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

Have you ever come across a Unified Identification Number (UID) on your UAE visa and wondered what it signifies? Why is this number assigned to every visitor and resident entering the UAE? How does it impact your immigration records, visa applications, and government transactions?

Understanding the UID number is essential for anyone living or working in the UAE. But where can you find this number, and what should you do if you cannot locate it? Can a person have multiple UID numbers, and if so, how can they be merged?

In this guide, we will explore everything about the UID number in the UAE, its significance, how to retrieve it, and what steps to take in case of errors or multiple records.

What is a UID Number in UAE?

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The UID number, or Unified Identification Number, is a unique 9 to 15-digit number assigned to every individual entering the UAE. It serves as a permanent record in the country’s immigration system and remains linked to a person’s profile throughout their stay.

Whether you’re visiting the UAE for tourism, employment, or residency, this number is generated at the time of your first entry. Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP), the UID number acts as a key identifier within government databases.

It is essential for processing visas, Emirates IDs, and residence permits. Unlike the visa number, which changes with each new visa, the UID remains constant and is used across all government services.

The UID number plays a crucial role in tracking and verifying an individual’s immigration history. Without this number, applying for or renewing a residence visa and Emirates ID becomes difficult. Additionally, it simplifies interactions with UAE authorities by linking all official records under a single identification system.

Where Can You Find Your UID Number?

Your Unified Identification Number (UID) is printed on your UAE visa. It is typically located at the top of the visa page, right above the file number.

The UID is assigned upon your first entry into the UAE and is used for all immigration-related processes. If you have received an e-visa, the UID number can be found on the digital visa document sent via email.

For individuals with older stamped visas, the UID is printed on the visa sticker inside their passport. In recent years, UAE authorities have moved to electronic visas, making it easier for residents and visitors to access their UID number online.

If you are unable to locate your UID on your visa, you can retrieve it through the GDRFA’s Unified Number Inquiry Service by entering your passport details and personal information on the official government portal.

Why is the UID Number Important?

The UID number is a critical component of the UAE’s immigration system, ensuring that every individual has a unique identifier for official records. It plays a significant role in various government and business-related processes, including:

Immigration and Residency: The UID number links to an individual’s entry and exit records, ensuring accurate tracking of visa validity and travel history.
Visa Applications and Renewals: It simplifies the processing of residence visas, employment permits, and sponsorship applications.
Emirates ID Registration: The UID is required when applying for an Emirates ID, which is a mandatory identification document for all residents.
Government Services Access: The number helps verify identity for services like healthcare, taxation, and vehicle registration.
Security and Fraud Prevention: The UID enhances security by preventing identity duplication and reducing fraudulent activities.

Without the UID number, individuals may face delays or complications in immigration processes, affecting their residency status in the UAE.

How to Get a Unified Number in UAE?

The UID number is generated automatically when an individual enters the UAE for the first time on a visa. It is assigned by immigration authorities at the airport, seaport, or land border. Unlike other documents, there is no separate application process to obtain a UID number.

If you have a new visa and cannot find your UID, you can retrieve it through the GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry Service. Follow these steps:

Visit the GDRFA website and navigate to the Unified Number Inquiry Service section.
Enter your details such as passport number, nationality, and date of birth.
Complete the security verification by solving a basic math question.
Submit the form and retrieve your UID number.

For individuals facing issues with their UID number assignment, assistance is available through the GDRFA call center (8005111 within UAE or +971 4 313 9999 for international calls) or by visiting a GDRFA branch in person.

If your UID number does not appear or you receive an error, you may need to contact UAE immigration authorities for assistance. In some cases, incorrect passport details or multiple UID numbers may cause retrieval issues, requiring a manual review by GDRFA officers.

How is the UID Number Different from an Emirates ID?

Many people confuse the UID number with the Emirates ID number, but they serve different purposes in the UAE’s identification system.

UID Number: A 9 to 15-digit number assigned when a person first enters the UAE. It remains constant and is primarily used for immigration purposes.
Emirates ID Number: A unique 15-digit number assigned upon approval of a UAE residence visa. This number is linked to an Emirates ID card, which is required for legal residency, banking, and official transactions.

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

Although both numbers are important, the Emirates ID is mandatory for residents, while the UID number is primarily used for immigration records.

