visaprocessUAE: Convert GCC/European driving licence to a UAE driving licence

Citizens of these counties do not need to take a road test to apply for a driving licence.

Citizens of certain countries – including GCC countries – can convert their country’s driving licence into a UAE driving licence.

List of authorised countries for the replacement of the driving licence

• GCC Countries (KSA, Kuwait, Bahrain, Oman, Qatar & UAE)

• Lithuania

• Portugal

• Hungary

• Bulgaria

• Latvia

• Serbia

• Luxembourg

• Iceland

• Estonia

• Cyprus

• Slovakia

• Malta

• Albania

• Romania

• Germany

• Italy

• Switzerland

• Poland

• Finland

• Spain

• Holland

• Greece

• Sweden

• Belgium

• Ireland

• Turkey

• Denmark

• Austria

• France

• Britain

• Norway

• The Republic of Montenegro

• United States of America

• Canada

• Japan

• South Korea

• Hong Kong

• People's Republic of China

• Australia

• New Zealand

• Singapore

• South Africa

If you wish to convert your driving licence from any of the countries listed above, you would need to provide the following documents:

• Original driving licence

• Electronic eye test

• Original valid Emirates ID

• Legalised translation of the licence, if it is not in English or Arabic

Visa issued by another emirate

If you are applying for the licence in Dubai, and your visa has been issued in another emirate, you would also need to provide the following additional documents:

• Trade licence copy of the employer’s both branches (Dubai and other Emirates)

• Letter from the company certifying that the customer works in Dubai.

Non-nationals holding driving licence from exempted countries

If your driving licence was issued by one of the countries within the exempted category, but your nationality is not from the listed countries, you would need to visit a driving institute in the UAE to clear the following tests:

• Knowledge test

• Driving test

• Yard test

The advantage of having a driving licence issued, then, is that applicants can directly take the road test, without the need to take driving classes.

Cost

Depending on the institute you contact, the cost can range anywhere between Dh2,300 to Dh2,500.

How long does the process take?

The applicant would need to apply for a theory test as well as a road test. How quickly you are able to get the licence would depend on the earliest date available, and provided you pass the test on the first try.

Can’t I drive in the UAE on an Omani driving licence?

While GCC driving licence holders can drive in the UAE using their licence when visiting the UAE on a tourist or visit visa, if you move to the UAE and become a residence visa holder, you would need to apply for a UAE driving licence.

Are you planning to Set-up your business in Dubai? Call us for Setting up new business, LLC Formation, Amendment in existing license, PRO Service and Translation. +971 55 811 7883, 055-345 7829, 04-239 1302 or mail your queries to visaprocess.ae@gmail.com

+ Driving License formalities in Dubai, UAE

+ Driving License Validation Letter from RTA (Dubai)
+ Driving License attestation from Indian Consulate