ICA Smart Services Abu Dhabi refers to the online government services offered by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). The website provides users with vital visa, residence, and Emirates ID services online. It can be used to verify visa details, monitor applications, handle requests for residency, and receive an identity card service.

ICA is still often used in searches for these services, but the federal authority is now ICP. ICP is the official platform for any visa- and residency-related issues related to Abu Dhabi. It offers various online services to assist users in carrying out typical immigration and identification transactions with ease. 

What Is ICA Smart Services in Abu Dhabi

ICA Smart Services Abu Dhabi refers to the federal digital services previously under the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA).

In 2021, the authority was reorganized according to the Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2021 to be the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. The official platform, therefore, adopts the ICP name instead of ICA. 

Searching for the older service (ICA) does not take you to the wrong government system, as the service has been renamed. The practical implication of this is that, for federal immigration and identity transactions, the current ICP Smart Services website should be used.

Currently, the official portal offers access to individual services, establishment services, typing-centre services, and public services. Its online service menu features ID Card Status, issuing a new Emirates ID, updates, renewal of ID Cards, issuance of visas and residency permits. 

ICA and ICP: What Changed?

ICA and ICP are sometimes confused: older articles, saved bookmarks, searches, etc. still use the ICA.

The federal body that is responsible for identity, citizenship, and related immigration activities was previously called the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (FPIC). The current authority was defined in Federal Decree-Law No. 14 of 2021, which broadened its authority to cover customs and port security. 

In a nutshell, for a person in Abu Dhabi, the difference is very simple:

• Older names are still searched and found, such as ICA.
• The current Federal Authority is ICP.
• smartservices.icp.gov.ae is the current official Smart Services portal.
• In contrast to Dubai’s GDRFA system, Abu Dhabi visa and residency records are not under the GDRFA system. 

One of the most crucial aspects to verify before beginning an immigration transaction online is this.

Services Available Through the Portal

The present ICP system encompasses much more than just determining the visa status of a person. Services available are dependent on the applicant, type of file, and type of transaction requested.

Visa and Entry Permit Services

ICP provides electronic visa and entry permit services. It is an interactive service directory that contains services like visa issuance, visa data amendment, and visa extension; eligibility; and requirements depending on the service. 

The system is designed for applicants to use for:

• Entry-permit applications
• Visa-related amendments
• Eligible visa extensions
• Visa cancellation services
• Printing or obtaining pertinent electronic documents
• Tracking applications and answering inquiries

Each ICP service card should be consulted for the actual documents and charges, as they vary depending on visa category.

Residency Services

The platform also enables transactions of residency permits. Issuing a residency permit is included in the list of online services provided by the official smart-services platform, and the specific service cards outline who is eligible, the required documents, fees, and the completion process. 

This is especially true for Abu Dhabi residents who are managing federal residence applications, such as those based on work, family sponsorship, and other qualifying residence categories.

Emirates ID Services

ICP is also responsible for federal Emirates ID services. The online system offers various services such as issuing a new ID card, updating information, renewing ID cards, and checking ID card status. 

For instance, the official service information says that if the card is expired or the remaining validity period is within the renewal period, then renewal of the identity card can be done. Eligibility criteria vary for UAE nationals and non-UAE nationals. 

Golden Residency and Other Services

ICP also offers digital services to those eligible in long-term residency categories. Each category of service has its own individual service card which specifies what documents need to be submitted, what fees are required, the conditions of eligibility, and other processing information. 

These requirements are subject to change; please do not use an older blog post or social media checklist as confirmation of current service requirements.

How to Check an Abu Dhabi Visa Status Online

A lot of the common queries regarding visa searches in Abu Dhabi are to confirm the current visa or follow the application.

The UAE government explicitly mentions that those who have a visa granted in Abu Dhabi can use the ICP website to track the visa application and verify the visa’s validity. 

The existing ICP system also offers a Quick Search section for users to search by Request Number, PRAN, or ID Number to ask a question. The search method available to use is dependent upon the type of record being checked. 

According to the authority’s FAQ, users can access the application status in the My Applications / My Requests section of the application even if it was already submitted via an ICP account. Another place for application tracking is identified in the FAQ on the Smart Services website. 

Information You May Need

Prepare the necessary identification or information on the application before initiating an inquiry. This may comprise:

• Application or request number
• PRAN
• Emirates ID number
• Passport information
• Record of residence or file information

Never supply personal information on unofficial sites that appear to be government sites. Submit information about immigration or identities that are sensitive only through the official ICP domain.

How to Access ICP Smart Services

In the current route, smart services in Abu Dhabi are available on the old website of ICA (which has now become ICP digital services), not on a new ICA website.

The official portal has various access options for different people, establishments, and authorized typing centres. Services are available for persons, family members, sponsored persons, and eligible visitors. 

The portal can be used to sign in using UAE Pass for services that require authentication. Another sign-in method is specified on the ICP platform, if provided. 

Not all public inquiries need to go through the same application process as a full application. What method is available depends on the type of service you choose.

ICP Smart Services App

ICP also has a mobile application to access government identity and immigration services.

The authority says its smart application is now available for Android and iOS and will be used for the provision of services relating to identity, citizenship and residency. 

The current web platform also connects users to the smart application. When installing an app, make sure that it is the official ICP app and does not display the name of a third party with similar terms. 

ICP Smart Services Fees

All transactions in the Abu Dhabi ICA smart services have different fees.

ICP cards for services state what the charges will be for each service. Some transactions may have application or issuance fees; some services may have a separate smart-service fee. For instance, one of the available ICP service cards has an application fee of AED 20 and a smart-service fee of AED 100 for a specific tourism entry-permit print-out. This is not to be used as a blanket fee for all ICP transactions. 

