ICP Smart Services was introduced to digitize visa and identity services across the UAE. It eliminates the need to visit government offices in-person and can be accessed by users anywhere in the world.
For entrepreneurs with a business setup in Dubai, accessing these services is essential for obtaining a visa and starting a business.
This guide outlines what ICP services are, how to register and use the platform, and how to check your visa status with it.
What are ICP Smart Services in the UAE?
ICP Smart Services is an online platform with all the main immigration and identity services in the UAE. It is the digital portal for the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security.
These are the main services in the ICP Smart Services Portal:
1. Identity Services
- New issuance: Applying for an Emirates ID for the first time.
- Renewal: Renewing an expired or nearly expired ID.
- Replacement: Requesting a new card due to loss, theft, or physical damage.
- Data update: Modifying personal information (e.g., phone number, address, or marital status) on the card’s chip and the federal registry.
2. Visa & Entry Permit Services
- New entry permits: Issuance of tourist, visit, medical, or study visas.
- Specialty visas: Applications for Golden Visa (long-term), Green Visa (self-sponsored), and the Blue Visa (environmental contributors).
- Visa extensions: Extending the duration of stay for visit or tourist visas without leaving the country.
- Visa modification: Amending data on an issued permit (e.g., name spelling or passport details).
- Visa cancellation: Canceling a permit that is no longer required or has been replaced.
3. Residency Services
- Residency issuance: Formalizing a residency permit after entering the country on an entry permit.
- Residency renewal: Renewing an existing residency permit (usually linked to the Emirates ID renewal).
- Permit to stay outside UAE: Requesting a permit for residents who need to remain outside the UAE for more than six months.
- Status change: Processing the transition from one visa type to another (e.g., from a tourist visa to a residency permit) while remaining inside the country.
4. Passport & Citizenship Services
- Passport issuance: For newborns or first-time UAE citizen applicants.
- Passport renewal: Renewing UAE passports (available both locally and for citizens currently abroad).
- Passport replacement: Replacing a full, damaged, or lost passport.
- Family book services: Managing the “Khulasat Al Qaid” (Family Book), including adding dependents or updating family status.
5. Establishment & Corporate Services
- Establishment card: Issuance, renewal, and amendment of company immigration files.
- Delegate cards: Managing cards for company representatives (Mandoobs) who handle immigration tasks.
- Employee management: Group processing for company-sponsored staff visas and ID cards.
6. Financial & Support Services
- Fines payment: Checking and paying for overstay fines or administrative delays related to ID cards.
- Refund requests: Applying for a refund of fees or security deposits for canceled or rejected applications.
- Reports & tracking: Generating “Residence Detail” reports and real-time tracking of application status.
- Validation gateway: Verifying the authenticity of digital documents and certificates.
Who Can Use the ICP Smart Services Portal?
The ICP Smart Services portal can be used by UAE citizens, residents, and visitors as well as GCC residents and citizens. The services can be accessed by:
- UAE citizens: For services related to passport, Emirates ID, family information, and sponsorship.
- UAE residents: For services related to Emirates ID, visa, and sponsorship.
- Visitors: For services related to entry visas and visa status checks.
- GCC citizens: For services related to Emirates ID and sponsoring dependents to live in the UAE.
- GCC residents: For services related to entry visas and visa status checks.
- Establishments: For services related to establishment cards, sponsoring employees, and delegate cards.
- Typing centers: For services related to establishment cards, getting equipment, and sponsoring and training employees.
How to Register for ICP Smart Services?
The easiest way to register for ICP Smart Services is through your UAE Pass. You can create a UAE Pass account by downloading the app and entering your Emirates ID or visa details. If you don’t have a UAE Pass, you can visit a Customer Happiness Center and create an account with your email ID.
How to Login to UAE ICP Smart Services?
You can login to ICP Smart Services using your UAE Pass or with your account email and password. Using your UAE Pass is simpler as it is already linked to your Emirates ID and passport.
How to Check Emirates ID Status With ICP?
This is how you can check your Emirates ID status on the ICP Smart Services portal:
1. Log into the ICP Smart Services Portal.
2. Enter your request number in the ‘Quick Search’ bar.
3. View the application status update.
Alternatively, you can check your Emirates ID status on the ICP app or call 600 522 222.
Helen & Sons provides visa services for entrepreneurs and investors across the country. We handle both residence and Golden Visa applications, acting as your liaison with the government and keeping you updated on your progress.
How to Check Absconding Status with ICP Smart Services?
This is how to use the ICP UAE Smart Services to check your absconding status:
- Log into the ICP Smart Services Portal.
- Select ‘Public Services’.
- Select ‘Fines and Leave Permits’.
- Select ‘Pay Fines’
- Enter your visa number, nationality, and date of birth.
- View your absconding status.
You can also visit any Customer Happiness Center and check your status in-person. You will need to pay the outstanding fines or settle your debts to remove your abscondment status.
If you’re an entrepreneur moving to the country, registering on the ICP Smart Services portal is essential. You will need it for both personal and business-related services like sponsoring employees and dependents, getting an establishment card, and applying for an Emirates ID.
Having your account set up before you move to the country will keep things streamlined and allow you to start your business sooner.
