For any company operating in the UAE, the Establishment Card is one of the most foundational legal documents you will obtain, right after your trade license. Without it, your business cannot hire staff, making it a critical step in your operational journey.
In simple terms, an Establishment Card (or بطاقة منشأة in Arabic) is your company’s official registration with the government’s labour and immigration authorities. It is the key that allows your business to legally sponsor and employ staff.
A common point of confusion is that a mainland company in the UAE actually needs two separate establishment cards to be fully operational. This guide will explain both.
The Two Types of Establishment Cards Explained
To legally manage your workforce, your company must be registered with both the immigration and labour departments. This requires two distinct cards.
1. The Immigration Establishment Card
This card is your company’s official file with the immigration authorities. It is the primary requirement for sponsoring residence visas.
- Purpose: To open a company immigration file and apply for investor visas, partner visas, and employee residence visas.
- Issuing Authority:
- In Dubai: The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).
- In all other Emirates: The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
2. The Labour Establishment Card
Also known as the Work Permit Company Number, this card registers your company with the Ministry of Labour.
- Purpose: To open a company labour file, apply for employee work permits (labour cards), and manage your employee quotas.
- Issuing Authority: The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) across all of a company’s mainland operations in the UAE.
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Why is the Establishment Card Essential for Your Business?
Holding valid establishment cards is not just a formality; it’s essential for the core functions of your business. You need them for:
- Hiring Employees: You cannot legally sponsor an employee’s residence visa or work permit without these cards.
- Legal Compliance: It is a mandatory requirement for all companies that intend to hire staff. Operating without one can lead to severe penalties.
- Opening a Corporate Bank Account: Many banks in the UAE will request a copy of your establishment card as part of their Know Your Customer (KYC) and due diligence process.
- Accessing Government Services: The card numbers are required to register your company on various government portals for MOHRE and immigration services.
How to Apply for an Establishment Card in the UAE (Step-by-Step)
The application process begins immediately after you have received your trade license.
- Obtain Your Trade License: This is the first and most important prerequisite. Your company must be officially licensed by the relevant Department of Economic Development (e.g., DET in Dubai).
- Gather Required Documents: Prepare a complete file including a copy of your trade license, passport copies of all partners/owners, a copy of your office tenancy contract (Ejari), and other relevant details.
- Apply Through the Correct Channels:
- For the Immigration Card in Dubai, your application will be processed through Amer centers. In other emirates, you will use ICP service centers.
- For the Labour Card, your application will be processed through Tas’heel service centers.
- Pay the Official Fees: Pay the required government fees for the issuance of each card.
- Receive Your Cards: Today, establishment cards are largely digital and are linked to your company’s online government accounts. You will receive an electronic copy, and a physical card may also be issued.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the validity of an Establishment Card? A: The validity of your establishment cards is directly linked to your trade license. They must be renewed at the same time you renew your license annually.
Q: How much does an Establishment Card cost? A: The cost can vary slightly by emirate and service center. Generally, you can expect to pay around AED 2,000 for the initial setup of the Immigration Card and a similar amount for the Labour Card, in addition to annual renewal fees.
Q: Do free zone companies need an Establishment Card? A: Yes, companies operating within a free zone also need an establishment card. However, it is issued directly by their respective free zone authority (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, ADGM) and the process is managed within the free zone’s own portal.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Immigration and Labour Establishment Cards are the foundational documents that empower your UAE business to operate and grow by legally hiring a workforce. Securing these cards is a non-negotiable step after receiving your trade license.
The application process involves multiple government departments and requires precise documentation. To ensure a fast and error-free setup, it is highly recommended to partner with a professional corporate services provider. Contact our experts today for a free consultation on setting up your establishment cards and streamlining your business operations in the UAE.
Read More :What is a Labour Card in the UAE? The Official Guide (2025)