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UAE VISA & BUSINESS GUIDE

ICP vs GDRFA Dubai – Which Visa Portal to Use?

Find the relevant official UAE immigration portal for your visa issuing emirate.

Reviewed: October 2026 · Informational guidance, subject to current authority rules

Dubai-issued visas and residence

Check Dubai residency, family sponsorship, renewals and other GDRFA-regulated services through GDRFA Dubai. Certain services may also involve other authorities.

Other six emirates

For Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah and Fujairah-issued visa and residence services, check ICP Smart Services.

Emirates ID distinction

ICP provides Emirates ID services nationally, including for many Dubai residents. Selecting Dubai for immigration does not mean every supporting step is through GDRFA.

Check before submitting

Verify the visa file’s issuing emirate, the exact application type and the latest instructions on the official portal; wrong routing can cause delays.

Official UAE government resources

Dubai-issued immigration applications: GDRFA Dubai official website ↗

Other Emirates and Emirates ID: ICP Smart Services official portal ↗

Requirements and processing routes vary by service and emirate. Check the current official authority instructions before filing.

Next steps

Review your category, prepare the required documents and request an itemized estimate. SMART VISA provides private application guidance and is not a UAE government authority.

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