An establishment card, also known as an immigration card, is an important document for businesses in the UAE. This Corporate Identity Card, valid for a year, serves as evidence of the company’s registration and official recognition by UAE authorities. This digital card carrying essential information about a company, such as the company name, a unique card number, and an expiry date, is an important requirement for businesses to register the company with the GDRFA of the concerned emirate and apply for trade licenses.Opening a business in Dubai is exciting, but there is one piece of paperwork every mainland company must obtain before it can legally hire staff or issue visas: the Establishment Card and its linked Immigration File. Getting this right at day one – and keeping it valid year after year – spares you hefty fines and operational headaches.
What is an Establishment card?
The Establishment Card (often called a company immigration card) is an official document issued by Dubai’s General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). It records your organisation’s basic data and carries a unique establishment number that unlocks every visa, entry permit, and Emirates ID transaction you will ever submit for employees or their families.
An active card automatically opens an Immigration File in the GDRFA database. Think of the file as your company’s record on the federal immigration system. Without it, you cannot legally engage foreign workers or apply for any residency service.
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Key Detail |
Description |
|
Issuing authority |
GDRFA Dubai |
|
Validity |
1 year (renewable) |
|
Linked systems |
e-Channels, Amer, Tasheel, ICP |
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Mandatory for |
All mainland LLCs, civil companies, branches |
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Common names |
Establishment card, company card, immigration card |
Benefits of Establishment Card
1. Company Registration: Essential for registering your business with the GDRFA or relevant Free Zone authority.
2. Financial Transactions: Simplifies financial transactions by establishing your business’s legitimacy.
3. Government Services Access: Provides access to various government services and benefits.
4. Employee Visa Sponsorship: Enables your company to sponsor and manage employee visas.
5. Corporate Bank Accounts: Necessary for opening and managing corporate bank accounts.
6. Licenses and Permits: Required for applying for essential licenses and permits to operate your business.
Why Does Your Company Need One?
- Legal requirement to process employment, investor, and dependent visas.
- Enables online transactions on the ICP or GDRFA portals.
- Needed to request electronic quota approvals with MOHRE.
- Proof that your company is recognised by UAE immigration when opening corporate bank accounts or sponsoring dependents.
Failing to hold a valid card can result in administrative suspension and fines according to GDRFA guidelines.
Application of new Establishment Card
The application can be done through the website or app, at Customer Happiness Centres or through Typing Centres. The process usually takes about 48 hours, with a government application fee of AED 475.
Documents Required for Application
1. Businesses in the Private Sector/ Free Zone
1. A copy of the appendix of the names of the partners.
2. Passport copies of the authorised signatories.
3. A copy of the authorisation certified by the notary public for the authorised persons (in the case of a manager).
2. Businesses in Government Sector
1. A decree from the Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid.
2. Passport copies of the authorized signatories.
3. A letter from the concerned government agency.
3. National companies – SME
1. A copy of the sponsor’s passport.
2. A copy of the trade license.
3. For national businesses receiving small project support, an official letter from the Small Projects Support Program.
Establishment Card Renewal
Establishment cards need to be renewed annually. The renewal process typically takes about 48 hours, with a government application fee of AED 575.
Documents Required for Renewal
Government sector:
1. A letter from the relevant authority in the government sector.
Private sector or free zone:
1. A copy of the partners’ names appendix for the private sector or free zone.
2. Copies of the authorised signatories’ passports.
3. A copy of the authorisation for the authorised individuals that have been notarised (in the case of a manager).
National businesses:
1. A passport copy of the sponsor.
2. A replica of the business license.
3. A formal letter from the Small Projects Support Program addressed to national businesses that have received assistance with small projects.
How to Avoid Costly Mistakes
- Set automated reminders: Add renewal dates to your corporate calendar and cloud HR system.
- Monitor via e-Channels: Regularly log in to see pending fines or document expiry warnings.
- Outsource to a dedicated PRO: A professional firm tracks all deadlines and handles submissions, preventing oversight.
- Bundle renewals: Align trade license, MOHRE quota file, and establishment card expiry in the same month to streamline compliance.
How Arabian Business Center Simplifies the Process
Arabian Business Center is a government-approved UAE Typing Center in Dubai that manages the full life cycle of your Establishment Card.
- Amer, Tasheel, and DET counters all under one roof(Read more on what is Amer Tasheel and GDRFA)
- Secure online document upload and real-time tracking
- Free pick-up and delivery of original documents
- Dedicated account managers who handle reminders and penalties on your behalf
- Transparent pricing with no hidden fees
Need to open a new mainland company first? Explore our detailed guide on company formation and residency visas for step-by-step instructions.
Visit Arabian Business Centre on Sheikh Zayed Road, for all your Establishment card requirements. Arabian Business Centre is a trusted company, with in-house Amer and DET centres offering top-notch business setup solutions and visa processing services since 2010.
Frequently Asked Questions
To get a new Establishment Card in Dubai, businesses must apply through the immigration department with supporting documents like a valid trade license and passport copies of the authorized signatories. Arabian Business Center provides complete assistance with preparing applications, submitting documents, and obtaining your Establishment Card efficiently.
Once issued or renewed, you can download your Establishment Card in Dubai online through the official immigration portal. At Arabian Business Center, our consultants can assist you in accessing and downloading the immigration card securely, so you always have a digital copy for your records.
You can renew your Establishment Card in Dubai through Arabian Business Center by submitting the required documents, such as your valid trade license, passport copies, and immigration forms. Our expert team makes the renewal process quick and hassle-free, ensuring your company remains compliant.
No. Free-zone entities use the immigration system of their respective free zone authority and do not require a GDRFA company card.
Standard processing is 1–2 business days once the application and payment are submitted.
Not usually. Approved typing centers submit electronically. Physical visits are only required if the authority requests clarification.
