Open a New Establishment File in Dubai – MOHRE Registration

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.