Guide To Exchanging Foreign Driving Licence In The UAE: Over 50 Nationalities Allowed

If you are planning to drive in the UAE, it’s important to understand the rules for using or exchanging a foreign driving licence. The UAE allows visitors from certain countries to drive using their national licences. Residents from these countries may also be able to exchange their foreign licences for a UAE licence, provided they meet specific conditions. This guide outlines who is eligible, what the requirements are, and how to complete the process.

Who Can Drive In The UAE?

The UAE Ministry of Interior allows citizens from over 50 countries to drive in the UAE using their home country’s driving licences. This is only for visitors, not for residents.

When Does A Foreign Licence Work?

Foreign licences can be used in the UAE under these conditions:

• The person is visiting the UAE (not a resident).
• The licence is valid and issued by a recognised country.
• The licence is used for vehicles allowed under UAE law.

Some people do not need to get a UAE licence. This includes:

• Visitors with valid international licences.
• Drivers of foreign-registered vehicles are exempt under UAE law.
• People with temporary foreign driving permits.
• People legally staying without residency, under certain rules.

List of countries whose international licences are valid in the UAE.

What If You Become A Resident?

If a visitor becomes a resident, they may be able to exchange their foreign licence for a UAE licence. This depends on certain rules and agreements.

Conditions For Exchanging A Licence

To exchange a foreign driving licence for a UAE one, the following must apply:

1. The licence is from an eligible country.
2. The person meets the legal driving age in the UAE.
3. The licence is still valid.
4. The person has a UAE residency visa or a verified UAE address.
5. An eye test has been passed.
6. Some countries require surrender of the original licence.

Learn more about the RTA eye test process for driving licences in Dubai.

Required Documents & Fee

To exchange a licence, you need:

• A legal translation of your foreign licence.
• A copy of the original licence.
• A payment of AED 600.

How To Apply

The Ministry provides this service online through the “MuroorKhous” platform. The process includes:

• Logging into the smart services portal.
• Submitting documents and information.
• Receiving the UAE licence digitally or by courier.

Tips and tricks to get a UAE driving licence faster.

Driving Abroad As A UAE Citizen

UAE nationals can also use their UAE driving licence in some countries. They may exchange their UAE licence for a local one, based on agreements with those countries. How to renew your driving licence in Dubai.

Nationalities Allowed

People from the following countries can either:

• Drive with their home licence as visitors, or
• Exchange it for a UAE licence if they become residents:

Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, Israel, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, USA, France, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, UK, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Croatia, Texas (USA), North Macedonia, Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic.

FAQs

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