Ras Al Khaimah

🏛️

Government Services

Sections

1. Key Categories of Public Services in Ras Al Khaimah

Government services in Ras Al Khaimah are broadly categorized into the following areas:

  • Visa and Residency Services
  • Emirates ID Services
  • Municipality Services (Housing, Permits, and Utilities)
  • Healthcare Services
  • Traffic and Licensing Services
  • Judicial and Legal Services
  • Education Services
  • Business and Economic Services

Each category is managed by specific government entities, and many services are now available online through e-government portals.

2. Visa and Residency Services

Overview:

These services are managed by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) in Ras Al Khaimah. They include issuing visas, renewing residency permits, and processing family sponsorships.

Key Services:

  • Entry Permits (Tourist, Visit, or Work Visas)
  • Residency Visas (Employment, Family Sponsorship, or Investor Visas)
  • Visa Renewal and Cancellation

Step-by-Step Procedure:

  1. Visit the GDRFA Office or apply online via the UAE ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security) portal: https://icp.gov.ae.
  2. Submit the required documents (see below).
  3. Pay the applicable fees.
  4. Wait for processing (usually 1-5 business days).
  5. Collect your visa or residency permit.

Required Documents:

  • Passport (valid for at least 6 months)
  • Passport-sized photographs (white background)
  • Emirates ID (if renewing residency)
  • Sponsor’s documents (if applicable)
  • Medical fitness test results (for residency visas)

Costs:

  • Tourist Visa: AED 300-600 (depending on duration)
  • Residency Visa: AED 1,000-5,000 (depending on type and duration)
  • Medical Fitness Test: AED 250-500

Office Location:

  • GDRFA Ras Al Khaimah: Near RAK Police Headquarters, Al Dhait South, Ras Al Khaimah.

Working Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM
  • Closed on Fridays and public holidays.

Cultural Considerations:

  • Dress modestly when visiting government offices.
  • Be polite and patient, as Arabic is the primary language, though English is widely spoken.

3. Emirates ID Services

Overview:

The Emirates ID is a mandatory identification card for all UAE residents and citizens. It is issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

Step-by-Step Procedure:

  1. Apply Online via the ICP portal or visit an authorized typing center.
  2. Submit the required documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Book an appointment for biometric data capture (fingerprints and photo).
  5. Wait for notification to collect your Emirates ID.

Required Documents:

  • Passport
  • Residency Visa
  • Birth Certificate (for children)
  • Passport-sized photo

Costs:

  • AED 100 per year of validity (e.g., AED 300 for a 3-year card)
  • Typing center service fees: AED 30-50

Office Location:

  • ICP Service Center: Al Dhait South, Ras Al Khaimah.

Working Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

4. Municipality Services

Overview:

The Ras Al Khaimah Municipality handles services related to housing, building permits, utilities, and public health.

Key Services:

  • Tenancy Contract Registration (Ejari)
  • Building Permits
  • Utility Connections (Electricity and Water)
  • Waste Management and Pest Control

Step-by-Step Procedure for Tenancy Contract Registration:

  1. Visit the RAK Municipality office or apply online via the RAK Government portal: https://www.rak.ae.
  2. Submit the tenancy contract and required documents.
  3. Pay the registration fee.
  4. Receive the Ejari certificate.

Required Documents:

  • Tenancy contract
  • Emirates ID
  • Passport copy
  • Title deed (from landlord)

Costs:

  • Ejari Registration: AED 200-300
  • Utility Connection Deposit: AED 1,000-2,000 (refundable)

Office Location:

  • RAK Municipality: Al Nakheel Area, Ras Al Khaimah.

Working Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

5. Healthcare Services

Overview:

Healthcare services in Ras Al Khaimah are provided by the Ministry of Health and Prevention (MOHAP) and private healthcare providers.

Key Services:

  • Health Cards (for access to government hospitals)
  • Medical Fitness Tests (for visa applications)
  • Vaccination Services

Step-by-Step Procedure for Health Card Application:

  1. Visit a MOHAP health center or apply online via https://mohap.gov.ae.
  2. Submit the required documents.
  3. Pay the application fee.
  4. Receive your health card.

Required Documents:

  • Passport and residency visa
  • Emirates ID
  • Passport-sized photo

Costs:

  • Health Card: AED 500-700 (varies by age and residency status)

Office Location:

  • RAK Medical District: Al Qusaidat, Ras Al Khaimah.

Working Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

6. Traffic and Licensing Services

Overview:

The Ras Al Khaimah Police Traffic Department manages vehicle registration, driver’s licenses, and traffic fines.

Key Services:

  • Driver’s License Issuance and Renewal
  • Vehicle Registration
  • Payment of Traffic Fines

Step-by-Step Procedure for Driver’s License:

  1. Enroll in a driving school and complete training.
  2. Pass the theory and practical driving tests.
  3. Submit the required documents to the Traffic Department.
  4. Pay the license fee.

Required Documents:

  • Emirates ID
  • Passport and residency visa
  • Eye test certificate

Costs:

  • Driving License: AED 4,000-6,000 (including training and tests)

Office Location:

  • RAK Traffic Department: Al Dhait South, Ras Al Khaimah.

Working Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

7. Judicial and Legal Services

Overview:

The Ras Al Khaimah Courts handle legal matters, including civil, criminal, and family cases.

Key Services:

  • Notary Public Services
  • Marriage and Divorce Registration
  • Legal Disputes

Office Location:

  • RAK Courts: Al Dhait South, Ras Al Khaimah.

Working Hours:

  • Sunday to Thursday: 7:30 AM - 2:30 PM

8. Local and Cultural Considerations

  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but English is widely used in government offices.
  • Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended when visiting government offices.
  • Public Holidays: Offices are closed on Fridays, Saturdays, and public holidays (e.g., Eid, National Day).
  • E-Government Services: Many services are available online via the RAK Government portal (https://www.rak.ae) or the UAE ICP portal.

This guide should help you navigate the public services in Ras Al Khaimah with ease. If you need further assistance, feel free to ask!