What Is a PRAN Number In The UAE And Why Is It Required: Complete Guide
January 23, 2026
January 23, 2026
Topic Summary
1. Definition of PRAN Number
PRAN stands for Permanent Retirement Account Number. It is a unique identifier assigned to individuals participating in the UAE’s pension or social security schemes, primarily managed by the General Pension and Social Security Authority (GPSSA).
2. Purpose of the PRAN Number
The PRAN functions as a personal account reference that tracks an individual’s contributions, entitlements, and benefits within the UAE’s social security or pension system, facilitating accurate record-keeping and management.
3. Who Needs a PRAN Number
Expatriates and UAE nationals who are legally required to participate in the pension or social security scheme must obtain a PRAN. This includes employees, business owners, and self-employed individuals contributing to the system under UAE regulations.
4. PRAN Number and Employment Compliance
Employers use the PRAN number during the hiring process and ongoing payroll management to ensure compliance with social security contribution obligations, making it an essential element of lawful employment practices.
5. Role of PRAN in Government and Financial Procedures
The PRAN number is crucial for accessing various government services, such as retirement benefits and social security claims. It is often requested by banks and financial institutions during onboarding to verify social security status and eligibility.
Dubai founders don’t fear complicated ideas; they fear unclear processes. The kind that create delays, require constant follow-ups, and bury you in documents when all you want is to start and start winning client retainers.
If you’re starting a business, onboarding with a bank, or relocating to Dubai, you’ll hear the same question early: Do you have an Emirates ID in process? Because that process generates a key application reference: the PRAN number in the UAE. It’s the tracking number tied to your Emirates ID request in ICP systems, letting you check progress while your card moves through printing and validation.
Founders can often pair their Emirates ID request with free zone support to keep the process coordinated - from EID application in as little as two days to medical and biometrics scheduling. Systems like Meydan Free Zone’s mResidency help founders streamline the residency and Emirates ID application journey without turning it into a back-and-forth paper chase.
This guide gives you clarity on what PRAN is, why it matters, when you’ll need it, and exactly how to use it to track status, so you start informed, not overloaded.
Understanding What a PRAN Number Is in the UAE
PRAN stands for Personal Registration Acknowledgement Number.
It’s the reference number you get the moment you apply for your Emirates ID: the government-issued identity card that proves your legal residency in the UAE and unlocks everything from banking to tenancy. The PRAN number in the UAE proves that your application is in the system, your data’s been submitted, and the UAE government is working on issuing your Emirates ID.
The PRAN is generated and managed by the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP), which oversees all Emirates ID applications.
You won’t find a PRAN printed on your Emirates ID card, and you won’t use it forever. It’s a temporary number, but a crucial one, especially during those in-between weeks where your visa is approved but your EID isn’t in hand yet.
The Importance of a PRAN Number for UAE Residents
The PRAN number in the UAE exists for one purpose: to let you track and verify your Emirates ID application while your physical card is still in process.
Let’s say you're a founder who just got your UAE residence visa approved. And now you want to:
- Open a bank account
- Rent a flat
- Set up Etisalat/du/Virgin for your phone or WiFi
- Register your car
Here’s the thing: nearly all of these require an Emirates ID. And if you don’t have the physical card yet, your PRAN number becomes the bridge.
You can use the PRAN to:
- Track your Emirates ID status on the ICP portal
- Show proof that your Emirates ID is in process
- Access your digital Emirates ID on the UAEICP app
It’s your confirmation that the wheels are turning, a system-verified marker that your Emirates ID is underway.
With Meydan Free Zone, your Emirates ID application and your PRAN are triggered automatically when your visa process begins. We handle everything from biometrics to physical card collection, so you’re never left chasing approvals.
Securing a PRAN Number Through Your Emirates ID Application
If you are:
- a new resident setting up life in the UAE
- a UAE national renewing or replacing their EID
- an expat updating their EID after visa changes
- an entrepreneur or freelancer applying for residency
- or, even a Golden Visa holder
Then yes. Your PRAN is automatically generated when your Emirates ID application is submitted - whether through the ICP website, a typing centre, or a free zone like Meydan Free Zone.
How is a PRAN number issued?
- In-person (Amer or typing centre):
Bring your documents, fill out the form, pay the fees, and your PRAN will be printed on your receipt.
