What is UID Number in UAE and How to Find It?

When I first received my UAE visa, I noticed a long number printed at the top and asked myself what does this mean? Why do I need it, and how is it different from other identification numbers? This number, as I later found out, is called the Unified Identification Number (UID). But what exactly does it represent?

I also started wondering: can this number change, and what happens if I can’t find it? Is it connected to my Emirates ID? Could I end up with more than one UID number, and if so, how do I resolve that?

Through my experience and research, I discovered just how essential this number is for navigating residency and immigration processes in the UAE. In this post, I’ll walk you through everything I learned.

What is a UID Number in UAE?

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My UID number, short for Unified Identification Number, is a 9 to 15-digit number that was assigned to me the first time I entered the UAE. It came directly from the UAE’s immigration system and was generated automatically based on my entry record.

Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), the UID became my consistent identifier within the UAE’s official records. It stayed the same regardless of whether I renewed my visa, changed jobs, or switched sponsors.

This number linked all my immigration and residency files under one profile. I needed it for applying for my Emirates ID, completing visa procedures, and accessing other government services. Without it, I wouldn’t have been able to move forward with any legal or administrative processes in the country.

Where Can You Find Your UID Number?

The first place I found my UID number was on my UAE visa. It was printed right above the file number on the visa page of my passport. If you’re using an e-visa, you’ll find it in the PDF version of the visa document sent to you.

Here’s how the structure looked in my case:

First 3 digits: Represented the emirate code (e.g., 201 for Dubai).
Next 4 digits: Indicate the year the visa was issued.
Final 7–9 digits: Served as my visa number or residency number.

If you’re working with an older stamped visa, just flip through your passport it’s still printed on the sticker. But if your visa is electronic like mine, finding it online was a smoother experience.

Why is the UID Number Important to Everyone?

Initially, I didn’t fully understand its importance until I started handling paperwork for my Emirates ID and visa renewals. The UID number played a critical role in all of my immigration and residency transactions.

Here’s why it mattered:

It helped track my entry and exit history.
It was necessary for visa applications and renewals.
I needed it to apply for my Emirates ID.
It linked all my official details under one profile.
It made it easier to access public and legal services.

It also served as a security layer, preventing fraud by ensuring that only I could be associated with my UID number in government records.

How Did I Get My UID Number in UAE?

The process was surprisingly simple I didn’t even have to apply for it. I was assigned a UID number automatically when I entered the UAE on my first visa. Immigration officials created it as part of my entry record at the airport.

Here’s how it happened for me:

I entered the UAE on an employment visa.
My UID number was generated and linked to my immigration file.
Later, during my medical test and Emirates ID application, this UID was used again.
It was printed on my final residence visa and became part of all future documents.

Even though I didn’t request it, the UID was always there, quietly tying everything together in the background.

How is the UID Number Different from an Emirates ID?

At first, I thought the UID and Emirates ID numbers were interchangeable, but they’re quite different. My UID number was assigned by immigration when I entered the country and is used mostly for backend processes.

On the other hand, the Emirates ID number was generated once I received my Emirates ID card. It appears on the card and is required for nearly all public and private services.

The key differences are:

Feature	UID Number	Emirates ID Number
Purpose	Immigration and visa tracking	Official government ID
When Issued	Upon first entry into the UAE	After visa approval
Where to Find	Visa document, online inquiry	Emirates ID card
Can it change?	No, remains the same	Yes, changes with each new ID

In short, the UID is more for system-level tracking, while the Emirates ID number is what I use in everyday UAE life.

What Happens If You Have Multiple UID Numbers?

During one of your visa changes, you might discover that you have two UID numbers, one from an earlier tourist visa and another linked to your current employment visa. This duplication can cause issues with your Emirates ID processing and delay several official procedures.

It usually happens when your previous visa details don’t exactly match your new application, prompting the system to create a separate UID instead of linking it to the existing one. As a result, your immigration records can become inconsistent, and your profile may get flagged during renewals.

Having more than one UID number means your identity is split across government systems, which could lead to visa rejections, delays, or even legal complications. That’s why it’s important to act quickly and request a merge through the appropriate immigration authorities.

How to Consolidate or Merge Multiple UID Numbers?

If you have been assigned more than one UID number, you need to request a UID number consolidation through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This process ensures that all your immigration records are correctly linked to a single UID.

To merge your UID numbers, follow these steps:

Visit the nearest GDRFA branch: Offices are available in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and other emirates.
Submit a UID merge request: Request the consolidation of your UID numbers through the immigration helpdesk.
Provide supporting documents: You will need a valid passport copy, all previous visas (including expired or canceled visas), and your current UAE residence visa (if applicable).
Await confirmation: The immigration authorities will process your request and notify you once your UID numbers have been merged.

The processing time for UID consolidation varies but is usually completed within a few working days. Ensuring your passport details remain consistent for all future UAE immigration applications helps prevent multiple UID numbers from being assigned.

How Can You Retrieve a Lost UID Number?

If you’ve lost access to your UID number or can’t find it on your visa, don’t worry it’s easy to retrieve. The fastest way is to use the GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry Service online by entering your passport number, nationality, and date of birth.

If the online method doesn’t work, you can:

Call the GDRFA helpline at 8005111 (inside UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (international)
Visit the nearest GDRFA office with your passport and visa details
Request assistance through their contact form on the official website

Once verified, the authorities will provide your UID number or guide you on how to access it. It’s important to keep a copy of your UID for all immigration, visa, and Emirates ID-related processes.

What Should You Do If Your UID Number is Incorrect?

If you notice that your UID number is incorrect maybe it’s a typo or it doesn’t match your records you need to take action quickly. An incorrect UID can delay visa renewals, and Emirates ID processing, and even block access to government services.

Here’s what you should do:

Visit the nearest GDRFA office
Bring your passport, current visa copy, and Emirates ID (if available)
Submit a correction request with supporting documents

The authorities will review your details and make the necessary updates in the immigration system. Corrections typically take a few working days, and once fixed, all your records will align properly. It’s best to address this early to avoid larger complications with your residency or official paperwork later on.

What Are the Advantages of the Unified Identity Number (UID)?

Your UID number works like a digital master key, streamlining all your immigration and administrative tasks in the UAE.

It allows you to renew visas without starting over and simplifies processes like Emirates ID applications. You’ll also use it during business setup, banking, and when accessing healthcare services.

Here are the key benefits you’ll notice:

Faster and smoother visa and immigration procedures
A single, central identity across all government systems
Better security with fewer chances of record duplication
Easy access to public services and official platforms

Since your UID number never changes, you won’t need to manage multiple identities across departments. It reduces paperwork, saves time, and helps you move through official procedures more efficiently during your stay in the UAE.

Conclusion

Having a clear understanding of my UID number helped me avoid complications and delays with UAE authorities. It wasn’t just a number it was my key to residency, legal compliance, and identity verification.

I made sure to keep my UID on record, updated my passport details correctly, and handled merge requests as soon as I noticed duplicate entries.

If you’re new to the UAE or planning to stay long-term, take the time to understand how your UID works. It’ll save you time and help ensure a smooth experience across every official touchpoint in the country.

FAQs

What is the purpose of a UID number in the UAE?

My UID number is used to track my immigration and residency records across all UAE government systems. It links my visa, entry, and legal identity under one profile.