Dubai: If you’re an expat resident, it’s likely you’ve had to provide your Unified Number (UID) at some point, to various authorities.It’s important to know what this number is, where to find it, and when to use it. We break down these details below.What is a Unified Number?The Unified Number or Unified Identification (UID) is a unique 9-to-15-digit number that’s assigned by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) to every resident issued a visa in the UAE.Imran Khan, managing director at I K Lawyers, explained: “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, even if they renew their passport, change their visa type, or switch sponsors.”The UID is your permanent identifier. It’s a reference code that’s unique to you, and one that the authorities use to identify you within the UAE’s identity infrastructure.Who receives a UID?A UID is assigned to every individual who enters the UAE’s immigration system. 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.How is the UID different from Emirates ID?The UID and your Emirates ID number are not the same, however they are both interconnected and required for completing administrative processes in the UAE.Here are some key differences to note:Primary identifier: 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. However, the Emirates ID is usually used for physical verification, and as a supplementary verification tool, not as a primary search number on official government portals.Changes in ID: The UID Number never changes, regardless of visa renewals. However, the Emirates ID number may change upon renewal, especially if your sponsor or visa category changes.Permanency: Your UID Number is permanently attached to you and reflects your entire immigration history. According to the ICP website, it can be activated even after you have left the UAE, and returned. The Emirates ID number, on the other hand, is linked to a specific issuance cycle, and may be updated as time goes by.Where do I find my UID Number?You can find the UID Number via several different ways:It is located on the top of your UAE visa copy (usually the first data field), on both the entry permit and residence visa. It can be found on the back of the Emirates ID, under the barcode.You can find it on the GDRFA or ICP portals. Follow these steps to find it via ICP Smart Services:Visit smartservices.icp.gov.ae, or download the UAE ICP app via the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Log in with your UAE PASS.Click on the ‘Public Services’ section and navigate to ‘File Validity’.Enter your passport details, including your passport number, nationality and date of birth.The system will display your UID Number.What would I need my UID Number for?The UID Number is required for a range of government services and official processes in the UAE. Khan outlined some processes that involve the UID, below:Tracking your residence visa applicationApplying for or renewing an Emirates IDRegistering a trade licenceSetting up property leasesOther Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) services
