An Establishment Card is also famous as the Immigration Card UAE. It is an official permit published by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs also abbreviated as GDRFA in the UAE. This article is a good read for every organization in Dubai or any of the other emirates. With this card, a company can hire employees, apply for visas, and negotiate with authorities.

A work permit or visa at the place of business requires showing an Establishment Card, which is an important document to have and use. The card also meets the UAE immigration regulations. So, its holder has a right to avail of various state services that are vital for commercial activities.

What Is an Establishment Card?

An establishment card is an identity document issued to Companies for employees obtaining visas. It enters important data including your company’s name, the license number plus any other details that might be relevant. So, the UAE immigration department needs an original registration card from any registration center. This is necessary to confirm the registration of a business.

With the Establishment Card being such an important document for any employer small scaled, big scaled newly formed, or big international firm, every employer must possess it.

What is an Establishment Card Number in UAE?

Each of the Establishment Cards must have their serial number. This is because the number helps government authorities to identify your business in their list. The Establishment Card Number is essential when applying for employee visas. Moreover, when renewing the Establishment card, from any of the formalities involving the Immigration Process.

Establishment Card Dubai: Key Points

Issued By

Business entities in Dubai through the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) obtain the Establishment Card.

Purpose

The card also assists in other immigration requirements of a business. These include visas or working permits within Dubai or any other emirate.

Validity

It is only valid for one year. So, one has to renew it over and over again each year to keep using the many important immigration services.

Requirements

The legal necessity for trading in Dubai includes the Legal Trading License. It, thus, comes with the Establishment Card and other certificates.

Advantages of Having an Establishment Card

Ease of Visa Processing

It helps the organization enable sponsorship of employee visas and also makes the hiring process in the UAE much easier.

Legal Compliance

It is also crucial to ensure that companies abide by immigration laws in the UAE thereby eradicating penalties that may harm the legal standings of firms.

Government Transactions

It assists and coordinates access to the various governmental sectors requiring administrative services such as visa granting and visa renewals.

Employee Sponsorship

It allows organizations to sponsor dependants or workers thereby making mobility and staffing easy for the workers as well as their families.

Work Permit Approvals

It is essential to acquire the possibility of receiving work permits with confirmation. So, the employees are permitted to engage in salaried activity in the UAE.

Access to Immigration Services

It also permits to access other limbs of the immigration bureau to effect change in their status, amendments, or any other important processes.

Simplified Administration

It simplifies all documentation and other administrative work. This is because it takes care of both employee and company immigration requirements.

Business Credibility

It also uplifts the company’s image by proving the implementation of laws and regulations. Also, builds customer, vendor, and employee trust.

Operational Continuity

The arts interrupt by guaranteeing that 24 visa services are done without hitches and fines.

Essential Requirement

Establishment Cards are compulsory for trade license holders. This is because they sustain legal commercial activities for the opening and expansion of businesses.

Grace Period for Establishment Card Renewal

When an Establishment Card has elapsed, organizations get a short time to obtain a new one. This means that renewing your license late could lead to fines and penalties and this will, thus, affect your business.

How to Check Establishment Card Online?

Visit the GDRFA Website or App

If you don’t know the current status of your establishment card, you can navigate to the official GDRFA website. You can also download the GDRFA mobile application to get the information.

Log in With Your Credentials

For any issues regarding cards, visit the GDRFA Account. It is accessible via your registered username and passcode.

Enter Trade License or Card Number

Enter your trade license number or Establishment Card number in the blank space supplied to get the information.

View Status and Expiration Date

Read through the details that appear in the displayed field considering issues to do with the status of the card, its expiry date, and renewal or update of such a card.

How to Download Establishment Card Online?

Log in to the GDRFA portal.
Go to the “Services” section.
Select “Download Establishment Card.”
It may be accessed and used in its digital form for easy use as desired or even printed out if needed.

Renewal of Establishment Card in Dubai

It is always important to note that the Establishment Card for your business is renewable every year. Here’s what you need to know:

Dubai Renewal Fees of Establishment Card

The cost of renewal seems to differ but remains in the range of 500 AED to 1,000 AED.
There might be other charges if one has to renew business licenses later than the specified time.

How to Renew Establishment Card in Dubai?

Prepare Documents

Ensure that the trade license is current and gather all the relevant paperwork: owner’s Emirates ID; and any clearances where necessary.

Submit Application

You can fill in your renewal application form online on the GDRFA website or at an authorized typing center.

Pay Fees

Make the necessary payments which may include the late renewal fees among other charges as may be required.

Receive Updated Card

Upon approval of your applications, the updated Establishment Card is generated and can either be collected or delivered.

How to Apply for an Establishment Card in Dubai?

Valid Trade License

It is recommended your company have a valid trade license and it is a requirement in gaining or renewing an Establishment Card.

Visit GDRFA or Typing Center

Fill out the application form attach all the necessary documents and send the application through the GDRFA website or any charged typing center or customer service center.

Pay the Fees

Finalize the application by making payments of the rightful amount together with any overdue fees.

Processing Time

Usually, it takes 1-3 business days to process an Establishment Card renewal depending on submission and approvals.

Common Mistakes When Applying

Expired Trade License

Make sure your trade license is up to date when applying. This is because a license that has expired will not go under processing or may take a very long time to process.

Incorrect Details

This means that one should comb through the application form in case there are mistakes to avoid having some hurdles or difficulties in having the Establishment Card.

Missing Documents

Scan all documents that have been lodged with the authorities as well as the trade license and Emirates ID to apply for a new one to avoid tons of applications in the future.

Late Renewal

You need to renew the Establishment Card before the lapse of the specified time to avoid being charged hefty fines, penalties, and any interruption of services related to visas for your business.

Importance of the Establishment Card UAE Business Operations

The Establishment Card is vital for:

Recruiting people and practicing work permits.
Compliance with the Federal immigration laws.
Avoiding penalties and fines.

Impact of Non-Compliance

Failing to maintain or renew your Establishment Card can lead to:

Hefty fines.
Various degrees of business shutdowns.
Legal complications.

FAQs

In how many days or months is an establishment card valid?

An establishment card is useful for one year and any application made after this period incurs a penalty.

Does having an expired establishment card have a bearing on the granting of visas?

Yes, an expired card can cause an interruption of visa processing, and in the worst-case scenario, one can also get a fine or other legal problems.

What papers are essential for an establishment card renewal?

The documents as demanded by the Trade License Department include a trade license, the Emirates ID of the company owner, Fines if any, or any other penalties.

Is it possible to edit the information regarding my establishment card?

Yes, indeed, you alter the information by producing the right documents to the right issuing authority and then you pay the right amount of fees.

Conclusion

Proof of establishment is foundational for all businesses operating in the UAE. Moreover, the Establishment Card is critical to providing that proof. It also helps in the management of visa services and guarantees legal requirements. Moreover, it prospects for interaction with the government. Knowing how the renewal process works may save time as well as prevent unwanted penalties whether obtaining a renewed card or a new one.

For more assistance, you can also consult PRO services in Dubai. Many business consultants engaged in business setup in Dubai and PRO Services Dubai can also help you to complete the process. So, get in touch with business setup consultants in Dubai for a smooth process of application.

What Is an Establishment Card in UAE?