What Is UID Number in UAE Visa? Complete Guide for Residents, Employees & Investors

If you’re applying for a visa, opening a bank account, or starting a business in the UAE you need to understand your UID number is essential. The UID number is your permanent immigration ID in the UAE. It appears on your visa or Emirates ID, links your records across immigration, banking and company-registration systems, and remains with you even if your visa type changes. In this article, we’ll cover what the UID number is, how to find it, how it’s used for labour, banking and business & the key things you must know.

1. Introduction

Grab your visa or Emirates ID now and locate your UID number. When you first arrive in the UAE on any visa, you’ll be assigned a number that’s called a UID number. But what is UID number in UAE visa ? Why does it matter so much for residents, employees and investors interacting with UAE immigration, business setups or banking processes? Whether you’re changing sponsor, opening a bank account, or registering a company if you’ve the correct UID number saves delays and confusion. Let’s walk through what it means, how it works and why you should care.

2. What is a UID Number in a UAE Visa?

The phrase what is UID number in UAE visa refers to a number that is also called the Unified Identification Number and is  issued by the UAE government. Here’s how it breaks down:

• It is a unique 9 to 15 digit code that is automatically assigned to an individual when they hold a UAE visa.
  
• It appears on your residence visa document or entry permit and it may also be accessible through immigration portals.
  
• Its purpose is to link you across immigration, residency, Emirates ID and other official services. It remains unchanged even if your visa changes or you change employer/sponsor.
  

In short, when you ask what is UID number in UAE visa, you’re asking for the core immigration identity reference that will serve you across multiple processes in the UAE.

3. How is the UID Number Used?

Understanding how the UID number is used helps you see why it matters.

Immigration & Residency Processes

• When you apply for your initial residence visa, the UID number gets linked to you and your visa records.
  
• If you switch visas for example, from employment to family sponsorship or renew your visa, your visa number may change but your UID number stays the same.
  
• Immigration authorities use it to track entry/exit, visa history and residency status.
  

Opening a Bank Account in the UAE

• Banks often request your UID number because it uniquely identifies you in the immigration/residency system.
  
• It ties in with KYC (know your customer) and residency verification (they check you are properly registered, have Emirates ID, visa, etc).
  

Employment and Labour Clearance

• Employers use your UID number when registering you with labour authorities and processing your work permit.
  
• Changing sponsor or job still uses the same UID thereby aligning your history under one identifier.
  

Healthcare, Government Portals and e-Services

• Your UID number is used when you apply for an Emirates ID, health insurance, utility accounts & sometimes when registering children in schools.
  
• It allows government and private services to reference your residency file correctly.

4. How to Find Your UID Number?

On your UAE Visa Document- 

• Check your UAE residence visa sticker or e-visa in your passport your UID number is printed above the file or visa number.
• It may appear as “Unified Number” or “UID,” typically listed near the top section of your residence visa page.
• Most UID numbers contain 9 to 15 digits and are clearly visible, so keep a copy of your visa page for reference.

Through Online Portals

• Visit the GDRFA Dubai website and open the “Unified Number Inquiry Service” to find your UID using passport details.
• You’ll need to enter your passport number, nationality, and date of birth to view your assigned UID number online.
  If you’re outside Dubai, you can use the ICP (Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security) portal instead.

On Your Emirates ID

In some cases, your UID number appears in your Emirates ID application or system-generated record online.

• However, it’s not always printed directly on the Emirates ID card itself, depending on the issuing emirate.
• When unsure, the visa page remains the most reliable place to check and confirm your UID number accurately.

5. UID Number and Business Setup in UAE

If you are an investor or setting up a business, the question what is UID number in UAE visa becomes particularly relevant.

• When you register a company (either in a Mainland or Free Zone), you or your company’s sponsors may need to provide the UID number of key individuals (owners, visa holders) for trade licence, registration and compliance.
  
• The UID number ties your individual immigration history to your business activities. That is helpful when authorities check whether a person is eligible to act as a director, shareholder, or visa-holder of the company.
  
• If you’re switching from an employment visa to setting up your own company visa/sponsorship, your UID remains the same the history stays intact.
  
• Outsourcing business-setup consultants or service providers often ask you for your UID so they can handle your visa, licence and bank-opening processes easily.

6. UID Number and Banking in UAE

Knowing what is UID number in UAE visa helps even when you open a bank account:

• Banks perform identity and residency verification through your Emirates ID and visa records; your UID helps link those records reliably.
  
• For account opening, financing, credit checks, and corporate bank accounts, the UID may be requested by the bank as part of the KYC package.
  
• With the UID, banks can confirm your visa status, residency history and ensure you are compliant
  
• If you move employer or change visa type, since your UID remains stable, you don’t have to keep explaining/validating multiple identities in the system.

7. UID Number and Visa Services

Again, when dealing with visas the question what is UID number in UAE visa becomes practical:

• For new visa applications, renewals, cancellations and transfers, immigration authorities use your UID number to link all records under you
  
• Without the correct UID number, there could be duplicate records or mismatches for example if you had multiple sponsors, or moved between emirates
  
• Service providers who assist with visa management like visa agents, relocation services will ask for your UID number since it helps them process the paperwork more efficiently and avoid errors
  

8. FAQs

Do all visa types have a UID number?
Yes, every UAE visa residence, work, dependent, or visit automatically includes a unique UID number.

Can one UID number be used for multiple services?
Yes, the same UID links all your UAE records for visas, banking, employment, and business setup.

What to do if the UID number is missing or incorrect?
Contact GDRFA or ICP to correct or merge duplicate UID records immediately.

9. Conclusion

If you’ve ever asked what is UID number in UAE visa, you now know it is your lifelong immigration identifier in the UAE. It matters for visas, for banking, for business setup, for employment, and for nearly every formal interaction you’ll have in the UAE. Make sure you know your UID number, check that it’s correct, and keep it handy.

If you’re thinking of setting up a business or opening a bank account in the UAE, the team at Arnifi can assist you with business-registration, visa processing and bank-account opening. Reach out to Arnifi and we’ll help you get everything aligned. This includes your UID number. Let’s get you ready.