Will UAE E-Channel Streamline Your Company Labour & Immigration Services?

This article was updated on June 13th, 2023

This article has been researched and written by Carolyn Cairns and the team at Creation Business Consultants and has not used AI in generating this article.

With a more streamlined and approachable process for both businesses and individuals, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) E-channel system has significantly changed the labour and immigration scene in the country. UAE’s continuous efforts is to develop a more effective and transparent labour market and while guaranteeing the welfare and rights of foreign employees have greatly benefited from the use of E-channel technology.

Many companies may not be aware or fully understanding the process and benefits surrounding E-channel system and requirements. Furthermore, new business owners that are in the process of setting up a business in Dubai and the UAE are questioning what is E-channel? What is the E-channel fees? Does my company need to apply for E-channel as part of my UAE and Dubai company setup?

Creation Business Consultants will answer all your burning question with the below guide to the United Arab Emirates E-Channel System.

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WHAT IS THE E-CHANNEL SYSTEM?

The Ministry of Interior (MOI) of the UAE launched the E-Channel smart service system in 2021 with the slogan “Smart Services with Future Vision” for residence and naturalisation services. E-Channel Immigration System is applied under the framework of the Ministry’s works to ensure the delivery of excellent services, increase efficiency and convenience for users.

With the E-channel system businesses and individuals can apply for all visas, residency permits, and entry permits etc. through a single online portal instead of visiting multiple locations such as a typing centre and the immigration office. Most company labour and immigration services can all be completed online. Our expert labour and immigration consultants are highly proficient and understand all the procedures for registering, applying, and renewing government services via the E-channel systems.

WHAT IS THE UAE’S E-CHANNEL PROCESS?

The E-channel aims to improve the speed and accuracy in the issuing process for labour and immigration services and will remove the need for each applicant to go in person to UAE service centres. The digital E-channel process removes the need for hard copy documents for each applicant and aims to ensure that all visa applications are processed quickly with superior integration across the Emirates.

HOW TO REGISTER WITH UAE E-CHANNEL?

There are several steps required to register with UAE E-channel system.

Create an E-channel account via the official portal.
Register E-channel for the appropriate user by selecting either company or an individual.
Complete E-channel application with the users’ details. Additional details and supporting documents will be required for each user type. The minimum information required for an individual registering for E-channel will be your contact and personal details such as full name and address. The minimum information required for a company registering for E-channel is company registration, contact details and more.
Verification and payment for E-channel. Once registration is completed with all the supporting details a verification email will be sent to the users registered email address. Once the user verifies the email, next the payment process is to be completed. A user will need to make E-channel payment online and payment can be accepted by debit or credit card.
Submit documentation – Upon completion of payment, supporting documents may need to be uploaded to the E-channel portal. The documents required again will vary on the user type for example registering a company E-channel documents may include a copy of the company license and the main company documents.
Approval of E-channel – Once the payment and documentation has been completed the application will be reviewed by the authorities. Once the application is approved the user receives notification and you can start to use E-channel services.

Once your account is registered on the E-Channel portal, individuals, entrepreneurs, and businesses will be able to apply for all visa types, entry permits (residence, visit and tourist) and for those of company employees, spouse, dependents, and relatives. Since the implementation of UAE’s E-channel system, it has reduced the number of errors drastically as there are not as many “Channels” to go through. As a result, most applications are approved much faster. This is much more appealing to foreign investors that wish to have their UAE and Dubai company setup established with all its employees working as soon as possible and holding the correct credentials for working and residing in the UAE.

This E-Channel System is applicable for all new and existing companies requiring residency and naturalisation services. Individual free zones may have different rules and pricing regarding the E-channel process. It is recommended to speak with a member of our Operations team once your Dubai company setup is complete and we will ensure your company government liaison services (including E-channel registration) are handled as quick and efficiently as possible.

Contact a member of our Corporate Structuring team today for a free consultation on setting up a company in the UAE via email at [email protected] or call +971 4 878 6240.