Quick answer: ICA smart services is the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security's online portal for visa applications, residency status checks, entry permits and Emirates ID linking — primarily for Abu Dhabi and federal-level requests. Browsing and status checks are free; paid transactions such as entry permits carry a government fee that varies by service, urgency and duration — the portal displays the exact amount before you pay. The platform has largely merged into the newer ICP smart services portal, so many users are now redirected there.
Key takeaways
- ICA smart services handles visa status, entry permits and Emirates ID linking at the federal level, especially for Abu Dhabi.
- The ICA brand has been consolidated into the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) platform — same authority, updated name and portal.
- You can check most information for free; only transactions (entry permits, renewals, amendments) carry government fees.
- Dubai residence visas are usually processed through GDRFA/Amer, not ICA — knowing which portal to use saves days.
- A UAE Pass digital ID makes ICA/ICP logins far faster and reduces rejected applications.
What are ICA smart services?
ICA smart services is the online platform run by the UAE's federal identity and immigration authority for handling visas, entry permits, residency status and Emirates ID processes. In plain terms: it is the government website where you apply for and track federal immigration transactions without visiting a service centre.
The "ICA" name comes from the former Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. In 2026 that authority operates as the ICP — the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security — after merging identity and border-security functions. So when people search "ICA smart services," they are almost always looking for what is now delivered through the ICP portal. The services are the same; the branding and web address changed.
If you are setting up in the UAE and processing investor or employment visas, this is one of two portals you will deal with — the other being Dubai's GDRFA. We cover the full end-to-end process on our visa services page.
What is the difference between ICA and ICP smart services?
There is no functional difference — ICP is the current name and platform, and ICA is the legacy brand that redirects to it. The authority simply rebranded and consolidated its systems, so old "ICA smart services" links now resolve to ICP smart services.
Here is what changed and what stayed the same:
| Aspect | ICA (former) | ICP (current, 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security |
| Portal | Old ICA smart services site | icp.gov.ae smart services |
| Scope | Visas, Emirates ID, status | Same + customs & port security functions |
| Login | UAE Pass / account | UAE Pass / account (same) |
| Fees | Unchanged | Unchanged |
The practical takeaway: bookmark the ICP portal, but everything you already knew about ICA still applies. We break the newer platform down in detail in our ICP smart services guide.
What can you actually do on the ICA/ICP portal?
You can complete most federal-level immigration and identity transactions online, from entry permits to visa status checks. The portal is built around self-service so that individuals, companies and PROs avoid physical counters.
The most-used services include:
- Entry permit applications — tourist, visit, work and mission permits.
- Visa status check — confirm whether a residency is active, cancelled or under process.
- Residency issuance and renewal — for eligible categories at federal level.
- Emirates ID linking — tying your ID number to your visa file.
- Status modification — for example, converting a visit status where permitted.
- Overstay fine checks — see if a fine is attached to a passport or file.
- Golden Visa nomination lookups — for select long-term residency categories.
For Dubai-based residence visas, remember most transactions route through GDRFA/Amer, not ICA/ICP. Getting this right matters because submitting to the wrong authority is a common cause of delays. If you are unsure which channel applies to your emirate, our PRO services team handles the routing for you.
How to check your visa status on ICA smart services
You can check any UAE visa status on the ICP portal in under five minutes with a passport number or Emirates ID. Here is the step-by-step process:
- Go to the ICP smart services portal (icp.gov.ae) — the former ICA link redirects here.
- Open "Public Services" or "File Validity" — no login is required for a basic status check.
- Select your search type — passport number, Emirates ID, or unified/file number.
- Enter your details — passport number, nationality, and date of birth as they appear on your document.
- Complete the captcha and submit.
- Read the result — it will show whether your file is active, expired, cancelled or under process, plus expiry dates.
For an Emirates ID-specific check, use the dedicated Emirates ID status lookup — we walk through that separately in our Emirates ID status check guide. For labour-side status (work permits and MOHRE files), see our MOHRE enquiry guide instead.
How to apply for an entry permit on ICA/ICP
You apply for an entry permit by logging into the ICP portal with UAE Pass, selecting the permit type, uploading documents and paying the government fee. The system issues the permit electronically once approved — usually within 24–72 hours for standard applications.
The typical flow:
- Log in with UAE Pass for the fastest verified access.
- Choose the entry permit category — tourist, visit, work, or family.
- Enter sponsor and applicant details — including passport data and photo.
- Upload required documents — passport copy, photo, and supporting papers.
- Pay the fee and submit.
- Track the request in your dashboard and download the approved permit as a PDF.
