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    Company Formation4 min read

    What Is a UAE Establishment Card and Why Do You Need It?

    If you are forming a UAE company for the first time, you will hear about the establishment card and wonder what it is. Here is the complete explanation.

    Diaspora Business Consultancy • 2/26/2026
    Entrepreneurs discussing UAE company formation strategy for What Is a UAE Establishment Card and Why Do You Need It?

    If you are forming a UAE company for the first time, you will hear about the establishment card and wonder what it is. Here is the complete explanation.

    What It Is

    The UAE establishment card (also called an immigration card or company card) is a document issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to the company. It authorises the company to apply for employment and investor visas for its employees and shareholders.

    Why You Need It

    Without an establishment card, the company cannot process any visa applications. It is a prerequisite for issuing investor visas, employment visas, and dependent visa sponsorship. It is one of the documents DBC obtains for you as part of every formation package.

    Cost and Renewal

    The establishment card costs approximately AED 2,000 on issuance and is renewed annually. The renewal is coordinated by DBC as part of our annual renewal management service.

    All DBC packages include the establishment card at no extra cost. It is part of the standard formation process.

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