Which Countries Driving License Can Be Exchanged in UAE

Here is the list of Eligible Countries

If you hold a valid driving licence from any GCC member or one of 44 other approved countries, you can exchange it directly in the UAE no further tests needed.

GCC Countries

Country
Saudi Arabia
Oman
Qatar
Kuwait
Bahrain

Other Approved Countries

Country
Albania
Australia
Austria
Belgium
Bulgaria
Canada
China
Cyprus
Czech Republic
Denmark
Estonia
Finland
France
Germany
Greece
Hong Kong
Hungary
Iceland
Ireland
Italy
Japan
Latvia
Lithuania
Luxembourg
Malta
Montenegro
Netherlands
New Zealand
Norway
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Serbia
Singapore
Slovakia
Slovenia
South Africa
South Korea
Spain
Sweden
Turkey
United Kingdom
United States
Ukraine

Step‑by‑Step Exchange Process

1. Confirm your eligibility
   • Hold a valid licence from an approved country above
   • Possess a current UAE residency visa
2. Prepare your documents
   • Original foreign driving licence
   • Certified Arabic translation (if licence not in English/Arabic)
   • Emirates ID copy
   • Passport and visa page copy
   • Eye‑test certificate from an RTA‑approved centre
   • Two passport‑size photographs
   • No‑objection letter (if required by your sponsor)
3. Complete an eye test
   • Go to any RTA‑approved optical clinic (Al Jaber, Yateem, Grand Optics)
   • Fee: AED 100–150
   • Results are electronically sent to the RTA
4. Submit your application
   • Dubai: RTA customer happiness centres or online via RTA smart app
   • Abu Dhabi: TAMM portal or Police Drivers Licensing Dept
   • Other emirates: MOI UAE app or local traffic licensing centre
   • Pay the conversion fee (AED 400–900, varies by emirate)
5. Receive your UAE licence
   • Issued same day in most cases
   • Valid for 5 years (residents) or 10 years (citizens)
   • Keep original licence until process completes

Emirate‑Specific Notes

• Dubai: Online booking speeds up processing expect licence on the spot
• Abu Dhabi: Fee typically AED 600–800, book via TAMM for guaranteed same‑day issue
• Sharjah: Translation attestation stricter use Ministry of Justice–approved translators
• Northern Emirates: Processed by MOI; timeline can extend 1–2 days

Cost & Timeline Breakdown

• Translation & legalisation: AED 100–300 (per page)
• Eye test: AED 100–150
• Application & issuance: AED 400–900
• Total first‑day investment: AED 600–1,350 depending on emirate and translation needs
• Processing time: 1–2 hours in Dubai/Abu Dhabi, up to 2 days elsewhere

Insider Tips & Pitfalls

• Redirect old vehicle licences: If you’ve held multiple licences, bring all records to avoid delays
• Off‑peak appointments: Book slots early morning or late afternoon to beat queues
• Certified translators only: Using non‑approved translators can lead to outright rejections
• Golden Chance Programme: One‑time test waiver for non‑approved‑country licence holders ask your RTA centre

FAQs

Q: Do I ever need to take a driving test?
A: Only if your licence is from a non‑approved country. Then you must pass the theory and road tests.

Q: What if my licence isn’t in English or Arabic?
A: You need an official translation stamped by the UAE Ministry of Justice.

Q: Can I apply before my residency visa issues?
A: No. Your visa must be fully stamped in your passport before conversion.

Q: How long does the converted licence last?
A: Five years for expatriate residents, ten years for UAE citizens.