Author: Melban Mascarenhas
Published: May 28, 2025
Category: Business in Sharjah
Moving to the UAE can be both exciting and overwhelming – especially when it comes to navigating official documentation. Whether you're applying for a residency visa, Emirates ID, or renewing government documents, you'll come across a key term that's often misunderstood: unified number inquiry service (UID).
This unified number is a permanent, unique identifier assigned to every individual entering the UAE, and it plays a vital role in your residency and immigration profile. It's tied to your visa, used in Emirates ID applications, and essential when interacting with government services.
However, many residents and newcomers face confusion when trying to locate or understand their UID – especially with multiple platforms and document formats involved. That's where the unified number inquiry service becomes essential.
In this guide, you'll find a simple, clear solution to that confusion. We'll walk you through:
Whether you're new to the UAE or simply need to verify your details, this article will give you all the clarity you need—step by step.
The Unified Number (UID) is a permanent identifier assigned to every individual entering the UAE. It's created by immigration authorities and plays a key role in linking your personal information across government systems.
Unlike the Emirates ID number, your UID never changes—it stays the same throughout your stay in the UAE. You'll find the unified number in your visa, usually at the top of the sticker or eVisa. Understanding the UID number meaning is crucial because it connects directly to your residency permit and is required for services like Emirates ID applications, visa renewals, and more. Knowing your UID helps ensure smoother access to essential UAE government services.
The UAE Unified Number (UID) is a permanent, unique identification number assigned to every individual when they first enter the UAE or apply for a visa. It's created by immigration authorities and remains the same throughout your stay—regardless of visa changes or renewals.
Unlike temporary visa or entry permit numbers that may vary, the UID stays constant and is used to link all your immigration and residency records.
You can think of the UID as your immigration version of a national ID or social security number—a vital code that connects you to all official services in the UAE.
The Unified Number (UID) in the UAE typically consists of 15 digits. While it might appear random, its structure follows a general logic that helps organize and track immigration records.
Usually, the number includes:
An illustrative example could look like this:
201-2023-1234567-1
(Emirate – Year – Unique ID – Check digit)
This structured format makes the UID more than just a number—it's a consistent, system-generated ID that stays with you throughout your residency in the UAE.
The Unified Number (UID) is not just another entry on your visa—it's a foundational part of your legal identity in the UAE. It plays a vital role in connecting your personal information across government platforms, helping streamline various immigration and residency services.
The importance of the unified number lies in its ability to simplify and centralize your identity across UAE systems, making processes faster, more secure, and easier to manage.
By understanding the benefits of the UID number, residents can avoid delays and access essential services more efficiently.
The unified number inquiry service UAE is helpful for anyone living in the UAE or planning to move there. This service is used by:
You will need your unified number in visa for many important government services, such as:
Your UID is a key part of your personal record in the UAE. Without it, you may face delays in getting your documents or using official services. That's why it's important to know how to find it and when to use it.
If you want to check your unified number UAE online, you can do it easily through official government websites. Two main platforms offer this service:
You can access both through a web browser on your phone or computer. Some services are also available through mobile apps.
These platforms help you find your UID using simple details like your passport number. The unified number inquiry service Dubai is especially useful for Dubai-based residents using GDRFA.
The ICP UAE unified number inquiry is a quick way to find your UID online if you live in any part of the UAE outside Dubai.
The system will show your unified number along with visa details. Make sure the information you enter matches your official documents.
If you live in Dubai, use the GDRFA portal to check your UID. This service is only for people whose visas were issued in Dubai.
The GDRFA unified number check Dubai tool is very helpful for Dubai-based residents who need to find their UID quickly.
Your Unified Number (UID) is not just a number on your visa — it's a key that connects you to many important UAE government services. Once you have your UID, you can access different systems and check your status easily.
The UID is used during your Emirates ID registration. It helps the system match your visa and ID records.
You can use your UID to check if your residency visa is active, about to expire, or has any overstay penalties.
The UID links to your work permit and employment details, especially through MOHRE or free zone portals.
For residency, you must pass a medical test. Your UID is used to track and view your medical exam status online.
Any changes to your visa—like renewals or cancellations—can be followed using your UID in ICP or GDRFA systems.
These services are part of the broader UAE UID number check service, helping both new and current residents manage their records. Whether you're tracking your residency visa UID check UAE, checking a fine, or waiting for a medical result, your UID is the key to staying informed and compliant.
Sometimes, you may face problems when using the unified number inquiry service UAE. These issues are usually simple to fix, but it's important to know what to do if something goes wrong.
If you face any of these issues, don't worry — help is available.
The support teams are trained to help with UID-related issues, including updates, corrections, or missing data. It's always a good idea to keep a copy of your documents ready when contacting them.
By using the right channels, you can quickly fix errors and keep your immigration and residency records updated and accurate.
Before you apply for any government service in the UAE—such as a visa, Emirates ID, or residency renewal—always make sure your Unified Number (UID) is correct.
Keeping your UID correct and updated will help avoid delays, document rejections, or system errors. It also ensures your information stays linked across all UAE immigration and residency systems.
You can check your unified number online in the UAE through the official ICP website or GDRFA Dubai portal. Just enter your passport number and nationality, and your UID will appear. Use ICP if your visa is from outside Dubai, and GDRFA if it was issued in Dubai.
The UID number, or Unified Number, is a permanent identification number assigned to every individual entering the UAE. It links your immigration, residency, and Emirates ID records, and is used in all major government services.
Yes, you can check your UAE visa online. Use the ICP website for visas from most Emirates or the GDRFA Dubai portal if your visa was issued in Dubai. Just enter your passport details to view your visa status.
You can find your unified number (UID) on your UAE visa sticker or eVisa, usually printed at the top. It's a 15-digit number that links your immigration and residency records.
The unified number is important in the UAE because it connects your immigration, residency, and Emirates ID records. It's required for visa applications, renewals, medical tests, and accessing government services like ICP and GDRFA.
No, the unified number is not the same as the Emirates ID number. The unified number (UID) is assigned when you first enter the UAE and stays the same, while the Emirates ID number is linked to your ID card and can change when renewed.
Related Articles: