Paying government charges for visas, residency permits and Emirates ID cards in the UAE just became more flexible. On 4 July the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) announced that applicants can now settle service fees of up to Dh 20,000 through Tabby, the region’s leading “buy-now-pay-later” (BNPL) platform. The tie-up builds on last year’s ‘Easy Payment’ programme, which allowed interest-free instalments on credit-cards issued by ten local banks.
How it works: Applicants select Tabby at the checkout stage of the ICP e-services portal or smart app and split the amount over three, six or twelve months, subject to Tabby’s credit-assessment. The BNPL route co-exists with Easy Payment, giving residents a non-card alternative—particularly useful for blue-collar workers and start-ups that rely on debit products. Transactions can include first-time residence visas, renewals, status changes, family reunion permits, Emirates ID issuance, and even fines.
Why it matters for corporates:
• Cash-flow: large-batch renewals (e.g., for seasonal staff) can be spread across quarters.
• Employee experience: assignees no longer need a credit card to finance dependants’ fees upfront.
• Vendor management: fewer reimbursement claims because employees can pay in instalments directly.
Finance teams should, however, update internal controls—Tabby imposes late-payment penalties and failed auto-debits can delay visa issuance.
![ICP Adds Tabby ‘Buy-Now-Pay-Later’ Option for Visa and Emirates-ID Fees up to AED 20,000]()
Industry context: Gulf governments are racing to digitise fee collection. Saudi Arabia integrated SADAD instalments for iqama renewals in 2025, and Bahrain rolled out Tamara BNPL for e-visas earlier this year. The UAE’s move keeps it at the forefront of gov-tech adoption and supports its vision of becoming “the world’s easiest place to live and work”.
For travellers who prefer a one-stop shop rather than navigating multiple government portals, VisaHQ can handle the paperwork for you. Our portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) provides real-time requirement checks, document uploads and status tracking, allowing applicants to decide later whether to settle ICP fees via Tabby, Easy Payment or traditional methods—without losing sight of the bigger compliance picture.
Next steps: HR and mobility managers should revise onboarding checklists to include Tabby instructions and remind travellers that the primary applicant is liable for repayment even if employment ends before the instalment plan is complete.
How it works: Applicants select Tabby at the checkout stage of the ICP e-services portal or smart app and split the amount over three, six or twelve months, subject to Tabby’s credit-assessment. The BNPL route co-exists with Easy Payment, giving residents a non-card alternative—particularly useful for blue-collar workers and start-ups that rely on debit products. Transactions can include first-time residence visas, renewals, status changes, family reunion permits, Emirates ID issuance, and even fines.
Why it matters for corporates:
• Cash-flow: large-batch renewals (e.g., for seasonal staff) can be spread across quarters.
• Employee experience: assignees no longer need a credit card to finance dependants’ fees upfront.
• Vendor management: fewer reimbursement claims because employees can pay in instalments directly.
Finance teams should, however, update internal controls—Tabby imposes late-payment penalties and failed auto-debits can delay visa issuance.
Industry context: Gulf governments are racing to digitise fee collection. Saudi Arabia integrated SADAD instalments for iqama renewals in 2025, and Bahrain rolled out Tamara BNPL for e-visas earlier this year. The UAE’s move keeps it at the forefront of gov-tech adoption and supports its vision of becoming “the world’s easiest place to live and work”.
For travellers who prefer a one-stop shop rather than navigating multiple government portals, VisaHQ can handle the paperwork for you. Our portal (https://www.visahq.com/united-arab-emirates/) provides real-time requirement checks, document uploads and status tracking, allowing applicants to decide later whether to settle ICP fees via Tabby, Easy Payment or traditional methods—without losing sight of the bigger compliance picture.
Next steps: HR and mobility managers should revise onboarding checklists to include Tabby instructions and remind travellers that the primary applicant is liable for repayment even if employment ends before the instalment plan is complete.
