Securing a driving license in the UAE is a top priority for many expats. While most residents must pass several tests to obtain a license, holders from select countries can drive without taking these tests.
The Ministry of Interior (MoI) provides a service under the ‘Markhoos’ initiative to simplify license exchanges. This allows visitors to drive with their national license or swap it for a UAE license if they have a residence permit.
Nationals from 52 countries can now:
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Drive in the UAE with their home-country license while visiting, as long as they have a valid tourist or visit visa.
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Exchange their foreign license for a UAE one without taking theory or road tests if they apply as residents.
This initiative is designed to enhance mobility for expats and tourists, reduce waiting times, and align international driving standards. The process is fully digital via the Markhoos platform, making it quicker and easier for eligible applicants.
Eligible Countries List (2025)
Europe:
Albania, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Kosovo, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Montenegro, Netherlands, North Macedonia, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Serbia, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, UK, Ukraine, Belarus
Asia-Pacific:
China, Japan, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Turkey, Azerbaijan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyz Republic, Australia, New Zealand
Americas and others:
USA (including Texas), Canada, South Africa, Israel
Special Conditions
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Japan, Turkey, Greece: Require license translations verified by their respective consulates.
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South Korea: Visitors cannot use a Korean license; only residents can exchange it with an embassy-verified translation.
Licenses for Visitors and Residents
The UAE has eased driving for visitors and residents with two systems: recognition and exchange. These allow eligible individuals to drive with their home license or obtain a UAE license without tests, depending on residency status.
Recognition: For visitors and non-residents
They can drive in the UAE using their home license during their stay.
No UAE license or tests are needed unless applying for residency.
Exchange: For residents with a valid foreign license
They can swap their foreign license for a UAE one without theory or road tests.
This is possible after getting a UAE residence permit and meeting conditions like an eye test, fee, and approved nationality list.
Privileges often apply to certain vehicle types (e.g., motorcycles, light vehicles).
Eligibility depends on agreements between the UAE and foreign countries, often formalized through Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). Not all countries or vehicle classes are included; it’s based on these agreements.
Driving in the UAE for GCC Citizens
GCC citizens can drive in the UAE with their home-country license while visiting, without extra permits or tests. However, once they become residents, they must exchange their GCC license for a UAE driving license through the official system, costing around Dh600 via the MuroorKhous digital platform.
For GCC citizens who are no longer residents of a Gulf country, the rules differ. If their nation isn’t among the 52 eligible for direct exchange, they must pass theory and road tests to get a UAE license.
