Guide to UAE Establishment Card: Costs and Requirements in 2024
An establishment card is a very important document for companies that want to enter the UAE market. Regardless if you want to set up your business in Dubai Mainland, or any of the Free Zones, you have to obtain all the documentation to operate legally. In this article, you are going to understand everything about the establishment card, such as its costs and requirements. Moreover, you will learn how to check establishment card status in Dubai. Introduction to the UAE Establishment Card What is establishment card? It is an official document issued by the UAE Authorities of the jurisdiction where you have incorporated your company. Thus, it serves as proof that your business is legally allowed to carry out its operations in the UAE where it has been registered. For this reason, companies have to get this document to demonstrate it is authorized to work. The following is what this document contains: Name of the company Card number Expiry date Additionally, this document is also known by other names or terms, such as the following: Establishment immigration card Establishment labor card Company Establishment Card, or CEC Corporation Immigration Card, or CIC It is important to point out that an establishment card is different from a business license in the UAE. Therefore, these are not the same document but both are necessary for running your business in the UAE. Why an UAE Establishment Card Is Essential for Your Business Success An establishment card is a must if you want to set up your presence in the UAE. Whether you want to launch an import and export business in Dubai or any other type of company, you should obtain this document too. The following are the reasons why you need to have this document: Proof of operation: as we have mentioned before, it serves as proof of authorized operations in the UAE. So, you can prove your company is legal and registered. Work authorization: with this document, you can receive authorization for work for your employees. Thus, it is needed for your work permits. Utilities: you need to submit this document to get connected utilities for your company, such as water, internet connection, and electricity. Also, it may be crucial for some government transactions. Visa application: if you are going to apply for the cheapest residence visas in Dubai for your employees, you must submit your UAE establishment card. Also, it is necessary to apply for visas for investors and partners who live overseas. As you can see, it is essential for your business so you can operate without any worries. Even though your company is registered, you should always keep it with you as it can be useful for several purposes. Your business can be successful in the UAE if you follow all the guidelines and requirements. So, make sure to have this document with you to reach success. Who Issues the UAE Establishment Card? As an investor, you may have considered being part of the best businesses in the UAE. Thus, you have to know how to establish your company and get everything that you need to be authorized to operate. Therefore, you have to know who is the UAE Authority in charge of issuing your license and other business documents. Whether you are applying for an establishment card Dubai or in any other Emirate, you have to know that the registration authority is not the one that issues this document. The following are the responsible for issuing the establishment card: If your business is registered in Dubai, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) is in charge of issuing it. If your business is registered in any other Emirate, the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP) is in charge of issuing it. Lastly, you do not need to know how to check establishment card online, because the document has the expiry date in it. Therefore, you can renew it timely as you will have to check when it is the proper time to do it. Step-by-Step Application Guide Once you have followed the step-by-step process for starting your LLC in Dubai, then you have to follow a process to get your establishment card. First of all, you have to check that you have your business license for your company. Then, you need to gather the following required documents: Copy of the business license If you have established an LLC, you have to submit the list of business partners and also a duplicate of the MOA Passport copies for the local sponsor and authorized signatories In the case of a manager, a copy of an authorization by the Notary Public Keep in mind that the documentation may vary depending on the jurisdiction and the type of company. Next, you have to submit your application with the documentation either online or in person. Also, you have to pay the corresponding fees. To do this, you have the following options if you are in an Emirate other than Dubai: Enter the Smart Services System (Website) of the ICP. Since this is a 24/7 service you can do it at any time. Go to a Typing Center according to office working hours. If you are in Dubai, you have the following options to apply: Enter the GDRFAD website to submit the application Go to a Customer Happiness Center according to office working hours. Once you have applied, you have to wait at least 48 hours to get your establishment card. And, make sure to check its validity every now and then to be aware when you have to renew it. This way, you can continue operating in the UAE without worries. 2024 Updates & Changes Given that the Dubai establishment card is such a crucial document for businesses, the UAE is constantly aiming to ease the process of obtaining it. In this regard, they have implemented several ways to apply for it. For example, the only current requirement to obtain this document as a business
