If you’re an expat driver, here’s a simple breakdown of who can swap their home licence for a UAE / AI Image
For many expatriates, securing a UAE driving licence quickly is a top priority after moving here. Rather than taking months of lessons, tests, and fees, residents from certain countries can exchange their existing licence for a UAE one, often without needing to take any tests.Dubai’s Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) offers this benefit to simplify life for foreign licence holders, helping them get on the road faster and avoid the standard licensing process. Last year alone, 58,082 licences from 57 countries were successfully exchanged in Dubai, a strong sign of rising demand from the UAE’s diverse expatriate community.
UAE 2026 eligibility list
The list of eligible nations has grown significantly, now covering 57 countries and territories. While European and GCC nations have long enjoyed this perk, recent additions like Croatia, Serbia, and the State of Texas (USA) have made the road even smoother for new arrivals.To be eligible, you generally must hold a permanent (not provisional) licence and be a citizen of the country that issued it. Below is the comprehensive breakdown of eligible countries:
| Region | Eligible Countries & Territories |
| GCC & Middle East | Saudi Arabia, Oman, Kuwait, Bahrain, Qatar |
| Europe (Western) | UK, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Switzerland, Belgium, Netherlands, Ireland, Austria, Luxembourg, Portugal, Monaco, Vatican City |
| Europe (North & East) | Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Poland, Romania, Hungary, Greece, Turkey, Bulgaria, Slovakia, Slovenia, Albania, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Croatia, Serbia, Kosovo, North Macedonia |
| The Americas | USA (all states), Canada, Mexico |
| Asia & Oceania | Australia, New Zealand, Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, Singapore, China, Kyrgyzstan |
| Africa | South Africa |
How does the licence process work?
If you’re eligible, the process is straightforward and can be done either online or in person:
- Check Licence Validity: Your foreign licence must be current and valid.
- Eye Test: You’ll need an eye test at an accredited centre, usually costing between AED 140–180.
- Application: Apply via the RTA website or at one of the Customer Happiness Centres.
- Submit Original Licence: For verification and exchange.
- Fees: Basic exchange fees include file opening (AED 200), licence issue (AED 600), handbook (AED 50), and knowledge fee (AED 20).
You can receive your new UAE driving licence as a digital copy immediately, and opt for physical delivery if you prefer. Because the RTA periodically updates the list of approved countries, always double-check the official RTA portal before applying.
What’s next?
The impact of this streamlined system is felt across the economy. By removing the barrier of expensive and time-consuming driving tests, the UAE ensures that doctors, engineers, and families can hit the ground running the moment they arrive. It reinforces Dubai and Abu Dhabi’s status as “move-in ready” cities, where the infrastructure is designed to welcome the world. For the British, Americans, and Europeans who top the exchange lists, it’s one less hurdle in their relocation journey, turning a complex legal process into a simple, 30-minute errand. Go to Source
