UAE Expands Driving License Recognition for Over 50 Nationalities

In a strategic step toward simplifying mobility and enhancing visitor experience, the UAE Ministry of Interior has approved new regulations allowing citizens from over 50 countries to drive in the UAE using their home-country licenses during their visit. The update also enables eligible residents to exchange their foreign licenses for UAE-issued ones without undergoing local testing, marking a major leap in the government’s efforts to streamline public services.

The ministry also outlined six conditions for allowing individuals of these nationalities to exchange their national driving licenses for a UAE driving license in the case of residency.

Enhancing Mobility Through Mutual Recognition

The revised framework distinguishes between two key services:

• Recognition: Allows non-resident visitors from approved countries to drive legally in the UAE with a valid home-country license or international driving permit.
• Exchange: Enables residents from eligible countries to convert their foreign driving licenses into UAE ones, subject to certain conditions.

Both services reflect the Ministry’s broader vision of building seamless, digitally enabled systems that support tourism, expatriate integration, and international collaboration.

Eligibility Criteria for License Exchange

Under the new rules, residents who wish to exchange their licenses must meet six specific conditions:

• The license must be issued by a country eligible for exchange.
• The applicant must be of the legal age of driving.
• The License must be active and valid.
• A valid residency visa or confirmed residential, work, or academic address within the issuing emirate is required.
• The applicant is required to complete and pass an eye test.
• For select countries, the original license of the applicant from their home country must be surrendered based on MOUs.

Essential Paperwork for License Conversion

• Legal translation of the original foreign driver's license
• Copy of original license

The license exchange process is available through the Ministry’s digital platform, Markhoos, with a government fee of AED 600. Applicants can complete the process online and receive licenses via courier, reducing the need for physical visits.

Driving with an International License

The criteria for driving with a foreign license is different for visitors and non-native residents. 

For Visitors Using a Foreign License:

• The license must be valid and issued by any of the 52 approved countries.
• The visit must be for short-term or non-residency purposes.
• No conversion or testing is required during the visit period.

For Residents Exchanging a Foreign License:

• The license must be from a country approved for exchange.
• The applicant must hold a valid UAE residency visa.
• The foreign license must still be valid.
• The applicant must meet the UAE’s legal driving age.
• A medical (eye) test must be completed and passed.
• All required documents must be submitted as per procedure.

The exchange covers multiple vehicle categories, including motorcycles and light vehicles.

Visitor-Friendly Driving Policy

For visitors, the recognition service means simplified mobility during short-term stays. No testing is required, provided the visitor presents a valid driving license from one of the 52 approved countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Germany, France, Canada, Japan, Australia, and several others. South Korea is listed as eligible for license exchange only.

This move is particularly beneficial for tourists, business travelers, and short-term residents who wish to drive without undergoing licensing procedures in the UAE.

Recognized Nationalities for Driving License Use and Exchange in the UAE

The list of 52 countries whose license holders are eligible to use the driving license issues by their home country while visiting UAE or exchange the same for a UAE license while residing in the Emirates include: Estonia, Albania, Portugal, China, Hungary, Greece, Ukraine, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Serbia, Cyprus, Latvia, Luxembourg, Lithuania, Malta, Iceland, Montenegro, Israel, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Uzbekistan, United States of America, France, Japan, Belgium, Switzerland, Germany, Italy, Sweden, Ireland, Spain, Norway, New Zealand, Romania, Singapore, Hong Kong, Netherlands, Denmark, Austria, Finland, United Kingdom, Turkey, Canada, Poland, South Africa, Australia, Croatia, Texas, Republic of North Macedonia, Republic of Kosovo, Kyrgyz Republic.

Citizens of South Korea, while cannot use their home country license to drive while visiting, can in fact exchange their license for a UAE license while residing in the UAE.

A Smarter Mobility Vision

The updated license rules make mobility simpler for non-UAE nationals, whether they’re residents or short-term visitors. With fewer steps and full digital access, they can now drive legally with greater ease. The process is faster, more consistent, and aligned with international standards, making mobility in the UAE easier to manage.

The changes also support the UAE’s tourism and workforce strategies, encouraging mobility, improving satisfaction, and promoting the country as a future-ready destination for residents and visitors alike.