UAE Visa Number and UID Number: Complete Guide for 2026
Welcome to the complete guide on the UAE Visa Number and UID Number – two crucial identifiers that every resident or visitor in the UAE must understand. Whether you are applying for a new UAE visa online or managing your residency, knowing where to find these numbers and how to use them is essential.
In this article, we explain:
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What is a UAE Visa Number and where to find it
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What is a UID (Unified Identification Number)
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How UID numbers are allocated, merged, or unmerged
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Why these numbers are important for residents and visitors
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Step-by-step process to obtain or merge your UID
📌 Must Read: How to Apply UAE Visa Online in 2026
What is a UAE Visa Number?
The UAE Visa Number is a unique identifier assigned to your visa inside your passport. It is printed on the visa page and used by immigration authorities to track your visa status.
Key details about the UAE Visa Number:
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Found on your UAE visa sticker or electronic visa (e-visa).
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Essential for visa renewals, extensions, and immigration services.
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Used in official procedures like opening bank accounts, healthcare registration, and Emirates ID applications.
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Often referred to as the UAE Visa Number in Passport.
👉 Suggested Read: UAE Visa Renewal 2026
What is a UID (Unified Identity) Number?
The UID Number (Unified Identification Number) is a permanent identity number assigned by the UAE government. Unlike the visa number, your UID does not change even if you switch employers or change visa types.
Importance of UID Number:
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Linked to Emirates ID, residency permits, and residence visa numbers.
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Used across all government systems for efficiency and security.
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Allows residents and visitors to complete transactions with banks, hospitals, and government services.
💡 You can easily check your UID number online via the GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) portal.
UID Number Allocation Process
When you apply for a UAE visa, the system automatically generates a UID number for you.
Steps in UID allocation:
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Application submitted via GDRFA or ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship).
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System assigns a unique alphanumeric code.
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UID is permanently linked to your records across Emirates ID, visas, and residence permits.
This ensures accurate processing, prevents duplication, and makes future transactions seamless.
Why Are UID Numbers Important for Residents and Visitors?
Whether you are a visitor on a tourist visa or a resident with an employment visa, the UID is essential for:
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Visa renewals & extensions
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Residency permit applications
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Healthcare services access
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Bank account opening & financial services
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Official government documentation
It acts as your permanent reference number in the UAE immigration system.
👉 Suggested Read: UAE Visa for Syrian Citizens 2026
Where Can You Find Your UAE Visa Number and UID Number?
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Visa Number → Printed on your visa sticker in your passport or on your e-visa PDF.
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UID Number → Printed on your Emirates ID (for residents) or assigned during visa processing.
If unsure, you can verify both via:
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GDRFA website (Dubai residents)
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ICA portal (other Emirates)
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Contacting your visa sponsor or employer
Benefits of the UAE UID Number
Having a UID provides multiple advantages:
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✅ Error reduction – avoids duplicate records.
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✅ Security – protects personal data against fraud.
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✅ Efficiency – simplifies official communication.
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✅ One-time identity – valid even if your visa type changes.
What is a Merge UID Number?
Sometimes, individuals may receive multiple UID numbers due to status changes (e.g., shifting from a tourist visa to a residence visa). In such cases, the UAE government allows you to merge UID numbers into one unified record.
Why merge UID numbers?
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To avoid duplicate records in immigration systems.
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To maintain a clean, accurate immigration history.
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To streamline visa renewals and Emirates ID applications.
Documents Required to Merge UID Numbers
To merge UID numbers, prepare the following documents:
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Original UID numbers to be merged
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Valid passport copy
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Emirates ID (if applicable)
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Residence visa copy
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Completed UID merge application form
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Recent passport-size photographs
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Authorization letter (if applying for someone else)
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Proof of fee payment (if required)
📌 Always follow the official GDRFA or ICA guidelines for UID merging.
How to Unmerge UID Numbers Online in UAE
In rare cases, you may need to unmerge UID numbers (e.g., due to incorrect merging).
Steps to unmerge UID numbers:
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Visit the GDRFA portal.
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Select the Unmerge UID option.
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Submit required documents and justification.
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Wait for confirmation from authorities.
⚠️ Tip: Always check official government websites for the latest updates, as rules may change by 2026.
Conclusion
Both the UAE Visa Number and UID Number are vital for your legal stay in the Emirates. While the visa number is tied to your specific visa, the UID number serves as your permanent identity across government systems.
By understanding how to find, use, merge, or unmerge these numbers, you ensure smoother access to essential services in the UAE.