UAE issued 5.8 million residence permits in 2022, reveals authority

Emad Eddin Khalil, Staff Reporter

The Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, Customs and Ports Security (ICP) revealed that, according to the latest statistics, the total number of new residence permits issued to expatriates amounted to 3,415,241 permits during 2022, with an increase of 46% compared to 2021, when 2,032,855 permits were issued.

The total transactions for renewing residence permits for expatriates in the country during 2022 amounted to 2,390,595 transactions, compared to 2,379,134 in 2021, ICP indicated.

It affirmed that persons abroad can apply through the ICP’s website and smart app, to obtain various types of visas and entry and residence permits in the UAE, depending on the purpose.

ICP explained on its website all the conditions, requirements and fees prescribed for applying for many transactions or for renewing them, such as: labour residence permits for a person working for the government sector, private sector or for a free zone, residence permit for an investor or partner, residence permit for studying in universities and colleges, residence permit for a newborn of a father working for the government sector, the private sector or for a free zone, residence permits for domestic helpers, residence permits for family members of a sponsor.

According to the ICP, persons can apply through 4 steps via the website “www.icp.gov.ae” or the “UAEICP” smart app, starting with registering on the ICP’s website or app by creating an account, then accessing the electronic services, selecting the residence permit issuance service, then submitting the application after reviewing and updating the data, and finally pay the prescribed fees.

After completion of these steps, the residence permit will be issued and delivered to the applicant through the prescribed means.

“The sponsored person must have a passport with a validity of not less than 6 months. The requirements for obtaining the service, including medical test, insurance and others, must be completed within the specified period in order to avoid canceling the activation of the application,” ICP explained.

The applicant must also follow the instructions and requirements sent during the processing of the transaction, in order not to deactivate the application.