UAE UID Number (Unified Number) 2026 – What It Is, How to Find It, Fix Duplicates, and Use It for Dubai Visas

The UID (Unified Number) is your permanent immigration identity number in the UAE. It is generated once by immigration authorities when you first enter the country (as a tourist, employee, student, or dependent) and stays linked to you for life.

• It is used across visa applications, status changes, residency stamping, and Emirates ID issuance.

• Even if your visa expires, changes, or is cancelled, your UID remains the same.

In practice, the UID is typically a 9-digit numeric identifier printed on your visa/eVisa and stored in immigration systems.

UID vs Emirates ID vs File Number: Know the Difference

What the UID Looks Like

• UID (Unified Number): Usually 9 digits (numeric). It’s your master immigration identity.

Where the Emirates ID Fits In

• Emirates ID: A smart ID card number issued by the federal identity authority after your residency is approved.

• It is different from the UID; your UID helps trigger/validate Emirates ID issuance.

What a Residence File Number Is

• Residence File Number (a.k.a. Visa File/Unified Number on sticker lines): The long alphanumeric/segmented number on your residence visa (often starting with 101/201 plus emirate code and year).

• It refers to the specific visa file/record, not your permanent immigration identity.

Why the UID Number Matters in 2026 (Key Uses)

• Residence Visa Processing & Renewals

• Emirates ID Registration & Biometrics

• Status Change (Tourist → Resident)

• Linking All Past Entries under one identity (avoids duplicates)

• Faster Government Services and e-services logins/verification

How to Find Your UID Number (4 Easy Ways)

On Your Visa Sticker/eVisa PDF

Open your latest visa sticker or eVisa PDF. The UID is usually printed in the top section near or above the file number.

Through Official Online Inquiry (Find My UID)

Use the official “Find My UID” online inquiry tool. You typically enter:

• Passport number

• Nationality

• Date of birth

• Gender / Captcha
  Result shows your UID if it exists.

Through Smart App/Service Centers

If you have access to the relevant UAE smart app or service center, you can request the UID linked to your passport details.

At the Airport or GDRFA Service Desks

If you’ve just arrived and can’t find your UID, visit airport immigration or a GDRFA service center with your passport and entry stamp to retrieve it.

Step-by-Step: Online UID Inquiry (What You’ll Enter)

1. Go to Find My UID (official channel).

2. Choose UID/Unified Number Inquiry.

3. Enter passport details and personal information exactly as in your passport.

4. Submit to view your UID on screen; save or screenshot it for future use.

Tip: If you get “No record found”, check your spelling, recent entry date, and ensure your passport has at least one UAE entry recorded.

Don’t See a UID Yet? How to Get One Issued

If this is your first trip or your past record isn’t found:

• Visit a GDRFA service center (or airport immigration) with:

  • Passport (original)

  • Latest entry stamp / eVisa

• Request UID creation/search against your passport.

• The UID is typically generated automatically upon first valid entry; manual issuance is rarely needed but possible if there’s a data mismatch.

Multiple UID Numbers: Causes, Risks & How to Merge

Occasionally, travelers end up with two or more UIDs due to:

• Entering with different passport numbers (renewals) not cross-linked.

• Name format or date-of-birth mismatches during previous entries.

• Historical data migration discrepancies.

Risks of duplicates: delays in residency stamping, Emirates ID, or status changes.
Solution: request a UID merge so you retain one master identity.

Documents Needed for a Merge Request

• Passport copy (current; include signature page)

• Old passport copy (if applicable)

• All previous visas (old & current)

• Visa cancellation paper(s) (if any)

• List of duplicate UID(s) shown to you

Where and How to Submit the Merge

• Submit at a GDRFA service center or via an authorized channel.

• Ask for “UID Merge / Consolidation”.

• Officer links the records so only one UID remains active.

• Processing times vary; keep receipts/acknowledgment.

Common UID Errors & How to Fix Them

• UID Not Found: Confirm you’ve entered UAE at least once; recheck passport data; try again after 24–48 hours; visit a service center if needed.

• Mismatch With Emirates ID: Request record correction using passport & visa copies.

• Wrong DOB/Name: Ask for data amendment at the service desk with original documents.

• Duplicate UID: File a merge as above before proceeding with residency/ID.

Why Use Our Professional Visa Service (Safety, Speed & Support)

Applying for or updating UAE records incorrectly can cause:

• Delays in residency/Emirates ID

• Rejections due to duplicates or data mismatches

• Missed travel timelines and extra costs

With DubaiVisitVisa.online, you get:

• Pre-check of UID, file number and passport data to avoid errors

• Guidance on UID retrieval/merge before your visa process

• Fast, transparent processing and real support when issues pop up

CTA: ✅ Need help with your UID or Dubai visa? Apply via Dubai Visit Visa online and our experts will verify your UID, fix duplicates, and process your visa fast.

Conclusion: Treat Your UID as Your Permanent Immigration Identity

Your UID (Unified Number) is the anchor of your UAE immigration profile in 2026. Know where to find it, keep it consistent across passports and applications, and merge duplicates early. With the right guidance, your Dubai visa, status changes, and Emirates ID processes stay smooth and stress-free.