Either you live there or you have recently arrived in the UAE; it is important that you know how you can track your status regarding your visa or Emirates ID. And here is where ICP UAE can help you, a government portal that makes it easier to manage everything you do with identity, immigration, and residency.
Here is your guide in 2025 where you will learn what ICP UAE is, the way the new ICP UAE platform has swapped the older ICA UAE one, and what digital services it offers to enable you to track your visa and Emirates ID status with comfort.
What Is ICP UAE?
ICP is an abbreviation of the Federal Authority Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security. It is the governing office to conduct all sorts of UAE visas, Emirates identifications, residency permits, authorizations, and personal status changes.
The ICP platform unifies all these services in a single platform– applying, updating, or checking your legal documents in the UAE becomes more accommodating than before. Whether you live here, are an expatriate, or are an employer, this is a fast and reliable means to access immigration services.
ICA UAE vs. ICP UAE: What Changed?
Before ICP, most residents used a system called ICA UAE (Identity and Citizenship Authority). If you’ve been in the UAE for a while, you probably used ICA for visa checks and ID applications. But in recent years, ICA services were fully merged into the new ICP UAE platform.
Now, if you search online for “ICA UAE visa status” or “ICA smart services,” you’ll be redirected to the ICP site. The transition to ICP was made to modernize and unify all identity-related tasks into one federal portal.
So while older blog posts or tutorials may still mention ICA, the official source in 2025 is now ICP UAE.
What Can You Do on the ICP UAE Platform?
The ICP Smart Services portal is a digital hub where residents, tourists, and employers can complete a wide range of tasks. Some of the most commonly used services include
- Checking UAE visa status by passport number
- Tracking Emirates ID application or renewal
- Applying for or cancelling visit and residence visas
- Downloading Emirates ID PDF versions
- Updating residency information or correcting personal details
All services are accessible through desktop or mobile, eliminating the need to visit immigration offices or typing centers in most cases.
How to Check Your UAE Visa Status Online
One of the top reasons people visit the ICP platform is to check their visa status. Here’s how to do it:
Visit the ICP Smart Services portal. Under the File Validity section, choose “Passport Information.” Write your passport number, country of origin, and date of birth. Upon submission, the system will show you your type of visa, date of issue and expiry, as well as information on Emirates ID.
This tool has particular benefit in assisting new residents, families with applicants of dependent visas, or even employers seeking to validate their staff records.
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Downloading Emirates ID in PDF Format
Emirates ID is the most valued document in the UAE. And in most situations, like opening bank accounts, getting a SIM, or using government services, it is equally good to have a digital version.
In order to download it, sign in to the ICP portal or the UAE Pass app. After authenticating, you are allowed to make a request for a PDF copy of your Emirates ID, and this is legally regarded in most institutions.
Benefits of Using ICP UAE
The great advantage of ICP UAE is that it is accessible and time-saving. You do not need to wait in queues at the service centers anymore: you are at liberty to take care of your documents using your phone or your laptop.
The system is Arabic- and English-based and supports both the local and the international user. You also have fewer chances of making a mistake due to verification of real-time data and automatic expiry and renewal deadline alerts.
As an example, you will be informed through the platform that your visa is about to expire so that you can renew it without incurring fines. It also associates the Emirates ID updates with your residency, ensuring that the documents remain synchronized.
Common Errors and How to Solve Them
Sometimes users run into errors—such as “No file found” or incorrect status. This tends to occur either as a result of typing faults or data failure in between your passport and Emirates ID.
Under such circumstances, make sure you recheck your information and reattempt later. In case the problem is unsolvable, you may refer to the ICP customer support or visit a local Amer service center and receive personal assistance.
Such centers are particularly useful in verifying documents, complicated situations, and updates that need biometric information.
How to Update Information on Your Emirates ID or Visa
Sometimes your personal details—like your mobile number, job title, or address—may need to be updated after your initial visa or ID application. ICP UAE allows you to submit these changes easily through its portal.
In order to do so, sign in using your UAE Pass or Emirates ID number, select the service to update personal information, and upload the necessary documents. After you submit the form, your file is normally updated within a few days.
Not only is it important to keep your information updated legally, but you will also get official notification in time of renewing your visa, renewing your Emirates ID or even fines.
Why the ICA to ICP Shift Was Necessary
Many residents wondered why ICA was rebranded and replaced. The main reason was integration and modernization. ICP is included in the Digital transformation strategy of the UAE government to simplify the multiple platforms into one giant platform.
The government avoided redundancies, enhanced security, and turned the process of immigration and IDs much more efficient by unifying ICA and other services with ICP.
In case you still find some pages about ICA online, they could be obsolete, or they could transfer you to the ICP portal. To get the right information without it being outdated, always go to smartservices.icp.gov.ae.
Is ICP UAE Safe and Official?
Indeed, the ICP platform is entirely secure and supported by the UAE federal government. It is the sole official site where you can apply, renew, or inquire about any Emirates IDs. UAE visas, or residency documents (excluding GDRFA services in Dubai).
To access ICP securely, always use the official government domain. If needed, register your account with UAE Pass for faster login and secure digital signatures.
Final Thoughts
The UAE’s move to consolidate ICA into the smarter. Unified ICP UAE platform has significantly improved how residents and visitors manage their identity and visa matters. Whether you need to check your visa, renew your Emirates ID. Fix a small data error—ICP UAE is the first place to go in 2025.
It’s fast, accessible, and saves you the trouble of visiting government centers for routine services. As long as you know when to use ICP, staying legal and organized in the UAE has never been easier.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
What is ICP UAE used for?
ICP UAE handles all Emirates ID, visa services, immigration records, and Customs Security for residents and visitors in the UAE.Is ICP UAE the same as ICA UAE?
Indeed, ICA UAE was replaced by ICP. Both terms represent the same system of government, but ICA UAE is an older term widely in use.Can I check my UAE visa status online?
>>>>>>>>>>>Yes, you can also check your visa status in the ICP Smart Service Portal using your passport number and your nationality.What do I do if the ICP website shows “No Record Found”?
Once again, recheck the information you have typed in. In case of any given problem, do not hesitate to call the support of ICP or go to an Amer center.Is there an ICP UAE app?
>>>>>>>>>Indeed, the ICP mobile application proposes all the services on the site, i.e., Emirates ID tracking, check visas status, and e-messages.