Setting up a business in Dubai or anywhere else in the UAE requires an establishment card. This document is essential for every business owner, just like a valid trade license. You will need to apply for an establishment card after getting a trade license.
What is an Establishment Card in UAE?
- Process work visas
- Renew employee permits
- Deal with immigration offices
- Your trade name
- Trade license number
- Establishment card number
- Date of expiry
- Issuing government authority
Why Do You Need an Establishment Card Number?
An establishment card number has many uses for business owners in the UAE:
- Renewing your trade license: You need an establishment card to apply for commercial permits and renew your trade license.
- Legal identity: The card gives your business official recognition with the relevant government bodies.
- Immigration requirements: It is essential for processing employee work permits and residence visas.
- WPS compliance: You need it to register with the Wage Protection System (WPS). This legal requirement guarantees employees are paid transparently and promptly.
- Easy status tracking: You can use your establishment card number to quickly check the status of all visa and work permit filings on online portals.
- Opening a bank account: Your establishment card details will be required when you’re applying for a bank account.
Difference Between Establishment Card vs Trade License
Establishment card | Trade license | |
Purpose | Identifies the business for immigration and labor purposes | Allows a business to legally operate in the UAE |
Issued by | GDRFA or ICP | Department of Economic Development or Free zone authority |
Uses |
|
|
When to apply | First step in company formation | After the trade license is issued |
Validity | 1 year (renewable) | 1 year (renewable) |
Processing time | Up to 5 business days | Depends on jurisdiction |
How Do You Apply for an Establishment Card in 2025?
You can apply for an establishment card once your trade license is issued and your company is registered. There are different processes based on whether you’re applying in a free zone or on the mainland.
Streamline Your Business Setup Process
For Free Zone Establishment Card
- If your company is set up in a free zone, you will have to apply for an establishment card through the relevant free zone authority.
- You can work with a business setup consultant to make the application process easier.
- If you’re doing it yourself, you should log in to your free zone portal and upload your trade license copy, passport and visa copy. Make sure the trade license is officially stamped by your company.
- Once you pay the fees, your application can take between 1 to 3 business days to process.
For Mainland Establishment Card
- If your company is set up on the mainland, you have to apply for an establishment card through either the GDRFA or MOHRE.
- For mainland company formation in Dubai, you should use the GDRFA website.
- If you’re in any other emirate, you should use the ICP website.
- You will need to upload your trade license, Ejari, passport and visa copy. If you have any other partners or owners, you will need to upload their documents too.
- Once you pay the fees, the application can take up to five working days to be processed.
How Much Does an Establishment Card Cost in 2025?
The cost of an establishment depends on the Emirate your business is based in. This is how it varies:
Applying through the ICP
- Application fees: AED 100
- Smart service fees: AED 100
- Renewal fees: AED 100
If you’re getting an establishment card in any emirate in the UAE except Dubai, you can expect to pay AED 200.
Applying through the GDRFA
- Free zone: AED 200
- Government sector institutions: AED 200
- National SME companies: AED 200
- Renewal fees: AED 200
All the GDRFA applications are subject to an AED 10 knowledge fee, an AED 10 innovation fee, and an AED 50 service fee.
If you’re getting an establishment card in Dubai, you can expect to pay AED 270. If you need to fast-track your application, you can pay an additional AED 100 as an urgent processing fee.
How to Renew an Establishment Card in Dubai and UAE?
The establishment card renewal fees in Dubai are AED 270. For any other emirate, it costs AED 100. You can renew your establishment card through the same portal you applied for the card in. The process involves re-uploading your documents, including your renewed trade license and paying the fees. It can take up to three working days to process your renewal.
