Quick answer
UAE PRO services handle work permits, visas, establishment cards and MOFA attestation. See exactly what they cover, costs and rules to stay fully compliant.
UAE PRO services cover the full chain of government paperwork a company needs to operate legally: MOHRE work permits, entry permits, residence visas, Emirates ID, immigration establishment cards, and MOFA document attestation. In short, a Public Relations Officer (PRO) acts as your bridge to federal and emirate-level authorities, handling submissions, renewals and compliance deadlines so your license, staff and documents stay valid. Because most of these transactions carry strict timelines and fines, founders and SMBs rely on PRO support to avoid blocked files and penalties. This guide explains exactly what each service covers, what it costs, and who is legally responsible.
Key Takeaways
- The employer, not the employee, is legally responsible for applying for and maintaining a MOHRE work permit.
- MOHRE issues 13 types of work permits; issuing or renewing one costs between AED 250 and AED 3,450 depending on company classification.
- The ICP standardised all visa overstay fines at AED 50 per day, effective 11 February 2026.
- MOFAIC charges AED 150 per personal document and AED 2,000 per commercial document for attestation inside the UAE.
- A Dubai mainland company holds two establishment records; failing to renew either blocks all visa and labour transactions.
What UAE PRO services cover
At their core, UAE PRO services manage every recurring interaction between your business and government departments. Therefore, they touch four main pillars: labour, immigration, corporate licensing, and document authentication.
Because each authority has its own portal, fee structure and deadline, coordination matters. For example, a single new hire may involve MOHRE, the ICP or GDRFA, and sometimes MOFAIC for attested certificates. A capable team handles these end to end through Government Liaison Services UAE, covering license, visa, labour, MOFA and ministry submissions in one workflow.
Labour: MOHRE work permits
The Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) issues the labour card, which is the official work permit authorising an employee to work for a specific employer. Notably, it is now fully digital and exists as a record on the MoHRE portal and smart app rather than a physical card.
MoHRE issues 13 types of work permits, and issuing or renewing one ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on the company’s classification as A, B or C. Importantly, the employer must submit the contract within 60 days of the employee entering the UAE or completing an in-country status change.
Validity is typically two years, and you get 60 days from expiry to renew before fines apply. Because the employer carries this legal responsibility, a PRO tracks each deadline to prevent lapses.
Immigration: entry permits, residence visas and Emirates ID
The ICP administers residency at the federal level, while the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) processes applications in Dubai. As a result, your PRO chooses the correct channel for each emirate.
Every long-term stay begins with an entry permit, typically valid 60 days from issue for a single entry. Next, that permit converts into a residence visa valid one to ten years, and all residents receive an Emirates ID linked to the residence visa record.
UAE PRO services for corporate licensing and establishment cards
Beyond staff paperwork, UAE PRO services keep your company’s own records active. Because a company cannot process any visa without valid establishment files, this pillar is foundational.
Establishment cards and the two-record rule
The GDRFA-issued immigration establishment card is valid for one year and must be renewed before expiry. Renewal costs AED 200 plus 5% VAT, a Knowledge Dirham of AED 10, an Innovation Dirham of AED 10, a service fee of AED 50, and an urgent fee of AED 100.
Importantly, a Dubai mainland company holds two establishment records: the GDRFA immigration card and the MOHRE establishment file. Consequently, failure to renew either one blocks all visa and labour transactions until you restore compliance.
License setup and initial approvals
For new mainland entities, the Dubai Department of Economy and Tourism (DET) charges an initial approval fee of AED 120, confirming no objection to activity, legal form and ownership. In addition, LLCs with multiple partners must draft and notarise a Memorandum of Association.
Because structure decisions affect ownership, visas and tax, many founders align licensing with corporate structuring and company formation support from the outset.
Document attestation and MOFA submissions
Finally, most cross-border transactions require attested documents. Therefore, a PRO manages the authentication chain from start to finish.
