Updated January 26, 2024
ICP Smart Services is an online system that allows you to register your arrival and departure information while applying for your Emirates ID, residential visa issuance, and visa validity in Dubai. The ICP Smart Services (The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) is responsible for identity management, citizenship, immigration, and customs control within the UAE.
Whether you’re starting a new business or undergoing a transfer to Dubai, ICP Smart Services can help make the transition smooth and successful.
What is ICP Smart Services?
The ICP Smart Services, formerly known as ICA Smart Services, is an innovative system managed by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. This system is designed to streamline the processes related to the entry and exit of businesspersons, residents, and visitors in the UAE. The ICP Smart Services organises everything required for your Emirates ID, passport services, citizenship, visa issuance, validity, and insurance while travelling through the UAE.
The ICP Smart Services website provides a user-friendly platform for checking visa validity and passport details directly from your computer or smartphone. This online service streamlines the application process, allowing for quicker and more efficient handling of visa-related matters.
The system is accessible through various modes—in person, online, or via a dedicated mobile app (search for UAEICP in the app store). It centralises all necessary information, simplifying the management of your immigration and travel documents. Residents in Dubai are advised to visit their nearest ICP office for initial registration, enabling them to fully utilise the array of convenient services offered.
Keep up to date with the latest information on ICP social media platforms.
Source: ICP smart services website
What Functions Does ICP Smart Services Provide?
There are several functions that the ICP smart services website provides for business individuals, businesses, tourists, and government entities:
For Individuals
- Log in with your Smart Number: Check the status of your applications from any web-enabled device.
- Passport Services: Apply for new passports, renew passports, and replace lost or damaged passports.
- Emirates ID Services: Update your Emirates ID or check your Emirates ID status.
- Identity Verification: Users can verify their identities online using their UAE ID, which is essential for accessing personal services.
- Visa Services: Apply for, renew, or cancel visas directly through the portal.
- Residency Services: Services related to residency permits, including renewals and modifications.
- Entry Permits: Apply for entry permits or extend existing ones for visitors or residents returning to the UAE.
- File Management: Access and manage personal files related to immigration and residency.
- Application Management: Make changes to applications online and reschedule cancelled appointments.
For Businesses
- Company Registration: Register new companies or renew existing company registrations.
- Employee Visa Services: Manage applications, renewals, and status changes of employee visas, including cancellations.
- Labour and Employee Management: Facilitate labour contracts and manage employee details and records.
- Document Verification: Verify the authenticity of documents submitted by employees or associated with the company.
- Business Licensing: Apply for and renew business licenses and update business information.
For Tourists
- Tourist Visa Applications: Apply for tourist visas, including multiple-entry and long-term options.
- Travel Records: Tourists can check their entry and exit dates and manage related travel documentation.
- Visa Extensions: Extend tourist visas without the need to leave the country.
For Government Entities
- Inter-Departmental Services: Facilitates seamless sharing of information and processing of public data between different government departments.
- Statistics and Reporting: Access detailed reports and statistics on immigration, residency, and visa issues for policy-making and governance.
- Regulatory and Compliance Management: Manage and enforce compliance with local immigration laws and regulations.
General Services
- Public Queries and Support: This department provides a help desk and support system for queries related to any of the services offered.
- Feedback and Suggestions: Users can submit feedback or suggestions to improve the services provided on the portal.
- Educational Content: Access educational materials and guidelines on utilising the services effectively.
- Financial Transactions: View fines and fee payments related to various government services, file appeals online, and request refunds.
Who Has To Register for ICP Smart Services?
You need to register with the UAE ICP Smart Services in several scenarios:
- As a New Resident: If you are moving to the UAE and need to apply for a residency visa or identity card.
- For Visa Renewal or Changes: Existing residents who need to renew their visa, change visa status, or update personal information.
- For Passport Services: UAE citizens need passport services such as renewals or new passport applications.
- Businesses and Employers: Business owners or employers who need to manage employee visas or customs-related services.
- As a Visitor: If you’re visiting the UAE and require an entry permit or need to extend your visa.
- GCC Nationals: Citizens of the Gulf Cooperation Council who need residency and ID services while in the UAE, though they may not require a visa.
