How to Find UAE Visa Number and UID Number on Your Passport?

UAE Passport is a very significant document for the citizens of UAE as it is required for traveling outside the country.
The passport contains a lot of information. There are multiple numbers printed on a UAE passport. On the passport, you’ll find:
- National ID number
- Residency number
- Emirates ID number
- Passport number
- Visa number
Each of these numbers has a specific purpose. With the help of these numbers, the authorities can verify the passport holder’s identity and track their travel history.
UAE passports are issued with two numbers: the passport number and the Emirates ID number. The passport number is a 9-digit code that uniquely identifies your passport. It is printed on the front cover of your passport, under your name and photo.
The Emirates ID number is a 15-digit code uniquely identifying you as an Emirati citizen. It is printed on the back of your Emirates ID card. You will need to provide both numbers when traveling to, from, or through the UAE.
If you are applying for a UAE visa for the first time, you will need to obtain an entry permit. This can be done through your local UAE embassy or consulate. The entry permit is valid for 90 days from the date of issuance and allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 60 days. After your visa expires, you will need to apply for a new entry permit if you wish to remain in the UAE.
If you plan to stay in the UAE for an extended period, you can apply for a residence visa. A residence visa is valid for up to 3 years and allows you to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days at a time. You will need to renew your residence visa every 3 years to remain in the UAE.
It can be tricky to track down your UAE visa number and UID number on your passport. This article will show you how to find both numbers easily.
Keep reading for all the details!
What Is a UAE Visa/Residence Number on Your Passport?
The UAE visa/residence number is a unique identifier assigned to individuals who have been granted a visa to enter or reside in the United Arab Emirates. This number is typically printed on the individual’s passport, and it is used by the UAE authorities for immigration purposes.
The UAE visa/residence number is divided into three parts:
- The first three digits represent the emirate’s name that issued the visa; for example, Abu Dhabi visas begin with 101, Dubai visas begin with 201, Sharjah visas begin with 301, and Ajman visas begin with 401.
- The next 4-digits signifies the year in which the visa was issued. If a person has been working with the same sponsor for an extended period, the visa year code will remain unchanged. Only if the visa is canceled and a new visa is applied will the year code on the visa be updated.
- The resident’s UAE visa number (residence number) is the last section of the file number on the visa page. If you are prompted to provide your visa number, you should do so. This number also contains some classified information.
The UAE visa/residence number is different from the UAE national ID number, which is assigned to all UAE citizens and residents. The national ID number consists of 15 digits, and it is used for various purposes, such as applying for a driver’s license or opening a bank account.
The Residence Number on your passport is a very important piece of information. It is used by the UAE government to track your whereabouts and make sure that you are complying with your visa regulations. If you are found to be in violation of your visa, you may be subject to fines or even deportation.
The Residence Number is also used by employers to verify your identity and check your work history. If you are applying for a job in the UAE, your potential employer will most likely ask for your Residence Number so they can run a background check.
If your visa starts with the number “3”, it indicates that you have applied for a family visa sponsored by your husband, father, or mother. But if your visa starts with the number “2”, then it indicates that you have applied for an employment visa that is issued by a registered company in the UAE.
Only in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah visas will there be a forward slash sign (/) following the number 2 or 3 to indicate if the visa is for employment or for family.
If you are a citizen or resident of the UAE, you can find your national ID number on your Emirates ID card.

What is the UID Number on a UAE Resident Visa?
The UAE Resident Visa is a document issued by the government of the United Arab Emirates that allows an individual to reside and work in the country.
The visa includes the individual’s photograph, name, date of birth, nationality, gender, occupation, and UAE residence permit number.
The UID number is a 9-15 digit identification number assigned to each resident of the UAE. It is unique to each individual and is used for various purposes, such as applying for a driver’s license or opening a bank account.
If you are a resident of the UAE, you will need to provide your UID number when applying for certain services. If you are not a resident of the UAE, you will not be able to obtain a UID number.
What Is the File Number on a UAE Visa?
The File Number on UAE Visa is a unique identification number assigned to each visa application. This number is used by the UAE Immigration authorities to track and manage visa applications.
If you are planning to apply for a UAE visa, make sure to take note of your File Number so that you can easily track your application status.
How to Check UAE Residence, Unified, and File Number on Your Passport?
It’s easy to check your UAE residence, unified, and file number on your passport.
Here’s how:
Residence/Visa Number
The last part of the file number on the visa page is the UAE visa number (residence number), which a resident must submit whenever prompted to input or search for his/her visa number. This number also contains some hidden information.
The visa beginning with letter 2 is an employment visa (work visa) issued by a company registered in the UAE.
The visa with the number 3 is a spouse or family visa. (Funded by mother/father or husband/wife.)

