Updated List of Valid Foreign Licenses in UAE
If you live in the UAE, or even if you are here for a short visit, you already know how important it is to have access to a private car. The UAE is built for smooth highways, long-distance travel, and quick commuting between major cities. While public transport is improving every year, it still doesn’t offer the flexibility that most people need for day-to-day life. This is why understanding whether your home-country driving license is valid in the UAE matters more than ever, especially in 2025.
Many travelers wrongly assume their license works everywhere, but the UAE follows strict rules depending on where your license is issued.
In this blog, Drive UAE will explore which countries are approved, when you need an International Driving Permit (IDP), how long your license remains valid, and how you can convert your foreign license into a UAE driving license.
Driving in the UAE Using Your Home-Country License
If you’re visiting the UAE for tourism or short-term travel, you can legally drive using your foreign driving license, but only if your country is on the list approved by the RTA (Road and Transport Authority).
This means you don’t need:
- An International Driving Permit (IDP), or
- A UAE-issued driving license
Your foreign license is enough.
However, this applies only to short-term visitors and tourists. Once you get a residence visa, the rules change. Residents must convert their country license to a UAE license, even if their country is on the approved list.
If your country is not listed, you cannot drive in the UAE using your national license alone. You will either need:
- An IDP, plus your original license, or
- A full UAE driving license
An IDP is simply a translation of your license and is valid when paired with your original license.
Updated 2025 List: Countries Whose Driving Licenses Are Valid in the UAE
The following countries are officially recognized by UAE authorities. If you hold a valid license from any of these, you can drive rental or private cars legally during your visit.
Europe
- Austria
- Belgium
- Bulgaria
- Cyprus
- Denmark
- Estonia
- Finland
- France
- Germany
- Greece
- Hungary
- Iceland
- Ireland
- Italy
- Latvia
- Lithuania
- Luxembourg
- Malta
- Montenegro
- Netherlands
- Norway
- Poland
- Portugal
- Romania
- Slovakia
- Slovenia
- Spain
- Sweden
- Switzerland
- United Kingdom
- Ukraine
- Albania
Asia
- Japan
- South Korea
- Singapore
- Türkiye
- China
- Hong Kong
GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) Countries
- Saudi Arabia
- Kuwait
- Bahrain
North America
- United States
- Canada
Other Regions
- Australia
- New Zealand
- South Africa
If your country is on the list above, great news. You can rent a car, drive across the Emirates, and enjoy the freedom of having your own vehicle. Just remember to keep:
- Your original license
- A passport copy
- Your visa stamp or travel details
It’s always safer to carry the documents with you in case authorities request verification.
If Your Country Is Not on the Approved List
If your country is not included in the approved list, don’t worry, there are still two options.
1. Apply for an International Driving Permit (IDP)
An IDP is accepted along with your home-country license. It is required for tourists whose national license is not recognized by the UAE. It must be issued before you arrive in the UAE.
2. Convert Your License to a UAE License
This applies especially to UAE residents. Even if you have an IDP, long-term residents need a UAE license to drive legally once their residence visa is active.
Many people believe an IDP alone gives them full rights to drive as residents, that’s not true. It is valid only for visitors, not residents.
Validity and Duration Rules for Foreign Licenses in 2025
Driving with a foreign license in the UAE isn’t unlimited. Your license is recognized only for a certain period based on your visa status.
For Tourists and Short-Stay Visitors
Your foreign license (if from an approved country) remains valid for the entire duration of your stay. This usually ranges from 30 days to 6 months, depending on your visa type.
For People with an IDP
The IDP is valid for one year, but only if paired with a valid home-country license.
For UAE Residents
Your foreign license becomes invalid as soon as your residency visa is stamped. From that moment, you must begin the conversion process.
Avoid Driving with an Expired License
The UAE is very strict with traffic laws. Driving with an expired foreign license, expired IDP, or expired home-country license can result in:
- Heavy fines
- Car impoundment
- Insurance invalidation
Always check your expiration dates before renting a car.
Converting a Foreign License to a UAE Driving License
If your license isn’t recognized or if you are a resident you must convert your license to a UAE license. The process is simple and usually takes less than a day if your country supports direct conversion.
Step-by-Step License Conversion Process
Here is what you need to know.
Step 1: Confirm Eligibility
Check whether your country allows direct conversion. For many European and Western countries, conversion is simple. For others, you may need to take a theory or road test.
Step 2: Prepare the Required Documents
Typically, you will need:
- Copy of your home-country driving license
- Original passport + copy
- Emirates ID + copy
- Passport-size photos
- Eye test results (from an RTA-approved center)
Step 3: Take an Eye Test
This can be done at any RTA-approved optical center. Results are digitally sent to RTA.
Step 4: Visit an RTA Center or Apply Online
You can submit your documents at:
- RTA customer service center
- RTA official website
- Dubai Drive app
Step 5: Pay the Fee and Receive Your UAE Driving License
Most people receive their license the same day.
Fees Associated With License Conversion
Although fees vary slightly across Emirates, this is the general cost breakdown:
- File opening fee
- Eye test fee
- License issuance fee
- Translation fees (if your license isn’t in English or Arabic)
- Knowledge test fee (if required)
Overall, expect the cost to be between AED 400 to AED 900, depending on your case.
Important Tips for Foreign Drivers in the UAE (2025 Update)
To avoid complications or legal issues, keep these tips in mind:
- Always carry your passport or Emirates ID while driving.
- Keep a digital copy of your license stored on your phone.
- Follow local speed limits: UAE has advanced radar coverage.
- Never drive with an expired license or IDP.
- If renting a car, inform the rental company of your license type.
- Make sure your insurance covers international drivers.
- Follow traffic signs and lane rules, many tourists get fined for small mistakes.
Conclusion
The UAE welcomes millions of visitors every year, and many prefer renting a car to explore the country freely. Driving in Dubai and other Emirates is convenient, but only when you follow the licensing rules set by the RTA.
If your home country is on the approved list, you can drive confidently with your own license. If not, an IDP or UAE license conversion is required. Understanding these rules saves you from fines, legal issues, and unnecessary delays.