How to Use ICP Smart Services UAE: Visa, Emirates ID & Login Guide

What Is ICP Smart Services?

ICP Smart Services is the official digital platform of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), the UAE federal body responsible for identity documents, residence visas, entry permits, citizenship, customs, and port security. The authority was previously known as the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) before a government restructuring expanded its mandate.

The platform consolidates what were once separate counter visits into a single online system. Residents, visitors, companies, and UAE nationals can now apply for services, track applications, pay fees, and download approved documents through:

• Web portal: smartservices.icp.gov.ae
• Mobile app (UAEICP): Available on iOS (App Store), Android (Google Play), and Huawei AppGallery
• ICP kiosks: Located at select Customer Happiness Centres for in-person assisted submissions

ICP open data reports for 2025 list high-volume activity across identity, entry permit, and residence permit services, including over 1.95 million new Emirates ID issuances, 22 million entry permits, and 4.5 million residence permits.

What Can You Do on ICP Smart Services?

• Visa Services: Issue new entry permits, extend visit visas, initiate cancellations, and process status changes when switching employers or sponsors.
• Emirates ID: Apply for a new card, renew before expiry, replace a lost or damaged card, and update non-essential data such as phone number and address.
• Residence Permits: Issue, renew, modify, or cancel residence permits for employees, dependents, and investors. Sponsors manage family and employee applications from the same dashboard.
• Golden Visa (10-Year Residency): Apply for investor, real estate, entrepreneur, and specialised talent categories. federal policy circular dated 20 February 2026 removed the previous 50% equity requirement. The qualifying criterion is now the total DLD-assessed value reaching AED 2 million, regardless of mortgage balance — but mortgaged applicants must obtain a bank NOC confirming no objection to residency issuance, and mortgage status no longer disqualifies an applicant.
• Establishment Card Services: Issue, renew, amend, or cancel the electronic establishment card that links a company’s trade licence to the immigration system.
• Fines and Payments: Check and settle overstay fines, late renewal penalties (AED 20 per day, capped at AED 1,000), and other fees online.
• Passport Services (UAE Nationals): Issue, renew, and replace UAE passports, including renewal for citizens residing abroad.
• Permit for Extended Absence: New in 2025, residents who have stayed outside the UAE for more than 6 months can apply for a formal absence permit to protect their residency status.

Who Can Use ICP Smart Services?

• UAE citizens, identity, passport, and family record services
• UAE residents sponsored by an employer or family member
• GCC nationals seeking UAE identity services
• Foreign nationals applying for entry permits or visit visas
• Businesses managing employee visas and establishment cards
• Authorised typing centres submitting on behalf of clients
• Government entities managing staff documentation

UAE Pass and ICP Login 2026 Update

Since 2022, UAE Pass has been the primary authentication method for ICP Smart Services. Without a verified UAE Pass account, you cannot access most services. UAE Pass acts as the UAE government’s national digital identity, a single sign-on accepted across more than 6,000 government and private sector services.

For Individuals

Download the UAE Pass app, complete identity verification, which requires your Emirates ID and a face scan, and activate your account. At the ICP portal, select Login with UAE Pass. If your Emirates ID photo and face scan do not match during registration, visit an ICP Customer Happiness Centre or Amer/Tasheel service centre for in-person identity verification assistance.

For Companies (Important Often Missed)

Business entities need a corporate UAE Pass account, not a personal one. The company’s authorised signatory registers the corporate UAE Pass using the company’s trade licence and their personal UAE Pass credentials. Employer-type services, visa applications, cancellations, and visa quota management are only available through the corporate UAE Pass login. Logging in with a personal UAE Pass will not show establishment-level services.

How to Register Individuals

1. Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae or open the UAEICP app.
2. Tap Login and select Login with UAE Pass (recommended) or Use Other Login Option.
3. If using UAE Pass: authenticate in the UAE Pass app when prompted. Your Emirates ID data auto-populates your profile.
4. If using the alternative login: enter your name, passport number, and Emirates ID exactly as printed on your documents. Any mismatch will cause the application to fail.
5. Verify your mobile number and email address using the OTP codes sent by the system.
6. Set a secure password and save your application reference number after any submission.

