UAE: Why you should have a copy of all these documents with you right now

Dubai: If you are new to the UAE, there are some important documents that you would always need at hand, whether you are applying for a new electricity connection, or registering for driving classes.

While many people like to carry print-outs of their passport copy or visa page, the UAE’s smart government initiatives have made almost every major service accessible through your mobile or laptop.

So, whether you want to get a copy of your labour contract or want to renew your family’s residence visa, the processes can more often than not be completed online.

For this, however, it is always helpful to have the digital copies of important documents at hand. You can either have them saved on your personal computer system, or a trusted cloud storage service. By having these documents easily accessible, you will hopefully not find yourself frantically trying to find the right document when you need to get official paperwork done.

Here are all the documents you may need to attach to applications for government services or personal

1. Passport and visa copy

From your passport, there are three pages that you will most often be asked to submit – the front page (with your personal details like passport number, date of birth and passport issue and expiry date), the last page (which also contains details like your home country address), and the page on which your UAE visa has been stamped.

It is important to note that for many immigration application, authorities require that the passport be valid for at least six months.

For the visa page, it is important to update the digital copy of the page every two to three years, when your visa is renewed.

2. Passport-sized photograph

The photograph is also often a requirement for application processes at government departments or at companies where you might have official work. Photo studios in the UAE will email you a copy of your photograph, which you can then store in a folder on your laptop, or on a trusted cloud storage service.

3. Emirates ID

This is perhaps one of the most important documents in the UAE, after your passport, and also one of the most used. The Emirates ID has been linked to all government systems and is often the easiest way to confirm your identity during any official paper work. When making a digital copy of your Emirates ID, make sure you take a copy of the front and back, as both contain important information and you will be asked to upload both copies during application procedures at government entities, banks or telecom providers.

4. Driving licence

While this may not be a document you use as often, a driving licence copy may be required if you are applying for access to an event which requires you to drive, or a service which is only available for motorists in the UAE.

5. Ejari

The Ejari is the registered tenancy contract, and having a digital copy can help you update your residential details with the municipality or apply for a service that requires a proof of residence, like area specific parking cards.

6. Vehicle registration

The vehicle registration card contains details of your traffic file number, vehicle number plate, model and year of manufacturing. Several transport related services require these details and, more often than not, you may also be asked to upload a copy of the registration card.

7. Educational qualification

Your attested degree certificates might be required for certain procedures like applying to immigrate to a new country. However, it is extremely important to share your degree certificates with caution, and not provide them to anyone claiming to offer you a job. Your attested certificates will only be required at the final stage of hiring by your employer, when the company is applying for your employment visa.