ICP Smart Services in UAE

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA) is a UAE government entity responsible for managing identity, citizenship, customs, and population registry and ensuring data security. Established in 2004 as the Emirates Identity Authority, its role expanded in 2017 to encompass citizenship, passports, and immigration services. ICP smart services, an ICA initiative, provides government services online for people, including visa applications, residency renewals, and Emirates ID card services. This guide gives you detailed information on ICP Smart Services, its benefits, uses, the services offered, and the registration and visa application process. 

What is ICP Smart Services in UAE?

ICP Smart Services is an innovative platform provided by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICA) in the UAE. It offers various online services designed to simplify and streamline various administrative processes related to identity, citizenship, customs, and port security. These services include applications for Emirates ID cards, passport renewals, visa services, residency permits, and updates to personal information. ICP Smart Services aim to enhance convenience and efficiency for users by allowing them to complete these tasks digitally, reducing the need for in-person visits to government offices.

Benefits of ICP Smart Services

The following are some major benefits of ICP Smart Services, 

• Convenience: ICP Smart Services users can access government services online easily, eliminating the need for in-person visits to government offices.
• Efficiency: Streamlined processes reduce the time and effort required to complete tasks such as applying for or renewing Emirates ID cards, passports, and visas.
• User-Friendly: The platform is designed as an easy navigation process, making it accessible for all users, regardless of their technical proficiency.
• Visa Status Check: Users can track their visa application status and requests, enhancing transparency and reducing uncertainty.  This means you can stay informed about the progress of your request and anticipate when you can expect a response or outcome.
• Security: Robust security measures protect personal data, maintaining user privacy and confidentiality.

How to Use ICP Smart Services in UAE?

To utilise ICP Smart Services in the UAE, you have two convenient options:

1. Visit the Official Website: Access the ICP Smart Services website through your preferred web browser. The website is designed to provide a user-friendly experience, allowing you to explore the various services offered.
2. Download the Mobile App: Download the ICP Smart Services mobile app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. The app offers a similar interface to the website, providing easy access to your needed services.

Once you've chosen your preferred method, you can navigate through the categorised list of services. Whether you're looking for information on Emirates ID, visas, passports, or other government services, the website or app will guide you through the process.

To initiate an application or request a service, you'll typically need to provide the following information:

• Eligibility Criteria
• Documents required
• Processing time
• Fees

Many ICP Smart Services allow you to initiate your application online. This typically involves filling out an online form, uploading scanned copies of your documents, and making any required payments. The website or app will guide you through each step of the process. This is a quick way to apply for the preferred services. 

What services are offered by ICP Smart Services?

The ICP Smart Services portal provides services for different categories of individuals. Here are those smart services:

1. For UAE Citizens

• Emirates ID Services: UAE citizens can easily apply for new Emirates IDs, renew existing ones, and request replacements for lost or damaged IDs through the platform.
• Passport Services: The platform facilitates passport applications, renewals, and the reporting of lost or stolen passports.
• Family Book Management: UAE citizens can update their family information, add or remove dependents, and request family book printouts as needed.
• Sponsored Individuals Management: Manage Emirates ID and visa applications for individuals sponsored by UAE citizens, simplifying processes for family members or other dependents.

2. For UAE Residents

• Visa Application Services: Residents can apply for various visa types, including tourist, work, and residence visas, directly through the platform.
• Visa Renewal: The platform allows residents to renew their visas seamlessly before they expire.
• Emirates ID Services: UAE residents can also apply for new Emirates IDs or renew existing ones as required.
• Change of Status: Residents can apply to change their visa status within the UAE, for instance, converting from a tourist to a resident visa.

3. For GCC Citizens and Residents

• Sponsored Individuals Management: This service is available for GCC citizens and residents who sponsor individuals in the UAE. It allows them to manage Emirates ID services for their sponsored individuals, regardless of their GCC nationality.

4. For Visitors

• Foreign visitors can conveniently apply for entry visas to the UAE through the platform. Additionally, the portal enables visa management after the issuance of a visa.

Who can register in the ICP Smart Services?

