An establishment card, also known as a company registration card, is a vital document for businesses operating in Dubai. Issued by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), this card is essential for all corporate entities to legally hire employees, sponsor visas, and conduct various business activities within the Emirate. It serves as a formal record of a company’s existence and its compliance with local regulations.
Renewing the establishment card on time is crucial for maintaining uninterrupted business operations. Failure to renew this card can result in severe penalties, including fines and restrictions on the company’s ability to sponsor or renew new visas. Additionally, an expired establishment card can delay other essential business processes, such as obtaining permits and licenses, which can ultimately impact the company’s productivity and profitability. Therefore, businesses must ensure their establishment card is always up-to-date to avoid operational disruptions and comply with Dubai’s regulatory framework.
Eligibility and requirements for renewal
To be eligible for the renewal of an establishment card in Dubai, businesses must meet specific criteria set by the GDRFA. First, the company must actively operate and comply with all local regulations and legal requirements. This includes holding a valid trade license and no outstanding fines or penalties. Additionally, the business must have completed the renewal of its trade license before applying for the establishment card renewal, as this is a prerequisite.
The process of renewing an establishment card requires the submission of several key documents and information. The necessary documents include:
- Valid trade license: A copy of the renewed trade license is essential, as the establishment card cannot be renewed without it.
- Old establishment card: The original establishment card must be presented during the renewal process.
- Passport copies: Copies of the company’s owner or partners’ passports are required.
- Emirates ID copies: Copies of the Emirates IDs of the company’s owner or partners must also be submitted.
- Tenancy contract: A valid tenancy contract for the company’s office space, attested by the relevant authorities, is necessary.
- Labour establishment card: A copy of the company’s labour establishment card issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).
- Sponsor’s passport copy: A copy of the sponsor’s passport is required if the company has a local sponsor.
- Company’s contact information: Up-to-date contact details, including address, phone number, and email, must be provided.
Ensuring all these documents are in order and submitted correctly is crucial for a smooth and efficient renewal process. Incomplete or incorrect documentation can lead to delays and potential penalties, impacting the company’s ability to operate seamlessly. Therefore, businesses should prepare these documents well in advance and verify their accuracy before initiating the renewal process.
Step-by-step guide to renewing your establishment card
Renewing your establishment card in Dubai is straightforward if you follow the correct steps and ensure all necessary documents are in order. Here’s a detailed guide to help you navigate the renewal process seamlessly:
Step 1: Partner with Trade License Zone
When renewing your establishment card, it pays to partner with Trade License Zone. Our expert team will streamline the entire process for you. We assist in gathering the necessary documents, completing application forms, navigating the submission process, and more. With our help, the entire experience becomes smooth and hassle-free.
Step 2: Prepare required documents
Gather all the necessary documents as listed in the previous section. Ensure they are up-to-date and correctly attested where required.
Step 3: Renew your trade license
Before renewing your establishment card, you must renew your specific trade license. This step is crucial as the establishment card renewal cannot proceed without a valid trade license. Trade License Zone can assist with this vital step.
Step 4: Complete the GDRFA portal’s establishment card renewal process
Visit the official GDRFA website in Dubai or access their mobile application. Ensure you have an active account to log in. Once logged in, navigate to the section dedicated to establishment card services. Select the option to renew the establishment card. Then, complete the online application form with accurate information about your company. This includes details such as the company name, trade license number, and other relevant information. The next step is to upload the scanned copies of the necessary documents. Ensure that the documents are clear and legible to avoid any processing delays.
Step 5: Pay the renewal fees
Once that step is completed on the GDRFA’s portal, you can pay the applicable renewal fees. The payment can be made online using a credit or debit card. The fees vary depending on the type of business and other factors.
Step 6: Submit the establishment renewal application
Review all the information after completing the form and uploading the documents to ensure accuracy. Submit the application for processing.
Once the application is submitted, it will be reviewed by the GDRFA. If all documents and information are in order, the approval process is usually swift. However, if additional information or clarification is required, you may be contacted by the authorities.
Step 7: Receive the renewed establishment card
Upon approval, you will receive the renewed establishment card. This can be collected in person from the GDRFA office, or you may opt for delivery to your registered office address.
Step 8: Update your company records
Finally, update your company records with the new establishment card details. Ensure that all relevant departments and stakeholders within your company are informed about the renewal.
Costs and fees associated with renewal
Renewing an establishment card in Dubai involves several costs and fees that businesses must budget for to ensure a smooth process. Here is a detailed breakdown of the fees involved and additional costs that may be incurred:
Breakdown of fees:
- Establishment card renewal fee: The primary fee for renewing an establishment card typically ranges from AED 300 to AED 500, depending on the type of business and its activities. This fee is paid to the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) during the renewal application.
- Service fee: In addition to the renewal fee, the GDRFA may charge a service fee for processing the application. This fee usually ranges from AED 50 to AED 100.
- Typing centre fee: If you use a typing centre to assist with filling out and submitting your application, there will be an additional fee for their services. This fee can vary but typically ranges from AED 50 to AED 150.
- Delivery fee: If you opt to deliver the renewed establishment card to your office address, a delivery fee of approximately AED 10 to AED 20 may apply.
Additional Costs:
- Fines for late renewal: To avoid penalties, renew your establishment card before it expires. If the renewal is not completed on time, fines may be imposed. The fine for late renewal can be AED 20 per day, which can accumulate quickly if the delay is prolonged.
- Document attestation fees: Some documents required for the renewal process, such as the tenancy contract, may need to be attested by relevant authorities. The cost of attestation varies but can range from AED 100 to AED 200 per document.
- Consultancy fees: If you engage the services of a business consultancy firm to handle the renewal process on your behalf, there will be additional consultancy fees. These fees depend on the level of service provided and the complexity of your business setup.
- Trade license renewal fees: Since renewing the trade license is a prerequisite for renewing the establishment card, ensure that the trade license renewal fees are accounted for. These fees depend on the nature of your business and can range from AED 5,000 to AED 15,000 or more.
Why work with Trade License Zone?
Trade License Zone is your trusted partner for all business setup and renewal needs in Dubai. With years of experience and a deep understanding of the local regulatory landscape, we offer comprehensive services designed to simplify and streamline renewing your establishment card. Our team of experts is well-versed in the intricacies of Dubai’s business requirements, ensuring your renewal is handled efficiently and accurately.
At Trade License Zone, we provide end-to-end support, from gathering the necessary documents to completing and submitting the application forms. We understand that the renewal process can be time-consuming and complex, so we take on the burden, allowing you to focus on your core business activities. Our services include document preparation, ensuring all paperwork is correctly filled out and attested, and liaising with relevant authorities to expedite the approval process.
By partnering with Trade License Zone, you can avoid the common pitfalls and delays often associated with the renewal process. We offer timely reminders to ensure you never miss a renewal deadline, helping you avoid costly fines and operational disruptions. Our dedicated team is always on hand to provide guidance and answer any questions you may have, making the entire experience smooth and hassle-free.
Choose Trade License Zone for a seamless renewal process and the peace of mind that comes with knowing your business compliance is in expert hands.