Most UAE government transactions can now be done from your phone or laptop — visa renewals, Emirates ID applications, fine payments, permit requests, and more. Learning How to Submit a Government Request Online saves you the trip to a service centre and usually gets your application into the system faster. This guide walks you through the whole process: setting up UAE PASS, picking the right portal, uploading documents, paying fees, and tracking what happens next.
The UAE’s government portals look different from one emirate to another, but the basic flow is the same everywhere: log in with UAE PASS, choose the service, fill in the form, attach documents, pay, and receive a transaction number. Once you have done it once, the second time takes minutes. Here is how to submit a government request online, step by step.
Quick Answer
To submit a government request online in the UAE, you need a UAE PASS account, the official portal or app for the relevant authority (for example, the ICP portal for visas and Emirates ID, MOHRE for labour services, the RTA website or app for Dubai traffic services, or TAMM for Abu Dhabi government services), digital copies of your documents, and a debit or credit card for fees. After submitting, you receive a transaction or application number — save it, because you need it to check status, download receipts, or follow up.
What You Need Before You Start
Gather these before you open any portal:
- UAE PASS account: This is the national digital identity used to log in to almost every government service. Download the UAE PASS app, register with your Emirates ID, and complete the verification (it usually involves a face scan). Most portals will not let you proceed without it.
- An active Emirates ID: Many services validate your identity against your Emirates ID record. If your ID is expired, renew it first — our Emirates ID renewal guide covers the process.
- Digital copies of documents: Scan or photograph your passport, Emirates ID, and supporting documents (tenancy contract, labour contract, photos, certificates). Portals usually accept PDF or JPG files under a size limit — keep each file clear, complete, and under roughly 2 MB unless the portal states otherwise.
- A payment method: A UAE debit or credit card for the official fees. Some portals also accept Apple Pay or similar wallets.
- A working email and mobile number: Confirmations, OTP codes, and status updates go to these, so use details you actually check.
Choosing the Right Portal
Submitting on the wrong portal is the most common beginner mistake. Match your transaction to the authority that owns it:
Federal services: ICP, MOHRE, and u.ae
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) handles Emirates ID, residence visas (outside Dubai), and visit visas for most emirates through its website and app. The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) handles work permits and labour contracts through its portal and app. The federal gateway u.ae lists federal services by category and links out to the right portal — a good starting point when you are unsure where a service lives.
Dubai services: GDRFA, RTA, DubaiNow
In Dubai, immigration services (residence and visit visas) go through the GDRFA via the Amer portal, while traffic services — licence renewal, vehicle registration, and fine payments (see our traffic fines guide) — go through the RTA website or app. The DubaiNow app bundles many Dubai government services in one place and is worth installing if you live in Dubai.
Abu Dhabi services: TAMM
Abu Dhabi’s services run through TAMM, which covers everything from police and municipal services to business licensing. If your transaction is Abu Dhabi-specific, start at TAMM rather than a federal portal.
How to Submit a Government Request Online: Step by Step
Step 1 — Log in with UAE PASS
Open the portal or app for the relevant authority and choose the UAE PASS login option. Approve the login request in your UAE PASS app. Your basic details (name, Emirates ID number) usually auto-fill from there — check that they match your passport before continuing.
Step 2 — Find and select the service
Use the portal’s search bar rather than browsing menus — search for the exact service name, like “residence visa renewal” or “police clearance certificate.” Read the service description page carefully: it lists eligibility, required documents, and fees. Our police clearance certificate guide walks through one of the most commonly requested services.
Step 3 — Fill in the application form
Complete every required field. Use the exact spelling from your passport for names, and double-check dates and ID numbers — typos here are a leading cause of rejections and delays. If a field does not apply to you, leave it blank rather than guessing, unless the portal marks it mandatory.
Step 4 — Upload your documents
Attach each required document in the format and size the portal asks for. Upload clear, complete scans — cropped or blurry images get rejected by reviewers and sometimes by automated checks. If a document is not in English or Arabic, upload the legal translation alongside the original.
