Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) and GDRFA
United Arab Emirates
Self-help guide to UAE work, residency, and long-term visa routes. Employment residency is arranged through the employer via MOHRE + ICP/GDRFA. Long-term Golden and Green visas are applied for directly through ICP Smart Services or approved AMER/Tas'heel centres. Fees below are current as of 2026 — verify at source before paying.
Official portal: https://icp.gov.ae/en/
Government forms & filing fees
Paid to Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs · not to Sheria SmartEvery fee below is the official government amount. Sheria Smart does not collect government filing fees — you pay the agency directly at their portal.
Foreign workers with a job offer from a UAE-registered employer.
Investors (AED 2M+ property or business), entrepreneurs, top-ranked students, exceptional talents (science, art, culture, sport), specialised professionals earning AED 30,000+/month, humanitarian pioneers.
Skilled employees (MOHRE skill levels 1–3 earning AED 15,000+/month), freelancers, self-employed, and investors — without a UAE employer sponsor.
Owners of a UAE company or partners investing AED 72,000+ in an existing business (2-year) or AED 2M+ (Golden Visa route).
Remote workers earning USD 3,500+/month employed by a company outside the UAE, or self-employed with equivalent income.
UAE residents earning AED 4,000+/month (or AED 3,000 + accommodation) sponsoring spouse and children under 18 (25 for daughters/students).
Students accepted at a UAE-accredited university or higher education institution.
Retirees aged 55+ meeting one of: AED 20,000+ monthly income; AED 1M+ savings; AED 1M+ in UAE property.