Glossary · e-Channel
What Is e-Channel in the UAE
e-Channel is the UAE immigration online system through which companies file entry permits, residence visas and status changes. Registration in e-Channel is a prerequisite for any visa application.
Why it matters
Why it matters when opening a company
No e-channel registration — no visas: the system is the only official filing route for residence applications.
Registration is tied to the establishment card and renews with it.
Process
How it works
-
Obtain the trade license
Step 1 -
Register the company in the e-channel system
Step 2 -
File visa applications online
Step 3
Mini-FAQ
Common questions
How much does e-channel registration cost?
It is bundled into most license packages that include visas; standalone registration runs a few hundred dirhams per the zone tariff.
Is e-channel the same as the establishment card?
No: the establishment card is the company's immigration ID; e-channel is the filing system that card unlocks.