The United Arab Emirates is a country of opportunity and wonder that draws inhabitants and tourists from all over the world. Understanding the nuances of living in the UAE, however, may be difficult, especially given the visa procedure and local norms and regulations. This is where the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) steps in, and its range of ICA Smart Services in the UAE becomes your indispensable travel companion.
The ICA Smart Services, also known as ICP Smart Services, intends to improve the efficiency and use of a variety of services, including the issuance of passports, visas, and resident permits.
As the UAE evolves, so do its immigration and residence restrictions. With Expo 2020 Dubai still fresh in our minds and new innovations like as the Golden Visa program drawing even more global citizens, keeping up to speed on the latest ICA processes is essential.
As a result, we’ll guide you through all you need to know to use ICA Smart Services in Dubai or UAE like a pro in 2024, saving you time, energy, and maybe even some grey hairs.
What is ICA, and what are its responsibilities?
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) is the key government institution in charge of immigration, citizenship, and identity management in the UAE. Essentially, it serves as the gatekeeper to your Emirati experience.
From visas and Emirates IDs to residence permits and travel authorizations, the ICA has you covered.
Below are some of the responsibilities:
Managing identification and paperwork for all residents and citizens, including the issuance and renewal of Emirates IDs, passports, and residence permits.
Immigration and border control: The ICA regulates entrance and departure into the UAE, as well as the issuance and processing of visa applications.
Maintaining national security: The agency contributes to national security by guaranteeing accurate identification and monitoring of persons inside the country.
The ICA’s services are essential for residents, travellers, and enterprises in the UAE for various reasons:
The advent of ICA Smart Services has transformed the way citizens engage with the government. They may now access a variety of services online, saving time and effort over conventional in-person approaches.
The ICA guarantees the legality and authenticity of identity cards and travel permits, therefore promoting national security and combatting fraud.
Streamlined immigration procedures attract and retain competent professionals, promoting corporate development in the UAE.
Residents and visitors benefit from speedier visa processing, smoother border crossings, and more convenient access to government services.
ICA Smart Services
ICA Smart Services is a digital platform created by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). It serves as a one-stop shop for residents, travellers, and companies seeking immigration, identification, and citizenship services.
Gone are the days of lengthy lines and paper forms; ICA Smart Services in the UAE provide a simple, efficient, and user-friendly platform for managing your immigration and identification requirements from the convenience of your smartphone or laptop.
ICA Smart Services offers some of the most popular services, including:
- Applying and renewing visas
- Renewing Your Emirates ID
- Reporting a Lost Passport
- Change your address.
- Applying for Golden Residency
- Checking your Visa Status
- Schedule appointments at ICA service centres.
And much more.
What Can You Do with ICA Smart Services?
1. Residents may apply for and renew Emirates IDs, passports, and residence visas.
- Update personal information, such as your address or marital status.
- Report any missing or damaged papers.
- Apply for Golden Residency Programmes.
- Check your visa and permission status.
- Keep track of the application’s progress.
- Pay your fees and penalties securely.
2. For Passengers:
- Apply for visas upon arrival and pre-visa applications.
- Register for e-gates to expedite airport clearance.
- Extend your travel permissions.
- Get flight information and updates.
- Pre-register for health clearance.
For Businesses
- Apply and renew labour cards for workers.
- Process employee visas.
- Apply for firm registration and licencing.
- Extend the validity of business licences.
- Manage staff visa statuses.
Advantages of Using ICA Smart Services.
Here are just a handful of the numerous advantages of utilising ICA Smart Services in Dubai and UAE:
1. Save time and effort.
With ICA Smart Services, you can do most chores from the convenience of your own home or workplace, at any time of day or night. So no more racing to make closing hours or taking time off for appointments. Simply log in to the platform, complete your transactions, and return to your day.
2. 24/7 accessibility
Life does not stop for paperwork, nor does ICA Smart Services. The platform is available around the clock, every day of the year, from any location with an internet connection.
3. Reduced paperwork.
ICA Smart Services enables you to submit papers online, avoiding the need for printing, photocopying, and transporting piles of data. This saves you time and money while also benefiting the environment by eliminating paper waste.
4. Faster processing.
No more waiting weeks or months for a response to your application. ICA Smart Services simplifies application processing, typically returning results in days or even hours. You may also monitor the status of your application online.
5. Increased transparency.
ICA Smart Services provides total transparency throughout the application process. You may check the progress of your application, monitor the application costs, and get email and SMS updates.
6. Multilingual Support.
ICA Smart Services recognises that the UAE is a melting pot of cultures and languages. That’s why the site is offered in a variety of languages, including Arabic, English, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam. This guarantees that everyone has access to the services they need, regardless of their language competence.
Who Needs ICP Smart Services in the UAE?
- Residents of the UAE, including citizens and non-citizens, above the age of 18. This enables them to access services like as their Emirates ID, visas, residence permits, family albums, and more.
- Companies must register before submitting applications for labour cards, work visas, company formation, and other business-related services.
- Visitors planned to remain for more than 14 days.
- Frequent visitors to the UAE. Registering your passport information streamlines the visa application procedure for future trips.
- Anyone looking for convenience and efficiency: Even if you don’t require certain services right now, creating an account allows you to use them in the future without having to register again.
