ICP Smart Services is the online portal of the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) at smartservices.icp.gov.ae, also available in the UAEICP app. You log in with UAE PASS to apply for, renew or update your Emirates ID, residency and entry permits, track applications and pay fines, while some public services such as file validity and ID card status work without logging in.
Do this next to use ICP Smart Services
- Set up and verify UAE PASS with your Emirates ID before you try to log in.
- Check which authority owns your file: Dubai-issued visas are handled by GDRFA Dubai, not ICP.
- Scan your documents (passport, photo, Emirates ID, sponsor papers) as clear colour files before starting.
- Keep the application number from the payment receipt to track progress.
What is ICP Smart Services?
ICP was previously called the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA), which is why many people still search for ICA Smart Services. It is the federal authority responsible for identity, citizenship, residency, customs and port security. Its smart services portal moved most of its counter services online, so residents and companies can complete Emirates ID, residency and visa transactions without visiting a centre. ICP serves Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah for visas and residency, and handles Emirates ID for the whole country, including Dubai.
The portal sorts services by who is applying: individuals, establishments (companies) and public services that anyone can use. ICP has also published guides to its long-term residency schemes, the Golden (often called the Golden Visa), Green and Blue residence permits. The portal works in Arabic and English, and GCC nationals living in the UAE also apply for their identity cards through it.
How to log in to ICP Smart Services
- Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae or open the UAEICP app from the App Store or Google Play.
- Choose Login and select UAE PASS.
- Enter your Emirates ID number, email or phone linked to UAE PASS.
- Approve the login request in the UAE PASS app with your PIN or biometrics.
- You land on your dashboard, where your files, applications and services are listed.
UAE PASS must be a verified account. If yours is basic or unverified, complete face verification in the UAE PASS app or visit a UAE PASS kiosk with your Emirates ID. Companies log in through the establishment account linked to their establishment card.
Main services on ICP Smart Services
| Category | Services | Login needed |
|---|---|---|
| Emirates ID | New identity card issuance, renewal, replacement of a lost or damaged card, data update, ID card status | Yes (status check works as a guest) |
| Residency | Issuing a residency permit, renewal, cancellation, family and dependant residency | Yes |
| Visas and entry permits | Issuance of a visa or entry permit, visit visa extensions for visitors, change of status, family visa services | Yes |
| Long-term residence | Golden, Green and Blue residence services and guides | Yes |
| Establishments | Establishment card issuance, renewal and amendment; sponsoring staff | Company account |
| Fines | Checking and paying overstay and other ICP fines | Usually yes |
| Public services | File validity, application tracking, ID card status | No |
| UAE nationals | Passport issuance and renewal, family book services | Yes |
The most used guest services are File Validity, which confirms whether a visa or residency is valid, and Application Tracking for an application still in progress. For Emirates ID, see our step-by-step Emirates ID status check and Emirates ID delivery tracking guides.
How to apply for a service on ICP Smart Services
- Log in with UAE PASS and choose the right category, such as Individual Services or Establishment Services.
- Select the service, for example Identity Card Renewal or Issuing Residency Permit.
- Choose the person the application is for. Sponsors can apply for their family members on their own account.
- Fill in the form. Much of it is pre-filled from ICP records; check every field against the passport.
- Upload the required documents, usually the passport copy, a recent photo meeting ICP’s photo rules and any sponsor documents.
- Review the fees and pay online by card. Keep the receipt with the application number.
- Track progress in the dashboard or with Application Tracking, and respond quickly if ICP asks for changes.
Fees depend on the service and the validity requested, and include ICP’s government fee plus service charges. The total is always shown before you pay.
ICP or GDRFA: which one do you need?
| Your situation | Use |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID for any emirate, including Dubai | ICP |
| Residency or visa sponsored in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah or Fujairah | ICP |
| Residency or visa sponsored in Dubai | GDRFA Dubai (gdrfad.gov.ae, Amer centres) |
| Checking a Dubai visa’s validity | GDRFA Dubai |
| Checking a visa from another emirate | ICP File Validity |
A Dubai resident usually uses ICP for the identity card and GDRFA for visas. Filing a Dubai-sponsored renewal on ICP, or the opposite, is the most common mistake and leads to “no record found” or rejected applications.
