The UID number, or Unified Identification Number, is a 9 to 15-digit code assigned to every individual who enters the UAE for residency purposes. It links your visa records, Emirates ID, immigration history, and medical test results under a single profile in the UAE immigration system. Your UID is printed on your entry permit or visa copy, near the File No. field.
Do This Next
- Open your latest entry permit or residence visa PDF
- Look for the UID near the “File No.” field at the top of the document
- If no copy is available, check online via the GDRFA or ICP portal, depending on where your visa was issued
Table of Contents
Where to Find Your UID Number
The fastest method requires no portal and no login — your UID is already on your entry permit or visa copy.
- Open your latest entry permit or residence visa PDF
- Look at the top section where the file details appear
- Find the field labelled “File No.” — your UID appears close to it and is 9 to 15 digits long
- Save it separately — you will need it again for renewals, sponsorship, and status checks
Your UID is not the same as your visa number or your file number. All three appear on the same document, but serve different purposes — entering the wrong one into a government form will return no result.
The UID number does not appear on the Emirates ID card. Many residents check their Emirates ID first, expecting to find it there, but the two are separate records in the UAE immigration system.
How to Check Your UID Number Online
If you do not have your visa copy, your UID can be retrieved online. The portal depends on which emirate issued your visa — not where you currently live or work.
Dubai-Issued Visa: GDRFA Portal
For visas issued in Dubai, use the Unified Number Inquiry service provided by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA). Enter your nationality, passport number, date of birth, and gender. If your details match the system record exactly, your UID will display on screen.
Non-Dubai Visa: ICP Smart Services
For visas issued in Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, or Umm Al Quwain, use the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) Smart Services portal. Follow the visa or file inquiry route, enter your passport details, and proceed through the on-screen steps.
If no result appears on either portal, re-enter your details exactly as they appear on your passport. A single character difference will prevent the record from returning.
| Method | When to Use | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Entry permit or visa copy | PDF or physical copy available | Fastest — check near “File No.” |
| GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry | Dubai-issued visa, no copy available | Requires nationality, passport, DOB, gender |
| ICP Smart Services | Non-Dubai visa, no copy available | Passport details and file inquiry route |
| Amer Centre (in person) | Portal returns no result | Bring original passport and Emirates ID |
Pro Tip: Always use your most recent entry permit to find the UID — an older copy may show a previous UID if your records were updated after a passport change or visa re-issuance.
When You Will Need Your UID Number
The UAE immigration system uses your UID to pull up your full residency record instantly, linking your entry record, current visa status, and immigration history under one reference.
You will typically be asked for it during:
- Residence visa renewal or transfer
- Sponsoring a family member or dependent
- Immigration status checks and record updates
- Some bank verification and official document processes
As of 2025, the UID is also required when checking the status of absconding individuals or resolving immigration-related records through the MOHRE and GDRFA portals. If you need to check whether a sponsored employee has an absconding case on record, the absconding status check UAE covers the verified portal paths for both MOHRE and GDRFA.
The UID is not required for everyday transactions — it is not needed for driving license renewals, utility connections, or standard retail and banking activity.
UID Number and Emirates ID: Two Different Records
The UID number and the Emirates ID number are not the same, and the two cannot be used interchangeably in government portals.
The Emirates ID is a physical identity document issued by ICP to UAE residents. The UID number is an immigration reference code that predates or links to the Emirates ID record.
Your Emirates ID number begins with 784 and is 15 digits. Your UID is a shorter code assigned at the point of visa stamping and tied to your immigration file — not your identity card.
Entering your Emirates ID number in a field that asks for a UID will not return a correct result in any portal. The two are stored and retrieved separately within the ICP system.
If you have an outstanding visa fine or overstay penalty, your UID may also be used to retrieve that record. The UAE visa fine check explains how to verify overstay penalties through ICP and GDRFA using your passport details or UID. For a full overview of residency checks and services, the UAE visa guide covers the major portals and processes.
FAQs
What is the UID number in UAE?
The UID number, or Unified Identification Number, is a 9 to 15-digit immigration reference code assigned to every individual who enters the UAE for residency purposes. It links visa records, Emirates ID, immigration history, and medical test results under one profile. It is issued at the point of visa stamping and found on the entry permit near the File No. field.
Is the UID number the same as the Emirates ID number?
No. The UID number and Emirates ID number are two different identifiers. The Emirates ID number is a 15-digit code starting with 784, printed on the physical Emirates ID card and issued by ICP. The UID is an immigration reference code on the entry permit. Both are managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security but serve separate functions.
How do I find my UID if I have lost my visa copy?
If no visa copy is available, use the portal that matches where your visa was issued. For Dubai-issued visas, open the GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry and enter your passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender. For all other emirates, use ICP Smart Services and follow the file inquiry route. If neither portal returns a result, visit an Amer Centre in person with your original passport.
Can a UID number change or have duplicates?
A UID is generally stable, but some residents have more than one UID on record — this can happen after multiple re-entries, a passport number change, or visa cancellation and re-issuance. If you see duplicate UIDs associated with your name, an immigration service centre or Amer Centre can merge the records. Using an outdated UID in an official form may cause the system to return no result.
Why does Dubai have a separate portal for UID checks?
Dubai residency and immigration records are administered through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA), which operates independently of the federal ICP system for most residency services. Visas stamped in Dubai are filed under the GDRFA platform, while visas issued in other emirates sit under the federal ICP system. This is why the correct portal depends on the issuing emirate, not the applicant’s current location.
Last verified: April 2026
Reviewed by: UAE Content Team
Source: Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFA)
