Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland Card Registration for Establishment
The Establishment Card Registration in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah mainland is a mandatory requirement for all mainland companies who wish to employ staff and/or process visas in the UAE. The Establishment Card is issued by the Immigration Department/GDRFA and linked to MOHRE. It legally registers a company as an employer in the UAE.
Without the functioning Establishment Card, a mainland business will not be able to create a file for its employees, submit visa applications for employees, create employee work permits, and process visa renewal and cancellation requests. Regardless of the registering authority for your business, it is mandatory to register the Establishment Card immediately after the trade license.
The Establishment Card includes important data about the company, such as trade license number, legal name, activity, number of the immigration file, and signatory. This card is the identity of the company in Immigration and MOHRE, and it must always be renewed.
365 Day PRO Corporate Services provides complete Establishment Card registration solutions for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland, with rapid approval, flawless paperwork, and effortless coordination with Immigration and MOHRE. Our PRO experts will professionally handle everything for you, thus sparing you time, preventing rejections, and keeping everything perfectly legal.
Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland Card Registration for Establishment
The Establishment Card Registration in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah mainland is a mandatory requirement for all mainland companies who wish to employ staff and/or process visas in the UAE. The Establishment Card is issued by the Immigration Department/GDRFA and linked to MOHRE. It legally registers a company as an employer in the UAE.
Without the functioning Establishment Card, a mainland business will not be able to create a file for its employees, submit visa applications for employees, create employee work permits, and process visa renewal and cancellation requests. Regardless of the registering authority for your business, it is mandatory to register the Establishment Card immediately after the trade license.
The Establishment Card includes important data about the company, such as trade license number, legal name, activity, number of the immigration file, and signatory. This card is the identity of the company in Immigration and MOHRE, and it must always be renewed.
365 Day PRO Corporate Services provides complete Establishment Card registration solutions for Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah Mainland, with rapid approval, flawless paperwork, and effortless coordination with Immigration and MOHRE. Our PRO experts will professionally handle everything for you, thus sparing you time, preventing rejections, and keeping everything perfectly legal.
Why Choose 365 Day PRO Corporate Services for Establishment Card Registration
Choosing 365 Day PRO Corporate Services to register your Establishment Card will guarantee accuracy, speed, and hassle-free experience. We understand the specific Immigration and MOHRE requirements for companies in mainland Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Sharjah.
Our team begins with a pre-compliance verification that verifies trade license validity, legal form, tenancy information, and signatory details.
We also offer a single window PRO solution, which includes application submission for Immigration, payment coordination, and activation of establishment files. Whether you’re a start-up, an SME, or an organization with many shareholders, we will process everything smoothly with clear pricing and set timelines.
The services we offer in our 365 Day PRO Corporate Services package include post-registration services such as E-Signature Card issuance, Labour File activation, visa services, and on-going compliance, which makes us your compliance partner in the UAE.
Step-by-Step Procedure for Registration of Establishment Cards in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah Mainland
Establishment Card, which can be referred to as an Immigration Card or a Company Immigration File, is a mandatory registration that is issued by GDRFA / ICP Immigration, which is associated with MOHRE. This registration enables a mainland company to employ staff members and process visas in the UAE.
Step 1: Verification of Trade License & Legal Structure
The process involves an extensive analysis of the mainland trading license of the company, which is issued either by Dubai DED, Abu Dhabi DED (ADDED), or Sharjah Economic Development Department (SEDD).
The main points for checking are
- Trade license status is valid
- Business activity compatibility
- Business activity
- Legal form (LLC, Sole Establishment, Civil Company, etc.)
- Information for Shareholders and Managers
Any discrepancies between the trade license and the records of shareholders must be cleared before moving ahead.
STEP 2: Tenancy Contract & Ejari / Tawtheeq Validation
It is necessary to have an office address that is valid for the purpose of registering an Establishment Card.
This step comprises:
- Ejari (for Dubai and Sharjah) or Tawtheeq (for Abu Dhabi)
- Linking tenancy particulars to trade license
- Ensuring validity period of tenancy complies with immigration rules
- Without the ongoing tenancy agreement, the application will not be accepted by Immigration.
STEP 3: Identification of Authorized Signatory
The company needs to designate an authorized signatory to represent it in dealings with both Immigration and MOHRE.
This can be:
- Owner/Partner
- General Manager
- Director (through Power of Attorney)
The person signing the document should have a valid residence visa in the UAE, as well as an Emirates ID.
STEP 4: Application for Immigration Establishment Card
The official application for an Establishment Card is made through the GDRFA (Dubai/Sharjah) or ICP (Abu Dhabi) portals
The application comprises:
- Trade License Details
- Authorized Signatory Details
- Tenancy information
- MOA/ownership structure
This is because any mistake at this stage can cause the processing of visas to come to a standstill.
STEP 5: Government Fee Payment & File Creation
After this, Immigration provides a payment voucher.
After fee payment:
- The company immigration file is created
- The Establishment Card number is generated
- Fees are different in each emirate and type of company.
STEP 6: Issuance of Establishment Card
The official “Establishment Card” is provided along with:
- Business Name
- Immigration file number:
- Expiry date
- Authorized Signatory Details
This card is the identity of the company in its dealings with Immigration.
STEP 7: MOHRE Labour File Activation & Linking
After card issuance:
- The labour file can be activated through MOHRE
- The company will now have the ability to process work permits and visas.
- The E-Signature Card process can be initiated only once the MOHRE labour file activation is completed.
Documents Required for Establishment Card Registration
- Individual Shareholders
- Trade License Copy
- Passport Copy
- Emirates ID
- Residence visa
- Tenancy Contract / Ejari
- MOA / Shareholder Page
- Corporate Shareholders
- Parent Company Trade License
- Resolution of the Board authorizing signatory
- MOA / AOA
- Passport & Emirates ID of Authorized Person
- Power of Attorney (if applicable)
Frequently Asked Questions – Establishment Card Registration in Dubai, Abu Dhabi & Sharjah Mainland
What is an Establishment Card in UAE mainland?
An Establishment Card is an identity document issued by the immigration authority that registers a business with the UAE immigration system and allows it to hire staff and apply for visas and other immigration-related services.
Is Establishment Card mandatory for mainland companies?
Yes, for all companies that process visas and/or labor files.
How long does it take to register for the Establishment Card?
1-3 working days with complete documents.
Can visa processing begin without Establishment Card?
No, it is mandatory for all visa applications.
Is Establishment Card renewable?
Yes, it has to be renewed every year.
Can one company have multiple Establishment Cards?
Only one. Per trade license.
Is MOHRE registration connected to Establishment Card?
Yes, it enables labour file activation.
Whether tenancy contract impacts registration?
Valid Ejari/Tawtheeq is required,
Can the process be performed remotely?
Yes, through official PRO services.Why use PRO services for Establishment Card registration?
To avoid errors, delays, and risks of non-compliance related to Immigration.