Converting your foreign driving licence in the UAE depends on two things: your nationality and the country that issued your licence. Both are significant in determining whether you can exchange your existing licence directly or if you'll need to start the process from scratch korean translator in dubai.

The UAE has agreements with over 50 countries that allow citizens of those nations to convert their driving licences without taking driving lessons or tests. However, if you hold a licence from an eligible country but you're not a citizen of that country, you may be asked to provide extra documentation.

In this article, we’ll explain which countries are eligible, the process of foreign driving licence conversion in the UAE, and when a certified translation is required.

Foreign individuals with a valid driving licence from an eligible country can convert their foreign driving licence in the UAE without taking driving lessons or a driving test. The list of eligible countries includes GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) nations, some European, North American, and Asian countries.

If you have a valid driving licence from any of the countries listed above, simply complete your eye examination, visit the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) in Dubai or the Department of Transport in your emirate, and pay the required fee to receive your UAE driving licence.

But, if your driving licence was issued by a country not on this list, you must apply for a new UAE driving licence and complete the theory and road tests. Check out this full list of eligible countries before applying.

If your licence was issued in one of the approved countries but you’re not a citizen of that country, you may still be eligible to convert your foreign driving licence, but you’ll need to submit additional documentation like proof that you lived in the issuing country while holding the licence.

Licences from countries like Japan, South Korea, Greece, Malta, Poland, and other non-English or non-Arabic speaking countries will require an official translation from a certified translator.

If you are applying for a residence visa or work permit in the uae, you must wait until your visa is fully issued before applying to convert your foreign driving licence. The residence visa is a key requirement for eligibility.

Licences issued by a military or diplomatic authority, rather than a civilian licensing agency, may not be accepted for foreign driving licence conversion in the UAE. Always check with the RTA for guidance in such cases.

If you’re presenting a duplicate licence (e.g., reissued due to loss), some emirates may request additional verification from the original licensing authority to confirm its authenticity.

If you’re eligible to convert your foreign driving licence in the UAE, it’s important to know that the process differs slightly depending on your nationality, visa type, and the Emirate of residence. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you through the process:

Step 1: Check eligibility

Not all nationalities are allowed to convert their foreign driving licence directly. The UAE has agreements with over 50 countries, such as the GCC nations, and some European, North American, and Asian countries listed above for direct conversion. Additionally, you must;

Have a valid UAE residence visa

Have a valid foreign driving licence which covers the type of vehicle you plan to drive in the UAE

Be 17 years or older.

If your licence was issued in a country not on the approved list, you’ll need to apply for a new licence and take driving tests. However, some Emirates offer the Golden Chance program, allowing a one-time attempt to pass the test without mandatory driving classes.

Step 2: Prepare required documents

The documents you’ll need to convert your foreign driving licence depend on your unique situation. However, you'll typically need the following:

Original valid foreign driving licence from your home country.

Emirates ID (original and copy)

Eye test results from an RTA-approved optical centre

NOC (if req.