Registration with the ICP Smart Services ensures you can conveniently access and manage these essential services online.
It is important to note that UAE residents and tourists travelling to the UAE do not have to register on the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) portal before travel. Registration is primarily for accessing and managing various residency, visa, and identity services once in the country.
How to Register for ICP Smart Services
The registration process is simple; you can register for ICP smart services via their website.
- Visit the Official ICP Website: Go to the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
- Create an Account: Look for an option to create a new user account. This typically involves providing basic personal information like your name, email address, and phone number.
- Verification: After entering your details, you will likely need to verify your account. This is usually done through a verification link sent to your email or a code sent to your mobile phone.
- Log In: Once your account is verified, log in using your new credentials.
- Enter Required Information: Fill in any additional required information specific to the services you need. This may include details from your Emirates ID, passport, and other relevant personal, employment, or residency information. More information on a UAE residence visa and Emirates ID can be found here.
- Complete the Registration: Follow the prompts to complete your registration. You may need to agree to the terms and conditions or complete additional verification steps.
- Access Services: After registration, you can access various services offered by the ICP, such as applying for or renewing residency visas or checking application statuses.
Alternative Registration Methods:
- At the Airport: You can also register upon arrival at the airport by providing your Smart Number and nationality at the Smart Services counter.
- By Telephone: Alternatively, register by calling the following number: 800 9090.
- Mobile Application: For convenience, download the UAEICP mobile application from their website. This application allows you to register and access services at any time.
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How to Apply for Visas on ICP Smart Services
The Golden Visa
If you are looking to work, study and live in the UAE for up to 10 years, you may be eligible for this long-term residency visa. This visa is designed to attract expertise to the UAE, along with foreign investment. The Golden Visa allows you to access top-tier education and healthcare and the potential to sponsor family members for residence visas. As per the ICP website, to obtain this visa, you must be a talented individual, researcher, outstanding student, doctor, specialist, innovator, athlete, entrepreneur, or an investor in the economic and real estate sectors or an emerging company.
There is a questionnaire on their website to check your eligibility. You can also click this link to view our full article on The Golden Visa.
How to Apply for The Golden Visa
- Log in to ICP Smart Services: Access the ICP Smart Services website. If you do not already have an account, you will need to register by providing your personal details and completing the verification process (see the guide on how to register for an account above).
- Navigate to the Golden Residency Section: Once logged in, locate the section dedicated to Golden Visa applications. Click on ‘Public Services’ and then ‘Golden Residency.’
- Review Eligibility Criteria: Before proceeding with your application, carefully review the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa to ensure you meet the requirements. This includes specific provisions for investors, entrepreneurs, specialised talents, researchers in various fields of science and knowledge, and bright students with promising scientific capabilities. You can also click ‘Golden Residency Services’ and then ‘Check Your Eligibility’ to complete the questionnaire.
- Complete the Application Form: Fill out the application form with all required information. This will include personal details, current visa status, passport details, and information pertaining to the qualification criteria (such as investment details, employment history, or academic records).
- Upload Necessary Documents: Attach all required documents. These typically include a copy of your passport, current visa, proof of investment or entrepreneurship, academic qualifications, and other relevant supporting documents. Review your application to ensure all information is accurate and complete. Next, submit the application.
- Pay Application Fees: After submitting your application, you will be directed to the payment page. Pay the specified application fee to process your Golden Visa application.
- Wait for Approval: After submission, your application will be reviewed by the relevant authorities. You may track the status of your application through the ICP Smart Services website.
- Attend an Interview or Further Verification (if required): Some applicants may be called for an interview or asked to provide additional information or documentation.
- Receive Your Golden Visa: Once your application is approved, you will be notified, and your Golden Visa will be issued. You may need to complete further steps, such as biometric data submission or a medical test, depending on the specific requirements at the time of application.
Golden Visa Fees
The application fees are as follows:
Request Fee: 100 AED
Issue Fee: 100 AED
E-service Fee: 28 AED
ICP Fee: 22 AED
Smart Service Fee: 100 AED
The registration fee for a Golden Visa is between 2800 and 4800 AED.
Other Visas
There are many visas available for businesspeople and entrepreneurs. To see the full list of options on the ICP smart services website, click here.