Step 5 — Review everything
Most portals show a summary page before payment. Read it line by line: name spelling, ID numbers, service type, and the fee breakdown. Fixing a mistake now is free; fixing it after submission can mean a new application and a new fee.
Step 6 — Pay the fees
Pay by card through the portal’s secure checkout. Do not refresh or close the page while payment processes — interrupted payments are a common source of “paid but not submitted” problems. Wait for the confirmation screen.
Step 7 — Save your confirmation
After successful submission, the portal shows a confirmation with your transaction or application number. Screenshot it, download the receipt, and save the confirmation email. This number is your key to everything that follows — see our guide on how to find a government transaction number if you ever lose it, and how to get proof of a government application for keeping proper records.
Paying Fees Online
Government fees are set by the relevant authority and shown on the service page before you pay — always read the breakdown rather than assuming the total. Some services offer standard and express processing at different prices; express is worth it only if you genuinely need the result urgently. Payments go through the portal’s official gateway; you should never be asked to transfer fees to a personal bank account or pay through a link sent on WhatsApp. If that happens, stop — it is not legitimate.
After You Submit: What Happens Next
Once submitted, your application moves through the authority’s internal review. Typical timelines range from instant (fine payments, simple certificates) to a few working days (visas, permits). You can check your request status online using your transaction number — most portals have a “track application” or “my requests” section. If your application seems stuck beyond the stated timeline, follow up through the portal’s support channel or helpline before assuming something is wrong.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using an unofficial website: Only use the authority’s official portal or app. Copycat sites with similar names exist to harvest your data or charge fake fees — check the URL carefully.
- Uploading unclear documents: Blurry, cropped, or expired documents are the top reason for rejections. Rescan rather than hoping it passes.
- Name mismatches: The name on the application must match your passport and Emirates ID exactly, including the order of names.
- Letting UAE PASS lapse: If your UAE PASS verification expires or your Emirates ID is renewed, re-verify the app before starting an application.
- Ignoring the confirmation: Always save the transaction number and receipt. Without them, tracking or disputing anything becomes much harder.
- Paying twice after an error: If a payment seems to fail, check your bank statement and the portal’s payment history before paying again — duplicate payments happen more often than people think.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need UAE PASS to submit a government request online?
For the vast majority of UAE government services, yes. UAE PASS is the standard login for federal and emirate portals. A few simple services (like paying some traffic fines) may work with just an ID or plate number, but anything involving an application needs UAE PASS.
Can I submit a government request online from outside the UAE?
Many services allow it — for example, certain visa and certificate applications can be started from abroad. However, some transactions require you to be inside the UAE (residence visa processes, biometrics, medical tests), so check the service’s eligibility notes first.
What file formats do government portals accept?
Most accept PDF and JPG/JPEG, sometimes PNG. Each portal states its own size limits per file — if your scan is rejected, compressing or re-exporting the PDF usually fixes it. Keep documents legible after compression.
What should I do if my online payment fails?
First, check whether the amount was actually deducted by looking at your bank statement. If no deduction, try again or use a different card. If money was deducted but the application shows as unpaid, do not pay again immediately — note the payment reference and contact the portal’s support or visit a service centre with your payment proof.
Is it safe to submit government requests on my phone?
Yes, as long as you use the official app downloaded from the App Store or Google Play and avoid public Wi-Fi for payments. Never enter your UAE PASS credentials or card details on a site you reached through an SMS or social media link.
Can someone else submit an online request for me?
Technically the application must be under your UAE PASS identity. A PRO or family member can prepare the documents, but the login and submission should be yours. Sharing your UAE PASS credentials with anyone is a bad idea — it grants access to all your government records.
The Bottom Line
Submitting a government request online in the UAE comes down to three things: a verified UAE PASS account, the correct official portal for your transaction, and clean document uploads. Take five minutes to review the form before paying, save your transaction number, and most applications go through without a hitch. For anything that needs a physical visit instead, the service centres covered in our companion guides are the backup option.
Last Updated: 8 October 2026
About the author: Zaviyar Sultan is a UAE-focused writer at Asandada24, covering driving, visas, banking, insurance and everyday UAE life. His guides are researched from official UAE government and regulator sources and updated regularly.
Asandada24 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.