If you live, work, or plan to migrate to the UAE, you’ll come across a lot of official terms like Emirates ID, resident visa and UID number. The UID Number (Unified Identification Number) is one of the most significant among them. It’s important to know what a UID number is and why it matters, whether you’re applying for your first UAE visa or trying to track your visa status.
In this guide, we will explain the UID Number in the UAE, including where to find it, why it’s significant, and how the government and free zone authorities use it.
What is a UID number in the UAE?
The Unified Identification Number, or UID Number, is a unique 9-digit number issued by the UAE’s Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP). It is generated as soon as you start your entry permit or visa application, even before your resident visa is stamped.
It is your permanent identity reference in the UAE’s immigration system.
Who Gets a UID Number?
Every foreign national who comes to the UAE gets a UID number. This includes:
- People with tourist visas
- People who want to get an employment visa
- People who want a family visa
- Holders of an investor or partner visa
- People who have a residency visa
This number is yours for life, even if your visa changes, is canceled, or is renewed.
What Makes the UID Number Important?
The UID number makes sure that all of your immigration records are correct and connected. Here’s why it’s important:
1. Necessary for Processing Visas
Your UID number links your visa application to your immigration file. Visa stamping can’t happen without it.
2. Necessary for Applying for an Emirates ID
You need to apply for an Emirates ID after your residency visa is issued. This process needs your UID number.
3. Helps keep track of your visa status
Using your UID, you can check the status and validity of your visa on the ICP or GDRFA portals.
4. Prevents duplicate records
The UID makes sure there are no duplicate immigration files, which cuts down on mistakes and delays.
5. Permanent for lifetime
Your UID number stays the same even if you leave the UAE and come back years later.
How Companies and Free Zones Use UID Numbers
The UID number is very important for immigration and compliance while starting or running a business in the UAE, especially in free zones. Here’s how businesses, PROs and free zone authorities use it:
1. Visa Distribution and Employee Quotas
When giving out visa quotas to businesses, free zones use the UID number. The UID helps the government keep track of how many employees a company can sponsor based on the size of its office and the type of work it does.
2. Processing visas for investors and employees
When someone applies for a visa, free zones check the UID number to make sure it matches the person’s identification with immigration records. This makes sure that everything goes well and that there are no duplicates.
3. Renewals, cancellations, and transfers of visas
The UID number helps free zones and immigration link records correctly when employees switch jobs, get new visas, or revoke their residency. The UID never changes, therefore it keeps a record of all of a person’s immigration activities over time.
4. Connecting Company Records Across Different Government Platforms
Authorities use the UID to keep everything in sync:
- Data about establishment cards
- Files about immigration
- Issuing Emirates IDs
- Records of business licenses
This creates a unified record across all systems, reducing discrepancies.
5. Checks for compliance and security
Free zones and the authorities use the UID number to do background checks. This makes sure that the person doesn’t have any open cases, violations, or duplicate records that could slow down business or visa processing.
How to Find Your UID Number in the UAE
There are a few ways to find your UID number:
1. On your residency visa
At the top of your UAE resident visa sticker in your passport is the 9-digit UID number.
2. On your entry permit
The UID is on your UAE entry permit for new visas.
3. On ICP website
You can get your UID online:
- Go to the ICP Smart Services website
- Go to the UID Inquiry page
- Fill up your passport information
- Submit to see your UID number.
4. Through GDRFA (for people who live in Dubai)
The GDRFA portal lets people with Dubai visas check their UID.
UID Number vs. Emirates ID Number
These two numbers serve different purposes and should not be confused.
| UID Number | Emirates ID Number |
| 9-digit number | 15-digit number |
| Issued at start of visa process | Issued after visa stamping |
| Used for immigration & visa tracking | Used as official identification in UAE |
| Permanent for life | Stays same unless card details change |
Both are important parts of the UAE’s identity system, yet they work in distinct ways.
How to Check Your Visa Status with Your UID Number
Through ICP (for All Emirates Except Dubai):
- Go to ICP Smart Services
- Choose File Validity
- Type in your UID
- Send in your information to see visa details.
Through GDRFA Dubai:
- Go to the GDRFA website
- Choose the validity of your residence
- Enter your UID or passport number
- Send in your application to verify your visa status.
What to Do If You Can’t Find Your UID
You can try the following if you can’t find your UID number on your documents or online:
- Ask your employer or PRO
- Go to a typing center
- Dial 600 522222 to reach ICP
- Go to a GDRFA branch (for Dubai visas)
Authorities can retrieve it using your passport number.
Conclusion
Your UID Number UAE is an important part of your immigration identity. It links all of your visa records, makes sure they are correct, and helps everything go smoothly across government systems and free zones. Your UID number is very important for keeping your records consistent and unified, whether you are applying for a new visa, renewing your residency, or working in a free zone.
If you need guidance with UAE visas, documentation, or business setup, our team of business setup consultants in Dubai is here to assist you every step of the way.
FAQ’s
- Is the UID number the same as the Emirates ID?No, UID is for immigration and Emirates ID is your national ID card.
- Do tourists from the UAE also acquire a UID number?Yes. Every foreigner who enters the UAE gets a UID.
- Is it possible to modify my UID number?No. It will last forever. You can only merge UID numbers that are the same.
- Is it possible to use the UID number to track my visa?Yes. You can use your UID to track your visa using the ICP and GDRFA portals.
- What if my entry permit doesn’t have my UID number?You can get it back online using the ICP portal by entering your passport number.
