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.
After a company gets its trade licence and MOHRE establishment card, it registers with GDRFA to obtain an immigration (establishment) card. This card links the company to Dubai's residency system and is the prerequisite for issuing entry permits and residence visas for owners and staff.
It typically costs a few hundred to around a thousand dirhams and is renewed periodically. Companies often confuse it with the MOHRE establishment card — they are two different files with two different authorities, both needed before visa processing. 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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