UAE Residents' New Installment Payment Option

Installment Payment for ICP Fees: A New Financial Planning Opportunity for UAE Residents

The latest resident-friendly initiative in the United Arab Emirates elevates the flexibility of civic services: the ICP (Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) has announced that certain service fees are now available for interest-free installment payments. This new setup, introduced at the 2025 Gitex Global event, is specifically designed for those who prefer not to pay a large sum at once but instead manage their finances comfortably on a monthly basis.

What is ICP and What Services Does it Offer?

The ICP is the state authority of the United Arab Emirates responsible for citizenship, identity, customs, and port security matters. Its roles include issuing Emirates IDs, managing visas and residency permits, recording family data, issuing passports, and providing various authentication services.

For residents, these services can often entail significant fees, especially if they apply to multiple family members or involve emergency processing. The newly introduced installment payment option can provide relief in such cases.

The Structure of the Installment Plan

In the first phase of the "The Authority at Your Service" program, customers who utilize ICP services valued at least 500 dirhams can request interest-free installment payments with terms ranging from 3 to 12 months. This arrangement is available exclusively to credit card holders, and currently, ten partner banks have joined the initiative.

It is important to highlight that installments are available at a 0 percent interest rate, effectively functioning as a financial relief measure. Customers can request this option through their bank's telephone customer service or other available channels.

Which Banks are Participating in the Program?

The following ten local banks are participating in the first phase:

1. First Abu Dhabi Bank

2. Abu Dhabi Islamic Bank

3. Abu Dhabi Commercial Bank

4. Emirates Islamic Bank

5. Emirates NBD

6. Commercial Bank of Dubai

7. Sharjah Islamic Bank

8. Mashreq Bank

9. RAKBANK

10. Commercial International Bank

This broad banking coverage enables customers living in nearly any region of the UAE to take advantage of this opportunity, regardless of which financial institution issues their credit card.

Why is this Initiative Important?

Launched as part of the 2025 "Year of Community" program, this innovation aims not only to improve residents' quality of life but also plays a significant role in modernizing public administration. The ICP emphasized that this is a step in a long-term strategy aiming to transform the citizen experience.

The new payment option is particularly beneficial for large families, new visa applicants, or residents utilizing multiple services simultaneously. The speed and simplicity of application through digital channels also contribute to a positive customer experience.

Technological Background and Future Plans

The implementation of the program is backed by a comprehensive digital transformation strategy aiming to increase the efficiency and transparency of state services. The ICP aims to reach an even broader customer base by including more banks in the coming years and perhaps extending installment options to other types of services.

In the future, it's conceivable that installment plans might not only be linked to credit cards but also to other types of banking products, such as debit cards or even digital wallets.

Customer Role

It is crucial for customers to inquire with their own banks about the opportunities and to fully understand the terms of installment payments. Although the 0 percent interest rate is extremely favorable, each bank operates the program based on its regulations, so there might be differences in the minimum amount, term, or approval process.

As part of thoughtful financial planning, this option can be a significant help for those who do not wish to pay ICP fees in a lump sum but also do not want to give up the convenience of immediate processing.

Summary

The ICP's new installment payment program simultaneously serves the financial flexibility of the population and the modernization of state services. The involvement of ten partner banks, the interest-free structure, and digital accessibility all aim to enable UAE residents to handle their personal affairs more simply, quickly, and efficiently.

This innovation is yet another example of how the United Arab Emirates is becoming a pioneer in intelligent and customer-centric administrative solutions—creating an environment where the customer doesn't just access services but participates as a partner in the system's development.

(The article source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) statement.)