Establishment Card in the UAE 2026: Cost, Requirements and How to Apply

An Establishment Card in the UAE is a government registration that links a UAE business to the relevant immigration or labour authority. This sits alongside the other UAE businesses topics owners deal with regularly.

For immigration purposes, the card opens the company’s establishment file for visa-related transactions, handled by GDRFA in Dubai or ICP in other emirates. A separate MOHRE establishment card exists for labour and work-permit purposes. This guide covers all three, verified against official sources.

Note: If you’re a PRO service, immigration consultant, or corporate service provider handling establishment card and visa filings for clients, see our advertising options.

What Is an Establishment Card in the UAE?

An official registration that connects a company to an immigration or labour authority, GDRFA, ICP, or MOHRE depending on the function, enabling the business to sponsor employee visas, process work permits, and complete related government transactions.

Who Needs an Establishment Card?

• Mainland companies employing staff
• Free zone companies employing staff
• Companies sponsoring employee, investor, or partner visas
• Government entities and specific licensed activities, including foreign missions through MOFA’s separate service

The exact authority and card type depend on your business structure and location, covered in detail below.

Other Names You Might See

Depending on the authority or source, the same or a related registration may be called:

• Immigration Card
• Company Immigration Card (CIC)
• Computer Card or Computer Establishment Card (CEC)
• Establishment ID

These terms are often used loosely for the immigration-side card. They shouldn’t be confused with an employee’s own labour card or the separate MOHRE establishment file, which is a distinct registration with its own fees and process.

Is an Establishment Card the Same as a Trade Licence?

No.

• A trade licence, issued by the relevant economic department, confirms your legal right to operate a business
• The Establishment Card, issued by immigration or labour authorities, confirms your right to sponsor employees and manage visas or work permits
• These are separate functions, holding one doesn’t replace the other

Immigration Card vs MOHRE Establishment Card: Who Handles What?

This is the single most important distinction in this entire topic, and most guides blur it together.

	Immigration Establishment Card	MOHRE Establishment Card
Authority	GDRFA (Dubai) or ICP (other emirates)	MOHRE
Main purpose	Company immigration file	Company labour file
Used for	Visa and immigration transactions	Work permits and labour transactions
Dubai mainland	Generally required	Generally required if employing workers
Free zones	Depends on the zone	Usually handled through the free zone’s own system

Is There a Different Establishment Card for Diplomatic Missions?

Yes, a genuinely important distinction most business-focused guides never mention. MOFA’s Establishment Card service is specifically for foreign diplomatic missions and embassies opening in the UAE, an entirely different process, applicant type, and purpose from the business establishment cards covered in this guide.

What Information Is Shown on an UAE Establishment Card?

Confirmed directly by ICP, the electronic card records specific registered data:

• Trade name
• Licence number
• Partners
• Type of business activity
• Establishment number, authorised signatory, and validity details, where applicable to the specific card

What Is an Establishment Number?

The establishment number is the unique identifier tied to your company’s government file with the issuing authority. You’ll need it for related government transactions going forward, renewals, amendments, and visa applications, so keep it on hand alongside your trade licence details.

Why Do Businesses Need an Establishment Card?

• Sponsor and manage employee visas
• Apply for and renew work permits
• Support the immigration processes associated with sponsored employees, partners, and investors
• Access government smart portals for immigration-related transactions

How Much Does an Establishment Card Cost in the UAE?

Costs genuinely differ by authority, so treat any single “one figure” claim with caution.

GDRFA Immigration Card (Dubai)

Fee Component	Amount
Base issuance/renewal fee	AED 200
VAT	5%
Knowledge Dirham	AED 10
Innovation Dirham	AED 10
Service fee	AED 50
Urgent processing fee (optional)	AED 100

ICP Establishment Card (Federal / ICP Jurisdictions)

Fee Component	Amount
Application fee	AED 100
Issuance fee per year	AED 100
Smart services fee	AED 100
Subscription to the Authority’s Electronic System for Establishments	AED 2,000

Tourism establishments specifically also carry a AED 75,000 financial guarantee, a AED 1,000 system subscription guarantee, and a AED 20 guarantee deposit fee, confirmed directly on ICP’s own service page.

