ICP Smart Services in the UAE

ICP Smart Services is an online portal of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP). It is aimed at streamlining government processes, reducing paperwork, and providing easier access to essential services for residents, citizens, and guests of the UAE. They include a range of digital services and applications aimed at efficiency and convenience that can be accessed through the ICP's website or its mobile application.

Short summary

1. ICP Smart Services are available to any person residing in the UAE, such as the country’s citizens, residents, and visitors. The eligibility criteria for registration and service usage are being over the age of 18 and having a set of documents, which varies for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs.
2. You can register on the ICP platform by visiting the official ICP Smart Services website, by downloading its mobile app, or by phone by calling 800 9090. Creating an account requires entering your name, e-mail, and phone number.
3. ICP Smart Services can be used for a range of services for individuals and businesses related to entry permits, residency and work visas, Emirates IDs, passports, customs, report filing, and other government services.
4. Among the key advantages of using ICP Smart Services are general convenience and ease of use, a massive array of available services, 24/7 accessibility, time saving, a high level of security, efficiency, and reduced environmental impact.
5. For residents and visitors of the UAE, registration for ICP Smart Services is free of charge, while business owners are subject to a non-refundable fee of AED 150.

Now, here’s a more detailed overview of ICP Smart Services and a guide on how to use it.

Ways to utilize ICP Smart Services

Presently, the online platform of ICP Smart Services offers a broad spectrum of services that can be accessed and utilized by individuals and businesses. Among the things you can do with ICP Smart Services are the following:

— Visa and residency services

Individuals can apply for visas and residency permits, as well as renewal of existing ones for themselves or their family members.

— Emirates ID services

Individuals can apply for an Emirates ID card or renewal of an existing one. You can also update your personal data using the platform.

— Passport services

Individuals can apply for a new passport and renewal of an existing one, or update their passport information.

— Entry permits and visit visas

Individuals can apply for entry permits and visit visas for those willing to visit the UAE.

— Document attestation

You can have your personal and business documents attested for use in the UAE and abroad.

— Customs services

ICP Smart Services allow for the customs clearance of goods of residents and companies brought to or out of the UAE.

— Corporate and business services

Business owners can also utilize ICP Smart Services in different ways, such as applying for a business license or the renewal of an existing one, as well as processing visas, residency permits, and other government-related services for their employees.

— Report filing

Reports on government services can be submitted through ICP Smart Services by both regular residents and entrepreneurs.

— Online tracking

Another way to use ICP Smart Services is by tracking the status of your applications and other documents online and receiving updates.

— Fee and fine payments and refunds

ICP Smart Services allow for tracking and paying various fees and fines associated with different government services online. You can also request a refund for certain paid fees if eligible.

— Other government services

The online platform also offers a range of other government services, such as civil status and nationality services, business license management, notary services, and more.

In 2023 and 2024, the UAE introduced a number of significant changes to its visa system including new visa types, an overhaul of entry and exit rules, visa duration/extension/renewal, family sponsorship, and others. Many of the newly introduced options are available via ICP Smart Services. For more information, read the linked articles.

Who can register for ICP Smart Services in the UAE

Any person residing in the Emirates, such as the country’s citizens, residents, and visitors is eligible for registration with ICP Smart Services. The eligibility criteria for registration are being over the age of 18 and having a set of documents, which varies for residents, visitors, and entrepreneurs.

Registration procedure for ICP Smart Services

The procedure of registration with ICP Smart Services in the UAE consists of the following general steps:

1. Open the official website of ICP Smart Services in your browser, download the corresponding application to your smartphone, or call 800 9090.
2. Select the preferred language and look for information on the available services and the registration process.
3. Create an account on the ICP portal by providing the required data, such as your name, e-mail, and phone number.
4. Verify your identity by following the link sent to your e-mail or entering a code sent to your smartphone in case of using the mobile app. Set up your login credentials, such as username and password.
5. Once your account is created, log in using your credentials. Depending on the services you intend to use, fill in the additional data, such as passport details, your visa and Emirates ID, and work or contact information.
6. Finish the registration process by agreeing to the terms of service and completing the final verification steps.

Now you can access the various online services enabled by ICA, such as visa applications, residency services, and other government-related transactions.

Documents and information required for registration with ICP Smart Services

Those seeking to successfully register on the ICP Smart Services portal and use the offered services will need to submit the following documents and basic information:

For Residents:

• E-mail
• Phone number
• Passport
• Emirates ID
• Tenancy contract copy (if applicable)
• Utility bill copy (if applicable)

For Entrepreneurs:

• E-mail
• Phone number
• Business license
• Registration certificate from the Ministry of Economy

For Visitors:

• E-mail
• Phone number
• Passport
• Visa

Advantages of ICP Smart Services

There are a number of benefits offered by ICP Smart Services to all population categories of the UAE, including:

1. Convenience

Users are granted access to a broad array of public services straight from the comfort of their homes or offices, reducing the need to visit physical government offices.

