How to Convert a Foreign Driving License in the UAE?
You can convert a foreign driving license to a UAE license without taking a driving test if it was issued by one of around 57 eligible countries. These include the GCC states, most of Europe, the US, Canada, Australia, and several Asian countries. You need a valid residence visa, an eye test, and an Arabic translation if the license is not in English or Arabic. In Dubai the fee is about AED 1,010 to 1,050.
- Check the official RTA list to see if your country is eligible.
- Take an RTA-approved eye test and translate the license if needed.
- Apply online or at an RTA centre and pay the fee.
Which countries can exchange without a test?
Around 57 countries qualify for a direct exchange, which means you swap your license for a UAE one without sitting the driving course or road test. The eligible list covers the GCC states, most European countries such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, the US and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and several Asian countries.
Eligibility depends on three things: the country that issued your license, your passport nationality, and an active UAE residence visa. The list is updated from time to time, so always confirm your exact case on the current official RTA list before you apply. If your country is not on it, you cannot exchange and must take the full UAE driving course and tests instead.
What you need to convert your license?
Once you have confirmed your country is eligible, the paperwork is light. Here is what to have ready.
| Requirement | Detail |
|---|---|
| Residence visa | A valid UAE residence visa |
| Foreign license | Valid, and issued by an eligible country |
| Eye test | RTA-approved, about AED 140 to 180 |
| Translation | Certified Arabic translation if the license is not in English or Arabic |
| Emirates ID | A valid Emirates ID |
The eye test is the same one used for renewals, taken at an RTA-approved centre, with the result sent to the RTA electronically. If your license is already in English or Arabic, you can skip the translation step.
How to convert your license and the fee?
The application is mostly online, and in most cases the UAE license is issued the same day once everything is approved.
- Confirm your eligibility on the official RTA list.
- Take an eye test, and get an Arabic translation of the license if needed.
- Apply through the RTA using UAE Pass or your Emirates ID, upload your documents, and pay.
- Collect your UAE license, usually the same day.
In Dubai the exchange fee is about AED 1,010 to 1,050, which is higher than a standard renewal because it opens a new file and issues a first UAE license. Other emirates run the same kind of process through the Ministry of Interior. Once you hold the UAE license, our guide on how to renew your Dubai driving license covers the next step years down the line. The wider set of driver tasks is in our UAE traffic, vehicle and fines guide.
Frequently asked questions
Can I convert my foreign driving license to a UAE license?
Yes, if your license is from one of around 57 eligible countries, you can exchange it for a UAE license without a driving test. You need a valid residence visa, an eye test, and an Arabic translation if the license is not in English or Arabic. Confirm your case on the official RTA list first.
Which countries can exchange a license without a test?
Around 57 countries qualify, including the GCC states, most of Europe such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, the US and Canada, Australia and New Zealand, and several Asian countries. The list changes over time, and eligibility also depends on your passport nationality, so check the current official RTA list.
How much does it cost to convert a driving license in Dubai?
In Dubai the exchange fee is about AED 1,010 to 1,050, plus the eye test at around AED 140 to 180. It costs more than a standard renewal because it opens a new file and issues your first UAE license. Fees in other emirates are broadly similar through the Ministry of Interior.
What if my country is not on the list?
If your license is from a country that is not eligible for direct exchange, you cannot swap it. Instead you must apply for a new UAE license, which means enrolling in a driving school and passing the knowledge and road tests. The eligible list is updated periodically, so it is worth rechecking.
Last verified: August 2026
Written by Roman Shah ยท Reviewed by the UAEexplained editorial team
Source: Roads and Transport Authority (RTA), Dubai
