Mohre Issuance of Establishment Card – Open Establishment Card
Mohre Issuance of Establishment Card. Establishing a business in the UAE requires several regulatory steps, and one of the most important is obtaining an Establishment Card from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). This crucial document not only legitimises your business with labour authorities but also enables you to recruit employees and process work permits.
In this comprehensive article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the MOHRE issuance of Establishment Card, including eligibility, required documents, step-by-step procedures, fees, processing times, and important compliance conditions. Whether you’re an employer setting up your first company in the UAE or a foreign mission opening a diplomatic office, this guide covers it all.
What is an Establishment Card?
An Establishment Card (also called a labour establishment card) is an official document issued by MOHRE that registers your business with the UAE’s labour system. It includes key details about your company such as:
| Information on Establishment Card | Details Included |
|---|---|
| Establishment name & trade license | Activity type, location, contact |
| Owner & partner details | Names, Emirates ID, residency info |
| Authorized signatories | Names & specimen signatures |
| MOHRE reference number | Unique ID for transactions |
Without an establishment card, your company cannot hire staff, apply for work permits, or manage employment contracts through MOHRE systems.
Who is Eligible For Estabishment Card?
The MOHRE issuance of establishment card primarily serves:
- Employers starting new businesses in the UAE.
- Existing companies adding a new activity or branch.
- Foreign missions (embassies, consulates) establishing offices in the UAE.
Process for Establishment Card Issuance
For Local Companies (via MOHRE)
- Register with MOHRE: Login using your UAE Pass via the MOHRE website or MOHRE Smart App.
- Submit Application: Complete the online form and upload all required documents.
- Verification by MOHRE: The ministry reviews your application for compliance. They will check your trade license, ownership details, and other critical requirements.
- Approval & Issuance: Once approved, MOHRE issues your establishment card, which you can download from the portal.
Mohre Issuance of Establishment Card Details In PDF
For Foreign Missions (via MoFA)
If you are opening an embassy, consulate, or other accredited mission:
- Create an Account on MoFA Portal: Use the MoFA website (www.mofa.gov.ae) or UAE MoFA App to register.
- Submit Request: Fill out details about the mission, attach the official diplomatic note, authorized signatories’ documents, and submit.
- MoFA Review & Clearance: MoFA checks details and forwards the request to the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs & Port Security (ICP).
- Receive Confirmation: The mission gets an email once the establishment card is approved.
Documents Required
Here’s a consolidated list of documents you’ll need, whether applying via MOHRE or MoFA:
| Required Document Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Emirates ID | Copy of both sides for owners / partners / signatories |
| Residency visa | Showing unified number (for expatriates) |
| Valid trade license | Including activity, address, P.O. Box, phone/fax |
| Partners addendum | If license does not list all partners |
| Establishment card (if renewal or new branch) | From Federal Authority for Identity & Citizenship |
| Authorized signatories’ passports | For GCC nationals or expatriates |
| Boat / Abra license | For fishing or transport activities (if applicable) |
| License from Community Development Authority | For public utility organizations |
| Official diplomatic note (for missions) | Signed & sealed letter naming mission & authorized signatories |
| MoFA non-objection letter | Valid 30 days, listing all authorized signatories |
Terms and Compliance Conditions
- All partners, owners, service agents, and authorized signatories must obtain a MOHRE personal identification number (PIN).
- A unified PIN must be linked to all establishments under the same licensee or agent.
- Owners or service agents must be at least 21 years old.
- Minors can be represented by guardians, or apply themselves with court approval.
- The authorized signatory for MOHRE must also be authorized under ICP (Federal Authority) records.
- GCC nationals are treated as UAE nationals, simplifying their documentation.
Processing Time & Fees
| Description | Duration / Cost |
|---|---|
| Standard processing time | 2 working days (MOHRE) / 5 working days (MoFA) |
| MOHRE Ta’qeem fees | AED 406 |
| Business center commission | Max AED 72 |
| MoFA service | No service fee, but not exempt from ICP fees |
| Online channels | MOHRE & MoFA platforms offer free application service (gov fees apply) |
Note: Fees do not include VAT or third-party collection charges.
Important Linked Authorities
Issuing an establishment card involves coordination with:
| Authority | Role |
|---|---|
| Economic Departments | Trade license issuance & activity verification |
| Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship (ICP) | Establishment card issuance, PIN management |
| Community Development Authority / RTA / MoCCAE | Licensing for specialized sectors like public utilities, transport, or fishing |
| MOHRE | Labour compliance & establishment registration |
MOHRE Smart Services for Easy Tracking
Once you’ve submitted your application, you can easily track it:
- Visit: mohre.gov.ae
- Use the MOHRE Smart App
- Call MOHRE support: 600590000
For foreign missions, contact MoFA at +97180044444 or visit their online portals.
Additional Expert Tips
- Always double-check your trade license for accurate business activity. Mistakes here delay your establishment card.
- Keep a soft copy of all documents in PDF for easy uploads.
- Ensure your authorized signatories have consistent signatures across all documents.
- Set up UAE Pass early it’s mandatory for logging into MOHRE online services.
- Renew your establishment card annually along with your trade license to avoid fines.
FAQs About MOHRE Issuance Of Establishment Card
How long does it take to get an Establishment Card from MOHRE?
Ans: For standard company applications via MOHRE, it takes approximately 2 working days. For foreign missions processed via MoFA, it generally takes 5 working days, depending on clearances.
Can I hire employees without an Establishment Card?
Ans: No. An Establishment Card is mandatory to process work permits, labour contracts, and apply for quotas. Without it, you cannot hire staff legally in the UAE.
What happens if my Establishment Card expires?
Ans: Operating with an expired establishment card leads to penalties from MOHRE and may halt new visa processing. Always renew your establishment card before expiry, typically aligned with your trade license renewal.
Conclusion
The MOHRE issuance of establishment card is a foundational requirement for any business or foreign mission operating in the UAE. By following these detailed steps, ensuring your documents are complete, and staying compliant with MOHRE and ICP regulations, you pave the way for seamless hiring and operational growth.
