Quick answer: ICP Smart Services (formerly ICA Smart Services) is the official online portal and mobile app of the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. It lets residents, visitors and businesses apply for entry permits, check visa and Emirates ID status, pay fines, renew residency and more. Most services are self-service and free to browse; transaction fees typically range from AED 100 to AED 1,150 depending on the request.
Key takeaways
- ICP Smart Services replaced the old "ICA Smart Services" brand and is the go-to platform for federal identity, residency and entry-permit tasks.
- You can check visa status, track your Emirates ID, apply for entry permits and pay overstay fines directly through the portal or the UAE ICP app.
- Most services need a Unified ID number, passport details or Emirates ID number to start.
- Fees vary by service — entry permits, visa renewals and Emirates ID cards each carry separate government charges plus small service fees.
- For business-related visas and staff processing, a PRO service handles the ICP steps for you and avoids costly errors.
What is ICP Smart Services UAE?
ICP Smart Services UAE is the official digital platform of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, used to apply for and manage entry permits, residency visas, Emirates ID and related federal services. It is available as a website (icp.gov.ae) and as the "UAE ICP" mobile app for iOS and Android.
If you have heard the term "ICA Smart Services," that is the same platform under its previous name. The authority merged and rebranded, but the service catalogue remains familiar to anyone who has processed a UAE visa or Emirates ID before. Today, ICP handles the federal-level tasks that used to be split across the old ICA and GDRFA systems — though Dubai residence transactions often still route through GDRFA as well.
The platform matters to newcomers because almost every UAE relocation touches it: your entry permit, your residence visa, your Emirates ID and your family's status all pass through ICP at some stage.
What services does ICP Smart Services offer?
ICP Smart Services covers the full life cycle of identity and residency documents — entry permits, visa issuance and renewal, Emirates ID, status inquiries, fine payments and Golden Visa applications. Below are the most-used services grouped by purpose.
Entry and residence
- Tourist and visit entry permits (single and multiple entry)
- New residence visa issuance and renewal
- Entry permit to change status without exiting the country
- Cancellation of residence visas
Identity
- New Emirates ID applications
- Emirates ID renewal and replacement of lost or damaged cards
- Emirates ID status tracking
Inquiries and payments
- Visa validity and status inquiry
- Overstay and residency fine checks and payment
- Establishment (company) file inquiries
Long-term residency
- Golden Visa applications and nomination checks
- Green Visa and other long-term categories
For anyone moving to the UAE to start a company, the entry-permit and residence-visa services are the ones you will meet first. If you are unsure which visa route fits your plans, our visa services page breaks down investor, employment, family and Golden Visa options.
How do I check my visa status on ICP Smart Services?
You can check your UAE visa status on ICP Smart Services in under two minutes by entering your passport or Unified ID number in the "Passport Information" or "File Validity" inquiry tool — no login is required for a basic status check. Follow these steps:
- Go to icp.gov.ae or open the UAE ICP app.
- Select Public Services or Services, then choose Inquiry / Passport Information Service.
- Choose your search type — usually Residency and by Passport Information or Unified Number.
- Enter your passport number, nationality and date of birth (or your file/Unified number).
- Complete the verification captcha and submit.
- Review your visa type, issue and expiry dates on screen.
If your details do not appear, it usually means your visa is still processing or the file number was mistyped. Double-check your passport number against your entry-permit document before contacting support.
How do I track my Emirates ID?
To track your Emirates ID, use the "Emirates ID Status" service on the ICP portal or app and enter your application (PRAN) number or Emirates ID number — the system shows whether your card is under process, printed or delivered. The Emirates ID is your primary national identity card, required for opening bank accounts, signing tenancy contracts and accessing most government services.
Once your card status reads "Card is printed and handed over to the courier," you can follow the Emirates Post tracking number to your delivery address. Renewals should be started before expiry to avoid daily late fees, which typically run around AED 20 per day up to a capped amount.
ICP Smart Services fees in 2026
ICP service fees vary by transaction: browsing and status checks are free, while entry permits, visa renewals and Emirates ID cards carry government charges plus a small e-service fee. The table below gives realistic 2026 AED ranges. Always confirm the live total in the portal before paying, as figures are periodically updated.
| Service | Typical government + service fee (AED) |
|---|---|
| Visa / file status inquiry | Free |
| Tourist entry permit (30-day) | 300 – 500 |
| Long-term visit entry permit (60/90-day) | 700 – 1,150 |
| Residence visa issuance (per year) | 500 – 1,000 |
| Residence visa renewal (per year) | 500 – 1,000 |
| Emirates ID (2-year, per year) | 170 – 390 |
| Emirates ID replacement (lost/damaged) | 300 – 450 |
| Overstay fine (per day) | ~50 |
| Change of status (in-country) | 500 – 700 |
These are ICP's federal charges only. Medical testing, typing centre fees and, for employment visas, MOHRE labour-side costs are separate. If you are budgeting a full company-and-visa setup rather than a single transaction, our cost calculator gives a combined estimate.
