Applicants can fill in the registration form at www.emiratesid.ae and print it out to submit it at any of the 24 registration centres in the country.

Customers without access to the internet can approach typing centres at the registration centres to prepare the application forms.

To find out the locations and opening times of the centres and documents required visit the website or call the EIDA call centre at 600 523 432.

People looking to register from the comfort of their homes can contact EIDA's call centre and make an appointment for its mobile registration service.

The service charge is Dh500 per family (apart from the registration fee), provided all family members are registered in the same family book or under one sponsorship, in addition to Dh10 for every family member.

Citizens have to pay Dh100 for five years and Dh50 for people 15 years or younger.

Expatriates have to pay Dh100 per year. The fee has to be paid for the duration of their residence visa.

Identity cards for children below 15 are optional at Dh50, but registration with the population register is compulsory.