Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) was established on Sha’ban 15, 1425H corresponding to September 29, 2004 under the name “Emirates Identity Authority” under Federal Law No. (2) for the year 2004 to establish the “Population Register and Emirates Identity Card Program”, which included recording personal and vital data for all population in the state and keeping them in electronic databases in coordination with the competent authorities, and issuing the Emirates ID Card for each individual to be registered and to contain the Emirates ID number, readable data and data stored on an electronic chip, which can be used in all entities.

Since its establishment, ICP has specialized in providing identification and confirmation services of Identity for individuals to federal and local government authorities and any other entities and determining the means applicable in this regard. The Law has given ICP, for such purpose, the right to request the necessary data and information from the competent authorities in the State to serve its objectives.

The Federal Decree-Law No. 3 of 2017 is a significant and important turning point in the work of ICP after it was decided to change its name to be “Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship” and to add new functions to its Terms of Reference namely citizenship Affairs, passports, entry and residence of foreigners in the state, and transfer the terms of reference and powers assigned to the Ministry of Interior to ICP in this regard.