UID Number In The UAE
What is the UID number?
UID number is a 9-15 digit unique number which is automatically assigned to any person who comes to the UAE either as a tourist or resident.
The number serves as an identification tool in order to differentiate any person who has ever entered the UAE.
UID numbers are issued by The General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). The number is issued once. Even if you renew your visa, or change status from tourist into resident, the UID remains the same. This means that it's a permanent unified identity number.
UID number in resident visa
Unknown to many expats, there are many numbers and codes contained in their resident visa pages. The Unified Identity Number (UID) number is one of them.
The UID is located right above the file number in your visa.
How to check the UID number online
Here is a step-by-step guide to check your UAE UID number online:
- Visit the website www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- From the home page click on “E-services”
- From the option displayed, click on “Find my UID”
- It takes you to a unified number inquiry service page. There, you will have to fill in information:
- your passport number
- nationality
- date of birth
- gender
- Once you are done filling your personal information, press “Submit”.
- Then you will find your UID number.
How to get the unified identity number
If you do not have a UID number yet and are not able to find it online, you can go to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and get it there.
There is a branch in DXB Airport terminal 3 or the head office in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/form/contact-us. Both of them can issue a UID number for you.
How to merge the UID numbers
It may happen that you get multiple UID numbers. It is a system mistake that can affect issuance of your resident visa. When this happens, there may be an issue with your immigration records, so it's advisable to sort it out immediately.
Don't worry, there is a sure way out. The multiple UID numbers may be merged by the relevant immigration authority (GDRFA) so that you wouldn't end up with more than a single record with the immigration.
Below are the steps to merge the UID numbers:
- Visit the immigration office in the UAE: https://www.gdrfad.gov.ae/en/form/contact-us
- Carry along the required documents like: your passport copy, entry visa copy (if you have one).
- If you have an old, expired or cancelled visa, also take them along. They may be needed at the immigration service centre for reference purposes.
Benefits of the unified identity number (UID)
Just like every other number contained in the UAE visa page, the UID number holds a strong significance for the residents of the country for:
- Resident visa application
- Emirates ID application
- Identification of individuals in the immigration system
FAQ
-
What is a UID number?
It is a unique identification number which is automatically assigned to anyone who enters the UAE.
-
Can a person have multiple UID numbers?
YNormally no. But if a system mistake happens, multiple UID numbers may be assigned to the same person. In this case you should go to the immigration authorities and ask to merge your UID numbers.
-
Which authority issues UID numbers?
General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs. The main office is located in Al Jafiliya, Bur Dubai.
Subscribe to Emirabiz Blog
