UAE Establishment Card & Company Immigration File

Assistance with establishment card applications, renewal and company immigration-file documents in the UAE, subject to the relevant authority.

Company formation and business services

Service Guide

The trade licence and the establishment or immigration file serve different functions. A business planning to sponsor managers or employees should check both records and the applicable authority requirements early.

Decision Factors

New company file

Confirm the licence status, legal entity and competent immigration authority before preparing the establishment paperwork.

Renewal or update

Check the existing file, signatories, licence validity and any company changes that need to be reflected.

Linked residence files

Understand the relationship between company registration, immigration records and relevant labour or employee procedures.

Steps and Process

  1. Identify the authority Review whether the company is licensed by an emirate or free-zone authority and which immigration workflow applies.
  2. Validate company documents Check the licence, owners, manager and authorised signatory information.
  3. Prepare the correct request New card, file opening, renewal or update according to the company situation.
  4. Check connected services Review the next steps for investor, manager or employee residence if requested.

Cost Components

Frequently Asked Questions

Is an establishment card the same as a trade licence?

No. The licence and establishment/immigration records have different purposes and authorities; the workflow depends on the company and jurisdiction.

Can we begin staff residence applications immediately?

This depends on the relevant company files, permits, eligibility and authority rules. We review the dependencies before advising the sequence.

What if our authorised manager changed?

The appropriate authorities may require updated signatory or appointment records before or alongside the establishment-file request.