An Establishment Card is an electronic record issued by the UAE immigration authorities that contains a company’s official details, such as its trade name, licence number, partners and type of activity, and allows the business to apply for visas and entry permits for its employees. Without this card, a company cannot sponsor workers or process immigration paperwork.
The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) issues and renews the immigration establishment card, while the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues a separate labour establishment card to enable employers to register employees for work permits and contracts. Both cards are mandatory for companies operating in the UAE.
How the Establishment Card Fits into Company Setup
When a new company is licensed in the UAE, the business must open a labour file with MOHRE and an immigration file with ICP or the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). Opening these files generates the company’s establishment numbers and cards, which link the company’s trade licence to the labour and immigration systems. These cards record the company’s name, licence number, activity, partners and authorised signatories. If these details change later the company must amend its establishment card.
Why Do You Need an Establishment Card?
- Hiring and sponsoring employees: The establishment card enables a company to submit work permit and residency visa applications for employees. Without it, the system will not accept new visa requests.
- Accessing smart services: ICP and MOHRE online platforms require the establishment card number to log into the business services portal and complete electronic transactions.
- Compliance and renewals: Companies must renew their establishment cards regularly to avoid fines and ensure that immigration and labour records remain up to date. The card also lists conditions and fines that apply if the company violates immigration rules.
Steps to Obtain or Renew an Establishment Card
1. Apply through approved channels
For both issuance and renewal, the ICP’s Smart Services website or an authorised service centre (such as Amer in Dubai or Tasheel for MOHRE services) is used. The company representative logs in with UAE Pass or their user credentials and submits an application for issuing or renewing the card. The ICP states that the first step is to submit the application through the selected channel.
2. Review and adjust the application data
The system pulls details from the company’s trade licence and previous records. The applicant should check that the trade name, licence number, partners, and authorised signatories are correct. ICP advises applicants to review the application form and make necessary adjustments to the retrieved data.
3. Upload the required documents
If the system cannot retrieve some data automatically, the company must attach supporting documents. The ICP’s list of required documents for renewal includes:
- Trade licence copy and, for limited liability companies, a copy showing the names of the partners.
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) for partnership companies.
- Signature authorisation letter for the authorised signatories.
- Official letter requesting file opening or amendments, signed by the chairman or authorised representative.
- Any government decrees or resolutions forming the company’s board (for government entities).
- Additional documents required by the local authority of the emirate in which the company is registered.
For MOHRE labour establishment cards, similar documents are required along with the company’s immigration establishment card and signatures of authorised representatives.
4. Pay the fees
Once the documents are uploaded, the system calculates the fees. For an ICP immigration establishment card renewal, the fees include:
- Application fee: AED 100.
- Annual renewal fee: AED 100 per year.
- Subscription fee to the Authority’s electronic system: AED 1,000.
- Smart service fee: AED 100.
Additional charges such as Knowledge Dirham and Innovation Dirham (AED 10 each) may apply depending on the service centre. Fees for MOHRE establishment cards are similar but may differ by emirate or free zone. Payment must be made through the online portal or at the service centre. If the company has outstanding fines or late-renewal penalties, these must be settled before the card is issued.
5. Approval and card issuance
After payment, ICP reviews the application. If everything is in order, the application is approved and the electronic establishment card is renewed or issued in the system. Applicants receive a digital copy of the card, which shows the establishment number and expiry date. The card must be renewed before it expires. For MOHRE labour cards, once the immigration card is approved, the ministry issues the labour establishment card electronically.
Key Terms and Conditions
The ICP lists several conditions for establishment cards:
- The company must have a valid trade licence at the time of application.
- Any outstanding fines or penalties must be paid before renewal.
- Applicants must complete all procedures if the application is returned for modification.
- Fines apply for violating ICP instructions or using an establishment card for an inactive business. For example, using smart services without proper authorisation can lead to a AED 2,000 fine, while issuing entry permits for a non‑operational establishment incurs a AED 20,000 penalty.
For amendments, MOHRE requires clearance of workers and payment of fines before the service can be granted.
Required Documents Checklist
The following table summarises the documents typically required when applying for an establishment card (initial issuance or renewal). Exact requirements may vary by emirate and sector.
