UAE residents renewing their passports will no longer need to complete a separate Emirates ID update, following a service integration rolled out under the government’s ICP Smart Services platform.
The update, managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), allows passport data changes to flow directly into a resident’s Emirates ID record through a single digital process. This move is part of the UAE’s wider zero-bureaucracy initiative aimed at reducing paperwork and in-person visits.
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What has changed
Under the unified system, when a resident renews their passport through their embassy or consulate, the updated passport details can be reflected in ICP records without requiring a separate Emirates ID amendment application.
Previously, residents had to manually update their passport details, submit documents again, and in many cases book appointments to ensure their Emirates ID information matched their new passport. The integrated service removes this duplication by linking the two processes.
According to ICP, the service is available through its official Smart Services portal, which centralizes residency, identity, and status updates for residents across the UAE.
Who is affected
The update applies to all UAE residents, including expats and overseas Filipino workers, whose Emirates ID records are linked to passport information. Dependents sponsored under family visas are also covered, as their identity records follow the same ICP system.
How the unified process works
Passport issuance itself remains the responsibility of embassies and consulates. Once the new passport is issued, ICP systems recognize the updated data and align the Emirates ID record accordingly. In most cases, residents can complete or track the process digitally without visiting a service center, unless biometric verification is required.
ICP has confirmed that Smart Services are designed to reduce repeat submissions and speed up identity-related transactions.
Why this matters to residents
Valid and updated Emirates ID details are required for employment, banking, housing, health insurance, and access to government services. Delays or mismatched records can lead to service disruptions. By unifying the process, ICP aims to reduce these risks and shorten processing times.
The update also supports the UAE’s broader digital government strategy, which focuses on automating resident services and minimizing manual procedures.
What residents should know right now
Residents renewing passports should use only official ICP digital channels to manage follow-up updates. While the unified process reduces steps, timelines and biometric requirements may still apply depending on individual cases.
Further refinements are expected as ICP continues to expand its Smart Services platform.