Source: ICP smart services website
How To Track Your Visa Application
You can track the progress of your application in a few different ways:
Use Your Online Account
Tracking your application is as easy as logging onto your online user account. Here, you can track up to five visa applications. As soon as you arrive in the UAE, you should receive an email with your tracking number so you can log in. The email will contain your ICP registration number and a link to your online tracking account. Remember that the email arrives sometime after your arrival in the UAE.
Contact the ICP Call Centre
Phoning the ICP is another easy way to track your application. Operators are waiting to hear from you and are available 24 hours a day. The phone number is 600522222.
Use Your Mobile Application
Perhaps the most convenient way to check your application progress is to log into your mobile application. You can use the mobile app at any time of the day. Click here for more on the ICP mobile application.
How to Use ICP Smart Services
After receiving your tracking number, you can start making appointments with the immigration and labour authorities. You can directly schedule appointments by selecting the date and time you want to visit the office.
You can also request an appointment to meet with an officer at the Dubai Land Department. The officer will give you an appointment confirmation, which you can use to change your visa and residence entry process. You can also use this confirmation printout to apply for a UAE residence visa.
The Dubai Land Department will require a service fee and a payment receipt. If you don’t meet the visa or residence entry deadlines, you might have to pay additional fees. The UAE could also prevent you from entering the country, or you may be deported.
You can track your application online or contact the call centre to obtain any relevant updates.
What To Do Before You Arrive in Dubai
Due to the new rules and regulations for a UAE residence Visa, you might have to use ICP Services. If you’re travelling to Dubai, Abu Dhabi and the UAE for business or as a tourist, you can still use ICP services to start your temporary residency.
Before you arrive in the UAE, you must schedule an appointment with the ICP service centre. An appointment can be made online from your account. Follow the prompts to ‘schedule an appointment’, choose your date and confirm your booking.
Alternatively, visit the ICP website and click Contact Us. You can also call your UAE number at 800 9090 or from outside the UAE at +971 4 227 7000.
How to Check Your Visa Status
Obtaining an entry visa is a vital part of travelling to the UAE. You can check your visa status in a number of ways:
- Online prior to your arrival
- By calling the call centre
- At the airport counter
Check your visa status for yourself, as well as any dependents or employees. You can check the status of each entry visa for up to five passengers per visit. If you have booked a hotel through this ICP and already have an invitation letter, you don’t have to recheck the status of your entry.
Upon your arrival at Dubai Airport, the Dubai Airport Customs Department will conduct the entry process with you. When you enter Dubai using ICP, you visit the ICP services counter before Customs. You will give your passport to a staff member, who will check the status of your entry.
How to Apply for a Visa Extension
You can extend your Visa at the ICP services counter at the airport or through the call centre. You can apply for an extension of stay in the UAE even if you don’t have a credit card or an internet connection. If you enter the country through Dubai Airport, you can extend your visa at the Dubai Airport Customs Department.
How to Apply for a Change of Status
Up to two (2) changes to your application are permitted. If you require any more changes to your application, further fees and charges will apply.
If you are an existing ICP Smart Services user, you can apply to change your status using the online system. To get set up, call the ICP Services call centre or go online to create an account.
How to Apply for an Exit Permit
You can request your exit permit when you are at the Smart Services counter. You will need to show your passport, the Visa of your dependent and your residence card. Your exit permit will be extended, and you’ll receive a new entry card.
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How to Renew Your Visa with Smart Services
If your Visa is expiring soon, you can renew it online. You can log in to your ICP Smart Services account and restore your visa online. Complete the renewal process by adding your passport, Visa and residence card.
How to Cancel Your Visa with Smart Services
To cancel your Visa, simply login to your ICP Services account and follow the steps to cancel your Visa.
We Make Your Transition to Dubai Easier
In summary, if you’re planning a move to Dubai for business, we’re here to help make the transition easier. We can help you find the best area to start your business, help you apply for visas, and assist with all the required paperwork.
Your business will be off to a great start because you’ll be set up for success from day one. Contact us today for a free consultation with one of our company formation specialists. For more information on establishing your business and how to succeed as an entrepreneur, head to our social media sites on Facebook and Instagram.
