ICP
Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
Definition
Federal authority that issues Emirates IDs and processes visas outside Dubai. Best Solution is recognised as ICP-authorised for these submissions.
Also known as
- ICA (former name)
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security
- ICP
Attributes
| Type | Government Organization |
|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | United Arab Emirates |
| Headquartered | Abu Dhabi |
| Governing authority | Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security |
| Founded | 2007 |
| Applicable law | UAE Federal Law |
| ISO country code | AE |
| Reports to | Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation |
What it is
ICP is the UAE's federal authority covering identity, citizenship, customs, and port security — the federal counterpart to Dubai's GDRFA. It issues Emirates IDs nationwide, processes residency visas in the six emirates outside Dubai, and runs federal-level immigration policy. Established by Federal Decree-Law No. 21 of 2022 (consolidating the former ICA and Federal Authority for Customs).
Key channels: the ICP smart services portal, ICP service centres in each emirate, and the UAE ICP mobile app. Best Solution is ICP-authorised for visa and Emirates ID submissions.
Key characteristics
- Type
- UAE federal authority
- Mandate
- Identity, Emirates ID, residency (outside Dubai), customs, port security
- Counterpart
- GDRFA (Dubai immigration)
- Channels
- ICP smart services, service centres, mobile app
How it works
The ICP visa application process typically involves the following steps: 1. **Visa Type Selection:** Determine the appropriate visa type based on the applicant's purpose (e.g., employment, family, investment). 2. **Document Submission:** Gather the required documents, which may include passports, employment contracts, financial statements, and other supporting materials. 3. **Application Submission:** Submit the application form and supporting documents to ICP. 4. **Biometrics Collection:** Applicants may be required to provide biometric data, such as fingerprints and photographs. 5. **Visa Processing:** ICP reviews the application and processes the visa. Processing times vary depending on the visa type. 6. **Visa Issuance:** Upon approval, the visa is issued, typically stamped in the passport.
Types of ICP
| Type | Description | When it applies |
|---|---|---|
| Visa | ICP manages various types of visas for different purposes. | Applicable to individuals seeking to live and work in the UAE. |
| Emirates ID | The national identity card for UAE residents. | Required for all residents of the UAE. |
Examples
For example, a UAE-based company seeking to hire a foreign national would apply for an Employment Visa through ICP. A family member of a UAE resident wishing to join them would apply for a Family Visa. Individuals investing in the UAE may apply for an Investment Visa, which is often linked to a Golden Visa program. Best Solution assists clients with all aspects of ICP visa applications, ensuring compliance with UAE regulations.
Why it matters
If your residency or Emirates ID involves any emirate other than Dubai, ICP is the authority. Knowing whether you're in GDRFA's or ICP's lane saves time and routing errors at submission.
Common misconceptions
Misconception
ICP only handles visas for residents.
Reality
ICP also manages the issuance of Emirates IDs, which are for all residents.
FAQs
- Where do I get my Emirates ID — GDRFA or ICP?
- Emirates ID is always issued by ICP regardless of emirate. GDRFA handles Dubai residency visas; ICP handles Emirates ID issuance and residency in the other six emirates. Practical impact: even Dubai residents go to ICP for Emirates ID renewal.
See also
- GDRFA(General Directorate of Residency & Foreigners Affairs)
- Emirates ID
- UAE Residency Visa
For better understanding, see also
- UAE Golden Visa: Your Long-Term Dubai Residency Awaits(post)
- How to Set Up a Subsidiary Company in UAE(post)
- How to Start a Business in Dubai: Everything You Need to Know(post)
- Dubai Property Investor Visa: New Rules Explained(news)
- UAE Golden Visa Eligibility: Your Gateway to Long-Term Residency(news)
- UAE Introduces New Visit Visa Categories & Updates Entry Permit Rule(news)
- UAE Visa for Pakistanis 2025: Latest Updates & How to Apply(news)
- UAE Passport & Emirates ID Renewal Made Easy | Apply Online(news)
- UAE Visa Updates 2025: New Rules for Dubai Entry & Residency(news)
- UAE’s New Visit Visa Categories and Entry Permit Rule: A Guide for 2025(news)
- UAE Introduces One-Step Renewal for Passport & Emirates ID(news)
- 8 Types of Business Visa in Dubai: Benefits and Eligibility Needed(post)
- UAE Golden Visa for Investors & Entrepreneurs – Your Gateway to Long-Term Residency in 2025(post)
