Labor & Immigration Card Applications

Register your business files with MOHRE and GDRFA. Secure your official establishment card, activate corporate immigration portal access, and manage employee labor card processing.

1. Establishment Card Registration

Before sponsoring employees or issuing residence visas, every new company in the UAE must open a corporate file with the immigration authority (GDRFA). The resulting document, known as the Establishment Card or Immigration Card, registers your business inside the immigration system, allocating your initial visa quotas and enabling access to online visa application portals.

GDRFA immigration portal registration
Establishment Card issuance clearance
Allocation of initial investor visa quotas
Company representative (PRO) authorization setup

2. Ministry of Human Resources (MOHRE) Labor File

To hire employees in the mainland, you must open a corporate file with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). The labor file registration allows you to issue electronic work permits, draft legally compliant employment contracts, and process employee quotas. We handle the direct typing, portal submission, and quota clearance setups.

MOHRE corporate file activation support
Electronic work permit typing and clearance
MOHRE-compliant employment contract drafting
Labor inspection and compliance coordination

3. Labor Card & Residence Visa Processing

A Labor Card (or Work Permit Card) is the official identification document issued by MOHRE, declaring that an employee is legally registered to work under your corporate sponsorship. Processing labor cards is a critical intermediate step that must be completed before booking medical screenings, typing Emirates IDs, and obtaining GDRFA visa stamps.

Individual employee labor card typing
Medical screening and health card typing
Emirates ID application typing support
Investor, partner, and dependent visa cards

4. Corporate Compliance & E-Portal Management

Maintaining active status on your immigration and labor portals requires ongoing compliance audits. Companies must adhere to Wages Protection System (WPS) guidelines, process labor card renewals, and handle visa cancellations correctly to avoid heavy government fines. We provide comprehensive portal auditing and fine mitigation services.

Wages Protection System (WPS) alignment
Portal block and fine resolution clearance
Labor card renewals and updates management
Employee visa cancellations and exit clearances

QUESTIONS & ANSWERS

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Establishment Card in the UAE?

An Establishment Card (also referred to as an Immigration Card) is a document issued by the GDRFA registering your company with the immigration department. It is mandatory for applying for investor or employee visas.

What is the difference between an Establishment Card and a Labor Card?

The Establishment Card registers the company inside the GDRFA immigration database. The Labor Card is an individual work identification card issued by MOHRE to employees, declaring their official employment registry under the company's sponsorship.

How do I open a Labor File with MOHRE?

To open a labor file, you must submit copies of your valid trade license, Ejari tenancy contract, partners' passport/Emirates IDs, and the newly issued Establishment Card to MOHRE via an authorized typing center or Tasheel portal.

What is the Wages Protection System (WPS)?

WPS is an electronic salary transfer system monitoring salary payments for mainland employees. All mainland companies registered with MOHRE must transfer employee salaries through WPS-compliant local banks or exchange houses.

What happens if I don't pay salaries through WPS?

Failing to pay salaries through WPS results in immediate blocks on your MOHRE portal, preventing you from issuing new work permits, along with monthly corporate fines and penalties.

How long does it take to get an Establishment Card?

Once submitted to GDRFA, immigration reviews and issues the digital Establishment Card within 2 to 4 working days.

What is the validity period of an Establishment Card?

Establishment Cards issued to mainland companies are typically valid for 1 year and must be renewed annually. Free Zone establishment cards are valid for 1 to 3 years depending on the jurisdiction.

Can I renew my trade license if my Establishment Card is expired?

Yes, you can renew your trade license first. In fact, a renewed trade license is a prerequisite document for renewing your expired Establishment Card and MOHRE files.

How do I cancel an employee's Labor Card?

You must type a labor cancellation request, signed by both the employer and employee, declaring that all end-of-service benefits have been paid. Once approved by MOHRE, you proceed to GDRFA to cancel the residency visa.

What are the fines for late renewal of labor cards?

Late renewal of individual labor cards or work permits carries a fine of AED 200 per month. Keeping portal clearances active prevents such administrative penalties.