The UAE’s incredible climate, strategic location, high standard of living and welcoming business environment attract millions of visitors every year. Some may be here on a business trip or vacation, but many are looking to stay and relocate for the medium to long term.
Those looking to start a business out here and join the UAE’s 11 million-plus expatriate population must navigate the country’s tried and tested immigration and company formation processes. As well as applying for an appropriate visa and trade license, these entrepreneurial arrivals must also apply for an Establishment Card.
In this article, we’ll explore this lesser-known aspect of business setup and answer any questions you may have about the establishment card in the UAE.
What is the establishment card in the UAE?
A legal requirement for businesses in the UAE, the Establishment Card is a document detailing key information about your company. It is also referred to as an Immigration Card or Company Immigration Card. Details stored on the card include your company name and license number.
Your Establishment Card is issued by the UAE immigration authority in the emirate where your company is registered. As well as essentially serving as an ID for your business, it allows you to make filings with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDFRA). This is important should you need to make visa applications or sponsor employees for their residency and work visas.
As well as being a requirement for matters relating to visas and immigration, an Establishment Card is also needed when opening business bank accounts, securing leased premises, connecting utilities and accessing some government services.
Benefits of having an establishment card in UAE
There are many benefits to having a UAE Establishment Card, including:
Visa sponsorship: Your Establishment Card allows your company to sponsor residence visas for your employees. This allows you to broaden your horizons and recruit top global talent to grow your business in the UAE. You can also sponsor the visas of your employees’ dependents to help them settle in the country.
Immigration compliance: Your card is proof of your registration with the relevant UAE immigration authorities. It offers peace of mind regarding compliance and makes navigating all legal and administrative processes easier.
Visa processing: An Establishment Card allows you to make immigration transactions directly with GDFRA. This makes it easy to process and manage all employee and dependant visa applications, renewals and cancellations.
Government services: Your Establishment Card also makes it easy to access various government services relating to employment, residency and trading activities.
Who needs an establishment card in UAE?
The Establishment Card is required by any businesses registered or trading in the UAE. This includes mainland and free zone companies, as well as branches of foreign entities.
Freelancers and sole proprietors operating from some free zones will also require an Establishment Card if they intend to sponsor dependant visas or carry out any other immigration transactions.
Government entities and non-profits, such as foundations and charities, must also obtain an Establishment Card to comply with all relevant immigration and other government regulations.
How to apply for an establishment card in UAE
To apply for an Establishment Card in the UAE, you must have a valid trade license and register your business with the GDFRA or other relevant immigration authority.
Once you meet these eligibility criteria, you are ready to submit your application. The team at Creative Zone can guide you through the following three-step process.
Step 1: Prepare documents
First, you will need to prepare all relevant documents before making your application. This typically includes:
- Trade License Copy
- Owner’s Emirates ID
- Memorandum of Association (MOA), if applicable
- Tenancy Contract and Ejari (for office premises)
- Passport copies of partners/owners
Step 2: Submit application
With your documents in order, you are ready to submit your application to the GDFRA. This can be done online for via a GDRFA office. At this stage, you will also be required to pay any fees relating to your application.
Step 3: Receive your Establishment Card
Once your application has been approved, you will receive your card from the GDFRA. This typically takes anywhere between a few days and a week. With your card in hand, you are free to carry out immigration transactions and other key processes on behalf of your business.
UAE Establishment Cards are valid for 12 months, after which you must apply for a renewal. In most cases, this is simply a case of updating any new company details in the GDRFA portal and paying the required fee.
About Creative Zone
Navigating the business landscape of the UAE can feel daunting and complex, particularly if you’re new to the region. That’s why selecting the right partner is critical when looking to relocate and launch your business out here.
As the Middle East’s most trusted business setup advisor, Creative Zone has been empowering entrepreneurs and SMEs with comprehensive support since 2010. In addition to helping you apply for your Establishment Card, we offer a complete range of solutions for all your business setup needs – from licensing and visas to tax, accounting and legal support.
When you work with us, you get fast, reliable and unbiased advice on your unique business setup requirements. We can help you choose the right kind of license for your business activity and take you through the entire process from start to finish.
We’re here to assist every step of the way. Whatever your chosen activities, legal entity or visa requirements, we’re on hand with support, guidance and expertise. So, if you’re looking to lay the foundations for life in the UAE, Creative Zone is your ideal starting point.
Contact us today to kickstart your business in Dubai.
