Dubai Establishment Card (Company Immigration Card) 2026: Complete Guide for Mainland & Free-Zone Companies

Setting up a company in Dubai or the wider UAE? The Establishment Card—also called the Company Establishment Card (CEC) or Company Immigration Card (CIC)—is a non-negotiable step. It links your licensed entity to the immigration system so you can sponsor visas for owners, employees, and family dependents, request entry permits, and manage visa quotas. This guide explains, in plain English, what it is, who needs it, how to get it, fees, renewal, penalties, and replacement—for both mainland and free-zone businesses in 2026.

What Is a Dubai Establishment Card? (Definition & Purpose)

An Establishment Card is the company’s immigration identity. Think of it as the immigration profile of your business, containing your company name, immigration file number, and card validity. With this card, you can:

• Apply for employment & investor visas

• Issue entry permits and status changes

• Manage visa quotas and immigration transactions

• Use Amer (Dubai) or ICP/eChannel (other emirates) services efficiently

It is not a trade license and not issued by the licensing authority itself; it’s issued by the immigration authority corresponding to your company’s jurisdiction.

Who Needs It & When Is It Required?

• All legal entities planning to sponsor visas: Mainland LLCs, Sole Establishments, Civil Companies, and Free-Zone companies.

• Needed immediately after company formation—before you can lodge any owner/employee visa requests.

Issuing Authorities: GDRFA Dubai vs ICP (Other Emirates)

• Dubai companies: processed via GDRFA Dubai (often accessed through Amer service centers/portals).

• Abu Dhabi & Northern Emirates: processed via the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP), with eChannel registration.

Your license location (Dubai mainland or a specific free zone) determines the exact platform and steps.

Mainland vs Free-Zone: How the Process Differs

Mainland (DED/DET) Companies

• Apply through Amer/GDRFA in Dubai once trade license & establishment documents are active.

• Immigration file is created and the Establishment Card is issued to enable visa transactions.

• Typing center support is common for document preparation and submissions.

Free-Zone Companies (e.g., DMCC, JAFZA, IFZA, DAFZ, RAKEZ, etc.)

• Many free zones facilitate the immigration card through their internal portals/service desks after licensing.

• Some include government fees in their packages, others bill separately.

• You may receive a soft copy/PDF; in practice, that’s sufficient for transactions.

Eligibility & Prerequisites Before You Apply

Ensure you have:

• Valid trade license (mainland/free zone) and Memorandum/Articles where applicable

• Establishment/immigration file initiation as guided by your jurisdiction

• Authorized signatory details (often the manager on license)

• Office lease/Ejari (mainland) or free-zone facility agreement

• UAE mobile & email to receive OTPs/notifications

Step-by-Step Application Process (2026)

Documents Required

(Exact lists vary by authority; below is a typical Dubai/mainland set)

1. Trade License copy (valid)

2. MOA/Articles or corporate documents (as applicable)

3. Establishment/Immigration file initiation form (if separate)

4. Passport copies of owners/authorized signatory

5. UID/File number (if previously issued)

6. Office tenancy/Ejari (mainland) or free-zone lease

7. Specimen signature of the authorized signatory

8. Company stamp (may be requested at counters)

9. Application form & typing receipt (from Amer/typing center)

10. Power of Attorney/Board Resolution (if someone other than the manager signs)

Processing Time & Typical Timeline

• Application typing & submission: same day

• Approval & issuance: typically 1–5 working days (can be longer if verification is needed or during peak periods)

• Delivery/soft copy: often immediate once approved; some jurisdictions issue a card number visible in your portal

Older anecdotal timelines of 8–12 days may still occur during peak volumes or if documents require clarification.

Fees & Validity (2026): What to Expect

• Government fees vary by emirate and free zone, plus typing/service charges.

• Validity is commonly 1 year from issuance in many jurisdictions. Some packages/free zones may offer multi-year options—always check your license pack.

• Expect additional fees for eChannel (ICP) in non-Dubai emirates and service/typing charges in Dubai via Amer.

Because fees change and differ by zone, request the latest fee schedule from your free zone/Amer center or your consultant before applying.

How to Renew Your Establishment Card

When to Renew & Penalties for Late Renewal

• Start renewal 30 days before expiry to avoid fines and transaction blocks.

• Late renewal may attract daily penalties and can freeze your ability to process visas until cleared.

Renewal Documents & Steps

• Valid trade license (renewed)

• Updated lease/Ejari or facility agreement

• Updated passport/Emirates ID of the authorized signatory (if changed)

• Typing & submission via Amer (Dubai) or ICP/eChannel (other emirates)

• Payment of renewal fees and any penalties if overdue

Lost, Damaged, or Updated Details: Replacement Process

If the card (or its details) is lost, damaged, or the company data changes (e.g., manager/authorized signatory):

1. Report loss/damage promptly (where required).

2. Prepare replacement application via Amer/ICP with supporting documents (copy of trade license, ID of signatory, police report if requested).

3. Pay replacement fees and receive a new card/record.

4. Update banks, PROs, and HR with the new card number/validity.

Keep digital backups of your card and immigration file details in a secure, company-wide folder to avoid operational disruption.

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Rejections

• Mismatched data between trade license, MOA, and immigration forms → Double-check spellings & positions.

• Expired lease/Ejari at time of submission → Renew facilities before applying.

• Wrong authorized signatory → Align with the manager on license or file a POA/board resolution.

• Late renewal → Set calendar reminders 45, 30, and 15 days before expiry.

• Ignoring jurisdiction rules → Processes for GDRFA Dubai vs ICP/eChannel differ; follow the correct portal/center.

Professional Help vs DIY: Why Businesses Choose Experts

Attempting the process without experience can lead to document mismatches, delays, and penalties. A professional partner:

• Ensures clean applications the first time

• Tracks renewals so you never miss a deadline

• Manages updates/replacements and portal issues (Amer/ICP)

• Keeps you compliant across mainland/free-zone differences

Need Visas for Your Team? Start with the Right Card

Your Establishment Card is the gateway to owner, employee, and dependent visas. If you also need short-term entries for visitors, our experts can guide you to the right Dubai visa type fast.

CTA: Apply for Your Dubai Visa with Dubai Visa Center — get step-by-step support from documentation to approval.