So, you’ve secured your UAE trade license, found the perfect office space, and you’re ready to build your dream team. But there is one crucial piece of the puzzle often overlooked in the excitement: the Establishment Card (also called the Company Establishment Card or Labour Card). This card is issued by the UAE’s immigration authorities and links your company to the country’s immigration system.
Once your business has an Establishment Card in the UAE, you can apply for employee visas, manage immigration services, and officially sponsor staff members. It’s a mandatory requirement for companies that want to hire people in the UAE. In this guide, we’ll explain what an Establishment Card is and walk you through the process of applying for one.
In this guide, we break down exactly what an Establishment Card is, why your business needs one, and how to go about applying for it – step by step, without the jargon.
What is an Establishment Card in the UAE?
An Establishment Card is an official document issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)that registers your business in the UAE’s labour system. It acts as your company’s labour identity as it links your business to the Ministry’s database and is a mandatory requirement before you can apply for any work permits or employment visas for your employees.
The card typically displays:
- The Company Name.
- The Establishment Card Number (your unique ID).
- The Expiry Date (it usually needs to be renewed every 1–3 years, depending on your jurisdiction).
- The Emirate where the business is registered.
Note: If you are a solo entrepreneur or freelancer with no plans to hire staff or sponsor anyone, you might not need one immediately. However, the moment you want to bring an employee on board, this is the first document they will ask for.
Every time you process a new hire’s visa or work permit through MOHRE, this card is referenced.
It’s worth noting that the Establishment Card is different from a trade licence. Your trade licence is issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or the relevant free zone authority and permits you to operate a business. The Establishment Card, on the other hand, is specifically tied to your employment and HR functions.
Who Needs an Establishment Card in the UAE?
Any business operating on the UAE mainland that intends to hire one or more employees is required to have an Establishment Card. This applies to:
- Sole proprietorships
- Limited liability companies (LLCs)
- Branches of foreign companies
- Civil companies and professional firms
- Any other mainland-registered legal entity employing staff
If your business is registered in a free zone, the process is handled through your respective free zone authority rather than MOHRE directly. However, the concept remains the same; you’ll need an equivalent registration before processing employee visas.
Documents Required for the Application
Before you begin the application, make sure you have the following documents ready:
- A valid UAE trade licence (mainland)
- Copy of the owner’s or manager’s passport
- Copy of the owner’s or manager’s UAE residence visa (if applicable)
- Emirates ID copy of the owner or authorised signatory
- A recent tenancy contract or Ejari certificate for your registered business address
- Memorandum of Association (MoA) – for LLCs and similar entities
- Completed MOHRE application form (available on the MOHRE portal or service centres)
Document requirements can occasionally vary depending on the business type or emirate, so it’s always a good idea to confirm the latest checklist directly on the MOHRE website (mohre.gov.ae) before you visit or apply online.
Step-by-Step: How to Apply for an Establishment Card
Applying for an Establishment Card in the UAE is usually a straightforward process once your company is legally registered. The application is submitted to the relevant immigration authority, and once approved, your business can start processing employee visas. Here’s how the process typically works:
Step 1: Secure Your Trade License
Before you even think about the immigration department, your business must be a legal entity. You must have your valid UAE Trade License in hand. The Establishment Card is essentially the “Immigration Profile” created for that specific license.
Step 2: Register on the MOHRE Portal
Head over to the official MOHRE website (mohre.gov.ae) or download the MOHRE app. If your business isn’t already registered, you’ll need to create a new employer account. You’ll be asked to enter your trade licence number, business details, and contact information.
Step 3: Submit the Establishment Card Application
Once registered, navigate to the ‘Establishment Services’ section and select ‘New Establishment Card’. Fill in the required fields – company name, business activity, trade licence number, number of employees, and contact details. Upload all the required documents in the specified formats (usually PDF or JPEG).
Step 4: Pay the Application Fee
There is a fee associated with obtaining and renewing an Establishment Card. The fee structure can vary slightly based on the company type and number of employees, but generally falls in the range of AED 300 to AED 500 for a new card. Payment can be made online through the MOHRE portal using a credit or debit card, or in person at a MOHRE service centre or authorised Tasheel centre.
