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Co-Founder & CEO movingo
Editor
Author
Iakov Kukushkin
Copywriter, Journalist
Jul 03, 2025
In the UAE, residents are assigned an important identification number for interacting with government authorities — the UID, or Unique Identification Number.
We'll explain what it is, how to find it, and why it's important.
We'll explain what it is, how to find it, and why it's important.
- What is a UID number in the UAE?
- What is the UID number in the UAE used for?
- How to get the Unified Number in UAE
- What do the numbers in your UID number mean?
- Why is the UID Important?
- UID number vs. Emirates ID vs. Visa number – What’s the difference?
- How to find your UID number in UAE on your residence visa
- How to find your UID number online
- How to correct, update or merge your UID Number?
- UID number for new expats and visitors
- Significance and future of a UAE Unified Number
- UID number FAQ
What is a UID number in the UAE?
The UID number is a unique identifier that's assigned to everyone who enters the UAE. When you first apply for residency, the General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP) will give you one automatically. This number links a person's information from different government databases, like residency, visa, and immigration records.
This number doesn't change while you're in the UAE, even if your visa gets cancelled or you change it.
This number doesn't change while you're in the UAE, even if your visa gets cancelled or you change it.
What is the UID number in the UAE used for?
- Linking your immigration records
- Processing residency visas
- Managing entry and exit history
- Ensuring your Emirates ID and visa are connected
- Avoiding duplication in the system
How to get the Unified Number in UAE
Your UID number is created automatically when your enter the country as a tourist or your residency visa is issued. So, you do not need to apply separately unless there's a mistake or issue with your UID.
What do the numbers in your UID number mean?
The UID number is just a random sequence of numbers and doesn't reveal any personal information. It's used for internal tracking purposes in immigration systems, and it can be anywhere from 8 to 9 digits long.
Why is the UID Important?
Your UID number is important because:
- It’s necessary to open a company in the UAE.
- It connects all your immigration and visa records.
- It ensures your identity is clear in the government system.
- It avoids delays when renewing or cancelling visas.
UID number vs. Emirates ID vs. Visa number – What’s the difference?
UID is not the only “number” you get assigned when living in the UAE, and it's easy to get them mixed up. Let's take a quick look at how they're different:
If you have any questions about the UAE or anywhere else, just send us a text. We'll help you sort through all your paperwork.
How to find your UID number in UAE on your residence visa
- Look at your entry permit (it’s in the UAEICP app, visas are non longer stamped into your passport).
- The UID number is usually written as "U.I.D. No".
- It is an 8 to 9-digit number.
How to find your UID number online
How to correct, update or merge your UID Number?
Sometimes, people receive more than one UID number. This is a problem because you only need one number. If you find yourself in this situation, there are a few things you can do:
- Visit a GDRFA office.
- Request a UID merge or correction.
- Submit your documents.
- Pay the required fee.
- Wait for confirmation via SMS or email.
- Just text us, and we'll take care of everything.
UID number for new expats and visitors
- If you're a new resident, your UID number will be created with your entry permit.
- If you're a visitor, a UID is created when your tourist or visit visa is processed.
- If you later become a resident, your number will remain the same as when you first entered the UAE.
Significance and future of a UAE Unified Number
The UID system is a step toward streamlined digital identity in the UAE. It's helping the government offer better, faster services. And in the future, your UID might be used in more systems, linking it to things like:
- Residency status
- Health records
- Bank information
- Legal records
- The UID number is much more than just a visa number; it's the key to your identity in the UAE.
But first, you need to sort out the visa thing to get into the UAE. Are you thinking of taking a vacation in Dubai, starting a business, or settling down with your family? movingo offers professional visa assistance at a reasonable price for all of these situations. How about we give us a call and see how we can help you smooth out the process and make your move to the UAE a bit faster?
UID number FAQ
General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA) and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP).
No, the UID is an internal immigration file number, while the Emirates ID is a physical identification card.
It's a unique number that's stamped on your visa, allowing you to stay or enter the country for a specific reason legally.
Your visa number can be found on your UA residency visa.
Various official processes — including residency applications, employment, and accessing government services — rely on the visa number.
The UID streamlines immigration processes, consolidates individual records, and makes government services more accessible across different emirates.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) is the governing authority that issues the Unified Number.
No, each person in the UAE is assigned only one unique UID number.
You will usually need to provide your complete UID number when applying for an Emirates ID.
No, your UID number is a permanent identifier. It does not change over time.
The UID is necessary to open a business in the UAE.
Share your UID number only with official authorities and trusted organizations when legitimately required.
What to read next
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