What Is a Unified Number in the UAE? Meaning, Importance, and How to Find It

If you are living in the UAE or planning to move or visit soon, then you must be aware that you will need a visa. Your immigration in the UAE is well regulated by the GDRFA and ICP of respective emirates. At the time you get your visa and enter the UAE immigration system, a unique digit is assigned to you called the Unified Number UAE. This number stays with you for life and gets linked to all your visa and immigration records. This helps facilitate various immigration-related processes like visa renewal, Emirates ID, and residency updates. 

This article will explain what is unified number in UAE, why it matters, and how you can locate yours. 

What is unified number UAE? 

So, what is unified number in UAE? The Unified Number, also called the UID, is a unique 9 to 15-digit number assigned to you once you get your UAE visa. Once you get this number, it stays with you for life, which means it is permanent and does not change. 

For the UAE government, it serves as a unique identifier through which they can identify each and every person who is staying within its boundaries. It gets linked to your official records like visa details and immigration status. 

What do the numbers in UID mean? 

The digits in your UID number are not just random numbers. Here is what each digit means: 

Your emirate: The first three digits signify the emirate that issued your visa. For example, 201 for Dubai, 101 for Abu Dhabi, 301 for Sharjah, and 401 for Ajman. 

Year issued: The next four digits show the year in which the visa was issued, giving a basic idea of the visa duration. 

Visa number: The last digits represent the visa number. 

How can you find your unified number? 

Every individual who enters the UAE on a valid UAE visa gets a UID number assigned. Here are the steps to find the unified number UAE: 

Step 1: Visit the official portal of immigration authority: 

Visit the GDRFA official website. The site is gdrfa.gov.ae. 

Step 2: Look for the service:  

On the website, look out for the Unified Number inquiry service. You can generally locate it on the home page. 

Step 3: Enter the details and submit request: 

Enter your passport number, your nationality, date of birth, and gender details. Verify yourself through the captcha on the page and submit. 

Step 4: View your result:  

If a match is found, your UID number and other immigration file details will be displayed on the screen. If in case you encounter an error, double-check the information you entered and try again. If you still cannot locate it, which usually does not happen, connect with the authorities as soon as possible. 

Other options to find the UID number 

Here are the alternate steps to find your UID number: 

ICP smart services/Dubai now app: For unified number inquiry, you can use the ICP smart services portal or Dubai now app as well. 

On your residence visa: On your UAE visa, you can easily check out the UID number as its printed thereupon. It will be above the file number. 

What to do in case you cannot find it? 

In rare cases, due to technical issues, it is possible that you may not be able to find your UID number. In those cases, it is essential to contact the official immigration authorities. To contact GDRFA, you can choose any of the following channels: 

· Contact form on website 

· Toll free number 

· Visiting headquarters in Al Jaffliya, Dubai 

Can a person have multiple unified number? 

No, not in any case. Every individual gets only one unique UID number allotted. If you have received multiple unified numbers, it is definitely because of some system error. You will need to get the numbers consolidated into a single number. 

GDRFA can guide you throughout this process. You can submit a request for same through their office. Along with application, you will be required to submit documents like passport, residence visa, identity proof, and proof of residence. 

Please note, it is important to get this issue sorted. Otherwise, it will impact your residency experience in UAE including your ability to enter or exit and application for other visas. 

Use of UID number in UAE 

UID number is an essential number that helps you with administrative and government-related tasks in the nation. Here are some of the uses of the UID number: 

Unique identifier: It gives you your own separate identification in the UAE immigration system. 

Unified system: It tracks all your travel history, exit and entry records, and visa status under one system. 

Visa process: It can help you get the residence visa for yourself and your family members. 

Renewals: Facilitates the visa renewal process by helping authorities verify your identity. 

Linked to Emirates ID: It links your personal information to your Emirates ID. 

Service access: Makes it easy to apply for various financial, healthcare, and utility services in the nation. 

Start business setup: Simplifies the process to apply for trade licenses and incorporation. 

Wrapping up! 

Understanding what is unified number in UAE is extremely important, especially if you are living in the country or planning to move here soon. This number may look like a simple set of digits, but it plays a key role in almost every immigration and residency-related process. From the moment you receive your UAE visa, the Unified Number becomes your identity in the immigration system. It stays linked to your records for life and helps the government identify you accurately whenever needed. 

If you are new to the UAE, make sure to keep your UID number safe, easily accessible, and do not share it with anyone outside the authorities. It contains your visa information and other sensitive details, so make sure not to tell any random entity about it. 

Looking for visa assistance in UAE? Check out Dubiz Business Setup. Their team of experts can guide you through the legal complexities and provide you guidance throughout your relocation journey to UAE.