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After setup

PRO services and approvals

Before a company can sponsor anyone it needs an establishment card from the ICP and an establishment file with MOHRE. A PRO handles these and the visa and permit applications that follow, and keeps them renewed on time.

Get a free quote See the timeline

Facts checked October and November 2026 against the official sources listed below.

AED 2,000ICP electronic system subscription for establishments1
2 daysWorking days for MOHRE to issue an establishment card3
AED 250+To issue or renew a work permit, up to AED 3,4504
AED 1,000Fine for changing establishment details without telling the ICP2

ICP establishment card fees

ICP feeAED
Application100
Issuance, per year100
Smart services100
Electronic system subscription2,000
Adding or changing an electronic service200

Source1,2

The initial approval and the card application go through authorised service providers; free zone companies apply through their zone authority.

What a PRO files, and where

TaskFiled with
Initial approval and establishment cardICP, through an authorised service provider
Establishment file and work permitsMOHRE
Employee and family residence visasGDRFA in Dubai, ICP in the other emirates
Free zone visas and cardsThe free zone authority

Source1,3,5

Check what a quote includes

Government fees are fixed and published on each authority's service page; the rest of a PRO quote is the provider's own fee. A PRO files applications on your behalf but is not a law firm, so ask for a lawyer for contracts or disputes.1,3

Timeline and timeframe

Each step in order, with the processing time the authority publishes. Green steps are handled by a government authority.

  1. Establishment card2 working days

    The company's immigration file, needed before any visa.3

  2. Work permitBefore the entry permit

    MOHRE work permit for each mainland employee.6

  3. Entry permit, medical and Emirates ID40 minutes medical, result in 1 to 2 days

    The employee enters or changes status, takes the medical test and gives biometrics.6,7

  4. Labour card and residenceWithin 60 days of entry

    Issued together with the Emirates ID.6

  5. AmendmentsWhen something changes

    New activity, partner, manager or address: the establishment card is amended too.2

Some steps run in parallel, and the partner's quote gives your full schedule. To plan your own dates, use the setup timeline planner.

Questions

Can I do these steps myself?

Some, yes. The MOHRE establishment card is free on the MOHRE website and app. The ICP initial approval and establishment card must go through authorised service providers.1,3

Sources, checked October and November 2026

  1. ICP: Issuing an establishment card
  2. ICP: Amend or add to an establishment card
  3. MOHRE: Issuance of an establishment card
  4. UAE Government Portal: Work permits
  5. GDRFA Dubai: Entry visa for family sponsorship
  6. UAE Government Portal: Recruiting on the mainland
  7. UAE Government Portal: Medical fitness test for residence, MOHAP (PDF)
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