The ICP Smart Services UAE platform is designed for various individuals and entities. The following categories can register and use the platform:

• Establishments: Businesses and organisations operating within the UAE can use the platform for various services.
• Typing Centers: Entities providing typing services can use the platform for specific services.
• UAE Citizens: Citizens of the United Arab Emirates can access various services related to identity, citizenship, and passports.
• GCC Citizens: Citizens from Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries can also use the platform for specific services.
• UAE Residents: Residents of the United Arab Emirates, including those under corporate or individual sponsorship, can access various services through the platform.
• Individuals Under Sponsorship: Individuals sponsored by UAE citizens or entities can use the platform for specific services.

How to do ICP Smart Services Registration?

There are two ways to register for ICP Smart Services: using UAE Pass and using User Credentials. Below, we have detail out both registration methods,

1. Creating a New Account Using UAE Pass

To create a new ICP smart services account using UAE PASS, follow these steps:

1. Open the ICP Smart Services: Access the ICP Smart Services platform of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
2. Select Registration Type: From the login screen, choose "Individuals Registration," "Establishments Registration," or "Typing Centers Registration," depending on your category.
3. Redirect to Registration Screen: The system will redirect you to the "Register Individuals Service" screen. Click on "Sign up with UAE PASS".
4. Download the UAE PASS App: You will be redirected to the "Create a New UAE PASS account" screen. Download the UAE PASS app compatible with your operating platform.
5. Complete the Registration: Follow the steps within the UAE PASS app to complete the account creation process.

Once your UAE PASS account is created and verified, you can access various services on the Smart Services platform.

2. Creating a New Account Using User Credentials

In the following, you can find how to create a new account using user credentials for three different registration types: Individuals, Establishments, and Typing Centers.

Individual Registration

To create a new individual account on the ICP Smart Services platform, follow these steps:

1. Open the Smart Services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
2. From the login screen, press on "Individuals Registration".
3. The system will redirect the user to "Register - Individuals Services", enter the email address that will be used in the registration process.
4. Press on "reCAPTCHA", which is a security test to confirm the validity and that the user is not a harmful software or a robot, then press on "Continue".
5. In your entered email, you will receive a confirmation message so that you can complete the registration process through the link attached to the message, press on the "Complete Registration" link to go to the next step.
6. The user will get the confirmation message; press "Confirm" to continue the process.
7. The system will redirect the user to the "Register" screen, press on "Yes" in case you have a UAE identity.
8. The system will redirect the user to the "Register" screen, which contains three steps to complete the process successfully.
9. Enter the Emirates ID in the required field, then press "Next" to move on to the next step.
10. The system will move the user to the "Verification" step, select the verification type for the registration process, and then enter the required data.
11. Press on "Next" to move on to the next step.
12. The system will move the user to the "Registration" step and enter the data in the required fields.
13. Press on "reCAPTCHA" which is a security test to confirm the validity and that the user is not a harmful software or a robot, then press on "Register", to complete the process.

Establishments Registration

To create a new account for an establishment on the ICP Smart Services platform, follow these steps:

1. Open the Smart Services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
2. Press on "Establishments Registration".
3. The system will redirect the user to the "Register - Establishments Services" screen, where the user's email address will be entered.
4. Press on "reCAPTCHA", which is a security test to confirm the validity and that the user is not a harmful software or a robot.
5. The system will send a confirmation message to the email provided in the last step; the user can press "Complete Registration Process" to be redirected to the next step.
6. A pop-up "Confirmation Message" will appear, instructing the user not to share any personal data. Press on "Confirm".
7. The system will redirect the user to the "Establishment Registration" screen, where the establishment information is entered in the required fields, and then the mobile number is selected.
8. Enter the OTP code in the required field.
9. Press on "Next" to move on to the next step.
10. The system will redirect the user to the "Establishment Information" screen, where the information will be entered in the required fields.
11. Press on "reCAPTCHA", which is a security test to confirm the validity and that the user is not a harmful software or a robot, then press on "Register" to complete the process.

Note: Typing Centers are also eligible for ICP Smart Services Registration. It involves creating an account on the ICP Smart Services platform to provide naturalization, visa, and residence services, requiring multiple steps, including email verification, establishment registration, and providing detailed information.

How to Login to the ICP Smart Services System?