MOFAIC attestation costs and timelines
The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFAIC) charges AED 150 per personal document and AED 2,000 per commercial document for attestation inside the UAE. Moreover, it processes requests within three business days, with up to five documents per application charged per document.
Digital attestation via the MOFAIC platform can finish within two hours during official working hours. However, MOFA attestation is the final step in the chain: foreign-issued documents must first be notarised or authenticated by the competent authority in the country of issue before MOFAIC will accept them.
Translation requirements
Similarly, non-English or non-Arabic documents must be translated by an approved translator from the UAE Ministry of Justice to qualify for attestation. Because a rejected translation can delay a whole file, teams often bundle this with attestation services.
UAE PRO services cost comparison
As of 2026, the table below summarises common transactions, their governing authority and verified fees. Use it as a planning reference, since exact totals vary by company classification and urgency.
| Transaction | Authority | Verified fee / rule |
|---|---|---|
| Work permit (issue or renew) | MOHRE | AED 250 to AED 3,450 by classification (A/B/C) |
| Establishment card renewal | GDRFA | AED 200 + 5% VAT + AED 10 + AED 10 + AED 50 (+AED 100 urgent) |
| Personal document attestation | MOFAIC | AED 150 per document |
| Commercial document attestation | MOFAIC | AED 2,000 per document |
| Initial license approval | DET | AED 120 |
| Visa overstay fine (from 11 Feb 2026) | ICP | AED 50 per day |
Because the ICP standardised overstay fines at AED 50 per day, effective 11 February 2026, calculating exposure is now simpler. Even so, the safest approach is to renew before expiry rather than manage penalties. For entity-level compliance reviews, some founders add legal consultation alongside routine PRO work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What do UAE PRO services actually cover?
UAE PRO services cover MOHRE work permits, entry permits, residence visas, Emirates ID, immigration establishment cards, DET licensing approvals and MOFA document attestation. In practice, a PRO submits, tracks and renews these government transactions on the company’s behalf, coordinating across MOHRE, the ICP, GDRFA, MOFAIC and the Ministry of Justice to keep files valid and penalty-free.
Who is legally responsible for a MOHRE work permit, the employer or the employee?
The employer, not the employee, is legally responsible for applying for and maintaining a MOHRE work permit. The employer must submit the contract within 60 days of the employee entering the UAE or completing an in-country status change. Validity is typically two years, with 60 days from expiry to renew before fines apply.
What is the difference between an entry permit, a residence visa and an Emirates ID?
An entry permit is the initial single-entry authorisation, typically valid 60 days from issue, that lets a person enter the UAE to begin residency. It converts into a residence visa valid one to ten years, and every resident then receives an Emirates ID linked to the residence visa record. Each is a distinct document in the same process.
How much does document attestation cost through MOFAIC in the UAE?
MOFAIC charges AED 150 per personal document and AED 2,000 per commercial document for attestation inside the UAE. It processes requests within three business days, and digital attestation via the MOFAIC platform can complete within two hours during official working hours. Up to five documents per application are charged per document.
Can I renew my own employer-sponsored residence visa without a PRO?
No, an employee cannot renew their own employer-sponsored residence visa. Normally only the sponsor can cancel a residence visa, and employer-sponsored renewals must be initiated by the employer or PRO. As a result, sponsored staff depend on the company to manage renewal deadlines correctly.
How much are the UAE visa overstay fines in 2026?
The ICP standardised all visa overstay fines at AED 50 per day, effective 11 February 2026. This single rate replaced the previous tariffs that varied by visa category and emirate, making penalty calculation consistent nationwide.
Do free-zone companies use a MOHRE labour card or a free-zone work permit?
Free-zone companies generally use a free-zone work permit issued by their own authority, not a MOHRE labour card. Mainland companies use MOHRE work permits and hold a MOHRE establishment file, while free zones such as DMCC, IFZA, Meydan or RAKEZ administer their own permits, so the correct channel depends on where the company is licensed.
Disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, tax, or regulatory advice. Rules and fees in the UAE change frequently. Before acting on anything you read here, speak to a qualified advisor — we are happy to help.