Brief
UAE launches online self‑nomination portal for Golden Visa applicants
Applicants can use the ICP portal to verify eligibility and request a nomination, though approval is not guaranteed.
By Felo News Desk · Published
Dubai – The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) has opened an online service that lets eligible foreign nationals check their eligibility for a UAE Golden Visa and submit a self‑nomination request, Gulf News reported on 11 October 2026.
What happened
The ICP portal, accessed via smartservices.icp.gov.ae, allows users to select a Golden Visa category, answer eligibility questions and upload supporting documents. The system then indicates a potential category match, but it does not constitute visa approval. After the questionnaire, applicants log in with UAE Pass, where personal details from the Emirates ID are pre‑filled, and complete the nomination request.
What the report adds
Gulf News outlines the seven steps of the online process, from visiting the eligibility portal to uploading documents. It notes that the service covers a range of categories – investors, entrepreneurs, scientists and specialists, outstanding students, exceptional talents, and humanitarian pioneers – each with distinct eligibility criteria and document requirements. For example, university graduates must provide GPA, field of study, graduation year and proof of degree attestation by the Ministry of Education.
What was said
The article does not quote officials directly but attributes the description of the portal and its functions to the ICP and to Gulf News’ reporting.
How it came about
The Golden Visa scheme, introduced to attract high‑skill and high‑net‑worth individuals, traditionally required nomination by a UAE authority. The new self‑nomination option reflects a broader push to streamline residency processes, following recent Felo News coverage of accelerated residency services for investors (UAE residency in five days) and updated visa salary requirements for family and friend visits (Dubai visit visa salary rules).
Key facts
- The ICP offers an online portal for Golden Visa eligibility checks and self‑nomination. (gulfnews.com)
- Applicants must select a category, answer eligibility questions, and upload supporting documents. (gulfnews.com)
- The portal pre‑fills personal details using UAE Pass and Emirates ID data. (gulfnews.com)
- Self‑nomination does not guarantee visa approval; further approvals are required. (gulfnews.com)
Sources
- [1] gulfnews.com — originally reported as “UAE Golden Visa: Step-by-Step Guide to Check Eligibility and Apply Online”