The best way to do this is to open the exact service card and check the fees, documents needed for the service, what is required, and how long it will take before it is completed.

This also helps avoid a common pitfall—taking the fee from an old article in the case of an official service that has since changed.

Application Tracking and Request Status

ICP has a number of options for tracking submitted requests.

The authority states that you can check My Applications / My Requests on your individual account if you applied using your individual account. The application-tracking capabilities are also integrated into the Smart Services platform. 

The current portal has a Quick Search feature to initiate an inquiry using a Request Number or PRAN / ID Number without having to go through each service category. 

If the result is not shown, double-check that you have typed the number correctly and that you are using the service of the immigration authority you are looking for.

If you have a visa issued by the Abu Dhabi government, then the federal channel to use would be ICP. The UAE Government has directed users to GDRFA Dubai for Dubai-issued visas. 

Abu Dhabi ICP Customer Support

There is no better way than online services to get help, but there are other ways.

ICP mentions 600522222 as its customer-care phone number inside the UAE and +971 600522222 for overseas callers. These numbers are also shown on the official Smart Services portal. 

The federal authority’s headquarters are located in Khalifa City, Abu Dhabi, and their customer-care contact information is included in the official directory of the UAE government. 

The General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs – Abu Dhabi, in person, has a Customer Happiness Centre in Al Mushrif District, Shakhbut Bin Sultan Street. At the centre, services are provided such as passport services, visa and residency inquiries, as well as identity card services and biometric fingerprint capture, all offered by ICP. 

The official centre page currently lists working hours as Monday to Thursday, 7:30 am to 3:30 pm, and Friday, 7:30 am to 12:00 pm. Please check the official page before going to the service centre, as the service centre schedule may vary.

Common Problems With Smart Services

The ICP system is not necessarily closed when there are online immigration issues.

An absence of a result may be due to a mismatch of the type of search used, the information being different from the government record, or the enquiry relating to a visa processed by another government body.

The first checks should be:

1. Abu Dhabi visa, not Dubai.
2. Use the official ICP portal and choose the desired service.
3. Verify the details of the application, PRAN, ID, or passport again.
4. If you submitted the request via an account, check through My Applications / My Requests.
5. If the information is still not available, please contact ICP customer care.

The UAE Government states that there is a difference between ICP and GDRFA, and it is important that the issuing emirate is verified at the outset. 

ICA Smart Services vs GDRFA Dubai

The most practical difference is the emirate that issued the immigration document.

The UAE Government explicitly states that visa applications and validity for the five non-Dubai emirates (Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ras Al-Khaimah, Fujairah, and Al Ain) are to be made at ICP, whereas Dubai visa applications and validity are to be made at GDRFA Dubai. 

This is a better indication than a website that states itself as “UAE visa portal.”

Why the Current ICP Portal Matters

Older web pages can confuse, as they can include references to ICA Smart Services, ICA eChannels, or older versions of ICA URLs.

The present official system is obviously named ICP Smart Services, and the in-line Web portal features a copyright notice of 2026 by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security. 

The authority has also been consistently upgrading its digital service system. In 2023, ICP announced changes to several services and procedures, including visa, residency, and identity procedures. 

Hence, users should not expect to access screenshots or instructions from older ICA manuals where the current portal offers a different menu or workflow.

Conclusion

ICA Smart Services Abu Dhabi allows users to access all the necessary visa, residency, and Emirates ID services on the official ICP platform. Users can access application information, follow requests, and access various government services online without using unofficial websites.

Due to the fact that these services were previously known as ICA, users need to use the current platform, ICP Smart Services, when dealing with matters of immigration or identity in the UAE, in particular in Abu Dhabi. It can also be useful to review the official service requirements prior to application to prevent the entry of inaccurate details, delays and/or overpayments.

Read Also:

Check UAE Visa Status with Passport Number in 2026 – Step-by-Step Guide
Verify UAE Visa Status with Passport Number 2026 Complete Online Guide
Schengen Visa from the UAE: Application Process, Common Rejection Reasons, and Expert Support

Frequently Asked Questions

Is ICA Smart Services still available in Abu Dhabi?

The platform is still using the ICP, although it is still known as the ICA name. The official ICP Smart Services visa and residency services are provided in Abu Dhabi.

What is the official website for Abu Dhabi visa services?

ICP Smart Services is the official visa services platform in Abu Dhabi. It has online visa applications, status checks, and other immigration services.

Can I check my Abu Dhabi visa status online?

Yes. An Abu Dhabi visa application or validity can be checked via ICP Smart Services with the necessary application or identification details.

Is ICP the same as ICA?

ICA used to be the name, and now it is the federal authority responsible for services related to identity, citizenship, and immigration.

Can I check an Abu Dhabi visa with a passport?

Yes, if an inquiry service is available, you can verify visa information with passport information or other required identifiers.

Do I use ICP for a Dubai visa?

While Dubai visas are usually obtained via GDRFA Dubai, the visas obtained through the Abu Dhabi visa services are typically processed via ICP.

Does ICP provide Emirates ID services?

Yes. ICP offers a number of Emirates ID services such as checking ID status, ID renewal, ID issuance, and updating personal information.

Can I use UAE Pass with ICP Smart Services?

Yes. UAE Pass can be used to sign in to the ICP Smart Services platform for supported services.

What is the ICP customer-care number in Abu Dhabi?

From within the UAE, customers can call ICP customer care at 600522222, and outside the UAE at +971 600522222.

Are all ICP services free?

No. It depends on the services. Refer to the applicable charges on the particular ICP service page for the current application, issuance, and other charges that may apply.

Can I visit an ICP centre in Abu Dhabi?

Yes. ICP has customer service centres available for users to obtain visa, residency, passport, and Emirates ID-related services.