Half the government websites in the UAE now ask you to “log in with UAE Pass”. If you still have not set it up, you are probably wasting time on forms and queues. The good news: it takes about ten minutes if you keep your Emirates ID and phone in your hand.
What you need first
- A valid Emirates ID (residents) or a passport (visitors, limited access)
- An active UAE mobile number and an email address you can open right now
- A phone with a working camera
Step 1: Install the official app. Search “UAE PASS” in the App Store or Google Play and install it. Be careful with lookalike apps.
Step 2: Tap Create Account. Choose to register with your Emirates ID. The app asks you to scan the front and back of the card.
Step 3: Check your details. Confirm the name and details the app pulled from your card, then add your mobile number and email.
Step 4: Enter the two OTP codes. One comes by SMS, one by email. Enter both to prove the contact details are yours.
Step 5: Create a PIN. This four-digit PIN approves your logins later, so pick one you will remember but others cannot guess.
Step 6: Verify your face. The app uses face recognition to match you with your Emirates ID record. Good lighting helps. If the camera method fails, UAE Pass kiosks in each emirate can verify you in person.
Step 7: Set your signing password. This lets you sign documents digitally, which is legally valid in the UAE.
Basic vs verified account. A basic account lets you in, but a verified account unlocks most services such as banking, visas and traffic fines. Always finish the face verification.
Common problems
- OTP not arriving: check mobile signal, then request again after a minute.
- Emirates ID scan failing: clean the card, avoid glare, and place it flat.
- Name mismatch: update your record with ICP first, then retry.
FAQ
Is UAE Pass free? Yes, creating and using an account is free.
Can tourists use it? Visitors can create a limited account with a passport, but many resident services stay locked.
Does it replace my Emirates ID? Not fully. The card is still needed in some places, but many services accept the app.
Safety tip: UAE Pass will never ask you to share your PIN or OTP with anyone by phone or chat.
Related on Easythings: Check Emirates ID expiry online, How to pay traffic fines in the UAE.
Last updated: November 2026. Easythings is an independent site and is not connected to any UAE government entity. Screens and steps can change, so use the official UAE Pass app for the latest version.