All about the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA)
The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, also known as ICA, offers multiple services ranging from the issuance of visas to the collection of penalty payments. Read on to find out how the authority is facilitating UAE residents, citizens, and visitors.
PUBLIC SERVICES BY FEDERAL AUTHORITY FOR IDENTITY AND CITIZENSHIP
ICA provides different types of public services, including collecting fines or penalty payments, issuing single and multiple entry visas, and more. Here is a list of ICA public services in the UAE.
Please note that the visa issuance services for Dubai are handled by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA – Dubai). The ICA handles visa services for all other emirates in the UAE.
FINE PAYMENT
You can use the ‘Pay Fines for Violations of Entry Permissions or Residences’ tab under Public Services on the ICA’s official website for fine payment. You can pay the fine online and track your progress after payment.
VISA ISSUANCE
VISAS FOR INDIAN NATIONALS RESIDING IN THE US, THE UK OR THE EU
ICA provides swift visa issuance services for Indians residing in the USA, UK and other European countries by the Department of Entry Permits and Foreign Offices. The service grants visas on arrival for Indian citizens arriving from Europe, the US or the UK.
Those interested in applying for a visa on arrival need to click the ISSUE NEW VISA tab under VISA – Holders of special visas – Citizens of the Republic of India residing in (America, Britain, EU countries) on the official ICA website. This service can also be used to extend the visa for the special visa holders category.
Service charges: Total fee is AED 150 (includes visa issuance fee of AED 100, e-Services: AED 28 and ICA fees amounting to AED 22)
MULTIPLE ENTRY TOURISM VISA (E-PRINTOUT)
ICA e-smart services offer an e-print out for citizens of some countries who are eligible for a visa on arrival in the UAE. You will find the service under the Visa-Multiple Entry-Tourism for Citizens of Certain Countries tab.
Service charges: Total fee is AED 70 (fee includes request fee AED 20, e-services AED 28, ICA fees AED 22)
ISSUANCE OF MULTIPLE ENTRY, LONG-TERM TOURISM VISA (5 YEARS) FOR ALL NATIONALITIES
One of ICA’s visa services is to issue new multi-entry long term UAE tourist visas (5 years) to family members. This visa will allow a continuous stay of up to 90 days in the country. The visa can be extended to 180 days per year if a longer stay is required.
Services charges: Total fee AED 650 (fee includes request fee AED 100, issue fee AED 500, e-services AED 28, ICA fees AED 22)
VIRTUAL WORK RESIDENCY VISA (PEOPLE OUTSIDE THE COUNTRY)
Another popular visa service by ICA is to issue a Virtual Work Residency Visa for foreigners outside the UAE. Visit the official website to start the application process.
Services charges: Total fee AED 300 (fee includes request fee AED 100, issue fee AED 150, e-services AED 28, ICA fee AED 22)
VIRTUAL WORK RESIDENCY PERMIT FOR PEOPLE INSIDE THE COUNTRY
ICA smart services offer a Virtual Work Residence Permit that allows the applicant to enter the country for one year from the date of issuance. The visa covers residency without a guarantor and can be extended for another year.
Services charges: Total fee AED 250 (fee includes request fee AED 100, issue fee AED 100, e-services AED 28, ICA fee AED 22)
OTHER SERVICES
Other services offered by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship are:
- Paying departure fees through land ports and seaports
- Register arrivals and vaccination certificates attestation for both inside and outside the UAE
- Register for arrival services for Americans
- The ‘Update personal information’ service allows citizens and residents to amend their registered mobile numbers and other personal details on the ICA database
- Fee recovery service for any rejected applications, where a refund request is applicable.
- Investigation permit service is also available for AED 250 (charges include a request fee of AED 100, visa issue fee of AED 100, e-services AED 28 and ICA fees of AED 22).
GOLDEN SERVICES BY ICA
The ICA also offers ‘Golden Services,’ which include long-term visas under the Golden Visa category in the UAE.
Here’s an overview of the different Golden e-services available on the ICA’s official website.
NOMINATION REQUEST FOR GOLDEN RESIDENCE (NEW REQUEST)
ICA smart services also cater to new the Golden Residence nomination request service. The entry permit issued remains valid for six months. However, ICA can extend it for further 6 months to allow the Golden Visa Residency procedure to complete in particular categories.
Some categories include investors, public investments, real estate investors, entrepreneurs, doctors, engineers and others. Please refer to the ICA’s official website for more details about categories.
Services charges: Total fee AED 50 (fee includes e-services AED 28, ICA fee AED 22)
ISSUANCE OF MULTIPLE ENTRY PERMIT TO FINALIZE THE PROCEDURES OF THE INVESTOR RESIDENCY (6 MONTHS)
Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) offers multiple entry permits for Golden Residency Visa for Investors for up to 6 months. For more details please visit the official ICA website.
Services charges: Total fee AED 1,150 (request fee AED 100, issue fee AED 1,000, e-services AED 28, ICA fee AED 22)
CHECK UAE VISA STATUS ONLINE
It’s also easy to check your UAE visa status online using the official portal for Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. You will need your passport number, expiry date and other information to check the visa status or visa validity. This ICA service can be handy for those searching for a “UAE visa check by passport number.”
- Visit the portal: https://smartservices.ica.gov.ae/echannels/web/client/default.html#/fileValidity
- Select “Change Language” and click on English
- Click on the “Passport Information” tab
- Select “Visa” or “Residency” depending on your visa type
- Enter your passport number and passport expiry date
- Select your nationality from the dropdown menu
- Check the CAPTCHA checkbox before you click on the search tab
- Make sure to provide the correct information for accurate results. The portal will display visa details along with the visa expiry date.
FAQS
WHAT IS THE ICA LOCATION?
The main office address for the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) is Street 12, near Al Forsan Resort, Abu Dhabi.
WHAT IS THE ICA CONTACT NUMBER
For queries and information, please reach out to the ICA helpline at 600-522-222.
WHERE TO APPLY FOR AN EMIRATES ID ONLINE?
Emirates ID is one of the most important documents for expats, and it’s easy to get one online from The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA). Apply for an Emirates ID online through the ICA smart services easily and conveniently.
This concludes our guide to Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship. The ICA smart services allow you to apply for different visas, including the business gold visa and identification services for both individuals and organisations.
However, in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) manages different visa processes, identification documents, court marriages and other permits.
Read our comprehensive family visa Dubai guide to know its procedure, eligibility criteria and other information. You can also check out our guide on how to transfer your residence visa from an old passport to a new one.
Please note that visa information and services are subject to change. Please enquire about the visa proceedings from official authorities before applying.