How to Update UAE Family Book Details

The above plans and premiums are for AED 1,000,000 Sum insured for 1 Adult of 30 Years for Dubai city.

What is a Family Book in the UAE?

A Family Book, known as ‘Khulasat Al Qaid’ in the UAE, is an official document issued exclusively to Emirati nationals. It contains vital information about a family, such as the head of the family’s details, marriage records, birth records, and information about other family members.

The Family Book is a key requirement for accessing several government services, including housing, health care, education, and social benefits. It also plays a significant role in official transactions such as registering children in school or applying for government housing.

In 2024, there was a notable update related to the digitisation of the Family Book in the UAE. This new initiative aims to make it easier for Emirati citizens to access and manage their Family Book online through secure government platforms, reducing the need for physical documents. This digital transformation aligns with the UAE's vision of simplifying public services through technology.

Advantages of Having a Family Book

Listed below are the key advantages of having a Family Book in the UAE —

Access to Government Services: The Family Book is essential for Emirati nationals to access key government services such as health care, education, and social benefits. Without it, these services may be difficult to obtain.
Proof of Citizenship: This book serves as proof of UAE citizenship for Emirati families. It is an official document that confirms family ties and citizenship status, which is important for many legal matters.
Eligibility for Housing Programs: Many government housing initiatives require a Family Book as part of the application process. It confirms that only UAE nationals benefit from these housing programs.
Ease of Registering Children: When enrolling children in schools or applying for official documents like passports, this book is necessary to prove family relationships and citizenship.
Simplifies Official Processes: The Family Book makes numerous official procedures easy by consolidating all family information in one place. This simplifies tasks such as updating civil records, applying for permits and managing family-related legal matters.

How do you apply for a family book in the UAE?

Emirati nationals need to follow a specific process to apply for a family book in the UAE. Given below are the 7 detailed steps —

Step 1: Visit the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) Website: Start by visiting the official ICA website, which handles all matters related to identity and citizenship in the UAE. The link to the website: ICA - Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

You can access the Family Book services online through this portal.

Step 2: Create an Account or Log In: If you already have an account, log in with your UAE Pass or other credentials.

If you don't have an account, you’ll need to create one. Follow the on-screen instructions to sign up. Make sure that all the entered details are accurate and match your identification documents.

Step 3: Access the Family Book Application Service: After logging in, navigate to the ‘Family Book’ section. You can also search for it in the service catalogue.

Select the option for applying for a new Family Book. You will be redirected to an application form.

Step 4: Fill Out the Application Form: Fill in the required details in the application form. You will need to provide personal information such as your full name, Emirates ID number, marriage certificate (if applicable), and birth certificates of family members.

Be sure to double-check all information before submitting the form.

Step 5: Upload Required Documents: You’ll need to upload digital copies of relevant documents, such as your Emirates ID, birth certificates, and marriage certificate. The documents should be clear and up to date, as incorrect or outdated documents may cause delays in the application process.
Step 6: Submit the Application and Pay Fees: Once the form is filled and documents are uploaded, you can submit the application. A fee will apply, the payment for which can be made through secure online channels on the ICA website. Keep a receipt of your payment for future reference.
Step 7: Wait for Approval and Collection: After submission, the ICA will process your application. You will receive updates through your registered email or mobile number. Once approved, you can collect your Family Book from the nearest ICA service centre or have it delivered, depending on the options available.

Documents Required to Apply for a Family Book

To apply for a Family Book in the UAE, Emirati nationals must submit certain documents. Listed below is a detailed list of the documents needed for the application.

Depending on the applicant's circumstances, the required documents may fall into different categories.

General Documents

Emirates ID: The original Emirates ID card of the applicant is mandatory
Birth Certificates: Copies of the birth certificates for all family members being added to the Family Book
Marriage Certificate: A certified copy of the marriage certificate is required to show the relationship between the head of the family and their spouse
Passport Copies: Copies of valid UAE passports for the head of the family and other family members
Family Book of the Father: In some cases, the Family Book of the applicant’s father is also required to prove family lineage
Divorce or Death Certificates (if applicable): If the applicant is divorced or a spouse has passed away, certified copies of the relevant documents must be provided

Additional Documents (For Special Cases)

Adoption Certificates: In the case of adopted children, certified adoption documents are required
Guardianship Documents: If the applicant is applying as a legal guardian, official guardianship papers will be needed
Court Orders: If there are any specific court rulings, such as custody rulings for children, a copy of the concerned order is necessary

Family Book Application Fee in the UAE

The application fee for issuing a Family Book in the UAE is AED 50, with an additional 5% VAT applied. This fee is payable when applying through various channels such as the smart services system (on the ICP website) or at a Customer Happiness Centre.

The service is fully digitalised, allowing you to apply online via mobile apps or through the ICP's smart services. You can expect the processing time to be around 48 hours once the request is submitted and all requirements are fulfilled.

How to Update Family Book Details?

To update the details in your Family Book in the UAE, follow these steps—

Visit the UAE ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) website or mobile app. Use UAE Pass or your username to log in.
Once logged in, search for the service titled ‘Amend Family Book Details’.
Complete the application by providing the necessary data. This could involve adding a newborn, adding or removing a spouse, or amending other personal details in your Family Book.
You will need to attach specific documents depending on the type of amendment —

For adding a newborn: Birth certificate
For adding a spouse: Marriage contract, passports, work certificates, and other related documents
For deleting a divorced spouse: Divorce certificate and related documents

If applicable, pay the service fee through the online platform.
Submit your application through the platform or visit a Customer Happiness Centre to finalise the request. Once the request is processed, the updates will reflect in the electronic Family Book.

Health Insurance Popular Searches

Yes, you can update your Family Book online through the UAE ICP’s smart services system. By logging in with your UAE Pass or username, you can access various services, including amending details like adding a newborn or updating marital status. This online service is available 24/7 for your convenience.

To add a foreign spouse, you will need several documents, including —

The original passports of both the husband and wife
The marriage contract (if more than a year old, proof of continuity is required)
The wife’s birth certificate (translated and certified)
A copy of the wife’s residence visa and Emirates ID
Two passport-size photos of the wife

The processing time for updating your Family Book details is approximately 48 hours, once all necessary documents and conditions are fulfilled. You can track the status of your application through the ICP’s smart services portal.

In most cases, updating details in the Family Book does not incur additional fees. However, certain services like adding a new entry may come with a fee depending on the nature of the update.

←Previous

International Men’s Day