How to Renew Establishment Card in Dubai [Step by Step Guide]

The establishment card is a mandatory document for all businesses operating in Dubai. It acts as a permit for companies to legally operate within the Dubai jurisdiction. The establishment card includes important information about the business, such as its name, nature of business, and contact details.

The establishment card must be renewed annually to ensure that businesses are in compliance with the latest regulations and laws set by the Dubai government. Failure to renew the establishment card may result in penalties, fines, or even the closure of the business. Thus, it is crucial to keep the establishment card updated and renewed on time.

The renewal process for the establishment card in Dubai is relatively straightforward and can be done either online or in person. It involves updating any changes in personal or business information, submitting the required documents, and paying the renewal fee. This guide will provide a comprehensive overview of the steps involved in renewing the establishment card in Dubai.

Renewal Procedure

Online Renewal Process:

The online renewal process for the establishment card in Dubai is convenient and can be done from the comfort of your own home or office. To renew your establishment card online, you will need to visit the official government website and follow these steps:

1. Visit Official Website .
2. Update any changes in personal or business information.
3. Upload the necessary documents, such as a passport copy and trade license.
4. Pay the renewal fee using a credit or debit card.
5. Review and submit the renewal application.

Once your renewal application is submitted and approved, you will receive a confirmation via email or SMS. You can then download and print the updated establishment card. Continue reading for the requirements, steps and fee details.

Link: Apply Online Link

Requirements

Government Sector:

1. An official correspondence from the pertinent government authority.

Private Sector or Free Zone:

1. The partners’ names appendix for the private sector or free zone.
2. Passport copies of the authorized signatories.
3. Notarized copies of the authorization for individuals holding managerial roles.

National Businesses:

1. Passport copy of the sponsor.
2. Reproduction of the business license.
3. A formal letter from the Small Projects Support Program directed to national businesses that have received aid for small projects.

Steps

Digital channels (website/smart application):

1. Log in to the smart services system through (UAE Pass or username).
2. Search for the service to be applied for.
3. Fill in the application data, where applicable.
4. Pay the service fee (if any).

Fees

Establishment card renewal fee: AED200
In addition to the value-added tax (5%).

Extra charge:
Knowledge Dirham: AED10
Innovation Dirham: AED10

Service fee: AED50
Urgent fee: AED100

Note: The issuance or renewal fee is AED100 per year.

Offline Renewal Process

For those who prefer a more hands-on approach, the offline renewal process involves visiting a government office in person. The steps involved in the offline renewal process are as follows:

1. Visit the GDRFA office in person.
2. Submit the necessary documents, such as a passport copy and trade license.
3. Update any changes in personal or business information.
4. Pay the renewal fee in cash or by credit/debit card.
5. Receive a receipt for the renewal fee and a confirmation of your application.

Once your renewal application is approved, you will receive the updated establishment card via mail.

GDRFA Head Office:
Sunday to Thursday (from 07:30 till 20:00)

Service Availibility

Digital channels (website/smart application):
The service is available 24/7

Amer Service Centre:
The service is available during the normal operating hours of AMER Centers

The whole process takes 48.0 Hour(s) to complete

Terms and Conditions

For Airlines:

1. Submission of a duplicate of the trade license is mandated.

For Fishing Boats:

1. A “licence” declaration from the Ministry of Environment and Fisheries is obligatory.

For Excursion Boats/Commercial Boats:

1. Acquisition of a hunting license is required.

For Abra/Yacht:

1. Verification of ownership from the Transportation Authority is necessary.

For Stables:

1. Presentation of the owner’s passport along with the signature form is requisite.
2. Issuance of a letter from the engineering office affiliated with the Ruler’s Court of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum (Diwan Dubai) is mandatory if the stable belongs to the ruler of the emirate.
3. If the stable is owned by an individual, submission of a letter from the municipality containing the number of horses or passports of horses is mandatory.

For Charities/Quran Memorization Centres:

1. Possession of a license from the Community Development Authority is mandatory.

For Livestock Farm:

1. Submission of a copy of the owner’s passport along with the signature form is required.
2. A letter from the municipality confirming the owner’s possession of livestock is necessary.

For Property:

1. Provision of ownership issued by the Department of Lands and Properties is mandatory.
2. Submission of a property map is required.

For Hotels:

1. A letter from the Department of Tourism specifying the hotel rating is mandatory.
2. A letter from the hotel indicating the number of rooms and hotel rating is required.

For Consulates:

1. A no-objection letter from the UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs granting permission to the consulate is obligatory.
2. An official letter from the consulate stating the members is required.
3. Presentation of a consulate card is necessary.

For Churches:

1. A letter of no objection from Dubai Municipality is required to practice the activity.

For Farms:

1. Submission of a copy of the owner’s passport along with the signature form is required.
2. Ownership issued by the Department of Lands and Properties is mandatory.

For Organizations:

1. An official letter from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is required.

For Clubs:

1. A decree from the Court (Diwan) for cultural and social clubs is necessary.
2. Federal Decree is required for sports clubs.

For Yachts:

1. Confirmation of ownership from the Ministry of Transportation is required.
2. An expired establishment card is necessary.

For Quran Memorization Centres:

1. An expired establishment card is required.
2. Possession of a license from the Community Development Authority is mandatory.