UAE Visa File Number: What It Is and Where to Find It?

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If you are living in or moving to the UAE, you’ll quickly come across several important immigration terms, one of the most critical being the UAE visa file number. Whether you are a tourist, a resident, or on a work permit, this number plays a key role in identifying your immigration status.

It appears on various documents such as the visa sticker in your passport, digital visa copies, or official immigration paperwork. Understanding this number is essential because it links directly to your visa type, residency history, and government records.

Without it, processes like visa renewals, Emirates ID applications, and official verifications could become complicated. In this detailed guide, you’ll learn everything about what the visa file number is, where you can find it, how to use it, and how it differs from other identifiers like your UID or visa number. Let’s dive into the essentials.

What Is a UAE Visa File Number?

A UAE visa file number is a unique alphanumeric code issued by the UAE immigration authorities to every individual who holds a valid visa, be it tourist, employment, business, family, or residency.

It acts as a tracking ID for your visa application and status, allowing various departments like GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) and ICA (Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship) to monitor and manage your visa activities.

The number is not random, it contains identifiers such as the emirate of issuance, the year, and a personal code. For example, a Dubai-issued employment visa might have a file number starting with 201.

This number is essential for checking your visa status, applying for Emirates ID, accessing healthcare, managing renewals, and even sponsoring family members. While it may change if a new visa is issued, it typically remains the same for straightforward renewals. It is entirely separate from your UID.

Where Can You Find Your UAE Visa File Number?

Finding your UAE visa file number is easy if you know where to look. This identifier is printed or included on multiple official documents associated with your visa and residency.

Here’s where you can locate it:

Passport Visa Page: The most reliable place to find your visa file number is on the residency visa sticker inside your passport. It is usually printed at the top or bottom and may appear as a series like 201/2025/XXXXXXX.
Official Approval Documents: When your visa is approved, you receive a printed document from GDRFA or ICP that includes the file number.
Digital Visa Copies: If your visa was issued electronically, your PDF visa approval will show the file number.
Emirates ID Application: If you applied for an Emirates ID, the confirmation or receipt often displays the file number.

If you’ve lost these documents, don’t worry. You can still retrieve your visa file number online using personal details on the GDRFA or ICA portals. Always save digital and physical copies for easy access when needed.

UAE Visa File Number Format Explained

The UAE visa file number format follows a structured pattern that helps authorities identify your visa type, issuing emirate, and the year it was granted. Knowing how to read this number gives you insight into your immigration profile.

Typically, the file number looks like this: XXX/YYYY/ZZZZZZZ

Here’s the breakdown:

XXX = Emirate Code
YYYY = Year of Issue
ZZZZZZZ = Personal or Serial Number

Format Examples:

201/2025/1234567 (Dubai-issued employment visa)
301/2023/7654321 (Sharjah-issued family visa)

Prefix Interpretation:

File numbers starting with 2 are generally assigned to employment visas.
File numbers beginning with 3 typically belong to family visas.

Some emirates like Abu Dhabi and Sharjah use a forward slash after the first digit, such as 2/1234567.

Emirate Codes Table:

Emirate	Code
Abu Dhabi	101
Dubai	201
Sharjah	301
Ajman	401
Umm Al Quwain	501
Ras Al Khaimah	601
Fujairah	701

This standardized format ensures easy tracking and authentication by government systems.

How Is the UAE Visa File Number Used?

The UAE visa file number is more than just a reference, it plays a central role in nearly every immigration, residency, and service-related process within the country. It links your personal identity to your legal residency and is required in a variety of official scenarios.

Here’s how it is used across different sectors:

Visa Tracking: You can use your file number to check the status of your visa online through the GDRFA or ICA portals.
Emirates ID Applications: The file number is essential when applying for or renewing your Emirates ID.
Healthcare Services: Health insurance companies and hospitals use the file number to confirm your visa and residency status.
Labor Contracts: MOHRE uses the visa file number to validate employment contracts and link them with your immigration data.
Utility Connections: DEWA, SEWA, and other utility providers may request this number for service registrations.
Educational Enrollments: Schools might ask for your child’s or your visa file number for residency verification.
Banking Procedures: Many banks use this number to confirm your legal residency before opening an account or offering services.

This code is your identity in the UAE’s immigration and public service systems.

File Number vs Visa Number vs UID: What’s the Difference?

In the UAE, it’s common to come across different identification numbers linked to your visa and residency. While they might seem similar, the file number, visa number, and UID serve different purposes and are used in separate processes.

