What is Your UAE UID Number?
If you’re an expat resident in the UAE, you’ve likely been asked to provide your Unified Number (UID) at some point. But what is this number, and why is it important? The UID is a unique 9-to-15-digit number assigned by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to every resident issued a visa in the UAE. It’s a permanent identifier that never changes, even if you renew your passport, change your visa type, or switch sponsors.
The UID is different from your Emirates ID number, although they are interconnected and required for completing administrative processes in the UAE. Your UID Number is usually required by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE), General Directorate of Identity and Foreigners Affairs, Dubai (GDRFA), and ICP to access identity records and for related transactions. In contrast, the Emirates ID is usually used for physical verification and as a supplementary verification tool.
To find your UID, you can check the back of your Emirates ID card, under the barcode. You can also access it through the ICP Smart Services website (smartservices.icp.gov.ae). According to Imran Khan, managing director at I K Lawyers, “The UID is issued by UAE immigration the first time a person enters the UAE, even as a visitor. It becomes their permanent UAE identity and never changes.”
The UID is crucial for various government services, including visa applications, Emirates ID renewals, and MOHRE transactions. It’s a reference code that’s unique to you and is used by the authorities to identify you within the UAE’s identity infrastructure. Whether you’re a free zone company employee or a dependent on a family visa, your UID is linked to your Emirates ID and becomes your personal identity record.
If you’re a resident in the UAE, it’s essential to know your UID and understand its significance. The UID is a permanent identifier that reflects your entire immigration history, and it can be activated even after you have left the UAE and returned. By understanding the purpose and importance of the UID, you can navigate the UAE’s administrative processes more efficiently and avoid any potential issues or delays.
For residents who are unsure about their UID or need to access it, the ICP Smart Services website provides a convenient and secure way to retrieve this information. By logging in to the website, you can access your UID and other important details related to your residency and visa status.
In summary, the UAE Unified Number (UID) is a unique and permanent identifier assigned to every resident in the UAE. It’s essential for various government services and is used to access identity records and related transactions. By understanding the purpose and significance of the UID, residents can navigate the UAE’s administrative processes more efficiently and avoid any potential issues or delays.
