UAE visas are affixed to every expatriate passport, totaling approximately 8.4 million visas. However, a significant number of individuals remain unaware of the significance of the numbers inscribed on their UAE residence visas, particularly the UAE Visa number UID number (Unified Identification Number) and the File Number. Let’s delve into these details.
When an individual applies for a new visa, they initially receive an e-Visa, commonly referred to as an Entry Permit UAE, before the visa sticker is affixed or imprinted in their passport.
Which Authority manages the Visa Page?
Two separate authorities oversee different aspects of the visa process in the UAE. The GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs) is responsible for managing visa-related services, while the ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) handles Emirates ID applications.
Unified Number:
The initial component of a visa is the UID number, which is part of the Federal Identity and Citizenship Authority’s records. The UID number consists of 9 digits and is required to complete Emirates ID applications.
If your UID number is not printed on your resident visa copy, and only the Emirates ID number is visible, you can inquire about it using your passport information or file number through the link provided below.
https://gdrfad.gov.ae/en/unified-number-inquiry-service
After you will get your UID number
When someone cancels their visa and applies for a new one in the UAE, the resident will get a new visa number, but their UID (Unified Identification Number) will remain the same. The UAE ID number associated with the UID does not change, as it is a unique identifier linked to an individual’s biometric and demographic information. This consistency in the UAE ID number ensures continuity in various public and private sector services, even when a new visa is issued.
File Number:
The second part of the visa page contains additional information within its numbers, including the visa number, visa-issuing emirate, year of visa issue, and sponsor details. Let’s check them below.
The first three digits represent the emirate that issued the visa. For example, Abu Dhabi visas start with code 101, Dubai visas with 201, Sharjah with 301, and Ajman with 401.
The following number in the sequence represents the year in which the visa was issued. If an individual has been working with the same sponsor for an extended period, the year code on their visa will remain unchanged after renewal. The year code on the visa will be updated only when the visa is canceled and a new visa is applied for.
The last part of the file number on the visa page represents the UAE visa number, also known as the residence number. You should use this specific number when you are asked to provide your visa number. It is worth noting that this visa number may also contain some hidden or encoded information that may be important for various purposes.
Here is valuable information to understand the coding of UAE visa numbers:
Visa number starting with 2: If your visa number starts with the digit 2, it indicates that you have an employment visa (work visa) issued by a registered company in the United Arab Emirates. What is it.
Visa number starts with 3: If your visa number starts with the number 3, it indicates that you have a family visa, also known as a spouse visa, which is a husband, wife, mother, or Sponsored by father.
Additionally, in Abu Dhabi and Sharjah visas, the number 2 or 3 may be followed by a forward slash (/). This forward slash helps draw attention to the visa category, which differentiates between employment visas and family visas within these emirates.
Personal & Sponsor Details with validity of visa:
The third, fourth and fifth sections of the residence visa are straightforward, as they contain the necessary personal information. These sections include details such as the passport number, visa holder’s name, occupation, sponsor’s name (company name for employment visas or individual name for family visas) and visa issue and expiry dates.
- UAE residents are granted a grace period of one month after their visa expires.
- However, it is important to note that if a resident stays outside the UAE for more than six months, their visa will become invalid. It is important for residents to be aware of these regulations to maintain their visa status and avoid any problems related to their stay in the UAE.
Finally, on the UAE resident visa, you will receive a barcode for e-scan purposes. In the lower right corner, there will be a signature, not of the sponsor (company), but of the director of the Residency and Foreign Affairs Department. These officials monitor and manage all visa permit related matters, including UID number and UAE visa number (file number).