How to register and use the ICP Smart Services portal
Registering takes a few minutes and requires a valid email, UAE mobile number and either your Emirates ID or passport details; once verified you can save applications and reuse your data. Here is the process:
- Open icp.gov.ae or download the UAE ICP app.
- Click Register / Create Account and choose UAE Pass login (recommended) or manual sign-up.
- Enter your email, mobile number and identity details.
- Verify via the OTP code sent to your phone and email.
- Log in and select the service you need from the dashboard.
- Upload documents, pay online by card, and save your reference number.
Using UAE Pass — the national digital identity — is the smoothest route, as it pre-fills your details and lets you sign applications digitally.
Documents checklist
Have these ready before you start a residence or entry-permit application:
- Valid passport (usually with 6+ months validity) — clear colour scan
- Recent passport-size photo on a white background, meeting ICP specifications
- Existing Emirates ID or entry-permit number (for renewals or status changes)
- Sponsor details or establishment (company) card number, for work and family visas
- Medical fitness certificate reference (for residence issuance)
- Payment card for online fees
ICP vs GDRFA: which portal do I use?
Use ICP Smart Services for federal identity and residency tasks nationwide, and GDRFA for Dubai-specific residence transactions — many Dubai visas can be processed through either, so check which one your sponsor's file sits under. In the Northern Emirates, Abu Dhabi and most freezones, ICP is the standard channel. In Dubai, employment and family visas are often handled through GDRFA, especially for mainland companies.
If this feels confusing, it usually is — which is why most companies delegate visa processing entirely. Our PRO services team manages ICP and GDRFA submissions for staff and dependents, reducing the risk of rejected applications and repeat fees. For the linked labour-side steps, our MOHRE enquiry services guide explains where the two systems connect.
FAQ
What is ICP Smart Services UAE used for?
ICP Smart Services is used to apply for and manage UAE entry permits, residence visas, Emirates ID cards and related inquiries. Residents use it to check visa status, renew residency, pay overstay fines and apply for Golden Visas, while businesses use it to process staff and family visas through their company file.
Is ICA Smart Services the same as ICP Smart Services?
Yes, ICA Smart Services and ICP Smart Services are the same platform. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security rebranded the service, so older links and search results may still say "ICA," but you should now use icp.gov.ae or the UAE ICP app for all federal identity and residency transactions.
How much does it cost to renew a UAE residence visa on ICP?
Renewing a UAE residence visa through ICP typically costs between AED 500 and AED 1,000 in government and service fees per year, plus separate charges for the medical fitness test and Emirates ID renewal. Total renewal budgets, including all steps, usually land between AED 1,000 and AED 2,000 per person depending on visa type.
Can I check my Emirates ID status without logging in?
Yes, you can check your Emirates ID status without a full account by using the "Emirates ID Status" tool on the ICP portal or app and entering your application (PRAN) or Emirates ID number. The system shows whether the card is under process, printed or dispatched via Emirates Post for delivery.
How do I pay a visa overstay fine on ICP Smart Services?
To pay an overstay fine, open the fines or violations inquiry service on the ICP portal, enter your passport or Unified ID number to view the amount, then pay online by card. Fines are roughly AED 50 per day, so settle them promptly before renewing or cancelling a visa.
Do I need ICP Smart Services to set up a company in the UAE?
You will use ICP Smart Services indirectly when setting up a UAE company, because your investor or employment visa and Emirates ID are issued through it after your trade licence. Most entrepreneurs let their setup consultant handle these ICP steps as part of a combined mainland or freezone package.
Processing UAE visas and Emirates IDs through ICP is straightforward once you know the steps — but small errors on entry permits or status changes cost time and repeat fees. If you would rather have it handled correctly the first time, DBM's PRO and visa teams process it all for you. Contact us for a free consultation or message us on WhatsApp at +971 50 504 6228 — 10+ years of experience, 1,000+ companies formed, and a 5.0-star rating from 120+ clients.