The UAEICP app
The UAEICP mobile app offers the same services as the website on iPhone and Android. You can sign in with UAE PASS, apply and pay, follow applications, receive notifications and keep a digital copy of your Emirates ID details. For quick tasks like renewing your own Emirates ID or checking an application, the app is usually the fastest route.
How to contact ICP
- Call centre: 600 522222 inside the UAE, +971 600 522222 from abroad.
- Tawasul: 171 and the 171.ae platform for enquiries, suggestions and complaints.
- Online: the Support Agent live chat and the virtual assistant Hamad on ICP’s website, plus the Inquiries and Complaints Platform.
- In person: ICP Customer Happiness Centres, or an approved typing centre if you want help preparing and submitting an application.
Common ICP Smart Services problems and fixes
| Problem | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Cannot log in | UAE PASS not verified | Verify UAE PASS with face verification or at a kiosk |
| File not found | Visa belongs to GDRFA Dubai or details mistyped | Check the issuing emirate and retype passport details |
| Application returned | Missing or unclear document, photo not compliant | Upload the corrected document and resubmit |
| Payment failed | Card declined or session expired | Retry with another card; check the dashboard before paying twice |
| Emirates ID still not delivered | Card printed but not yet shipped | Track delivery and confirm your address and mobile number |
| Fine shown on the file | Late renewal or overstay | Check and pay the fine before the new application |
If a late renewal created a fine, see our Emirates ID fine check and UAE overstay fine check. If your mobile number on file is wrong, OTPs will not arrive; fix it with our guide on changing the mobile number in Emirates ID.
Tips for a smooth ICP application
- Apply for renewals early. Emirates ID and residency renewals can be submitted before expiry, which avoids late fines.
- Use a recent passport-style photo with a plain white background; photo problems are a frequent reason for returned applications.
- Keep your passport, Emirates ID and residency details consistent; renew an expiring passport before renewing residency.
- Save every receipt and application number in one folder.
- Learn your key numbers: our guides explain the residence visa number and the EIDA number.
Official sources: ICP Smart Services and the ICP services page.
What is ICP Smart Services?
It is the online portal and UAEICP app of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, used to apply for Emirates ID, residency, visas and other ICP services and to track and pay for them.
How do I log in to ICP Smart Services?
Go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae or open the UAEICP app, choose UAE PASS and approve the login request in the UAE PASS app. Your UAE PASS account must be verified.
Do I need UAE PASS for ICP Smart Services?
Yes, for applications and payments. Some public services, such as file validity, application tracking and ID card status, can be used without logging in.
Can Dubai residents use ICP Smart Services?
Yes, for Emirates ID services. Dubai-sponsored visas and residency are handled by GDRFA Dubai, so use GDRFA or an Amer centre for those.
What is the ICP Smart Services contact number?
Call 600 522222 inside the UAE or +971 600 522222 from abroad. You can also use 171, the Tawasul platform, or the live chat on ICP’s website.
How do I check my visa status on ICP Smart Services?
Open Public Services, choose File Validity, search by passport details, file number or Unified Number, complete the captcha and view the result.
Is there an ICP app?
Yes. The UAEICP app on iPhone and Android offers the same services as the website and lets you sign in with UAE PASS.
How do I pay ICP fees?
Fees are paid online by card at the end of each application. The total, including government fees and service charges, is shown before you pay.
This guide is part of our UAE Visa and Emirates ID Guide.
Author: The DubaiHowto Editorial Team
DubaiHowto is an independent informational platform created to help UAE residents and visitors understand everyday services such as public transport, telecom, government procedures, visas, fines, and utility systems.
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Last reviewed: February 2026. Sources: Official UAE portals and service providers