What Is an Establishment File in MOHRE
Legal Registration Required for Employment in Dubai
An Establishment File (also known as an Establishment Card) is the official employer registration with the UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). It records the company's licence, activity, and authorised signatories, and provides the establishment code used for all labour transactions. Without this file, a company cannot hire employees or apply for work permits.
The service is mandatory for all businesses operating in Dubai that intend to employ staff. It must be completed immediately after obtaining a trade licence and before submitting any labour or immigration applications. Recruitment and mediation agencies require an establishment file linked to their agency guarantee reference.
EGSH, as a government-authorised centre, prepares and applies to official MOHRE channels. All stages of the registration — including verification of company details, licence information, and authorised signatories — are completed in one place. The Establishment Card is issued within two working days and is valid for use in all labour and immigration procedures.
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How to Open a New Establishment File in Dubai
Step-by-Step Guide to Establishment Card Issuance
01
Visit Our Centre
Meet with EGSH specialists to review your trade licence, company details, and eligibility to register an establishment file.
02
Submit the Documents
Provide your trade licence, Emirates ID, and any supporting approvals required for MOHRE verification.
03
Pay the Service Fee
Settle the applicable government fees and service charges through EGSH in accordance with official rates.
04
Receive the Establishment Card
Obtain your Establishment Card, enabling labour and immigration transactions for your company.
Visit EGSH for VIP Service Without Queues
You can stop by EGSH during working hours without an appointment or book your visit at a time that suits you best.
Address
Art of Living Mall, Al Barsha 2, Dubai
Operating hours
Monday–Thursday, Saturday: 9:00 am–5:00 pm
Friday: 9:00 am–12:00 pm, 2:00 pm–5:00 pm
Sunday: Closed
Documents Required to Open a New Establishment File
Key Records Needed for MOHRE Establishment Registration
Trade Licence
Must be valid and list the business activity, address, and contact details.
Emirates ID & Visa
Required for owners, partners, and authorised signatories.
Partners Addendum
Needed if partners' names are not shown on the trade licence.
Special Approvals
Agency guarantee reference, boat licence, or utility licence if applicable.
About EGSH
Authorised Centre for Establishment File Registration in Dubai
EGSH is a government-authorised Tasheel centre accredited by the UAE Ministry of Human Resources to process establishment file registrations. The centre operates in full compliance with official systems, enabling direct submission and verification of applications.
All stages are finalised in one centre through official MOHRE systems, ensuring that the Establishment Card is issued accurately, within the required timeframe, and in full compliance with UAE labour regulations.

Why EGSH
EGSH makes all public services available in one place—fast, transparent, and compliant. We deliver convenience, personalised support, and priority processing for every client, focusing on innovation and sustainability.
Our Mission
To simplify life in Dubai by providing secure, seamless access to all government and real estate services from a single centre.
Our Vision
To set the benchmark for integrated government solutions, delivering efficiency and exceptional client care across the UAE.
Our Values
Transparency, efficiency, innovation, and complete client satisfaction.
Who must open a new establishment file in Dubai?
All companies holding a valid trade licence and intending to employ staff must open a new establishment file. This includes new businesses, existing firms establishing branches, and licensed recruitment or mediation agencies. Without this registration, no labour or work permit transactions can be completed in Dubai. EGSH, as a licensed government centre, provides comprehensive legal support throughout the procedure, assists in preparing the correct set of documents, and submits the application on your behalf in accordance with MOHRE regulations to minimise errors and delays.
What documents are required for an establishment card application in Dubai?
The application requires a valid trade licence, Emirates ID and residence visa for the owners, partners and authorised signatories. If the licence does not show the partners' names, a partner’s addendum is also required. All parties must hold an MOHRE-issued personal identification number, and a unified number must be assigned to all establishments belonging to the same licensee. Depending on the activity, additional approvals may be required, such as an agency guarantee reference, a boat licence or a utility licence.
How long does it take to receive a UAE establishment card?
In the UAE, the establishment card is typically issued within two working days once the application and documents are submitted and verified through the MOHRE systems. EGSH manages the entire process under one roof, ensuring that all records are filed correctly to avoid delays.
What are the official fees for opening a company establishment card?
The official fee for opening an establishment card in the UAE depends on the channel used for submission. This includes a Ta’qeem report fee of AED 406 and a service commission of up to AED 72 for applications submitted through a business centre. These amounts do not include VAT and collection charges. EGSH will provide a detailed cost breakdown before the application. After opening a company, details may require an establishment card update.
How long is an establishment card valid in Dubai?
A UAE establishment card is valid for two years from the date of issuance. Renewal must be completed before the expiry date to maintain compliance with labour regulations. EGSH assists clients with timely renewals to prevent disruptions to employment or work permit transactions.
What is the Unified Number, and why is it required?
The Unified Number is an identification code issued to all establishments registered under the same licensee. It links the company’s MOHRE file with immigration records, ensuring consistency across government systems. Without a Unified Number, employment and visa transactions cannot be processed.
How can I find my establishment card number?
The establishment card number is generated by MOHRE when the file is created. It appears on the electronically issued card and is used as the company’s official employer code in all labour transactions. The number can also be retrieved through MOHRE’s digital services or by requesting a printout at EGSH.
What happens if a company does not register a UAE establishment file?
Without a valid UAE establishment file, a company cannot hire employees, obtain work permits, or complete labour transactions. Failure to register also results in non-compliance with MOHRE regulations, which may prevent the renewal of the trade licence or other government approvals. EGSH ensures full compliance by preparing and filing the establishment file correctly, so that all labour and immigration procedures can proceed without interruption.
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