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.
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.
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.
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.
