Your Unified Identification Number or UID is important in identifying individuals during your time in the UAE. For utilising all the government transactions, every visitor and resident in the UAE is given a Unique Identifying Number.
The main reason for getting a Unified Identification Number was to ease immigration procedures, which led to the issuance of over 8 million visas annually to expatriates relocating to the UAE.
This guide by Shuraa Business Setup will help you explore the facts and importance of a Unified Number UAE. We will cover the advantages, functionality, purpose, and important steps for getting a Unified Number in the UAE.
Knowing about the Unified Identification Number System is important whether you’ve lived in the UAE for ages or just landed. It helps you figure things out and get things done in this lively country.
What’s a UAE Unified Number?
Well, it’s a 9-15-digit number you automatically get when you receive your residence visa. This number is important because it shows you’re a visa holder and is unique to you. The General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICA) give the Unified Number UAE.
They handle residency permits, Emirates ID applications, and documents needed to stay in the UAE. Each person’s UID number is connected to their visa and passport.
Note: This number stays the same, even if your visa situation changes while you’re in the country.
What are the benefits of Unified Number UAE?
The Unified Number UAE, or UID, comes with several benefits:
- It is a unique identifier for individuals holding visas in the UAE. It makes it easier for government agencies to identify and track them.
- The UID has various administrative procedures, such as visa applications, residency permits, and Emirates ID applications, by providing a single, consistent identifier.
- Government agencies can efficiently manage and process visa-related matters with a UID, reducing paperwork and smooth bureaucratic processes.
- A UID makes it easier for individuals to access government services, apply for permits, and complete other official tasks without needing multiple identification numbers.
- The UID remains the same regardless of visa status changes and continuity in identification and administrative records.
UID Number on Resident Visa
If expats see their resident visa, it contains several numbers and codes. It includes the Unified Identity Number (UID), which is just above the visa file number. Check the image given below.
How to Find Your UID Online
To quickly find your UID, follow these steps:
- Visit the GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry Service
- Enter your details: passport number, nationality, date of birth, and gender.
- Solve the provided math question.
- Click “Submit” to retrieve your Unified Number UAE.
Note: For reference, you can check the image given below.
How to Get a Unified Number UAE- Online
If you haven’t received your UID number or can’t find it using the online portal, you can reach out for assistance:
Phone Contact
- Toll-free within the UAE: 8005111
- International: +971 4 313 9999
Online Contact
- For direct inquiries, fill out the contact form on the GDRFA
In-Person Assistance
- Visit GDRFA headquarters in Al Jaffliya, Dubai.
For more details, visit the GDRFA contact information page.
How to get a Unified Number (UID) in the UAE- Offline
When you enter the country on a residency visa for the first time, you automatically get your Unified Number. If you have no idea about how to get a Unified number in UAE, here’s are the steps how it works:
Land into the UAE
Once you have landed in the UAE on a visa that leads to residency (such as an employment or family sponsorship visa), immigration authorities at the port of entry (airport, seaport, or land border) will issue a UID as part of your immigration file.
Visa Stamping Process
Once you are done with the entry process. You need to undergo a medical test. Then you can apply for your Emirates ID to get your visa stamped in your passport. At this time, your UID will be linked to all related applications and documents.
Check Your Visa
Once you finish the residency visa process, you will get a stamp on your passport.
Then your UID will be printed on the visa page. This number will be used for all your official documents and procedures in the UAE.
Emirates ID
Your UID will be listed once you receive your Emirates ID. The Emirates ID is an important document for your identification and verification for various services in the UAE.
Why is the UID Important?
The UAE’s UID number is important for several reasons:
- It helps keep your information up to date.
- It simplifies the government and business processes.
- It optimises identity verification and tracking customer interactions, leading to better service.
- It makes identity fraud and crime more difficult.
What is the key difference between the UID number UAE and Visa?
The key difference between the UID number UAE and visa is mentioned in the table given below:
| Aspect | UID Number UAE | Visa |
| Definition | A unique 15-digit identification number for all UAE citizens and residents. | An official document allowing entry and stay in the UAE for a specified period. |
| Purpose | Serves as an official proof of identity. | Permits entry and stay in the UAE. |
| Issued by | UAE government. | UAE government. |
| Contains | Personal information (name, DOB, gender, nationality, photograph). | Entry and stay permissions for specific purposes (tourism, employment, residency). |
| Mandatory for | All residents over the age of 15. | Foreign nationals wishing to enter the UAE. |
| Linked to | Biometric data such as fingerprints. | Entry conditions and duration of stay. |
| Validity | Permanent identification number. | Valid for a specific period (e.g., 30 days, 90 days, up to 3 years). |
How to merge UID Numbers?
Getting more than one UID number because of a computer mistake can mess up getting your resident visa and cause problems with your immigration records. To prevent issues, it’s important to fix this quickly. The immigration people (GDRFA) can combine all your UID numbers into one document. Here’s how:
- Go to the UAE immigration office or Contact GDRFA
- Take copies of your passport and entry visa (if applicable).
- If you have any old, expired, or cancelled visas, bring them along, as they may be needed for reference at the immigration service centre.
Wrapping up!
We hope this blog on Unified Number UAE was helpful and that it cleared up your doubts and queries. Understanding the immigration rules in the UAE can be a bit tricky for most of us, and travelling in the Emirates for the first time can be challenging. We at Shuraa are happy to help you.
If you plan to start a business in Dubai, Shuraa Business Setup is here to assist you. We provide professional help with residence, family, and employment visas. Whether you have questions or need expert guidance on starting your business in the UAE, we’re here.