GDRFA document linking your company trade licence to an immigration file, enabling visa sponsorship within allocated quota.
Establishment Card
Establishment Card Dubai
Open or renew your company establishment card in Dubai — the GDRFA immigration file linking your trade licence to visa quota, employee sponsorship, and investor residence eligibility.
- GDRFA Linked
- New & Renewal
- Visa Quota Activation
Establishment Setup
Establishment Card Dubai
1Licence
2Apply
3Activate
4Sponsor
Gateway to UAE visas
Required before any company visa processing.
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Overview
What is a Dubai establishment card
The establishment card is an immigration document issued by GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs) that connects your UAE trade licence to an active immigration file — enabling the company to sponsor investor, partner, and employment visas within allocated quota.
New companies must apply for establishment card after trade licence issuance. Renewals align with trade licence validity — an expired licence blocks establishment card renewal and freezes all visa processing.
KPM Global Services handles establishment card application, renewal, and quota enquiries for mainland DET companies and coordinates equivalent immigration file setup for major Dubai free zones.
Who This Is For
Establishment card clients
- Newly licensed companies opening their first immigration file
- Businesses renewing establishment cards with trade licence
- Companies increasing visa quota after office expansion
- Free zone entities activating visa packages
- Investors preparing partner or investor visa applications
- HR teams troubleshooting blocked visa processing due to expired establishment
How We Help
Establishment card services
New establishment application
Open GDRFA immigration file after trade licence issuance.
Establishment renewal
Renew card in sync with annual trade licence renewal cycle.
Quota verification
Confirm visa slots available based on licence type and office size.
Manager registration
Ensure authorised signatory is registered on establishment file.
Free zone immigration setup
Coordinate establishment equivalent for DMCC, IFZA, and other zones.
Troubleshooting
Resolve holds, fines, and mismatches blocking visa applications.
Process
Establishment card application steps
- 1
Licence verification
Confirm valid trade licence and Ejari for mainland companies.
- 2
Application filing
Submit establishment card application through GDRFA or Amer centre.
- 3
Fee payment
Pay establishment card government registration fees.
- 4
GDRFA processing
Authority links immigration file to company licence number.
- 5
Card issuance
Establishment card issued with visa quota allocation.
- 6
Visa processing
Proceed with investor, partner, or employment visa applications.
Documents
Establishment card documents
- Valid trade licence copy
- Ejari tenancy contract for mainland establishment
- Passport copy of company manager or authorised signatory
- MOA or company extract showing shareholders
- Previous establishment card for renewals
- Immigration file number if already allocated
- Signed GDRFA application forms
- Company stamp and authorised signatory specimen
Pricing
Establishment card cost factors
Government fees are fixed; PRO facilitation is additional.
- New establishment versus renewal application
- GDRFA fee schedule based on licence category
- Overdue renewal fines if licence or establishment lapsed
- Free zone immigration package inclusions
- PRO typing and Amer centre service charges
GDRFA establishment fees update periodically. KPM Global Services confirms payable amounts at filing.
Timeline
Establishment card timeline
Same day
Application
File submitted with complete licence and Ejari documentation.
1–3 days
GDRFA processing
Immigration file created or renewed.
Immediate
Visa eligibility
Company can sponsor visas once establishment is active.
Annual
Renewal
Renew with trade licence to maintain visa processing ability.
Avoid Mistakes
Establishment card mistakes
- Attempting visa applications before establishment card is active
- Letting establishment expire while trade licence is still valid
- Mismatched manager on establishment versus DET licence records
- Missing Ejari update when company relocates premises
- Ignoring establishment renewal during licence renewal rush
- Assuming free zone licence automatically includes immigration quota
Why KPM
Why Choose KPM Global Services
UAE-focused advisory
Practical guidance on establishment card services in Dubai from a Dubai-based team that works with authorities, banks, and regulators daily.
Clear documentation
Structured checklists, realistic timelines, and transparent scope so you know what is included before you proceed.
Connected services
Link setup, visas, banking, accounting, VAT, Corporate Tax, PRO, and legal support through one coordinated advisory journey.
No generic templates
Advice is tailored to your activity, shareholders, jurisdiction, and operational plans — not a one-size-fits-all package.
Free tool
UAE setup cost estimate
Calculate and check before you speak to an advisor — FTA-aligned thresholds, instant results, PDF export.
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FAQ
Establishment Card Dubai — Frequently Asked Questions
Practical answers about establishment card dubai in the UAE.
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