Step 5: Await Approval and Receive Your Card
Once your application is submitted and payment is confirmed, MOHRE will review the details. Processing times are typically fast; in many cases, approval comes through within 1 to 3 working days. You’ll receive a notification via email or SMS, and can download your Establishment Card directly from the portal.
Applying In Person: The Tasheel Centre Route
If you’d prefer to apply in person or if you’re not comfortable with the online process, you can visit any MOHRE-authorised Tasheel service centre across the UAE. These centres handle all MOHRE-related documentation on behalf of businesses and individuals.
Carry physical copies (and digital copies where possible) of all the documents listed above. The centre staff will guide you through filling out the form, verifying your documents, and submitting the application on your behalf. An additional service charge from the Tasheel centre will apply on top of the MOHRE fee.
What is the Cost of an Establishment Card in the UAE?
The cost of an Establishment Card in UAE 2026 varies depending on where your company is registered. For Dubai Mainland businesses, you should budget between AED 2,000 and AED 2,500. This covers the government issuance fee, file opening, and administrative service charges at Amer Centres.
If your business is in Abu Dhabi or the Northern Emirates, the initial cost is higher, around AED 7,000 to AED 7,500. This is because these Emirates requires you to register for the E-Channel system, which includes a significant refundable security deposit of approximately AED 5,000.
For Free Zone companies, the Establishment Card is often included in your initial setup or visa package. If you are paying for it as a standalone item, expect to pay between AED 1,500 and AED 2,000.
Renewing or Updating Your Establishment Card
Your Establishment Card is typically valid for one year and must be renewed annually. The renewal process mirrors the original application. Log in to the MOHRE portal, navigate to ‘Renew Establishment Card’, confirm your updated business details, upload a renewed trade licence, and pay the required establishment card renewal fees.
If there are any changes to your business, such as a change of address, business activity, or company ownership, you’ll need to update the Establishment Card accordingly. Operating with outdated information can lead to complications when processing new employee visas or work permits.
It’s highly recommended to set a reminder for renewal at least 30 days before expiry. An expired Establishment Card can disrupt your HR processes significantly, particularly if you’re in the middle of onboarding new staff.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
A few pitfalls that businesses often run into during the process:
- Expired trade licence: MOHRE will not process your application if your trade licence isn’t current. Always renew your licence first.
- Mismatch in business details: Ensure the details on your application exactly match what’s on your trade licence. Even minor discrepancies can cause rejection.
- Missing Ejari: If your tenancy contract isn’t registered on the Ejari system, it may not be accepted as a valid proof of address.
- Delaying renewal: Don’t wait until the last minute. An expired Establishment Card can freeze your ability to process work permits.
- Using outdated forms: MOHRE periodically updates its application requirements. Always download the latest forms from the official portal.
Simplify the Process with All Emirates Setup
If you’re planning to hire employees in the UAE, getting your Establishment Card should be one of the first things on your checklist. It’s the key that unlocks your company’s ability to sponsor visas and manage employee immigration services. The process itself isn’t complicated, but making sure every document and step is handled correctly can save you time and unnecessary delays.
If you’d rather skip the paperwork and back-and-forth with government departments, AE Setup can handle it for you. With years of experience in UAE business services, the team assists with establishment card applications, visa processing, and complete PRO support, which makes the entire journey smoother and much quicker.
FAQ – Establishment Card
1. What is an establishment card UAE?
Establishment Card UAE is an official immigration document issued to companies after obtaining a trade license. It contains a unique establishment number that links the company to the UAE immigration system. This card allows businesses to sponsor employee visas and process immigration services legally in the UAE.
2. How to get establishment ID in UAE?
To get an establishment ID in UAE, a company must first obtain a valid trade license. After that, apply through the UAE immigration authority such as GDRFA in Dubai or ICP smart services. Submit required documents, pay the government fee, and once approved, the establishment ID is issued.
3. How much is the establishment card fee in Dubai?
The establishment card fee in Dubai typically starts from around AED 2,000 for the basic government charge. Additional fees such as VAT, knowledge fee, and service charges may apply depending on the service channel. The total cost usually ranges between AED 2,000 and AED 2,500.
4. Where can I get an establishment ID?
You can get an establishment ID in UAE by applying through the immigration authority after registering your company. In Dubai, applications are processed through GDRFA or Amer service centers. In other emirates, the establishment ID can be obtained through ICP smart services or authorized typing centers.
