ICA Smart Services is a digital platform used to access the UAE’s immigration and identity services. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) oversees these services. Its online system serves UAE citizens, residents, visitors and registered establishments.
The platform offers services to foreigners applying for a visa, to residence permits, and to order and track Emirates ID applications. The process will differ depending on the service required, the category of applicant, and for visa enquiries, the emirate in which the visa was issued.
ICA Smart Services Login
You can sign in through UAE PASS, and another sign-in is available in the ICP portal. The Services available to use are for users according to their user category: Individual or Establishment.
Log in by visiting the official site, choosing the preferred sign-in method, and providing the necessary information to log in. After logging into your account, you can choose the transaction you want to perform and see if there are already any applications available for that transaction.
Login requirements
An active UAE PASS account and access to the registered authentication method and reference details of the registered application might be required. If you are dealing with a request for a family member or sponsored person, ensure that you are authorised to deal with that transaction.
When you can’t access your account, use the official recovery options. Don’t give your username or password to a service that isn’t official.
Main Services Available
ICA Smart Services handles a number of government transactions. Choices available are determined by category and service needs.
| Service | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID | New applications, renewals, and supported data updates |
| Visa services | Eligible entry permit applications and related transactions |
| Residence permits | Issuance, renewal and other supported residency requests |
| Application tracking | Checking the progress of submitted requests |
| Establishment services | Managing relevant employee and visitor transactions |
These are the main services, and not all transactions are available to all users. Please verify particular service requirements prior to application and payment.
Individual services
Eligible persons and related persons of UAE citizens can avail the UAE identity, visa and residency services. A relevant service is provided for visitors to apply for an Entry Visa and to manage appropriate visas after their issuance.
Establishment services
Relevant employee, visitor, and establishment transactions can be managed by the registered establishments through their account. To register for ICP, an effective commercial licence is needed for the establishment.
UAE Visa Status Check
The right visa inquiry service is determined by the visa holder’s emirate. ICP will process inquiries regarding visas for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. The Dubai-issued visas are processed in the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA Dubai).
Visa status through ICP
To verify a visa from one of the six emirates for which ICP conducts inquiry services:
- Open the ICP Smart Services portal.
- Select the relevant visa inquiry or application-tracking service.
- Enter the information requested.
- Submit the inquiry and review the result.
Use reference information from your visa/your application. Specifics will depend on the service chosen.
Dubai visa status
If the visa was issued by Dubai, then use the appropriate visa status or validity service from GDRFA Dubai. View the correct record by going through the authority of your visa.
If the inquiry returns no result, review the data that was entered and the issuing emirate. If a search is not successful, it does not necessarily mean that the visa is rejected or invalid.
Emirates ID Application Tracking
ICP has an online platform to verify the status of an Emirates ID application. Applicants can submit applications via the application tracking service and/or via their personal accounts.
Track your application online
Start the application-tracking service and the requested reference information. ICP has determined that the application number starting with 010 is a tracking option in the official ICP FAQ describing the procedure.
In the case of a request submitted in your own account, go to My Applications / My Requests, and choose the appropriate application. Check the status and any instructions on the request.
Pending Emirates ID applications
Pending is an application that is not marked as done. Review the request’s details to see if there are any remaining conditions to address.
In the event of uncertainty, please contact ICP using your application reference. Don’t submit a duplicate application because the application has not been completed.
Emirates ID Renewal and Data Updates
ICP provides services for Emirates ID issuance, renewal, and supported data updates. The appropriate transaction will be required based on whether you need a new card, a renewal, a replacement card, or a change of registered information.
Check out service requirements, supporting documents, and applicable fees before applying. If you have already made a request, do not repeat the request, but use the reference number to see how it is progressing.
In case of loss or damage, choose the card replacement option rather than the regular renewal. In the event your card is suddenly not working, ICP suggests that you visit an identity service centre for a check and to determine what is causing the problem.
Residence Permit Services
ICP Smart Services offers access to eligible residence permit transactions, such as issuance and renewal. The process will vary based on the applicant’s category and the type of residency request.
Please read the terms of service, documents, and fees prior to applying. If the request is sent by your employer, sponsor, or authorised representative, specify who is responsible for following up with the request.
Different transactions are Residence permit applications and inquiries about the validity of visas. Choose the right services for the right job to prevent going through the wrong application process.
ICA Smart Services Mobile App
The UAEICP mobile application is another avenue by which ICP can offer its digital services to the UAE. The app provides for eligible government transactions involving identity and residency based on the nature of the transaction and the type of user.
If you don’t see a specific transaction in the app, look in the service catalogue on the website. Get the app from an official ICP channel or a recognised app store listing by the ICP.
Fees and Processing Time
All ICA Smart Services transactions have a single fee. Charges vary according to the service, category of applicant, and any extra charges which may be applicable.
For instance, visa issuance, visa extension and visa cancellation are different services and require different requirements. Look at the service information before paying, not for a different service.
There are also differences in the types of processing times available that will depend on the services. If you have already applied, you should use the tracking facility to check the progress of your application rather than assuming that all applications take the same amount of time to complete.
Common Login and Application Problems
Application not found
Verify the reference number and ensure that you have chosen the right tracking service. If you are enquiring about visas, please check with ICP or GDRFA Dubai as to who has the record.
UAE PASS login failure
Verify that you’ve chosen the desired sign-in and that you can complete the authentication process. If the issue persists, utilize official recovery options or reach out to the appropriate support.
Application status not updated
Open the current request and view details. If the portal does not clarify the status, please reach out to ICP with your reference number, rather than reapplying.
Missing documents or payment issues
Read the selected service’s requirements, eligibility, and payment rules. Documents and fees may vary for applications for Emirates ID, Visa and Residence permit.
ICP Smart Services Contact Details
ICP offers customer service to answer customer questions regarding ICP services and applications. The published information for its contacts is:
- Inside the UAE: 600 522 222
- Outside the UAE: +971 600 522 222
- Email: [email protected]
Please include the app ref in the report and describe the use of the transaction when contacting support. This helps the support team to correlate the request.
For Dubai-issued visa inquiries, the UAE Government lists 800 5111 for callers inside the UAE and +971 4 313 9999 for callers outside the country.
Conclusion
The UAE’s online immigration and identity services are still widely known by the name ICA Smart Services, which are now offered via ICP. Eligible visa applications, residence permits, Emirates ID transactions, and application tracking are supported by the platform.
Select the service you are requesting and the authority that has jurisdiction over your record. If it is not possible to find an application or if the status is unknown, then contact the relevant authority with your application reference.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is ICA Smart Services?
It is the official name of the UAE’s online immigration and identity services provided by ICP.
Is ICA Smart Services now called ICP?
Yes. Today, the federal body is called ICP, but users can look for ICA Smart Services.
How do I check my UAE visa status?
For visas issued by the relevant emirates (outside Dubai), apply to ICP, and for visas issued by the Dubai authorities (GDRFA Dubai), apply to Dubai.
How can I track my Emirates ID application?
Check the application-tracking service or check the request in your ICP account.
Can I renew my Emirates ID online?
Yes. ICP offers a renewal option online to eligible applicants.
Is the UAEICP mobile app official?
Yes. ICP makes the UAEICP application available as a digital service channel.
What is the ICP contact number?
Call 600 522 222 inside the UAE or +971 600 522 222 from outside the country.
Why is my application not showing?
Please review your reference information and chosen service. Repeat steps 1-3 if the issue persists, and reach out to the authority for your application.
