This article has been reviewed by Wego’s editorial team to ensure that the content is up to date & accurate.
Updated June 2026
Key takeaways:
- The UAE visa number (visa file number) is tied to your residency visa and is used for immigration tasks like renewals or cancellations.
- The UID, or Unified Number, is issued by ICP and stays with you for life — it is essential for services like Emirates ID applications.
- Since physical visa stickers were phased out, you verify your visa number through ICP Smart Services or, for Dubai visas, the GDRFA portal.
What is a UAE visa number?
Your UAE residency visa is linked to two distinct numbers: the UID and the UAE visa number. Each plays a different role during your stay in the country.
The UID, or Unified Number, is a permanent identifier used across government services and tasks such as opening a bank account. The UAE visa number is tied specifically to your current residency visa and is used for immigration matters like renewals, cancellations, and travel.
Planning a trip to the Emirates? You can compare flights to Dubai (DXB) and browse hotels in Dubai on Wego.
UID number
The UID, or Unified Number, is a unique numerical code issued by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP). Every foreigner entering the UAE is assigned this number, which is essential when applying for an Emirates ID.
The UID was traditionally a 9-digit code, though numbers issued in different periods can range from roughly 7 to 15 digits. Crucially, your UID stays the same for life — it does not change when a visa is cancelled or when you apply for a new visa.
UAE visa number
Unlike the UID, the UAE visa number — also called the visa file number — can vary in length, typically from 7 to 9 digits. A new visa number is assigned each time a visa is issued.
The visa number is needed for tasks such as verifying a visa’s validity or starting a cancellation. It forms part of the file number shown on your visa record, positioned above the passport number and below the UID.
Example and format
Here is an example of how a UAE visa file number is structured:
- 201/2026/2xxxxxx
- 201/2026/3xxxxxx
The number is made up of components that each carry meaning. The first three digits are the emirate code, the next four are the year of issue, and the remaining digits form the unique serial.
| Feature | UID (Unified Number) | UAE visa number (file number) |
|---|---|---|
| Issued by | ICP (federal authority) | Issuing emirate’s immigration authority |
| Length | Typically 9 digits (can range from 7 to 15) | 7 to 9 digits, in the format emirate/year/serial |
| Changes over time? | No — permanent for life | Yes — a new number is issued with each new visa |
| Main use | Emirates ID, banking, government services | Visa renewal, cancellation, status checks |
Where to find your visa number now that stickers are gone
The UAE has phased out physical visa stickers in passports as part of its shift to fully digital residency. The Emirates ID now serves as the primary proof of residency status.
Because there is no longer a sticker to read, your visa file number appears on your digital visa record instead. Residents can download a copy of the e-visa, which lists the file number, UID, sponsor name, profession, and expiry details.
You can retrieve this digital copy through the ICP website or the UAEICP app, and you can also request a printed copy through ICP Smart Services. Travelling on to the capital? Wego also lists flights to Abu Dhabi (AUH).
How to check your UAE visa number
The most reliable way to confirm your visa number is to view your official visa record from the issuing authority. The portal you use depends on which emirate issued your visa.
- Dubai-issued visas: use the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs – Dubai (GDRFA).
- All other emirates: use ICP Smart Services on icp.gov.ae or the UAEICP app.
Check your UID on the GDRFA website (Dubai)
If you cannot see your UID on your visa record, you can retrieve it through GDRFA using your passport details. Follow these steps:
- Open the portal: visit the official GDRFA Unified Number Inquiry Service.
- Enter your passport number: type it exactly as it appears on your passport.
- Select your nationality: choose it from the dropdown menu.
- Add your date of birth: in the required format.
- Choose your gender: select male or female.
- Complete the verification: solve the security check.
- Submit: click submit to display your UID.
Check your visa via ICP Smart Services
For visas issued outside Dubai, you can confirm your details online through the ICP Smart Services portal. A basic visa status inquiry is available without logging in.
- Visit the ICP Smart Services website or open the UAEICP app.
- Select the visa or file validity inquiry and enter your reference number, passport number, or ID number along with your nationality.
- Submit the inquiry to view your visa details.
For full residency details, including any grace period after a cancellation, log in with UAE Pass and open the My Residency section in the app.
If you still cannot find your UID online, contact GDRFA via its website contact form or by calling its toll-free number within the UAE (8005111) or internationally (+971 4 313 9999). The ICP Support Center can be reached on 600 522222.
Why your visa number matters
Keeping your visa file number and UID handy makes routine immigration tasks far smoother. Both are referenced when you renew or cancel a visa, sponsor a family member, or apply for an Emirates ID.
Before any UAE trip, it is also worth checking live arrival and departure times. You can monitor flights through Dubai on the DXB flight tracker and compare options for flights to Dubai on Wego.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between a UAE visa number and a UID?
They serve different purposes. The UID is a permanent identifier issued by ICP that never changes, while the visa number (file number) is tied to your current visa and is reissued each time you get a new one.
Where do I find my visa number if there is no sticker in my passport?
It is on your digital visa record. Since physical stickers were phased out, your file number appears on the e-visa you can download from the ICP website or UAEICP app, where the Emirates ID now acts as proof of residency.
Do Dubai residents use ICP or GDRFA?
Dubai residents use GDRFA. Visas issued in Dubai are checked through the GDRFA portal, while visas from all other emirates are checked through ICP Smart Services.
How many digits is a UAE visa number?
Usually 7 to 9 digits. The visa file number follows the format emirate code / year / serial, for example 201/2026/2xxxxxx, where 201 indicates Dubai and 2026 the year of issue.
Sources
- The Official Portal of the UAE Government — Track visa application and validity
- Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP)
- GDRFA Dubai — Unified Number Inquiry Service
- Gulf News — Emirates ID replaces residence visa sticker
- The National — How to download a digital copy of your UAE visa
Disclaimer: Wego strives to ensure all information presented in this article is accurate and up to date at the time of publication. Travel policies, prices, visa requirements, and conditions can change rapidly. We strongly recommend verifying critical details with official sources before making travel decisions. Wego does not accept liability for any inaccuracies, oversights, or changes that may occur after publication.
