To legally hire employees, apply for work permits, and issue visas, every UAE company must open its Labour File and Immigration File.
These two files activate your company in the Ministry of Human Resources & Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the Immigration (GDRFA/ICP) systems.
A Labour File is a company’s official record with MOHRE.
It enables:
– Hiring employees
– Issuing labour contracts
– Applying for work permits
– Managing employee quotas
– Handling labour approvals
– Processing employee cancellations
– Accessing labour services (salary certificates, NOCs, etc.)
WHAT IS AN IMMIGRATION FILE?
An Immigration File registers your company with:
– GDRFA (Dubai)
– ICA/ICP (Other Emirates)
– Free Zone immigration units
It enables:
– Entry permits
– Visa issuance
– Status changes
– Residency stamping
– Emirates ID approvals
– Dependent visa sponsorship
WHY ARE THESE FILES MANDATORY?
Because without active Labour & Immigration files:
– No employment visas can be issued
– No dependents can be sponsored
– No staff can be hired
– Company is considered inactive in the labour system
– Immigration services will be blocked
- Confirm trade licence validity
- Review shareholder details
- Identify authorised signatory
- Prepare documents
- Submit application through immigration portal
- Activate company ID
- Set up digital signature (Dubai only)
- Register with MOHRE
- Submit establishment documents
- Create company profile
- Link authorised signatory
- Verify company location (if required)
Immigration and labour determine:
- Initial visa quota
- Occupation types allowed
- Approval for additional quota if needed
- Ensure Labour & Immigration systems match
- Resolve any discrepancies
- MOHRE account activation
- Immigration portal access
- E-signature registration
STEP 1 — Gather company documents
STEP 2 — Apply for Establishment Card (if not already done)
STEP 3 — Initiate Labour File opening
STEP 4 — Submit documents to MOHRE
STEP 5 — Link authorised signatory
STEP 6 — Activate company immigration portal
STEP 7 — Apply for initial visa quota
STEP 8 — Approval granted
(Mainland)
– Full activation without delays
– Correct documentation
– Zero government office visits
– Fast integration with MOHRE & ICP
– Visa quota secured immediately
– Full setup for hiring employees
– Compliance with UAE regulations
– Dedicated immigration specialist
