Establishment Card in UAE: 6 Powerful Steps to Get It Easily -

Table of Contents

What Is an Establishment Card in UAE?

The Establishment Card refers to the official electronic document provided by the relevant immigration authorities of UAE. The document contains important information regarding the registration of the company, which includes the name of trade, license number, partners, and the activity of business.

The other name that can be used to describe this document is the Immigration Card for UAE Company.

The establishment card generally includes:

Registered Company Name.
License Number for Trade.
Number of Establishment or Immigration File.
Information on Business Ownership.
Business Activities Registered.
Immigration Registration Details.

This is especially relevant for companies that plan on sponsoring their employees or filing residence applications on behalf of their investors and partners.

This must not be mistaken for a trade license or an establishment file at the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratization (MOHRE).

Why Does a Newly Established UAE Company Need an Establishment Card?

After receiving the trade license, additional registrations can be necessary prior to the completion of the immigration process.

The business card allows organizations to create their immigration profile and receive services accordingly.

Some important reasons to obtain one include:

Sponsorship of employees: It facilitates the immigration processes involved in sponsoring foreign employees.
Visas for investors and partners: It assists in processing immigration applications of investors and partners.
Immigration registration: It registers the company with the respective immigration authority.
Business administration: It serves as a reference in the immigration processes.
Compliance after registration: This helps companies perform administrative functions after registration.

Companies should identify their immigration and labour registration requirements separately because an establishment card does not automatically replace other registrations.

Who Needs an Establishment Card in UAE?

The Establishment Card is normally needed for companies which need to retain an immigration file and conduct any sponsorships.

The following businesses may need to obtain one:

Recently incorporated companies in mainland.
Free Zone companies which will sponsor their employees.
Businesses that will sponsor investors/partners.
Companies seeking to recruit expatriate professionals.
Established companies seeking to open a new immigration file.

The exact requirements depend on the company’s business jurisdiction, licensing authority and immigration arrangements.

Documents Required for Establishment Card UAE

Proper documentation is one of the key factors to consider while making the UAE Establishment Card Application.

While the checklist will vary depending on the authority, the following documentation should be made:

Required Document	Purpose
Valid trade licence	Confirms the company’s legal registration.
Memorandum of Association (MOA)	Provides ownership and partnership details, where applicable.
Passport copies	Identifies authorised signatories and relevant representatives.
Emirates ID or Unified Number	Identifies an authorised signatory, as applicable.
Signature authorisation letter	Confirms the person authorised to represent the company.
Partner details	Provides information about the company’s ownership structure.
Power of Attorney	Confirms legal authority when an authorised representative is appointed, where required.

The specific list of documents required by ICP includes the Trade License, Authorization Letter, and Memorandum of Agreement for partnerships. Further documentation could be required depending on the local authorities.

In the case of Dubai, the GDRFA requires partner names appendix, passport copy of the authorized signatory, and authorization from specific authorized managers among others.

It is recommended to verify the current checklist before applying.

How to Apply for an Establishment Card in UAE After Company Setup

Establishment Card Registration Process varies based on the legal jurisdiction of the company and immigration department of that country.

These are the general steps for business organizations to take into consideration.

Step 1: Complete Your Company Setup

Before applying, ensure that your company registration process is complete.

You should have:

A UAE trade license which is valid.
Incorporation process completed.
The shareholder and manager’s details verified.
Authored signatory known.

A valid commercial licence is one of the main requirements for obtaining an establishment card through ICP.

Step 2: Identify the Relevant Immigration Authority

The next step is identifying the authority responsible for your company’s immigration registration.

Depending on the company’s location, you may need to approach:

ICP: Federal Agency of Identity and Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security manages all immigration services from the federal perspective.
GDRFA Dubai: GDRFA Dubai takes care of establishment immigration services of eligible companies based in Dubai.
Free Zone Authority: Free zones apply for their services through their respective free zones authority.

Choosing the correct application channel is important because documentation, fees and procedures may differ.

Step 3: Prepare the Required Documents

Collect the necessary company documents and identification details of the authorised signatory.

Before submission, check that:

The trade license is valid.
Information about the company corresponds to its registration.
Copies of the passports are legible.
Information about Emirates ID or Unified Number is provided.
Authorizations are prepared properly.

Incomplete documentation or incorrect information can result in additional verification or modification requests.

Step 4: Submit the Establishment Card Application

Once all the documents have been prepared, then apply through the relevant authority.

For eligible ICP applications, companies may apply through the ICP Smart Services website or the UAEICP mobile application.

The application process is:

Login via UAE Pass or the designated login procedure.
Find the establishment card issuance service.
Fill out the application and check the details.
Provide the necessary documents if any.
Submit the application for evaluation.