MOHRE Establishment Card

Fee Component	Amount
Ta’qeem fee	AED 406
Business centre commission (maximum)	AED 72

MOHRE’s own service is free of charge through its website and app, only the government fees above apply. Free zone establishment card fees are handled through each free zone’s own authority and vary by zone, confirming current fees directly with your specific free zone.

Documents Required for an Establishment Card UAE

Requirements differ by which authority is issuing the card.

For GDRFA (Dubai Immigration)

• Trade licence
• Memorandum of Association, where applicable
• Official letter requesting file opening, signed by an authorised representative
• Signature authorisation letter for authorised signatories
• Emirates ID of authorised signatories

For ICP (Other Emirates)

• Trade licence, with stakeholder details attached for LLCs specifically
• Signature authorisation letter
• Memorandum of Association, in case of a partnership
• Any additional requirements set by the local government authority in that emirate
• For government entities specifically: a copy of the decree establishing the entity, the board resolution, and an official request letter instead of a trade licence

For MOHRE (Labour)

• Valid trade licence
• Ministry-issued personal identification number for owners, partners, and authorised signatories
• The authorised signatory must also be authorised to sign with ICP

Can You Apply for an Establishment Card Online?

Yes, though the exact channel depends on the authority.

• ICP: applications are processed through ICP’s approved service channels, with initial approval and establishment card issuance submitted through an authorised service provider where required
• MOHRE: through its website or mobile application
• Dubai: through GDRFA’s own establishment card services, or via Amer service centres
• Free zone companies: through their specific free zone authority’s own portal, not directly through GDRFA or ICP

How to Apply for an Establishment Card in the UAE

1. Confirm the correct authority for your jurisdiction and purpose, GDRFA for Dubai immigration, ICP for other emirates, MOHRE for labour registration, or your specific free zone authority
2. Gather your trade licence and the authority-specific documents above
3. Submit the application through the relevant channel, generally through an authorised service provider for ICP applications specifically
4. Pay the applicable fees
5. Receive approval and your electronic establishment card

Processing is commonly reported at 2 working days for both ICP and MOHRE applications, with GDRFA applications reported at 2 to 5 working days depending on completeness, and a faster option available at some authorities.

How to Renew an Establishment Card in the UAE

1. Confirm which authority originally issued the card
2. Confirm that your trade licence is valid and that the establishment details are up to date
3. Submit the renewal request through the same authority’s portal
4. Pay the applicable renewal fees
5. Receive your updated electronic card

For GDRFA Dubai specifically, the current service page lists an expected completion time of 48 hours, available through GDRFA’s digital channels 24/7, or through Amer service centres during their normal operating hours.

How Long Is an Establishment Card Valid For?

This also differs by authority.

• GDRFA (Dubai): generally one year, matching the trade licence cycle
• MOHRE: reported at a 2-year permit duration under its current service terms
• ICP and free zones: commonly one year, though some categories and zones report longer validity tied to a licence package

Always check the expiry date printed on your specific card rather than assuming a fixed period applies universally.

What Happens If an Establishment Card Expires?

An expired establishment card can interrupt related immigration or labour services, including new visa applications, renewals, and work permit processing, until it’s renewed. Check the applicable authority directly for the current penalty structure before assuming a specific figure, since this varies and is worth confirming at the time you need it.

What If Your Establishment Card Is Blocked?

This is different from simple expiry, and it’s a genuinely useful thing to understand before it happens to you. GDRFA runs a dedicated service for lifting an establishment ban in Dubai. Commonly requested documents include:

• Establishment card
• Commercial licence
• Recent rental certificate
• Establishment bank statement covering the last 6 months
• Electricity and water bill
• Commercial contracts
• Tax registration certificate
• Employee salary transfer statement (WPS)

A blocked establishment file typically halts new visa transactions until the ban is lifted, and the authority may request further documents depending on the establishment’s specific activity.

How to Check Your Establishment Card Status Online

Use GDRFA’s or ICP’s official smart services portal, entering your company or establishment details to view current validity, expiry date, and renewal status.

How to Cancel an Establishment Card in the UAE

If a business closes or no longer needs its establishment card, GDRFA’s cancellation service covers private sector, free zone, government, and national company establishments alike.

