ОАЭ
Citizens of 57 countries can exchange their valid national driving licences for UAE licences without attending a driving school or taking theory and road tests. The simplified procedure is available under international agreements signed between the UAE and other countries.
The approved list includes five GCC countries, 38 European countries, 13 countries in Asia and Latin America, and one African country.
Applicants must hold a valid UAE residence visa, an Emirates ID and a driving licence issued by one of the approved countries. They must also complete an eye test at an accredited centre. A certified translation or additional documents may be required for licences issued by certain countries.
Applications can be submitted online or in person at a customer service centre. Once the documents have been verified, a traffic file has been opened if necessary and the applicable fees have been paid, the applicant receives a UAE driving licence.
In 2025, more than 58,000 foreign driving licences were exchanged in Dubai under the simplified procedure. Kyrgyzstan, Kosovo, North Macedonia and Croatia are among the most recent additions to the programme.
Requirements may vary depending on the applicant’s nationality, vehicle category and the emirate in which the residence visa was issued. The simplified system makes relocation to the UAE more convenient for international professionals, investors and property owners.