- Online (ICP portal):
Log in or create an account, submit your application and payment, and your PRAN will appear on your dashboard within 48 hours. You may also receive it via SMS or email.
- Through Meydan Free Zone:
You won’t need to do either. Your Emirates ID application is triggered, tracked, and fully managed for you, from PRAN issuance to EID delivery to your doorstep.
You’ll usually find it:
- On your SMS confirmation
- On your application receipt
- Inside the UAEICP mobile app, if you're logged in via UAE Pass
Using Your PRAN Number to Track and Verify Your Emirates ID
Once you’ve got your PRAN, you’re officially in the system, and you can start tracking your Emirates ID progress in real time. Here's how to do it:
- Check Your Emirates ID Status (Using PRAN)
- Visit the ICP portal
- Enter your PRAN number in the "Application Number" field
- You’ll see updates like “under process”, “card printed”, or “ready for delivery”
- Access Your Digital Emirates ID (Before the Card Arrives)
- Download the UAEICP mobile app
- Log in using your UAE Pass
- Your digital Emirates ID (with a QR code) will be visible as soon as your application is approved, even before physical card delivery
Debunking Common Misconceptions About the PRAN Number
PRAN is useful, but it’s often misunderstood. Here’s what it isn’t:
- It’s not your Emirates ID number
- It’s not your visa number or Unified Number (UID)
- It’s not your Tax Registration Number (TRN) or linked to corporate tax in any way
- It’s not permanent
Think of it as a temporary reference ID for your current Emirates ID request. Once your card is issued, the PRAN retires quietly in the background.
PRAN, Residency, and the Meydan Free Zone Advantage
When you launch your business with Meydan Free Zone, the entire Emirates ID and PRAN process is seamlessly built into your residency journey through mResidency.
Here’s what that actually looks like:
- Your PRAN number is auto-generated the moment your visa process kicks off
- Meydan Free Zone schedules and manages your biometric appointment
- Your medical test and Emirates ID application are tracked in real time
- You get status updates and SMS alerts from both ICP and Meydan Free Zone’s support team
- If you’ve selected the VIP service, Meydan Free Zone can receive, notify, or deliver your Emirates ID card directly
This is especially helpful if you're applying from overseas or running a lean operation. No paperwork spirals, no missed steps.
The best part? You can complete your visa application through Meydan Free Zone’s digital dashboard in just 5 minutes, with most residence visas issued in 5–7 working days. And once your visa is approved, your Emirates ID application, including PRAN generation, medicals, biometrics, and delivery, can be completed in as little as 2 business days.
In Conclusion
You’re not moving to Dubai to chase admin; you’re coming here to build something that lasts. The PRAN number may seem like just a string of digits, but it’s your first green light. Your residency is underway, your Emirates ID is in motion, and the foundations of your business are already taking shape.
With Meydan Free Zone, your PRAN is already built into your residency journey. From visa application to Emirates ID delivery, the entire process is handled for you, start to finish. As soon as your business setup begins, your PRAN is generated, tracked, and managed behind the scenes by a support team that moves as fast as you do.
Set up your business, get your residency sorted in days, and move forward - all in one place. Ready to get started?
FAQs
1. What is a PRAN number in the UAE?
A PRAN (Personal Registration Acknowledgement Number) is a reference number generated when you apply for an Emirates ID. It helps track your Emirates ID application status through the UAE ICP portal until your card is issued.
2. Where can I find my PRAN number?
Your PRAN number appears on your Emirates ID application receipt, in SMS confirmations from ICP, or inside the UAEICP app if you’re logged in with UAE Pass. If you get a trade license and set up through Meydan Free Zone, you’ll be updated automatically.
3. Is PRAN the same as Emirates ID or visa number?
No. PRAN is a temporary application reference used only during the Emirates ID process. It’s different from your Emirates ID number, residency visa number, or UID and isn’t printed on your final Emirates ID card.
4. Do I need to apply for a PRAN separately?
No. Your PRAN is automatically generated once your Emirates ID application is submitted - either online, at a typing centre, or through Meydan Free Zone, which supports the full Emirates ID process on your behalf.
5. How does Meydan Free Zone support PRAN and Emirates ID processing?
Meydan Free Zone manages the full residency journey: visa application, PRAN, biometrics, medical test coordination, Emirates ID application and delivery. You get real-time tracking, SMS updates, expert support, and optional VIP service, all through a single digital dashboard.