What Happens If You Have Multiple UID Numbers?

In some cases, an individual may be assigned multiple UID numbers due to system errors or changes in passport details. This can create issues with visa processing, Emirates ID renewal, and legal status verification.

Common reasons for multiple UID numbers include:

Entering the UAE with different passport details over time.
Switching between different visa types (e.g., tourist visa to work visa).
Errors in immigration records or manual data entry mistakes.

Having more than one UID number can lead to problems such as delayed visa renewals, rejection of Emirates ID applications, or mismatched residency records. To resolve this, it is essential to merge duplicate UID numbers through UAE 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 to Check Your UID Number Online?

If you need to verify your UID number but do not have access to your visa document, you can check it online using the GDRFA’s Unified Number Inquiry Service.

This platform allows individuals to retrieve their UID number by providing basic details such as passport information.

Steps to Check Your UID Number Online:

Visit the GDRFA official website: Navigate to the Unified Number Inquiry Service section.
Enter your details: Provide your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender.
Solve the security verification: Answer a simple math question to confirm your identity.
Click Submit: The system will display your UID number if the details match the immigration records.

If the system does not show your UID number, ensure that you entered the correct passport details. In case of persistent issues, you may need to contact GDRFA customer service for further assistance.

How to Retrieve a Lost UID Number?

Losing track of your UID number can cause delays in visa processing, Emirates ID renewal, and other official transactions. If you are unable to find your UID on your visa or online, you can retrieve it through UAE immigration authorities.

Ways to Retrieve Your UID Number:

Online Inquiry: Use the GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry Service by entering your passport details.
Customer Support: Call 8005111 (inside UAE) or +971 4 313 9999 (international) for assistance.
Immigration Office Visit: Visit a GDRFA office in your emirate with your passport and visa details to request your UID number.
Email Inquiry: Some individuals may also retrieve their UID by emailing GDRFA support with their passport details and visa copy.

Since the UID is linked to your immigration record, it remains the same even if you change visas or renew your residency permit. If your UID number is missing from official records, authorities can manually retrieve it and update your details in the system.

What Should You Do If Your UID Number is Incorrect?

Errors in your UID number can create problems with visa applications, Emirates ID processing, and immigration records. If your UID is incorrect or does not match your personal details, you should take steps to correct the issue immediately.

How to Fix an Incorrect UID Number?

Check Your Visa Document: Ensure the UID number on your visa matches the one assigned during your first entry into the UAE.
Verify Online: Use the GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry Service to confirm the correct UID number.
Contact Immigration Authorities: If your UID does not match, visit a GDRFA office in person or call 8005111 for assistance.
Submit Correction Request: If an error is found, submit a formal request for UID correction along with a copy of your valid passport, current visa, and previous visas (if applicable).

Corrections are usually processed within a few working days, but it is important to act quickly to avoid delays in residency or visa renewals.

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

The Unified Identification Number (UID) simplifies the immigration process and plays a key role in managing the records of residents and visitors in the UAE.

It is a unique identifier that remains constant throughout an individual’s stay, making it an essential part of the UAE’s administrative and security system.

Key Benefits of the UID Number:

Streamlined Immigration Processing: The UID number ensures fast and accurate visa approvals, reducing paperwork.
Identity Verification: It helps verify an individual’s immigration status, residency, and travel history.
Seamless Government Services: The UID is used for Emirates ID applications, visa renewals, and work permits.
Enhanced Security: Prevents identity fraud and ensures that all legal records are correctly assigned.
Business and Banking Transactions: Required for opening bank accounts, registering businesses, and tax filings.

By centralizing personal records under a single UID number, the UAE government ensures an efficient and secure system for tracking residents, employees, and investors in the country.

Conclusion

The Unified Identification Number (UID) is more than just a number on your visa—it is your key to navigating UAE residency, immigration, and government services. Whether you are a new resident, an investor, or a long-term expat, keeping track of your UID ensures hassle-free visa renewals, Emirates ID applications, and legal compliance.

If you ever face issues like losing your UID, having multiple UID numbers, or finding incorrect details, UAE immigration authorities provide easy solutions for retrieval and correction.

By staying informed about your UID number and its role, you can ensure smooth administrative processes, avoid delays, and focus on building your future in the UAE. Always verify your UID details and keep them handy for future official transactions.