Some categories — particularly work and investor permits — require an establishment card and company file, which is where a business setup consultancy or PRO usually steps in.
ICA/ICP smart services costs in 2026
Browsing and status checks are free; only completed transactions carry government fees, which vary by service type, urgency and duration. The portal shows the exact fee on the payment screen before you confirm, so check it there rather than budgeting from third-party figures.
| Service | Government fee |
|---|---|
| Visa / file status check | Free |
| Tourist / visit entry permit | Paid — exact fee shown in the portal before payment |
| Work / employment entry permit | Paid — exact fee shown in the portal before payment |
| Residency issuance | Paid — scales with visa duration; shown before payment |
| Status modification | Paid — shown before payment |
| Emirates ID linking / reprint | Paid — shown before payment |
| Urgent (express) processing | Paid surcharge on top of the standard fee |
We deliberately do not print AED figures for these portal transactions: the authority revises them without notice, and the portal itself displays the exact amount on the payment screen before you confirm. Any third-party list of these fees — including ours — would go stale. The one set of federal fees we do publish exactly, because they are stable and owner-verified, is Emirates ID issuance: AED 286 (2-year), 686 (5-year), 1,186 (10-year).
These are government charges only. If a PRO or typing centre files on your behalf, its service fee comes on top — every centre quotes it before filing, so ask for the total in writing. The ICP portal shows the exact government figure before you pay.
Documents checklist for ICA/ICP transactions
Have these ready before you start any application to avoid rejections:
- Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity) — clear colour scan.
- Recent passport-size photo on a white background, meeting ICP specifications.
- Emirates ID (for existing residents).
- UAE Pass account for login and e-signature.
- Establishment card / company trade licence (for work and investor permits).
- Proof of relationship — marriage or birth certificate, attested (for family visas).
- Existing entry permit or visa reference (for renewals or modifications).
Which portal should you use — ICA/ICP, GDRFA or e-channel?
Use ICP for federal and Abu Dhabi transactions, GDRFA/Amer for Dubai residence visas, and the e-channel system where your company registration requires it. Choosing correctly is the single biggest time-saver in UAE visa processing.
A simple rule of thumb:
- Abu Dhabi and federal matters → ICP smart services (the former ICA).
- Dubai residence visas → GDRFA / Amer.
- Company-linked immigration files → often start with e-channel registration; see our e-channel UAE registration guide.
If your visa is tied to a new company, the smartest move is to align the licence, establishment card and visa channel from day one. Our team does exactly that as part of business setup in Dubai mainland and free zone packages.
FAQ
Is ICA smart services the same as ICP smart services?
Yes — ICA and ICP are the same UAE federal authority. The former Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) was consolidated into the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Old ICA smart services links now redirect to the ICP portal, and all services function identically.
How do I check my UAE visa status on ICA smart services?
Open the ICP smart services portal, go to "Public Services" or "File Validity," select passport number or Emirates ID, enter your details and nationality, complete the captcha and submit. Results show instantly whether your file is active, expired, cancelled or under process — no login required for a basic check.
How much does it cost to apply for an entry permit on ICA/ICP?
The government fee depends on the permit type and duration, and the portal displays the exact amount on the payment screen before you confirm — that on-screen figure is the only number worth trusting, because the authority revises fees without notice. Express processing carries a paid surcharge, and any PRO service fee is charged separately.
Can I use ICA smart services for a Dubai residence visa?
Usually no — Dubai residence visas are processed through GDRFA and the Amer system rather than ICA/ICP. ICA/ICP handles federal-level and Abu Dhabi transactions. If your visa file is registered in Dubai, use GDRFA; our PRO team confirms the correct channel before filing to avoid rejected applications.
Do I need UAE Pass to use the ICA/ICP portal?
You can check visa and file status without logging in, but UAE Pass is required for most transactions such as entry permits, renewals and status changes. UAE Pass is the government digital identity app; it speeds up submissions, enables e-signatures and significantly reduces the chance of a rejected or incomplete application.
What documents do I need for an ICA/ICP visa application?
You need a valid passport with at least six months validity, a compliant passport photo on a white background, your Emirates ID if you are already a resident, and a UAE Pass account. Work and investor permits also require an establishment card and trade licence; family visas need attested relationship certificates.
Still unsure whether your visa should go through ICA/ICP or GDRFA — or setting up a company and processing investor and staff visas at the same time? DBM has formed 1,000+ companies over 10+ years and holds a 4.9-star Google rating from 126 reviews. Book a free consultation via our contact page or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 504 6228, and we will handle the paperwork end to end.