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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.

Legal Registration Required for Employment in Dubai

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 — Saturday: 9:00 am — 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.

Authorised Centre for Establishment File Registration in Dubai

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.

Related Business & Labour Services in UAE

Issue New Work Permit
Apply for a new MOHRE-approved work permit to hire or onboard an employee in the UAE legally.
Quota Request
Request your company’s visa quota through EGSH.
Issue Labour Contract
Apply for a new or renewed labour contract in the UAE through EGSH, a government-authorised centre.
All Services
View all Labour and Employment Services

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.

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.

Still have any questions?

Why Open a New Establishment File with EGSH

Professional Support for Compliant and Fast MOHRE Registration

MOHRE-Authorised Tasheel Centre

Officially licensed to provide Tasheel services for employment contracts, labour cards, and work permits across Dubai.

One-Stop Service

All procedures, document submissions, and payments are handled in one place, so there is no need to contact multiple offices.

Confidentiality Guaranteed

All personal data and documents are processed securely and confidentially in accordance with UAE law.

Multilingual Support

Our team speaks several languages, ensuring clear communication for clients of almost all backgrounds.

Personalised Assistance

Each client is assigned a dedicated consultant for individual support throughout the process.

Flexible Appointment Scheduling

Book your visit at a convenient time. Our office is open Monday to Saturday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.

What Our Clients Say About Us

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I would like to express my appreciation to Ray from EGSH for his outstanding assistance in handling the transfer of our property at Rove Hotel. He was very helpful, accommodating, and patient throughout the entire process, from addressing transaction concerns and verifying documents to the actual property transfer and ensuring the new owner received the title deed…

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I worked with Amir and Zara, they took care of everything, I only had to send the mandatory information. In a very short time, everything was completed. I was amazed, considering how difficult it had seemed before. Not to mention, the fees were the same or even lower than those of the other companies I mentioned. For me, it was a 10/10 experience, the quickest and smoothest process someone could have in this journey. Strongly recommend them.

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Zara assisted me with my Ejari registration, and she was absolutely amazing. She demonstrated exceptional professionalism, efficiency, and delivered everything promptly. Truly a pleasure to work with!

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THE BEST!!! Zara you are as always star

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Thanks to EGSH and to Zara for Excellent service — professional, attentive, and truly pleasant experience. Highly recommended!

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Had an amazing service for the transfer of property there, specially Rachel Rahmat she was very helpfull throughout the process, looking forward to work more.

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Visited for the first time for a property transfer and had an amazing experience with Jessieca! She was professional, helpful, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Highly recommended for all government services excellent customer service!

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Personally, I find this the best centre in Dubai. They always go the extra mile. Especially Maria Garcia has help out so much in such an efficient way! Thank you!

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Went there for ejari cancellation. Excellent place. Staff was so cooperative. Ms Maria and Ms Fatima assist me and it was a fast process.

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This is probably the best government service hub in Dubai. You come in, asked to be seated, and the staff will come to you instead of standing on the reception and on queue. They will offer you tea and water are available at each table. Really embodies the Emirati hospitality and what seamstresses Dubai is known for.

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I was here the morning of this post. The concierge like service with a contact person arranging for you all the difeerent interactions is making the interactuon as smooth as possible. A truly delightful experience and a true commitment to service excellence, thank you for the great experience and for the initiative to present government interactions in this way!

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Outstanding service — fast, friendly, and highly professional. Thank you very much!

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I’ve been here for the first time and I can say that this organization definitely worth to come here and make all proceeds with their help! We were changing the owner and such difficult process was really easy for us with your help and most of the time it was done online. So I’m very grateful to Mrs Zara and her support during all the process❤️

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I had an excellent experience with Natalia Baiamonte from EGSH while getting Ejari certificate. From the very beginning, she was professional, attentive, and extremely helpful. Natalia guided me through the process clearly, answered all my questions with patience, and made task feel simple and stress-free. Highly recommend Natalia for her outstanding customer service and dedication!

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We had great experience with Amal She is so helpful and awesome She stayed with us over her duty today just to finish her work Thanks Amal

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I had a really good experience with EGSH (Emirates Government Services Hub). Everything went smoothly and the team was super helpful. Special thanks to Zara and Amal. they were so supportive and kind throughout the process. Really appreciate it!

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I had a great experience with this office. They handle everything related to company setup, residency, Golden Visa, DLD, and more. The office is very clean, modern, and welcoming, and the staff are extremely professional and polite. A special thank to Ms. Zara for her kindness and guidance throughout the process so smoothly and professionally, and to Ms. Amal for managing the administrative registration.

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Zara is the best always attentive to every requests and helping with a solving problems without delay thank you Zara❤️🌸 …

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Absolutely stunning office, i am awestruck. No one can beat Dubai for the kind of hospitality you get in a government office… Its mind-blowing 😍 i wish i could give a 10 star rating (double) on 5 🤩

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I had a great experience with EGHS. I was assisted by Sarah Almeida and she delivered an amazing service. Very attentive, promptly responded my messages and guided me throughout the process. It was all very smooth and done very quickly. I highly recommend and I’ll definitely use their services again.

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I received really attentive and fast service from Sarah, got all the documents even earlier than promised. Thank you! 😁

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One of the best people to work with. These guys are really smart and professional. Thanks to Ms Zara

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Zara helped me with my services and the process was very easy and she was very helpful