For Dubai based firms, applications can be filed through the smart services of GDRFA or customer happiness centers.

For free zones, firms must file their applications according to the procedure laid down by their respective authority.

Step 5: Pay the Applicable Fees

Once you have submitted your application form, make the payments to the government and service charges.

The cost will depend on the body issuing the license and the nature of services offered.

Always look at the breakdown before paying.

Step 6: Receive Your Establishment Card

Once the application is approved, the electronic establishment card is issued through the relevant system.

After receiving it, verify the following details:

Company Name.
Establishment Number.
Details of Trade Licence.
Registration of Company.
Validity Details.

Keep a digital copy for future immigration-related transactions.

How Much Does an Establishment Card Cost in UAE?

The cost for getting an Establishment Card in UAE depends on the issuing body and the company classification.

As per the published ICP fee structure, the relevant category is:

Application fee: AED 100.
Issuance fee per year: AED 100.
Fee for smart services: AED 100.
Subscribing to electronic establishment system: AED 2,000.

For Dubai, GDRFA lists the following charges for its private-sector and free zone establishment card service:

Issuance Fee: AED 200.
Value Added Tax (VAT): 5%.
Knowledge Dirham: AED 10.
Innovation Dirham: AED 10.
Service Charge: AED 50.
Annual Issuance/Renewal Fee: AED 100.

There may be extra costs involved such as expedited delivery fees or service center charges.

They are the charges published by the relevant authority and should not be regarded as the standard charge for all UAE companies.

How Long Does It Take to Get an Establishment Card in UAE?

The duration of the process depends on the nature of the application and completeness of documents.

Based on the service information provided by ICP, the establishment card issuance service takes about two days to be completed.

Another establishment card issuance service is offered by GDRFA for businesses that qualify for it.

This process can however take more time if the documents submitted are incomplete or the company details wrong.

Common Reasons for Establishment Card Application Delays

Despite the process of business registration being complete, sometimes firms face problems while registering through immigration.

Being aware of possible problems may help the applicant to avoid problems.

1. Incorrect Company Details

Differences between the trade licence and application information may result in verification requests.

2. Missing Documents

Applications may be delayed if required identification documents, authorisation letters or ownership details are unavailable.

3. Invalid Trade Licence

An expired or invalid commercial licence can prevent the application from progressing.

4. Unauthorised Representative

The person submitting the application must have the necessary authority to represent the company.

5. Incorrect Application Channel

A firm operating in the free zone may have to apply through the particular free zone entity and not use an alternative immigration service route.

Tip: It’s important that you check the details of your firm, documentation and channel of application before submitting your application.

Establishment Card Renewal and Validity in UAE

However, getting the establishment card is not the only administrative requirement. It is also necessary to ensure that the card is valid and renew it when necessary.

The following practices should be adopted by companies:

Check the expiration date on a regular basis.
Apply for renewal before the expiry date.
Keep the trade license valid.
Inform the immigration office about any change in company information.
Keep the details of authorized signatories updated.
Keep a copy of the renewed card.

A card renewal facility for separate establishments is provided by ICP. In addition, it also mentions that there is a late renewal fine of AED 100 per month of delay beyond the 30 days after expiry, with a cap of AED 1,000.

Therefore, organizations must pay close attention to renewal deadlines and also check the latest requirements from the respective authority.

Conclusion

Getting an Establishment Card for the UAE is a crucial procedure that needs to be done after establishing a company to deal with all matters of immigration.

The process involves careful handling of all the paperwork and choosing the right authority to apply to.

In this regard, the process of applying, fees, and paperwork might differ for mainland and free zone companies; thus, it is important to know all the necessary details before starting to file the application.

Are you looking for assistance with company establishment and procedures after registration in the UAE? Our specialists at E-Startup are ready to help entrepreneurs establish their businesses in the UAE.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Is an Establishment Card mandatory for every UAE company?

The Establishment Card is usually needed if the firm needs to register itself with the immigration department in order to handle their respective applications. The conditions vary based upon the activities of the company.

2. Can I apply for an Establishment Card immediately after company setup?

Yes. After receiving the trade license for the company and meeting the necessary conditions, the application procedure can be initiated with the relevant authorities of immigration or free zones.

3. What is the difference between an Establishment Card and a Trade Licence?

Trade Licence – It is a legal document allowing the organization to undertake their legitimate operations. Establishment Card – It is the registration of the firm with the immigration authorities.

4. Can a free zone company obtain an Establishment Card?

Absolutely. Free zone entities are able to apply for Establishment Cards via their own specific process under the authority of their respective free zones.

Official Government References

Note: Government fees, application requirements and processing times may change. Verify the latest information with the relevant authority before applying.