The UAE Ministry of Interior now allows visitors from 52 countries to drive in the UAE using their national driving licenses, without tests, as long as they are not UAE residents.
For residents, the ministry allows license exchange under six conditions:
- License is from an eligible country.
- Applicant meets the legal driving age.
- License is valid.
- Applicant has UAE residency or verified local address.
- Eye test is passed.
- Original license may be required (per MoUs).
Exemptions Under New Law
Certain individuals can drive without obtaining a UAE license if they have:
- Valid licenses from recognized foreign countries.
- International or temporary foreign driving permits.
- Non-residency status per UAE regulations.
License Exchange Details
Documents required:
Original license + authorized translation
Cost: Dh600
Apply via: Ministry of Interior’s smart services (“MuroorKhous” initiative)
Applies to: Cars, motorcycles, and other categories
UAE citizens may also exchange their licenses abroad under international agreements.
The list of 52 nationalities whose citizens can drive in the UAE using their national driving licenses while visiting — or exchange them for a UAE license upon obtaining residency — includes:
Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, Israel, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, the USA, France, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, the Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, the UK, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Croatia, Texas, North Macedonia, Kosovo, and Kyrgyzstan.
Citizens of South Korea are only allowed to exchange their national driving licenses for a UAE license after becoming residents.