The File Number is assigned when your visa is issued. It includes details like emirate, year, and application number, and is used for official tasks like Emirates ID issuance, visa renewals, and sponsorships.
The Visa Number is often a shorter numeric ID that appears on your residency visa. It is usually used for quick reference or entry permit validation.
The UID (Unified Identification Number) is a permanent number assigned to every person who enters the UAE. Unlike the file number, your UID never changes, even when your visa does.

Here is a quick comparison:

Identifier	Description	Changes with new visa	Where it’s used
File Number	Full immigration tracking code	Yes	Visa renewals, Emirates ID, ICP, GDRFA
Visa Number	Visa-specific ID printed on the sticker	Yes	Entry verification, visa stamp
UID Number	Permanent ID for all UAE visas	No	Emirates ID, online tracking, ICA

Each plays a unique role in managing your residency in the UAE.

How to Check UAE Visa File Number Online?

If you can’t access your passport or approval documents, don’t worry. You can still check your UAE visa file number online through official government platforms. These include the GDRFA portal (for Dubai visas) and the ICA Smart Services portal (for other emirates).

GDRFA Portal

The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) handles immigration and residency in Dubai.

Here’s how to find your file number:

Visit the official GDRFA website.
Navigate to “Visa Inquiry Services”.
Select “Unified Number Inquiry” under the service list.
Enter your passport number, nationality, visa type, and date of birth.
Click Submit to view your visa status and retrieve your file number.

This method is only applicable to individuals who have a visa issued by the Emirate of Dubai.

ICA Smart Services

If your visa was issued by any emirate outside Dubai, use the ICA (Identity and Citizenship Authority) portal:

Visit the ICA Smart Services portal.
Choose the option “File Validity” or “Visa Inquiry”.
Provide your passport details, nationality, and UID if available.
After submitting the details, your visa information, including your file number, will appear.

This service covers visas issued by Abu Dhabi, Sharjah, Ajman, Umm Al Quwain, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah.

What Documents/information You’ll Need?

To retrieve your visa file number online, make sure you have:

A valid passport number (as used during visa application)
Your date of birth
Nationality
If available, your UID number or Emirates ID

Always use official UAE portals and avoid third-party websites for data security. These portals provide real-time information and are the safest way to access or verify your immigration details in the UAE.

Common Issues and Tips Related to UAE Visa File Number

While the UAE visa file number is a simple code, there are several issues that can arise if it’s lost, misread, or entered incorrectly. Being aware of these challenges can help you avoid delays in services or official processes.

Common issues include:

Misreading the file number: Some people confuse the visa number or UID with the file number due to their similar placement on documents.
Lost documents: If you misplace your passport or approval letter, you might lose access to the file number.
Incorrect data entry: Entering the file number incorrectly during the Emirates ID or visa renewal processes can cause rejections or delays.
Confusion over format: Different emirates use slightly different formats (such as forward slashes), which may confuse first-time users.
Portal errors: Some users face technical issues when retrieving the number online.

Tips to avoid these issues:

Keep scanned copies of your passport, visa page, and digital visa documents.
Use only official portals like GDRFA and ICA for checking details.
Double-check the format and emirate code before submitting forms.
If in doubt, consult a certified visa or typing center for assistance.

Everything About UAE Visa File Number

The UAE visa file number is your gateway to managing your legal residency, accessing public services, and staying compliant with immigration requirements. It contains crucial information that links your personal profile with the UAE’s immigration database. Here’s a breakdown of the most important details in one place.

Detail	Information
What it is	A unique alphanumeric code assigned with every UAE visa
Where it’s found	Visa sticker in passport, approval documents, digital copies
Primary use	Visa tracking, Emirates ID, renewals, government services
Format	Emirate code / Year / Serial number (e.g., 201/2024/XXXXXX)
Who issues it	GDRFA (Dubai) or ICA (Other Emirates)
Changes per new visa?	Yes, unless it’s a direct renewal
Linked to UID?	No, UID is permanent and different
Used by	Immigration, healthcare, banks, MOHRE, schools, utilities

The file number holds immense importance in both personal and professional contexts. Whether applying for a job, renting a home, or enrolling your child in school, this number is a key requirement. Keeping it safe and accessible at all times is essential.

Conclusion

Understanding your UAE visa file number is more than just knowing a random code, it’s about managing your life in the UAE with clarity and control. This single identifier connects you to immigration records, government services, labor contracts, and even daily essentials like healthcare and banking.

It’s printed on your visa, available through official platforms, and forms a core part of your residency profile. By knowing where to find it, how it works, and how it differs from your visa or UID number, you can confidently handle renewals, applications, and verifications without hassle.

Always store your file number safely, double-check its accuracy on official forms, and use authorized UAE portals when retrieving or validating it. Staying informed helps you remain compliant and ensures uninterrupted access to the benefits and responsibilities of living in the Emirates.