (white background). GDRFA lists an urgent-service fee of AED 100, an innovation fee of AED 10 and a printing fee of AED 100 when you apply through a Zajel courier centre; the full total is shown when you apply. - Other emirates: ICP 'Amendment of Residency Permit Data'; ICP lists a fee of AED 150 plus AED 100 smart-services fee and 2 days processing, with a new Emirates ID application linked to it.

What to do: keep the old passport, bring both passports and your Emirates ID, and update the record before travelling, so airlines and immigration see your residence on the new passport. Iranian, Arab or other nationals follow the same UAE procedure; only the passport renewal itself is done at your own embassy or consulate.