An establishment card (commonly referred to as a Company Computer Card or CIC) serves as the official corporate immigration profile for a business entity. It is a mandatory legal document issued by the Ministry of Interior or local immigration authorities (such as the GDRFA in the UAE) that formally registers a business within the national immigration and residency framework. Without this active card, a company exists commercially but has no standing in the immigration system, meaning it operates in a vacuum regarding human resource development and cannot hire external talent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions about Establishment Card
No. A valid commercial trade license is a strict prerequisite. You must first legally register your business entity and obtain your license before the immigration department will issue an establishment card.
In most regions (like the UAE), establishment cards are valid for 1 to 3 years. The exact validity often depends on whether your business is registered in a Free Zone or on the Mainland.
No. While a trade license allows your company to sell goods or services, you cannot issue residency visas, employment contracts, or entry permits for foreign staff without an active establishment card.
The primary purpose is to register your company with immigration authorities. It gives your business the legal right to sponsor foreign employees, issue work permits, and open accounts on government visa portals.