How to Sign up for ICA Smart Services in 2024
Whether you are a resident, a regular tourist, or a company in the UAE, registration for ICA Smart Services in Dubai and the UAE allows you to manage immigration and administrative chores more conveniently and efficiently.
Here is how to start:
Step 1: Select your ICA Smart Services registration method.
- Website: Visit the official website, https://beta.smartservices.icp.gov.ae/.
- App: Get the ICA Smart Services app from the App Store or Google Play.
Step 2: Select a language.
Both the website and the app support various languages, including English, Arabic, Hindi, Urdu, and Malayalam. Select your favourite language for a smooth experience.
Step 3: Choose a category.
- Individual: Select this option for residents and non-residents above the age of 18.
- Establishment: Select this option if you want to register a business.
Step 4: Create an account.
- Enter your Emirates ID number or passport number, depending on your status.
- Please include your date of birth and nationality.
- Create and remember a strong password for safe access.
- Fill in any extra information, such as your email address and phone number.
Step 5: Verify Your Identity
Depending on the method you choose, you may need to verify your identity with an OTP (one-time password) provided by SMS or email. Some situations may need the use of an eID card or a visit to a typing centre for verification.
Congratulations, you are now registered! Update your profile information to provide more information for easy access to specialised services.
Is there a registration fee for ICA Smart Services?
There is no ICA smart services registration cost in the UAE. Creating an account and using the platform’s basic functions is absolutely free, regardless of user type (resident, traveller, or company).
However, there may be certain registration costs for enterprises and some services.
You may register on the website or mobile app to learn about different visa, permit, residence, and business management services.
How Can You Track Your Application in ICA Smart Service?
- Launch the ICA Smart Services website or application. Log in using your Emirates ID, passport number, and password.
- Once signed in, go to the “My Applications” area.
- You will see a list of all your submitted applications, organised by service type (visa, ID renewal, etc.). Choose the application you wish to monitor.
- The chosen application will open and show information such as its kind, date filed, and current status.
- You’ll notice words like “in process,” “approved,” “rejected,” or an expected completion date.
- Some programes provide extensive progress monitoring from the same interface.
- You may also notice progress phases such as “Documents received,” “Interview scheduled,” or “Visa issued.”
ICA Smart Services Golden Visa
The Golden Visa is a long-term resident visa for investors, entrepreneurs, and highly talented individuals. It provides a variety of advantages, including the opportunity to live and work in the UAE without requiring a sponsor, the right to own property, and access to high-quality healthcare and education.
When it comes to applying for the Golden Visa in the UAE, ICA Smart Services plays an important part, although its involvement depends on the exact category you’re looking for.
To apply for a Golden Visa with ICA Smart Services, you must satisfy certain qualifying requirements. These requirements differ according on the kind of Golden Visa you are asking for.
However, ICA Smart Services does not handle nominations directly. You must meet the requirements and acquire a nomination from the appropriate authority. Once nominated, ICA Smart Services will serve as your application submission channel. You may log in to the portal using your Emirates ID or passport, submit the relevant papers, and follow the status of your application.
How to check your visa status.
Check your ICA smart services. To check visa status, perform these steps:
- Log into your ICA Smart Services account.
- Look for a section called “My Applications” or “My Visas” on the site.
- If both applications and visas are available, choose the “Visa” option or filter by visa type in the application list.
- A list of your current and previous visas should show. Locate the visa whose status you wish to verify, then click on it.
- You’ll notice terms like “Valid,” “Expired,” “Under review,” and “Cancelled.”
- Some visas may include extensive information such as entrance and leave dates, remaining validity days, and grounds for cancellation (if applicable).
How to apply for a visa extension.
Extending your visa in the UAE with ICA Smart Services is a simple and straightforward procedure. Here’s how you can do it:
Before applying, make sure your visa is eligible for extension.
- Prepare all essential papers for your application, generally includes Emirates ID, passport, and a copy of your current visa
- Locate the “Visa Services” area on the platform.
- Select the “Visa Extension” option and then your exact visa type.
- Follow the on-screen instructions and carefully complete the application form.
- You will be required to pay an application fee.
- After submitting your application, you may follow its progress.
How to Cancel Your Visa Using ICA Smart Services
To cancel your visa in the UAE with ICA Smart Services, complete the procedures below:
- Check eligibility; not all visas are eligible for online cancellation.
- Log in to your ICA Smart Services website or app.
- Locate “Visa Services” and choose “Visa Cancellation”.
- Choose your visa type and follow the steps.
- Provide accurate and comprehensive information.
- Upload all necessary documentation online.
- Monitor the progress of “My Applications.”
Visa cancellation in Dubai utilising ICA Smart Services normally takes 3-5 working days. However, they are subject to vary based on the kind of visa.
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Current and Future Trends and Developments in 2024
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) in the UAE has consistently improved its ICA Smart Services platform, making it a shining example of government innovation.
Here are some current and upcoming trends and events to watch in 2024:
- Use AI techniques to speed up document processing and application assessment.
- Potential combination with wearable technologies to provide seamless identity verification.
- Proactive alerts about expired papers and looming deadlines.
- Collaboration with other nations’ immigration systems to provide easier travel and visa processing.
- Increased use of e-payments and digital wallets for safe and easy fee payments.
- Expanding language choices to accommodate the UAE’s varied population.
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