UAE UID Number Check Online 2026: How to Find Your Unified Number

The immigration authority’s website uses your passport information to perform a UAE UID number check. Use GDRFA Dubai’s Unified Number Inquiry Service if your visa or entry permission was granted there. Enter your passport number, nationality, date of birth and gender, complete the security check, and submit. For visas issued elsewhere in the UAE, the federal authority is ICP.

This guide explains what the UID is, which service to use, and what to do if it isn’t found.

What Is a UAE UID Number?

The Unified Number is sometimes known as the Unified Identification Number, or UID for short. GDRFA Dubai lists its lookup as “Find my Unified Number” and says the service helps with administrative and legal procedures.

Gulf News reports that the UID is a unique number assigned to every expatriate issued a UAE visa. Your visa number may alter, but it remains unchanged when your visa expires or changes in type. Gulf News also notes the UID is needed for processes such as a MOHRE offer letter, a labour contract and an Emirates ID application, so your employer or PRO may already have it.

Copy the number exactly as it appears on an official document or result.

Some services ask for it directly. For example, our UAE visa medical test result guide covers checking a result in Abu Dhabi, where a Unified ID number is used.

Which Service to Use for a UAE UID Number Check?

Where your visa or entry permit was issued	Official authority
Dubai	GDRFA Dubai: Unified Number Inquiry Service
Any other emirate	ICP, or the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security

GDRFA’s page doesn’t say which records it covers. Your employer, sponsor, PRO or travel agent can tell you which authority issued your visa.

How to Check Your UID Through GDRFA Dubai

1. Open the Unified Number Inquiry Service on gdrfad.gov.ae. It is listed as “Find my Unified Number” under Additional Services on the homepage.
2. Enter your passport number.
3. Select your nationality from the list.
4. Select your birthday, month, and year.
5. Select your gender.
6. The “I’m not a robot” security box should be checked.
7. Select Submit.

Each field on the form has a “required” label.

Tips:

• GDRFA uses its own country names. For example, the list shows “BRITAIN”, “HOLLAND”, “IVORY COAST” and “MOLDAVIA”. If your country isn’t where you expect, scan the whole list.
• The form shows no payment step.
• Only on the official GDRFA website, provide your personal information.

Checking Your UID Outside Dubai (ICP)

The ICP is the federal authority responsible for foreigners’ identity, residency, and entry into the UAE. Its homepage doesn’t list a dedicated “find my UID” service, so don’t assume one exists.

If your visa was not issued in Dubai, contact ICP on 600522222 (inside the UAE) or +971600522222 (outside the UAE), or use its Smart Services platform and the UAEICP app.

ICP’s homepage warns about fake calls and websites that use its name and logo. It says to get services and information only through its official channels.

UAE UID Number Not Found: What to Do

If GDRFA can’t match your details, it shows “UID Not Found” and asks you to try again with proper information or contact GDRFA on 8005111. Try these in order:

1. Re-enter the passport number exactly as printed. Check zeros versus the letter O, and extra spaces.
2. Re-check nationality, date of birth and gender.
3. Confirm which authority issued your visa. If it wasn’t Dubai, contact ICP.
4. Contact ICP at 600522222 or GDRFA at 8005111.

The message only asks you to retry or call. It makes no mention of your visa’s status.

A UID lookup also doesn’t show application progress. Use our UAE visa application status check guide to monitor a visa application you have previously filed.

If You Think You Have Two UIDs

A consultant quoted by Gulf News (2022) said that having more than one UID can complicate residence visa issuance, and that an application may be returned for that reason.

In Dubai, GDRFA’s Smart Services form has a category for merging or overlapping unified numbers, with a field for your Unified Number. GDRFA says individuals can apply through its smart channels, the DubaiNow app or Amer centres. Outside Dubai, ask ICP. Before you apply, find out from the authority which documents are required.

For how residence visas work in general, see our UAE residence visa guide.

File Number, Application Number, and UID versus Emirates ID

Number	What it is
UID (Unified Number)	Identifier for your immigration record. Gulf News says it stays the same when your visa changes.
Emirates ID number	The number on your Emirates ID card. Gulf News describes the UID as tied to your Emirates ID, but they are separate numbers.
Visa or file number	Tied to a specific visa. Gulf News says you get a new one when you cancel and apply for a new visa.
Application or request number	Comes from your submission receipt.
Passport number	Issued by your country. It is an input to the lookup, not your UID.

Always check the label on a form before typing a number.

Use Official Websites Only

Enter your passport details and UID only on official authority websites or apps. Treat your UID and passport number as personal information, and don’t post them in comments or groups. Gulf Visa Guide can’t see anyone’s immigration records or retrieve a UID for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I check my UAE UID online?

Use the GDRFA’s Unified Number Inquiry Service for Dubai by providing your passport number, country, gender, and date of birth. 

Does my Emirates ID number match the UID?  

No. They are related but separate numbers.

Does my UID change when I get a new visa?

Gulf News reports that it stays the same, while your visa or file number can change.

Can I find my UID with just my passport number?

No. GDRFA’s form also asks for nationality, date of birth, gender and a security check.

What if my UID is not found?

Follow the steps above, then contact GDRFA on 8005111 or ICP on 600522222.

NOTE: Gulf Visa Guide is an independent information website, not a government authority. Procedures change without notice, so confirm details with GDRFA Dubai or ICP.