Establishment Card
Also known as: Immigration Establishment Card, Company Immigration Card, Establishment Card MOHRE, Labour Establishment Card
Quick Answer
The establishment card registers a company with UAE immigration — GDRFA in Dubai, ICP in the other emirates — and holds its trade name, licence number, partners and activity. MOHRE keeps a separate establishment card for labour matters and asks for a copy of the immigration card to issue it.
What the establishment card is
In the UAE the name covers two registrations. The first is the immigration establishment card, issued by GDRFA Dubai for companies in Dubai and by ICP in the other emirates; ICP describes it as the electronic establishment card that includes the registered establishment data, such as trade name, licence number, partners and type of activity. The second is MOHRE's establishment card, which registers the company with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation: its owners and authorised signatories, their signature samples, the business activity and the location.
Which card comes first
MOHRE's required documents for its establishment card include a clear copy of the establishment card issued by ICP, showing the names of the owners and authorised signatories, so the immigration card comes first. MOHRE also requires the authorised signatory at the Ministry to be authorised to sign at ICP.
GDRFA Dubai establishment card fees
For private-sector and free-zone companies, GDRFA Dubai lists an issuing fee of AED 200 plus 5% VAT, with extra charges of AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham and an AED 50 service fee, and AED 100 if you choose urgent processing. Applying through an Amer centre adds AED 100 on the issuing service. Renewal is listed at the same AED 200 plus VAT with the same extra charges. GDRFA adds a note that the issuance or renewal fee is AED 100 per year. Its stated completion time is 48 hours.
MOHRE establishment card: documents, time and fees
MOHRE asks for a copy of the Emirates ID or of the residence visa showing the unified number; a copy of the valid licence showing the activity and address; the partners addendum from the economic department if the licensees are not named on the licence; a clear copy of the ICP establishment card; and a valid, approved rental contract, except for immediate (instant) licences. Owners, partners, service agents and authorised signatories need a Ministry-issued personal identification number. MOHRE states the service is completed in 2 working days and is free on its website and app (only government fees apply); business centres charge a maximum commission of AED 72, and Ta'qeem fees are AED 406. These fees exclude tax and collection charges.
Renewal and late-renewal fines
GDRFA Dubai renews the card online through its website and smart app, signing in with UAE PASS or a username. ICP's renewal page says the service is granted only with a valid trade licence and once fines due on the establishment are paid, and lists a fine of AED 100 for each month of delay when the card is renewed more than 30 days after it expires, up to AED 1,000, plus AED 1,000 for changing the establishment's information without notifying the Authority.
How ZETUP PRO helps
ZETUP PRO tracks the validity of both establishment cards for its monthly retainer clients and renews them alongside the trade licence; government fees are billed at cost with receipts.
Official sources: GDRFA Dubai: Establishment Card for the private sector / free zone · GDRFA Dubai: Renewal of Establishment Card · ICP: Renewal of Establishment Card (fees and fines) · MOHRE: Issuance of Establishment Card
Frequently asked questions
What is an establishment card in the UAE?
The establishment card registers a company with UAE immigration — GDRFA in Dubai, ICP in the other emirates — and holds its trade name, licence number, partners and activity. MOHRE keeps a separate establishment card for labour matters and asks for a copy of the immigration card to issue it.
How much does an establishment card cost in Dubai?
GDRFA Dubai lists AED 200 plus 5% VAT for issuing a private-sector or free-zone establishment card, with extra charges of AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham and an AED 50 service fee (AED 100 more for urgent processing, and AED 100 more when applying through an Amer centre). Renewal is listed at the same AED 200 plus VAT and extra charges.
How do I renew an establishment card in Dubai?
Online through GDRFA Dubai's website or smart app, signing in with UAE PASS or a username; GDRFA states a completion time of 48 hours. ICP's renewal page adds that a valid trade licence is required and that fines due on the establishment must be paid first.
What is the fine for renewing an establishment card late?
ICP's renewal page lists AED 100 for each month of delay when the card is renewed more than 30 days after it expires, up to a maximum of AED 1,000.
What is the difference between the immigration establishment card and the MOHRE establishment card?
The immigration card (GDRFA in Dubai, ICP in the other emirates) registers the company with the residency system and holds its trade name, licence number, partners and activity. MOHRE's card registers the company with the labour ministry: owners, authorised signatories, activity and location. MOHRE asks for a copy of the ICP establishment card, so the immigration card comes first.
What is the difference between an establishment card and a labour card?
The establishment card is the employer-side file that identifies the company in MOHRE's systems; the labour card (work permit) is the worker-side document tying an individual employee to that company.
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