Establishing a company in the UAE is comparatively easier than in other countries, but business owners must follow certain rules for a smooth business setup. The common documents for setting up a business in the UAE are the license, visa, and office space agreement. But an Establishment Card isn’t something new.
The immigration card in the UAE is a must-have document for any business. Holding this can open wider opportunities for your business. Let’s dig deep to know more about the establishment card and its benefits.
Establishment Card in the United Arab Emirates
An establishment card is a document that identifies your company. In layman's terms, the certificate verifies the company's details and provides valuable information about the business. The establishment card is also known as the Immigration Card or Company Immigration Card. This legal document contains a lot of information, such as the company’s name, activity, employer details, unique card number, and expiry date.
The Immigration Authority of the Emirates is responsible for issuing this card. It is a legal document that allows businesses to operate within the UAE. The card is essential for registering a venture with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). It allows firms to carry out a variety of administrative and legal tasks.
Importance of Company Immigration Card
As discussed in the beginning of this blog, it is an important document for any business wanting to thrive in the UAE. Whether obtaining a trade license, applying for an employee visa, or securing a bank account, your company immigration card, also known as establishment card, is necessary for all this paperwork. The card also stands as evidence of the venture’s legality and adherence to labor rules.
What is an Establishment Card Used For?
There are many use cases for the establishment card. As this is an important document for a business, all other paperwork is related to an establishment card.
Company Registration: An establishment card is important for business registration in the UAE. It shows the company’s credibility.
Applying for Visas: Obtaining an employee visa without an establishment card is nearly impossible. Employers can’t call their employees to work without an immigration card.
Corporate Bank Account Opening: An establishment card ensures your firm runs smoothly by simplifying financial transactions.
Leasing Offices: One can’t rent office space in the United Arab Emirates without obtaining an immigration card.
Availing Government Facilities: An immigration card is your company’s formal identification. This gives access to numerous government services, such as business registration and trade license applications.
Benefits and Advantages of Establishment Card
The establishment card offers multiple benefits to businesses in the UAE. It doesn’t signal the company’s legal status and also provides the venture with professional respect and credibility. It streamlines the paperwork hassle so organizations can focus on larger aims like growth and development.
Having an immigration card builds confidence and reliability for entrepreneurs. It is strong proof that the company is registered and formally recognized by the authorities in the United Arab Emirates, assuring anyone participating in the deal.
How Do I Get an Establishment Card in the UAE?
Companies should register with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) or the relevant free zone authority to apply for a UAE immigration card. The second step is to apply for an establishment card at the authority website or consumer support centers. The application process requires papers such as a business license, partnership list, leasing agreement, etc. The entire procedure takes a few days or maybe a week to get your establishment card.
Immigration Card Period
An immigrant card in the UAE comes with a one-year validity. After getting the card, you can apply for other required visas for yourself and your company. In case of card renewal, you should connect with the authorities with the help of business service providers to eliminate any hassle. Companies are advised to start the renewal procedure before the expiry date to avoid penalties and maintain their ability to sponsor staff visas.
Entrepreneurs seeking to begin a business in the UAE must obtain an establishment card to run the venture smoothly. This will help your company to find the spotlight in the highly competitive market. Get every business-related solution and stay abreast of an end-to-end legal documentation process with Markai Corporate Services.