2. Time-saving

Online applications and digital processes save time for users, as they can submit applications, track status, and receive updates without the need for multiple in-person visits.

3. Efficiency

The online platform facilitates government processes, cutting down the paperwork, manual data entry, and processing times, which ultimately improves the overall efficiency of public services.

4. 24/7 Accessibility

These services are accessible 24/7, allowing users to access government services at any time, regardless of their location.

5. Transparency

Users can track the progress of their applications and access up-to-date information, providing greater transparency in the application and approval process.

7. Enhanced Security

Smart services often utilize advanced security features, such as biometric authentication and encryption, to ensure the privacy and security of users' personal information.

6. Environmental Impact

Digitizing government services reduces paper usage, contributing to environmental sustainability and decreasing the overall carbon footprint.

8. Multilingual Support

With the UAE’s multicultural and multilingual population, it is essential for online services to be available in different languages to ensure access to the required services regardless of language skills. The offered languages include English, Arabic, Urdu, Hindi, and Malayalam.

In short, the UAE’s ICP Smart Services offer a user-friendly, efficient, and secure means of accessing key government services and contribute to the UAE's vision of becoming a digitally advanced nation.

Costs of registering for ICP Smart Services

Fortunately, registration for ICP Smart Services is free of charge for residents and visitors of the UAE and involves no fees. Business owners, however, are subject to a non-refundable fee of AED 150.

Examples of using ICP Smart Services

You can take advantage of ICP Smart Services in many ways. Let’s review several examples with step-by-step instructions.

Viewing the status of your visa

• Open the ICP Smart Services portal or its mobile app and log in.
• Pick the Visa or Residency option in the Passport Information section based on your visa type.
• Type in your passport number and its expiration date.
• Specify your nationality.
• Click the Submit button.
• The status of your visa will be shown on the screen.

Changing the status of your visa

• Open the ICP Smart Services portal or its mobile app and log in.
• Pick the Change of Visa Status option in the Visa Services section.
• Type in your passport and visa number.
• Pick the new visa status you’re applying for.
• Add and upload the required documents, such as passport and visa copies.
• Pay the application fee.
• Click the Submit button.
• Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the outcome.

Extending your visa

• Open the ICP Smart Services portal or its mobile app and log in.
• Pick the Visa Extension option in the Visa Services section.
• Type in your passport and visa number.
• Add the details of your new visa, such as its type, purpose, and duration.
• Add and upload the required documents, including passport and visa copies.
• Pay the application fee.
• Click the Submit button.
• Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the outcome.

Renewing your visa

• Open the ICP Smart Services portal or its mobile app and log in.
• Pick the Visa Renewal option in the Visa Services section.
• Type in your passport and visa number.
• Add the details of your new visa, such as its type, duration, and purpose.
• Add and upload the required documents, including passport and visa copies.
• Pay the application fee.
• Click the Submit button.
• Once your application is processed, you will be notified of the outcome.

Cancelling your visa

• Open the ICP Smart Services portal or its mobile app and log in.
• Pick the Visa Cancellation option in the Visa Services section.
• Add your passport and visa number.
• Click the Submit button.
• State the cause of visa cancellation and upload additional documents (if required).
• When your application is processed, you will be notified of the outcome.

Recent and planned improvements to ICP Smart Services

The ICP is continuously working on the Smart Services platform, adding new features and introducing innovations to keep up with the technological trends and needs of the population. The recent developments in ICP Smart Services are:

Mobile app: The ICP has launched a mobile app that allows UAE residents to access various smart services related to their residency and citizenship.

Biometric registration: The ICP has implemented biometric registration for residents and citizens, allowing for secure and efficient identity verification.

E-Gate expansion: The ICP has expanded its e-gate program, allowing for easier and more convenient entry and exit from the UAE for residents and visitors.

The planned future developments in ICP Smart Services are:

Digital ID: The ICP is working on implementing a digital ID system that will allow people in the country to access government services and conduct transactions online with even more convenience and security.

Blockchain integration: The ICP is exploring the integration of blockchain technology to increase the level of security and efficiency of its smart services.

AI integration: The ICP is looking to integrate artificial intelligence into its smart services to provide personalized and predictive services to residents and citizens.

Overall, ICP Smart Services plays a very important role in the UAE’s efforts in digitization and facilitation of services related to customs, immigration, and many others. The UAE Government places has recently prioritized the improvement of public services, which is why ICP is constantly enhancing its Smart Services to provide a seamless and efficient experience for residents and citizens in the UAE.