How to Register Establishments (Companies)

The ICP establishment account is the corporate gateway for employee visa and residency services outside Dubai. The registration process includes a short activation window, so company details, authorised signatory information, email access, and mobile OTP access should be ready before starting.

Registration Steps

1. Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae and click Establishments Registration.
2. Enter your company email address and press Continue.
3. Check your inbox immediately. Click the Complete Registration link within 15 minutes.
4. On the Establishment Registration screen, enter your company details and select the mobile number for OTP verification.
5. Enter the OTP sent to the registered mobile and press Next.
6. Complete the User Registration screen with the authorised signatory’s personal details and press Register.
7. Log in with your new credentials. The system will prompt you to the Other Services screen, review the General Information and press Next.
8. On the Application Fees screen, select your payment method and pay to activate the account.

Establishment Dashboard Features

• Establishment Requests: View, search, and track all submitted applications.
• Sponsored Individuals: See all current and historical sponsored employees or dependents.
• Drafts: Resume incomplete applications.
• Requests Ready for Payment: Complete any approved applications awaiting fee settlement.
• Payments: Full history of all transactions from the account.
• User Management: Add additional users to the same establishment account.
• Amwal: Access the Amwal electronic payment channel for bulk or corporate payments.

Verified 2026 Fee Structure

The fee figures below are drawn from the official ICP service card pages as of June 2026. Residence visa fees for Dubai-sponsored individuals are handled through GDRFA Dubai and may differ, with additional Knowledge and Innovation dirham charges applied.

icp.gov.ae official service cards

How to Apply for a UAE Visa Through ICP Smart Services

ICP handles entry permits and residence visas for all emirates except where Dubai’s GDRFA applies. To apply:

1. Log in to smartservices.icp.gov.ae with your UAE Pass.
2. Select Entry Permit Services for new visitors or Residency Services for residents.
3. Choose the specific visa category, tourism, family visit, employment, investor, Golden Visa, or change of status.
4. Complete the application form with accurate details. Any mismatch between the form and your passport will cause rejection.
5. Upload the required documents in the accepted file format (PDF or clear JPEG).
6. Review the total fee on the payment summary screen before confirming.
7. Pay online and save the reference number sent by SMS and email.
8. Track your application under My Applications on your dashboard.

Processing for most entry permits runs between 24 and 72 hours depending on document completeness. Some applications are flagged for manual review. If yours stays under review for more than 5 working days, contact the ICP helpline at 600 522 222 with your application reference number.

Required Documents by Service Type

How to Check Status Visa, Emirates ID & Cancellation

Check Visa or Residency Status

1. Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae and select Public Services.
2. Choose File Validity.
3. Enter your passport number, Emirates ID number, UID, or file number.
4. Submit to see your visa validity date, residency status, or application stage.

This is a free public service, no login required.

Check Emirates ID Status

1. Go to the Emirates ID status service on the ICP portal.
2. Enter your Emirates ID number or application number (PRAN) without spaces or dashes.
3. The result shows the current stage: under process, approved, printed, or delivered.

If the status shows Not Found, wait 24 hours and try again. New applications take time to propagate in the system. If still not found, call the ICP helpline at 600 522 222.

Check Visa Cancellation Status

1. Log in to your ICP Smart Services account.
2. Go to My Requests and locate the cancellation application.
3. Check the status: pending, approved, rejected, or completed.
4. A cancelled visa shows as Expired in the system, this is normal. If you need proof of legal status during your 30-day grace period, the UAEICP app shows your grace period end date under the residency section.

Always confirm your visa cancellation is complete before applying for a new visa or leaving the UAE.

ICP vs GDRFA Dubai: Which Portal Should You Use?

The correct portal depends on where your visa is sponsored, not only where you live.

Common Problems and How to Fix Them

Frequently Asked Questions