ICP is the UAE Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security — the federal authority that issues Emirates ID cards, processes nationality applications, manages residence visas (outside Dubai), and operates the airport e-gates.
What it does
ICP issues every Emirates ID card, handles UAE residence visa applications and renewals for all emirates except Dubai (where GDRFA takes over), processes naturalisation and citizenship applications, and operates the federal smart-services app. For Dubai residents, ICP and GDRFA coordinate but most visa transactions go through GDRFA.
Key facts
| Type | Federal authority |
| Jurisdiction | Federal — Emirates ID nationwide; residence visas outside Dubai |
| Mobile app | ICP UAE app |
| Dubai counterpart | GDRFA (Dubai residence visas) |
| Official portal | icp.gov.ae |
