Obtaining your PRAN number in the UAE

Documents required for PRAN application

Whether applying offline or online, providing the correct documents is essential to successfully obtain your PRAN number in the UAE. Incomplete or inaccurate files can delay your application or result in rejection from the ICP.

Below is a complete list of required PRAN documents for most individual and dependent applicants:

Mandatory documents:

• Valid passport copy (clear, full-color scan)
• UAE entry visa copy or change-of-status page
• Passport-sized photo (white background, JPEG format for online submission)
• Emirates ID application form or reference number (if already started)
• Visa sponsor’s Emirates ID card (if applying as a dependent or under a family visa)

Additional documents (if applicable):

• Employment offer letter (for first-time employees)
• Residence tenancy contract (for proof of address)
• Birth certificate or marriage certificate (for family visa applicants)
• Previous PRAN confirmation (in case of update or reissue)

Each document must be valid and match your submitted personal details. For example, the Emirates ID card and passport must show the same name spelling, nationality, and birth date.

Tip: always carry original documents when applying offline, even if only copies are required. For online applications, upload all scanned files in the correct format — typically JPEG, PDF, or DOC.

Benefits of obtaining a PRAN number

Whether you're a first-time expat or a UAE resident managing visa renewals, the PRAN number is a key to accessing essential government services and ensuring smooth administrative workflows. In short, the PRAN number is your behind-the-scenes identity tool — an invisible thread linking your paperwork, your permissions, and your future in the country.

Below are the core advantages of having a PRAN number in the UAE, including how it ties into your daily life and legal standing.

Easier visa and residency procedures

The PRAN number significantly reduces processing time for visa applications, renewals, and Emirates ID issuance. As part of your Emirates ID card application, this number ensures all your supporting documents are connected correctly within the ICP system.

Quick access to government and banking services

Once you have your PRAN number, you’re able to:

• Monitor your Emirates ID status easily
• Access e-government platforms for healthcare, education, and utilities
• Open a bank account using verified identity credentials

Banks and telecom providers often require PRAN confirmation before proceeding with registrations. This speeds up KYC (Know Your Customer) compliance and ensures smooth onboarding for expats, entrepreneurs, and investors alike.

In the UAE, the PRAN number is also important when registering with mobile service providers, applying for housing permits, or connecting with your municipality. It essentially bridges the gap between visa approval and full resident identification.

Enhanced creditworthiness and financial transactions

PRAN is important for establishing your credit and identity profile, as financial institutions rely on it during the interim period before your Emirates ID card is issued. Your PRAN number ensures your application is traceable, helping banks track your residency progress before finalizing a credit check or account opening.

For example:

• You apply for a loan while waiting for your Emirates ID
• The bank uses your PRAN number to verify that you’ve started the process
• This reassures lenders of your legal presence and administrative status in the UAE

In the UAE, the PRAN number also serves as a temporary reference when connecting your ID to online payment platforms or mobile wallets.

Seamless management of NPS

For residents and citizens enrolled in the National Pension System (NPS), your PRAN number is essential. It helps link your contribution record to your identity and allows you to track your pension status over time.

Benefits include:

• Accessing your NPS account online using PRAN credentials
• Verifying employer contributions to the NPS
• Ensuring consistency between your identity data and retirement plan

Without a valid PRAN, you risk incorrect linkage between your employment, pension, and Emirates ID records. Especially for long-term residents and government employees, a valid PRAN guarantees proper benefits tracking and national record updates.

Employment and identity verification

Employers in the UAE often request the PRAN number when processing new hires or updating visa data. It acts as a reference for:

• Validating job offers
• Issuing labor contracts
• Running background checks
• Connecting HR systems with government records

Having a valid PRAN ensures you're seen as legally registered in federal databases. If there's any dispute about your employment or visa status, this number helps legal teams retrieve your full history of applications, forms, and documents.

How to check your Emirates ID and PRAN status online

After submitting your application for a PRAN number, it's crucial to track your status to ensure successful processing. Thankfully, the UAE government provides accessible online tools to monitor both your Emirates ID status and the progress of your PRAN number.

How to check Emirates ID status

To check your Emirates ID status, follow these steps:

1. Visit the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security) website.
2. Go to the Check Application Status section.
3. Enter your Emirates ID application number or PRAN number if prompted.
4. View real-time updates about printing, processing, or delivery stages.

If you applied through a typing center or Amer Center, they may provide a paper receipt containing your reference or PRAN number — keep this safe.

How to check PRAN status

The PRAN number is often processed alongside your visa or Emirates ID application, so its status is usually reflected in the same tracking system. Alternatively:

1. Log in to the ICP Smart Services portal.
2. Select the PRAN/ID Inquiry option if available.
3. Input your passport number, application form number, or PRAN.
4. Check if the number has been successfully issued, is under review, or needs further action.

If your status remains unchanged for over 7 working days, contact the ICP or your typing center for an update. Delays can sometimes result from missing documents or unmatched personal details.

Managing and securing your PRAN

Once you've received your PRAN number, proper management and security of this identifier are vital. Mishandling it can result in delays, data theft, or legal complications.

Updating personal information linked to PRAN

Your PRAN number reflects the personal data submitted during your application process. If any of the following details change, you must update them:

• Full name (due to marriage or legal correction)
• Passport number or nationality
• Residence visa number
• Contact information (email, phone number)
• Employer or job role

Updates can be done through:

• The ICP Smart Services portal
• Visiting an Amer Center or typing office
• Submitting a new PRAN document and an updated application

Keeping your information current ensures that your Emirates ID card and NPS account remain valid and accessible without issues.

Safeguarding your PRAN from fraud

Because your PRAN number is used in banking, employment, and government interactions, protecting it from misuse is essential.

Tips to safeguard your PRAN:

• Never share your PRAN number publicly or over unsecured channels.
• Only upload PRAN documents to trusted UAE government portals.
• Report suspicious requests for your PRAN to the authorities.
• Keep a secure digital and printed copy for your own records.

Fraud involving a PRAN number could impact your ability to open a bank account, access public services, or complete an Emirates ID application.

Steps to follow if your PRAN is lost

Losing your PRAN number doesn’t mean losing access forever. If misplaced:

1. Log in to the ICP portal using your Emirates ID or passport number.
2. Retrieve the number from the My Profile section if previously registered.
3. Alternatively, visit the Amer center or typing office with your passport and visa copy to request retrieval.
4. Reprint the PRAN document if required by your employer or government service.

In extreme cases where identity theft is suspected, notify the ICP immediately and request a temporary suspension of your PRAN number.