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Trade licence | Confirms the company is legally registered in the UAE |
| Memorandum of Association (for LLCs/partnerships) | Shows share distribution and partners |
| Signature authorisation letter | Identifies who can sign on behalf of the company |
| Board resolution or decree | Required for government entities |
| Official letter requesting card issuance/amendment | Signed by an authorised person |
| Power of attorney (if applicable) | Needed when a PRO handles the application |
| Pre‑approval from economic department (for amendments) | Needed when changing partners or activities |
| Additional emirate-specific documents | Depends on local authorities |
Tips for Establishment Card Management
- Renew early: Avoid fines by submitting renewal applications before the card expires. Applications can usually be filed up to one month before expiration.
- Keep documents current: Any change in trade licence, ownership, partners or activities must be updated on the establishment card to avoid penalties.
- Use authorised service centres: In Dubai, Amer centres handle immigration card issuance, while Tasheel centres handle MOHRE labour cards. In other emirates, service centres or the ICP Smart Services portal provide similar services.
- Pay fines promptly: Outstanding fines for visa overstay, un-cancelled visas or other violations must be settled before renewal.
- Check your establishment number: The establishment card number appears on the digital card. This number is needed when processing employee visas or checking the card’s status online.
Conclusion: Ensure Compliance with Professional Guidance
The establishment card is the cornerstone of a company’s ability to hire and sponsor employees in the UAE. It links your trade licence to immigration and labour systems, records key company data and must be maintained accurately. Applying for or renewing the card involves submitting the correct documents, paying prescribed fees and ensuring all fines and trade licence requirements are met. Neglecting these obligations can lead to penalties and delays in your business operations.
If you need help navigating the establishment card process, whether you’re launching a new company or managing annual renewals, Bestax can assist. Their specialists understand the ICP and MOHRE procedures, required documents and compliance rules, saving you time and avoiding costly mistakes. Contact Bestax today for personalised support with your establishment card and related UAE business setup requirements.
Quick FAQs
What is an establishment card?
An establishment card is an electronic record issued by the UAE’s immigration authority (ICP/GDRFA) that stores a company’s key details – trade name, licence number, partners and authorised signatories. It allows businesses to sponsor employees for visas and access government immigration services.
Why do companies need both an immigration and a labour establishment card?
The immigration establishment card, issued by ICP/GDRFA, enables a company to apply for entry permits and visas. The labour establishment card, issued by MOHRE, allows the company to register workers for labour contracts and work permits. Both are mandatory for hiring employees.
How long is an establishment card valid?
Immigration establishment cards are typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Renewal involves paying the application fee, renewal fee and subscription fee, as specified by the ICP.
How do I apply for a new establishment card?
For new companies, submit an application through the ICP Smart Services portal or an authorised service centre. You’ll need copies of your trade licence, Memorandum of Association (for partnerships), signature authorisation letter and any board resolutions. After paying the fees, ICP issues the card electronically.
What are the fees for renewing an establishment card?
ICP lists an application fee of AED 100, an annual renewal fee of AED 100 per year, a AED 1,000 subscription fee for the authority’s electronic system and a AED 100 smart service fee. Additional charges like Knowledge Dirham may apply.
Can I renew my establishment card online?
Yes. ICP’s Smart Services portal allows companies to renew their establishment cards online. The process includes reviewing data, uploading documents and paying fees. Amer and Tasheel service centres can also assist.
What happens if my establishment card expires?
Operating with an expired card can lead to fines and an inability to process new visas. ICP notes that violating instructions or breaching commitments may result in fines of AED 2,000 or more.
Do free zone companies need an establishment card?
Yes. Free zone companies obtain their establishment cards through their respective free zone authority, which coordinates with ICP and MOHRE. The process and fees may vary, but a valid establishment card is still required to sponsor employees.
Can I change the trade name or partners on my establishment card?
Yes. ICP offers a service to amend or add to the establishment card. This service allows companies to modify their trade name, transfer ownership or add/remove partners. Additional documents, such as preliminary approvals and power of attorney, may be required.
Where can I check the status of my establishment card?
Companies can check their establishment card status through the ICP Smart Services portal or by contacting the relevant service centre. The establishment number displayed on the card is used to track applications and renewals.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
