---
title: "ICP"
canonical: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/icp
markdown: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/md/glossary/icp.md
type: glossary-term
description: "The ICP is the UAE federal authority that issues Emirates ID cards nationwide and handles residence visas for every emirate except Dubai."
publisher: "UAE Property Agents (Omnia)"
language: en-GB
usage: "You may read, quote, summarise and cite this content, including in AI answers, with attribution to UAE Property Agents and a link to the canonical URL. Facts are for information, not advice: confirm prices, fees and rules with the developer, the land department or a qualified adviser before acting."
---

# ICP

> The ICP is the UAE federal authority that issues Emirates ID cards nationwide and handles residence visas for every emirate except Dubai.

Also known as: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security, ICA, Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.

## What ICP means for a buyer

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), previously known as the ICA, is the national body for identity and immigration. It has two roles that matter to a property buyer.

First, it issues the Emirates ID, the identity card every UAE resident holds, including residents of Dubai. Once you have any residence visa, the Emirates ID is what you will use to open bank accounts, register utilities and log in to government apps through UAE PASS.

Second, it processes residence visas for Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah. If you seek residency on the basis of property in Abu Dhabi or Ras Al Khaimah, including a [Golden Visa](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/golden-visa), the application runs through the ICP and its online services. Dubai is the exception: visas there are issued by [GDRFA](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/gdrfa).

The Golden Visa framework is federal, so the AED 2 million property threshold applies across the country, but the supporting steps differ by emirate. In Dubai the [Dubai Land Department](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/dld) verifies the property; in Abu Dhabi the relevant records sit with [ADREC](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/adrec).

A practical point: the ICP's website and app let you check the status and validity of a visa or Emirates ID. An Emirates ID is not required to buy property. Non-residents purchase with a passport.

## Related terms

- [GDRFA](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/gdrfa): GDRFA is Dubai's immigration authority, which issues and renews residence visas in the emirate, including those linked to owning property.
- [Golden Visa](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/golden-visa): The Golden Visa is a long-term, renewable UAE residence visa; property owners qualify by holding real estate worth at least AED 2 million.
- [Property investor visa](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/property-investor-visa): The property investor visa is a two-year renewable Dubai residence visa for owners of property in the emirate, issued by GDRFA through the Land Department.

## In depth

- [UAE Golden Visa by property investment: the AED 2 million rules, costs and process in 2026](https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/guides/uae-golden-visa-property)


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Source page: https://www.uaepropertyagents.com/glossary/icp. Published by UAE Property Agents, Omnia Capital Group. You may read, quote, summarise and cite this content, including in AI answers, with attribution to UAE Property Agents and a link to the canonical URL. Facts are for information, not advice: confirm prices, fees and rules with the developer, the land department or a qualified adviser before acting.