Before a provider will send a technician to your door, you need to prove who you are and where you live. The list of Home Internet Requirements and Documents is short — your Emirates ID, proof of address, and a way to pay — but missing one item is the most common reason applications get delayed. Getting the paperwork right the first time means your connection goes live days earlier.
This guide covers exactly what etisalat by e& and du ask for, how the requirements differ for tenants, homeowners, and people in shared or company accommodation, and what to do if you are still waiting on your Emirates ID.
Quick Answer
To get home internet in the UAE you need: a valid Emirates ID (or the application receipt if it is being issued), a proof of address such as a tenancy contract or Ejari certificate, a passport copy, and a UAE mobile number. Businesses additionally need a trade licence. Applications are usually approved within one to two working days once the documents are verified.
Home Internet Requirements and Documents Checklist
Here is the standard checklist that applies to both main providers. Keep copies of everything on your phone as well as the originals:
- Emirates ID — front and back copies, valid and not expired.
- Passport copy — the page with your photo and details, plus the residence visa page.
- Proof of address — a registered tenancy contract (Ejari in Dubai, Tawtheeq in Abu Dhabi), or a title deed if you own the property.
- UAE mobile number — in your own name, for OTP verification and account management.
- Payment method — a bank card or a post-dated cheque for the deposit, depending on the plan.
If any of these are missing, the application sits in pending status. Scan your documents clearly before uploading them online — blurry photos of your Emirates ID are one of the most common avoidable delays. A separate walkthrough of the full setup order is in our guide on how to set up home internet.
What Each Document Is For
Emirates ID
The Emirates ID is the primary identity document for every regulated service in the UAE, including telecom. The provider verifies that the ID is valid and matches the person applying. If your ID is expired, renew it first — check our notes on Emirates ID renewal if your card is close to expiry. You can also confirm identity details through the official UAE government portal if anything needs cross-checking.
Tenancy contract or proof of ownership
The provider needs to know the exact address where the line will be installed, and the contract ties you to that address. In Dubai, the Ejari certificate is the standard document; in Abu Dhabi, Tawtheeq. If you own the flat, a title deed works. Make sure the contract is current — an expired tenancy contract will be rejected.
Passport and visa page
Providers ask for the passport and residence visa page to confirm your residency status and match the name on the Emirates ID. The visa page should show a valid, active residence visa.
UAE mobile number
Your mobile number is used for one-time passwords during the application and as the contact number on the account. It should be registered in your name so the provider’s identity checks line up.
Payment details
Most plans are billed monthly by direct debit or card. Some plans ask for a deposit or post-dated cheques for the equipment. If cheques are involved, be careful — the UAE treats bounced cheques seriously, as explained in our overview of cheque bounce rules.
Requirements by Living Situation
Not everyone fits the standard tenant profile. Here is how the requirements change:
| Situation | What changes |
|---|---|
| Tenant with Ejari/Tawtheeq | Standard checklist applies — no extra documents needed. |
| Homeowner | Title deed replaces the tenancy contract. |
| Staying with family | The homeowner applies in their name, or you provide a letter from them plus their tenancy contract. Rules vary by provider — ask before applying. |
| Company accommodation | An employer letter confirming your residence, plus the company’s tenancy contract, is often accepted. |
| New resident, Emirates ID pending | Some providers accept the Emirates ID application receipt or a stamped copy of the application form. Not guaranteed — confirm with the provider first. |
| Business premises | A valid trade licence is required, plus the authorised signatory’s Emirates ID. |
New Residents: Applying Before Your Emirates ID Arrives
If you have just moved to the UAE, your Emirates ID can take a few weeks to be issued. During that window you have options: ask the provider whether they accept the ID application receipt, or use mobile data as a stopgap. A prepaid data SIM gives you hotspot access while the paperwork settles. Once the ID arrives, complete the home internet application immediately — do not start the application with temporary documents and then let it expire, because you will have to redo the verification.
This same “documents first” logic applies across UAE services. If you are connecting other utilities at the same time, our guide to utility connection requirements lists what DEWA, SEWA, and ADDC ask for, so you can prepare one document folder for everything.
What the Provider Checks After You Apply
Once you submit the documents, the provider verifies three things: that the Emirates ID is genuine and valid, that the tenancy contract matches the installation address and is registered, and that there are no unpaid dues on your name from a previous connection. Unpaid bills from an old account can block a new application, so settle any outstanding amounts from a previous tenancy first.
Verification usually takes one to two working days. If it takes longer, call the provider’s support line with your application reference number and ask exactly which document is holding things up — vague “under process” answers are common, but the agent can usually see the specific missing item.
Keeping Your Documents Current
The documents you submit at signup are not a one-time matter. When your Emirates ID renews, the provider’s records should be updated too — outdated ID details can cause problems with bill payments and service requests. Likewise, when you move to a new flat, the tenancy contract on file must be replaced. After the line is live, the activation sequence is covered in our guide on how to activate a home internet connection, which is also useful if you are transferring service after a move.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I apply for home internet with an expired Emirates ID?
No. Providers require a valid, current Emirates ID. Renew the card first — an expired ID is one of the fastest ways to get an application rejected.
Do both etisalat and du ask for the same documents?
Broadly yes. Both require an Emirates ID, proof of address, passport and visa copies, and a UAE mobile number. Small differences exist in edge cases — for example, how each handles applications from people staying in company accommodation — so confirm with the specific provider if your situation is unusual.
Can a friend or relative apply on my behalf?
Only with a power of attorney or if they are listed as an authorised person on the account. Telecom contracts are tied to the applicant’s identity, so a casual arrangement where someone else signs for you is not accepted.
What if my tenancy contract is in someone else’s name?
The account will normally be opened in the name of the person on the tenancy contract. If you are subletting or the contract names your spouse, the named person applies, or you provide supporting documents linking you to the address — ask the provider which they accept.
Are the documents checked against government records?
Yes. Providers verify Emirates ID details and tenancy registration against official records. Forged or borrowed documents are detected at this stage and the application is cancelled.
Do I need attested documents for home internet?
No attestation is needed for standard home internet applications. Attestation only comes into play for foreign-issued documents used in other processes — see our guide to the UAE document attestation process if you need it for something else.
The Bottom Line
Home internet applications in the UAE are approved or delayed on documents, not on technology. Have your Emirates ID, a current tenancy contract or title deed, passport and visa copies, and a UAE mobile number ready before you apply, and most applications clear verification within a day or two. If you are a new resident still waiting on your ID, ask the provider whether they accept the application receipt — and once the connection is live, keep your records updated when your ID renews or you move.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Paxi, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Paxi is an independent informational website, not affiliated with the UAE government or any agency mentioned; content is general information only, not legal, immigration or financial advice; verify critical details with official sources before acting.