Immigration Card (Establishment Card)
Also known as: establishment immigration card, GDRFA establishment card
Quick Answer
The immigration card (also called the establishment immigration card) is the GDRFA file that registers a company with Dubai immigration. It is required before a company can sponsor any residence visa, and is separate from the MOHRE establishment card.
In Dubai, GDRFA issues the establishment card that registers a company with the residency system; in the other emirates ICP issues it. ICP describes it as the electronic establishment card holding the registered establishment data, such as trade name, licence number, partners and type of activity. It comes before the MOHRE establishment card: MOHRE asks for a clear copy of the ICP-issued establishment card when a company registers with the Ministry.
GDRFA Dubai lists the issuing fee for private-sector and free-zone companies as AED 200 plus 5% VAT and extra charges; the full breakdown, renewal and the late-renewal fine are on the establishment card entry. Companies often confuse it with the MOHRE establishment card — they are two different files with two different authorities. ZETUP sets up and renews both.
Frequently asked questions
What is the immigration card (establishment card)?
It is the GDRFA file that registers a company with Dubai immigration — required before the company can sponsor any residence visa. It is separate from the MOHRE establishment card.
Is the immigration card the same as the MOHRE establishment card?
No — they are two different files with two different authorities (GDRFA vs MOHRE), and both are needed before visa processing.
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