Unified (UID) Number
The “Unified Number UAE,” commonly known as the UID number, can be found at the top of the visa. This 9-15 digit number is necessary to submit Emirates ID applications. The first 3 digits represent the Emirate you reside in, while the last 6 digits represent your unique identification number.

File Number
The UAE file number is just below the UID number. The first 3 digits represent the Emirate that issued the Visa. For example, Abu Dhabi’s code starts with 101, Dubai’s visa starts with 101, Sharjah’s with 301, and Ajman with 401.

Other Misc Details on Your UAE Visa
The UAE visa is a multi-entry visa valid for one year from the issue date. The visa allows its holder to stay in the UAE for up to 90 days at a time and can be used multiple times within the validity period.
The visa holder’s sponsor (employer, family member, etc.) is responsible for their stay in the UAE and must provide them with accommodation and health insurance. The visa holder must also have a valid passport and must meet all other entry requirements of the UAE. The visa is non-transferable and cannot be extended.
The following details are also included on the UAE Visa:
- Expiry date: This is the date that your visa will expire. You can only stay in the UAE until this date, and you must leave before it expires.
- Personal details: This includes your name, gender, date of birth, nationality, and passport number.
- Sponsored details: This includes your sponsor’s name and contact details in the UAE.
- Other details: This may include your occupation, purpose of travel, and length of stay in the UAE.
Which Governing Authorities Manage the Visa Page?
The visa page is managed by the governing authorities of the United Arab Emirates. These include the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Ministry of Interior, and the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship.
Each of these ministries has a different process for managing visas, so it is important to check with the specific ministry that manages your visa type before applying.
Generally, you will need to submit an application, pay a fee, and then wait for your visa to be processed. Once your visa is approved, you will be able to travel to the UAE and stay for a specific period.
1. General Directory of Residency & Foreign Affairs (GDRFA)
The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) manages foreigners’ entry, exit, and residency in the UAE.
The GDRFA issues visas to people coming to the UAE for work, investment, study, family reunion, or tourism. You can apply for a visa through an authorized visa service provider or through your sponsor if you’re already in the UAE.
The GDRFA also issues residence permits to foreigners legally employed in the UAE and their dependents. You can apply for a residence permit through your sponsor.
2. Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICA)
The Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship (ICA) is the government entity responsible for issuing visas and managing the visa process in the United Arab Emirates. ICA works closely with the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other government entities to ensure that the visa process is efficient and effective. ICA also manages the Emirates ID card system, which is used by residents of the UAE to access government services and benefits.
FAQs about UAE Visa Number
How to check a UID number online?
It is now possible to check a UID number online in the UAE. This service is provided by the Emirates Identity Authority (EIDA).
- Visit the website www.gdrfad.gov.ae
- Click on “E-services”
- Click on “Find my UID”
- It will send you to a page with a unified number inquiry service. There, you must enter the following information:
- your passport number
- nationality
- date of birth
- gender
- When you have finished entering your personal information, click “Submit.”
- Then you will find your UID number.
Can you get multiple UID numbers?
Normally no. But if a system mistake happens, multiple UID numbers may be assigned to the same person. In this case, you should go to the immigration authorities and ask to merge your UID numbers.
How to Merge Multiple UID Numbers?
Getting your UID merged is easy. The relevant immigration authority (GDRFA) may consolidate the multiple UID numbers so that you don’t have more than one record with the immigration.
Below are the steps to merge the UID numbers:
- Visit the immigration office in the UAE. Here is their contact page.
- Bring the necessary documentation, such as a copy of your passport and a copy of your entry visa (if you have one).
- Bring any old, expired, or canceled visas with you as well. They may be required for reference purposes at the immigration service center.
Which governing authority issues a UID number?
The Unique Identification Number (UID) is issued by the General Directory of Residency and Foreign Affairs (GDRFA). The GDRFA is the government authority responsible for issuing identity cards and managing the identification process in the United Arab Emirates.
It is issued once, and even after you renew your visa, the status remains the same. The UID number is a permanent, unified identity number that can be used to identify individuals in the UAE.
What Is UDB Number In UAE?
UDB stands for Unified DataBase, and it appears at the top of your visa page. It is also known as the Unified Number.
The UDB number is a unique identification number assigned to each individual in UAE. It is used for various purposes, such as identifying and tracking citizens, residents, and visitors. The number is also used for ordering official documents and services.
Conclusion
All in all, finding your UAE visa number and UID number on your passport is not a difficult one. With a little bit of patience and some careful observation, you should be able to locate both numbers without any trouble. If you are still having difficulties or have any other questions about visas or immigration, please do not hesitate to contact us for more information or assistance.