Users can access the Smart Services of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security through three different methods:

1. Login Using the UAE Pass

• Navigate to the ICP Smart Services portal.
• Click the "Login with UAE Pass" option on the login screen.
• You will be redirected to the "Login to UAE Pass".
• Enter your Emirates ID and then press "Login" to access your account.
• You will see the "Access Request" screen, then open the UAE PASS application on your mobile and click "Allow Access" to log in

2. Login Using User Credentials

• Visit the ICP Smart Services portal.
• The Login Screen will appear.
• Enter your registered "username" and "password".
• Complete the reCAPTCHA for security test to verify a user is not a harmful software or robot.
• Click "Login" to access your account.

3. Login Using QR Code

• Access the ICP Smart Services portal.
• Click the "Login by QR Code" option on the login screen.
• You will get the QR Code, open the ICP mobile application, go to the User Profile and click "Log in by QR Code".
• Scan the displayed QR code.
• Upon successful scanning, you will be logged in to the ICP Smart Services platform.

How to apply for a Visa through ICP Smart Services?

To apply for a visa through ICP Smart Services, follow these steps:

1. Access the ICP Smart Services Platform: Visit the official ICP Smart Services website or launch the mobile app on your device.
2. Locate the Visa Services Section: Look for the "Visa Services" section or a similar option from the main menu or dashboard.
3. Choose Your Visa Type: Select the specific type of visa you're applying for. Common options include tourist visas, work visas, and residence visas.
4. Check Eligibility: If available, use the eligibility checker tool to confirm that you meet your chosen visa type requirements.
5. Fill Out the Application Form: Provide accurate information in the required fields, including your full name, nationality, passport details, and current residency status (if applicable).
6. Include Sponsor Details (if necessary): For visas that require a sponsor, enter the sponsor's information accurately in the designated sections.
7. Upload Supporting Documents: Scan or take clear photos of the necessary documents, such as your passport bio-page, passport-sized photograph, travel itinerary, and any other documents specified for the visa type.
8. Pay Government Fees: The system will display the associated government fees for your visa application. Pay these fees using the available, secure online payment methods.
9. Submit Your Application: Once you've reviewed and confirmed all information, paid the fees, and uploaded the required documents, submit your visa application electronically.

How to Apply for an ICP Golden Visa?

ICP helps you to apply for the UAE Golden Visa electronically. The UAE Golden Visa is a long-term residency visa with a validity of 10 years. This visa offers significant benefits, like working and living in UAE without a local sponsor, sponsoring your family members, and possessing 100% business ownership. 

Who can apply for an ICP Golden Visa?

The eligibility criteria for a Golden Visa can be checked through the ICP Smart Services website itself. However, it is typically applied to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, graduates, outstanding students, humanitarian pioneers and frontline heroes. 

Steps to Apply through ICP Smart Services

1. Visit the ICA website: Go to the official ICP Smart Services website.
2. Access ICP Smart Services: Look for the "Services" section and select "eChannels Residency & Citizenship."
3. Check your eligibility: Review the eligibility criteria for the Golden Visa program and confirm if you meet the requirements based on your specific category (investment, entrepreneurship, exceptional talents, or real estate).
4. Initiate the application process: Once you've verified your eligibility, start the online application through ICP Smart Services. You'll be guided through the process, including uploading necessary documents and paying fees.

How to Track the Visa application status & validity on the ICP Portal?

To track the status and validity of your visa application on the ICP Smart Services Portal, follow these steps:

1. Open ICP's Official Website: Visit the official website of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security.
2. Click on Public Services: On the homepage, select the "Public Services" option.
3. Find Application Tracking: On the right side of the page, click on the "Application Tracking" button.
4. Enter the Details: Provide your email and request number in the designated field. And check the reCAPTCHA box.
5. View Status: Click on the "Search" button to see your Visa application status.

Conclusion

The ICP Smart Services platform has significantly streamlined various administrative processes related to identity, citizenship, customs, and port security in the UAE. By offering a user-friendly online platform, ICP has enhanced convenience, efficiency, and security for citizens, residents, and visitors alike. The platform's comprehensive services, including passport renewals, visa applications, and Emirates ID-related services, have contributed to a more efficient and transparent government service system.