• A business card and a cancellation letter from the sponsor are generally required
• No sponsored persons can remain listed on the establishment card at the time of cancellation
• Fees are modest, typically a small collection commission rather than a full issuance-level charge

How to Modify or Replace a Lost Establishment Card

• Modifications (trade name changes, ownership transfers, authorised signatory updates) require submitting updated company documents through the issuing authority’s portal, along with an applicable modification fee. For GDRFA Dubai specifically, this is reported at AED 100 plus VAT, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, and a AED 50 service fee
• Lost card replacement requires a replacement request, along with a copy of the trade licence and the authorised signatory’s Emirates ID
• Both processes are typically completed digitally, with a soft copy of the updated or replacement card emailed once approved

Conclusion

Two things matter most about the Establishment Card in the UAE:

• The immigration establishment card (GDRFA or ICP) and the MOHRE establishment card are genuinely separate registrations with different fees, purposes, and authorities, not one document with different names
• Costs and validity periods differ meaningfully by authority, so a single blanket figure for the whole UAE is misleading

If you’re also working through your company’s visa sponsorship setup, our guide on UAE business visa requirements covers the process this card directly enables.

Confirm your specific jurisdiction’s exact process and current fees directly with GDRFA, ICP, MOHRE, or your free zone authority before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Establishment Card in the UAE?

A government registration, issued by GDRFA, ICP, or MOHRE depending on the function, that connects a company to an immigration or labour authority for visa and work permit purposes.

Is an Establishment Card the same as a trade licence?

No. A trade licence confirms your right to operate a business, issued by an economic department. An Establishment Card confirms your right to sponsor employees and manage visas or work permits, issued by immigration or labour authorities.

What is the difference between an Immigration Establishment Card and a MOHRE Establishment Card?

The immigration card, issued by GDRFA or ICP, handles visa and immigration transactions. The MOHRE establishment card is a separate registration for labour and work-permit purposes, with its own fees and process.

How much does an Establishment Card cost in the UAE?

The cost depends on the authority and service channel. For Dubai, GDRFA lists an AED 200 establishment card fee, plus 5% VAT, AED 10 Knowledge Dirham, AED 10 Innovation Dirham, and a AED 50 service fee. An additional AED 100 applies for urgent processing, and applications through Amer centres carry a further AED 100 fee. ICP’s federal fees include a AED 2,000 electronic system subscription alongside smaller application charges. MOHRE charges a AED 406 Ta’qeem fee. Free zone fees are set independently by each zone.

Do Dubai companies need two Establishment Cards?

Often yes. Mainland companies in Dubai typically need one from GDRFA for immigration purposes and a separate one from MOHRE for labour purposes.

Can I apply for an Establishment Card online?

Yes. ICP and MOHRE both offer website and app-based applications, and GDRFA and Amer provide Dubai’s channels. Free zone companies apply through their own free zone authority’s portal.

What is the Establishment Card number?

A unique identifier tied to your company’s government file with the issuing authority, used for renewals, amendments, and future government transactions.

How long does it take to get an Establishment Card?

Commonly 2 working days for ICP and MOHRE applications, and 2 to 5 working days for GDRFA applications in Dubai, depending on completeness.

How do I check my Establishment Card status?

Through GDRFA’s or ICP’s official smart services portal, using your company or establishment details.

What happens if my Establishment Card expires?

Related visa or work permit services get interrupted until it’s renewed. Confirm the current penalty structure directly with the issuing authority.

What if my Establishment Card is blocked?

GDRFA runs a dedicated service in Dubai to lift an establishment ban, generally requiring the establishment card, trade licence, rental certificate, recent bank statements, utility bills, and a WPS salary transfer statement.

How do I cancel an Establishment Card in the UAE?

Through GDRFA’s cancellation service in Dubai, generally requiring a business card and a cancellation letter from the sponsor, with no sponsored persons remaining on the card at the time of cancellation.

Updates Section

Last verified: August 2026. Reflects current GDRFA, ICP, and MOHRE published fees and processes.

References

1. GDRFA Dubai, Establishment Card for National Companies
2. GDRFA Dubai, Request for Lifting Establishment Ban
3. GDRFA Dubai, Renewal of Establishment Card
4. GDRFA Dubai, Cancellation of Establishment Card
5. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship and Port Security (ICP), Issuing an Establishment Card
6. MOHRE, Issuance of Establishment Card
7. Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA), Issue Establishment Card Service