When completing your company registration in Dubai, obtaining an Establishment Card (also known as a company labor card) is one of the most crucial steps. This document officially registers your company with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), allowing you to hire employees, apply for visas, and carry out essential business activities legally within the UAE. Understanding its purpose, application process, and renewal requirements ensures your company setup in Dubai remains fully compliant with government regulations.
1. What Is an Establishment Card?
An Establishment Card is a government-issued document that identifies your company in the MOHRE system. It includes a unique establishment number linked to your trade license and is essential for visa-related processes such as employee sponsorships, work permits, and renewals. Without this card, a company cannot legally hire staff or apply for residence visas.
In simple terms, the Establishment Card acts as your company’s “identity” within the UAE labor system, confirming that it is authorized to employ and manage workers under UAE law.
2. Why Is the Establishment Card Important?
For businesses completing their company setup in Dubai, the Establishment Card offers multiple benefits and legal capabilities, including:
- Employee Hiring: Enables your company to sponsor employees under its trade license.
- Visa Applications: Required for obtaining and renewing visas for business owners, partners, and employees.
- Government Transactions: Needed for any MOHRE or immigration-related activities.
- Compliance Proof: Confirms that your business is registered and recognized by labor authorities.
3. How to Apply for an Establishment Card in Dubai
Step 1: Obtain a Valid Trade License
Before applying for an Establishment Card, your company must have a valid trade license issued by the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) or the respective free zone authority.
Step 2: Register with the Immigration Department
Your company must first be registered with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This registration enables your business to apply for visas and labor approvals later.
Step 3: Apply Through MOHRE
Once the immigration registration is complete, you can submit your Establishment Card application through the MOHRE portal. The process typically requires the following documents:
- Copy of valid trade license
- Tenancy contract and Ejari certificate
- Memorandum of Association (MOA)
- Passport copies of company shareholders and authorized signatories
- Company stamp
- Emirates ID of the company owner or manager
Step 4: Pay the Required Fees
After document verification, you’ll need to pay a government fee, which generally ranges between AED 500 and AED 1,000, depending on the company type and structure.
Step 5: Receive the Establishment Card
Once approved, you will receive your Establishment Card within 1 to 3 working days. It will then be valid for one year and must be renewed annually to maintain compliance.
4. Renewal and Cancellation
To avoid penalties or suspension, companies must renew their Establishment Card before expiry. If your business ceases operations, the card should be officially canceled after license closure.
5. Conclusion
Securing an Establishment Card is an essential step in your company registration in Dubai. It serves as your company’s official authorization to employ staff and manage labor-related transactions legally.
Partnering with professional consultants such as Make My Firm Business Setup Dubai simplifies the process. Their experts handle every stage of your company setup in Dubai, from trade license issuance and immigration registration to Establishment Card processing and visa support. With Make My Firm, you can ensure your company meets all regulatory requirements efficiently, allowing you to focus on business growth in Dubai’s thriving commercial environment.
