FIN Number vs IC vs UIN in Singapore: What Do They Mean?

Quick Answer

Singapore uses different identification numbers depending on a person’s citizenship, residency or immigration status. The three terms you may encounter are NRIC or IC number, FIN and UIN.

Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) use an NRIC number, which is also their UIN. Foreigners holding eligible long-term immigration or work passes are issued a FIN.

IC vs FIN vs UIN: Quick Comparison

NRIC/IC and UIN refer to the same identification number for Singapore Citizens and PRs, while FIN is issued to eligible foreigners holding long-term immigration or work passes.

Detail	NRIC/IC Number	FIN	UIN
Full Term	National Registration Identity Card number	Foreign Identification Number	Unique Identification Number
Who Receives It	Singapore Citizens and PRs	Eligible foreigners holding long-term immigration or work passes	Singapore Citizens and PRs
Typical Format	9 characters, starting with S or T	9 characters, starting with F, G or M	Same as the NRIC number
Issuing Authority	Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA)	ICA or Ministry of Manpower (MOM), depending on the pass	ICA

What is an NRIC or IC Number?

NRIC or IC number is the identification number associated with the National Registration Identity Card. Singapore Citizens and PRs are required to register for their first IC when they reach age 15, before their 16th birthday. It identifies the cardholder for official transactions with government agencies and other organisations. If a form asks for your IC number, it generally refers to your NRIC number.

What is a FIN Number?

FIN is a unique identification number issued to eligible foreigners working, studying or residing in Singapore under relevant immigration or work passes. It is assigned to eligible pass holders, including Employment Pass, S Pass, Work Permit, Student’s Pass and Long-Term Visit Pass holders.

A FIN consists of a prefix, seven digits and a checksum letter, such as M1234567B. The prefix indicates the FIN series: the F series was used before 2000, the G series from 2000 to 2021, and the M series from 1 January 2022.

The FIN identifies foreign pass holders in immigration, employment and other official records.

What is a UIN and How Is It Different From a FIN?

A Unique Identification Number (UIN) is issued by ICA to Singapore Citizens and Permanent Residents. For SCs and PRs with an NRIC, the UIN is the same identification number shown on the NRIC.

The key difference between a UIN and a FIN is the holder’s status: UINs are issued to Singapore Citizens and PRs, while FINs are issued to foreigners holding eligible long-term immigration or work passes.

Where Can You Find Your IC or FIN Number?

The location of your identification number depends on the document or pass you hold.

NRIC Number: Check your physical NRIC or Digital IC in the Singpass app. The Digital IC masks your details by default, so you need to verify your identity and tap to show the full number.
FIN on a Work Pass: Check your relevant pass card or approval documents. MOM says the FIN appears on the in-principle approval (IPA) letter, and for a new Work Permit it is assigned within 3 working days after approval. The Digital IC in Singpass also displays the FIN of long-term pass holders.
Digital Work Pass: MOM-issued pass holders can use the SGWorkPass app to view their digital work pass and related details.

Why Do These Identification Numbers Matter for Immigration Applications?

Providing the correct identification number helps authorities match an application to the right person and their official records.

Permanent Residency and Citizenship: ICA’s PR application is submitted through its e-Service, where applicants log in with Singpass or with login credentials that ICA provides. Forms can also ask for specific ID details. For example, the “foreign identification number” field on ICA’s citizenship application asks for the number on your home country’s identification card, or NA if your country does not issue one, so read each field’s instructions rather than assuming it means your FIN.
Employment Passes and Other Work Passes: Employers or employment agents submit Employment Pass applications with the candidate’s passport details. MOM’s Employment Pass and S Pass candidate form also asks whether the applicant has previously worked, studied or stayed long-term in Singapore and, where applicable, requests an existing FIN or Work Permit number. MOM’s work pass status enquiry can also be searched using a FIN or passport number.

Need Help With a Singapore Immigration Application?

If you are applying for Singapore Permanent Residence, citizenship or a long-term pass, providing the correct personal details is an important part of preparing your application.

As an immigration agency, Xignam provides application support for individuals pursuing residency, citizenship and work passes. Whether you need help with a Singapore citizenship application or are exploring Singapore Employment Pass services, our team can guide you through the relevant requirements and documentation.

Explore our Singapore immigration services to learn how we can assist with your application.

Sources

Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – What is the difference between Identity Card (IC) Number and Foreign Identification Number (FIN)?
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – What is UIN? What is the difference between a UIN and FIN?
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – Response to “Which ID number to use on forms”
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – New M FIN Series To Be Introduced From 1 January 2022
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – Becoming a Permanent Resident
Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) – How do I complete the field on foreign identification number for citizenship application?
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – Will my FIN number change if I am an existing pass holder applying for a new work pass?
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – How do I find out the FIN of my Work Permit holder if it is not found in the approval letter?
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – Check Work Pass and Application Status
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – SGWorkPass
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – Apply for an Employment Pass
Ministry of Manpower (MOM) – Employment Pass (Sponsorship) Application Form
Singpass – How do I access the Digital IC?
Singpass – Does the Digital IC replace my physical NRIC, FIN or long-term pass card?