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What is an establishment card?
The establishment card is your company's immigration file. It is issued by GDRFA in Dubai (or ICP in the other emirates), or by the free zone for free zone companies. You need it to:
- apply for any residence visa, including the owner's investor visa
- sponsor employees and open the labour file with MOHRE on the mainland (see our labour card guide)
- run other immigration transactions for the company
Documents for an establishment card
- The trade license and memorandum of association
- The tenancy contract (Ejari on the Dubai mainland) or free zone lease
- Passport copies of the owners, and the Emirates ID if they have one
- The completed application, signed by the authorised signatory
Establishment card cost and validity
- Government fees are a few hundred dirhams on the mainland, plus typing or service centre charges; free zones set their own, often higher, fee.
- Processing: usually 1 to 2 working days.
- Validity: usually 1 year, renewed with the trade license. Some free zones issue it for longer with a multi-year license.
We quote the exact amount for your emirate or zone before applying.
Establishment card renewal and fines
- Renew the trade license first (see our renewal guide).
- Renew the establishment card with the renewed license and a valid lease.
An expired card stops every visa service for the company, and fines build up each month until it is renewed. Our PRO team tracks the dates for you.
Get your establishment card sorted
Send us your license and lease. We issue or renew the establishment card and set the next renewal date on your calendar.
Get My Establishment CardEntityz has set up businesses for more than 500 entrepreneurs from over 50 nationalities, with a 95% client retention rate.
General information, not legal advice. Fees, validity and fines are set by GDRFA, ICP and each free zone and change from time to time; the information above was gathered in September 2026. We confirm the current amount before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an establishment card in Dubai?
The company's immigration file, also called the immigration card. A company needs it before it can sponsor any residence visa.
How long does an establishment card take?
Usually 1 to 2 working days after the trade license is issued.
How long is an establishment card valid?
Usually 1 year, renewed with the trade license. Some free zones issue it for longer with a multi-year license.
What happens if the establishment card expires?
Visa services for the company stop, and fines build up each month until it is renewed.
Do free zone companies need an establishment card?
Yes. Free zone companies get it through their free zone before applying for visas.
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