Unified Number (UID) in UAE: All You Need to Know in 2025

What is a UID Number in the UAE?

A Unified Identification Number (UID) in the UAE is a permanent 9- to 15-digit code assigned to every individual who enters the country under any type of visa, whether it is a visitor, work permit, residency, or otherwise. Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), the unified number in UAE serves as a unique identifier that links and unifies all your immigration, visa, and residency records across different government systems. This means that even if you change your visa type or renew your Emirates ID, your UID remains constant, ensuring seamless tracking and reducing duplication of records.

UID vs Emirates ID

Although both the Unified Identification Number (UID) and the Emirates ID relate to your identity in the UAE, they are not the same and serve different purposes:

UID Number (Unified Identification Number):

• A permanent, unique identifier automatically assigned by UAE immigration authorities when you first enter the country.

• It links all your visa, entry, and residency records across government systems.

• The UID number does not change even if you cancel, renew, or change your visa type.

Emirates ID:

• A physical smart card issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). It is obtained once you obtain a residence visa.

• It is used as an official ID for banking, utilities, SIM registration, tenancy (Ejari), healthcare, and other government or private services.

• The card itself is renewed and updated whenever your residency status changes, but it will still be tied to your permanent UID.

Usage of Unified Number in UAE

The UID number plays a vital role across various services in the UAE:

1. Immigration & Residency Tracking – Tracks visa and residency applications efficiently.

2. Visa Applications & Renewals – Required for all visa processing.

3. Emirates ID & Legal Documentation – Links legal documents to an individual.

4. Access to Public Services – Used for healthcare, banking, and other government services.

5. Business Setup & Compliance – Helps in company registration and regulatory processes.

6. Security & Fraud Prevention – Prevents duplication or misuse of identification.

7. Smart City & Digital Services – Enables secure digital identity for smart services.

8. Real Estate & Commercial Transactions – Needed for property and commercial dealings.

How to Check UID Number Online?

Follow these steps to check your UID online:

1. Visit the GDRFA official website.

2. Click on E-services.

3. Select Find my UID.

4. Enter your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender.

5. Click Submit to view your UID number.

How to Get a Unified Number (UID) in the UAE?

1. Automatic Issue

You do not need to apply for a UID in most cases separately. As soon as you enter the UAE under a visa (whether for residence or otherwise), or when your visa/residency application is processed, the UID is automatically generated and linked to your immigration record.

2. Check on Your Visa Document

• For a residence visa with a physical visa stamp, your UID is printed there, typically above the file number. 
• If your visa is issued electronically (e-visa), the UID will appear in the visa PDF/document.

3. Using Government Online Portals

If you haven’t received the physical visa documents, lost them, or simply want to check, you can retrieve your UID online via:

• The GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) Unified Number Inquiry Service. You’ll need details such as passport number, nationality, date of birth, etc.
  
• The ICP / ICA / Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security platform (“ICP Smart Services” or similar).

4. If It’s Missing / You Never Received It

In rare cases, the UID may not be visible in your documents, or you may not have gotten it due to some administrative issue. In that case:

• Contact GDRFA or ICP via phone or their website. For example, GDRFA Dubai has a toll-free number & an international number.
  
• Visit in person: You can go to a GDRFA office or other immigration-service centers, with your passport & visa/residency documents to seek assistance.

5. Merging Multiple UID Numbers

If, due to system errors or duplicate records, you end up with more than one UID, you can request that they be merged. The steps typically involve showing both UID numbers, copies of relevant visas, providing personal identification (passport, Emirates ID if available), and filing a request via GDRFA/ICP. The processing time is usually a few working days, and there is no charge.

What Do the Numbers on Your UID Number Signify?

The UID (Unified Identification Number) in the UAE is not random. Its structure helps identify specific information at a glance. Here’s what each part usually means:

First 3 Digits – Emirate Code

These digits indicate which Emirate issued the visa. For example:

• 101 = Abu Dhabi
• 201 = Dubai
• 301 = Sharjah
• 401= Ajman

Next 4 Digits – Year of Visa Issuance

These digits show when your visa was issued. For example, if the number has “2023” or “2024” in this position, that is the year your visa or residency permit was granted.

Last 7-9 Digits – Visa / Residence File Number

The last part is your “visa number” or “residence number,” a unique serial number tied to your visa/residency file. This number is used in many official forms and government processes.

How to Merge Multiple UID Numbers in UAE?

1. Confirm you really have multiple UIDs

Use GDRFA’s Unified Number Inquiry (enter passport, DOB, nationality) to view the UID assigned to each visa. For emirates outside Dubai, use ICP/Smart Services (“File Validity”) to check.

2. Collect documents (scan/photocopy)

Typical required items include:

• Passport copy (signature page).

• Copies of all entry permits/visas (current, old, expired, or cancelled) that show the different UID numbers.

• Emirates ID (if available).

3. Choose the application channel

• Dubai: Use the GDRFA Smart Services portal and select the service category “Merge / Unmerge UID number”, or visit a GDRFA counter / authorised typing centre if you prefer in-person help.

• Other emirates: Use the ICP (Federal Authority) Smart Services or the local emirate’s immigration office.

4. Fill & submit the merge request (online or at the counter)

The online form asks for: English name (Arabic auto-fill), the UID(s) to be merged (UDB number), any related file numbers, contact number (OTP validation), email, and upload of visa/passport documents. Submit the form when complete.

5. Fees & processing time

For Dubai, GDRFA guidance notes that the UID-merge request is normally free and processed in about 2–3 working days (confirm on submission). For other emirates, check ICP guidance for timing/fees. Always confirm on the portal when you submit.

6. Verify the merge

After you receive confirmation, re-check your UID via the GDRFA “Find UID” or ICP/Smart Services “File Validity” to ensure only one active UID remains and old UIDs are deactivated/linked. Keep the confirmation receipt.

Conclusion

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