By Tasawar Ulhaq, Founder, Incorporated · Last updated: June 2026
What GRO and PRO services cover in the UAE
GRO (Government Relations Officer) and PRO (Public Relations Officer) services handle the interface between your company and UAE Government bodies. Every filing, renewal and approval runs through official portals. We manage the full scope so your team focuses on operations.
Employee Visas
End-to-end processing of employment visas, including MOHRE contracts, medical tests and Emirates ID typing.
Investor and Golden Visas
Assistance with 2-year investor visas and 10-year Golden Visas for property owners and specialised talent.
Family Sponsorship
Sponsoring dependents (spouse, children, parents). We handle salary requirements and attestation.
Licence Renewals
Timely renewal of trade licences, establishment cards and lease agreements (Ejari/Tawtheeq).
Document Attestation
Legalising foreign documents (degree certificates, marriage certificates) via MOFA.
Licence Amendments
Adding activities, changing shareholders or upgrading licence types on DET and free zone portals.
When you need GRO or PRO services
You need GRO support from the day your UAE entity is formed. Government portals do not wait for your internal team to learn the system.
- After company setup: Establishment card, immigration file opening and initial signatory visa.
- When hiring: MOHRE offer letters, work permits, medical fitness and Emirates ID for each employee.
- Annual renewals: Trade licence, establishment card, Ejari and immigration file renewal.
- Structural changes: Shareholder changes, activity additions or branch registrations.
- Compliance events: MOHRE inspections, Emiratisation reporting and UBO register updates.
Typical PRO process: visas, Emirates ID and labour
A standard employment visa follows this sequence across MOHRE, GDRFA and ICP portals.
- MOHRE offer letter and contract: Draft and submit employment contract on the MOHRE portal.
- Work permit approval: MOHRE issues work permit; GDRFA pre-approval for entry or status change.
- Status change or entry: In-country status change or entry permit for overseas candidates.
- Medical fitness test: Required at approved centres before visa stamping.
- Emirates ID biometrics: Typing and biometrics at an ICP centre.
- Visa stamping and Emirates ID issuance: Final visa stamp in passport; Emirates ID card delivered.
Full cycle typically runs 2 to 4 weeks for in-country hires. Overseas candidates may need 4 to 8 weeks depending on attestation and entry permit timing.
Government portals we manage
DET (Dubai Economy and Tourism)
Mainland licence issuance, renewals, amendments and initial approval.
MOHRE (Ministry of Human Resources)
Employment contracts, work permits, WPS registration and labour complaints.
GDRFA (General Directorate of Residency)
Visa applications, entry permits, status changes and file renewals.
ICP (Emirates ID)
Emirates ID typing, biometrics and card issuance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between GRO and PRO in the UAE?
GRO refers to Government Relations Officer services: the full scope of Government filings. PRO traditionally covers document processing and liaison. In practice, firms like Incorporated provide both under a single GRO/PRO retainer.
Can a foreign-owned company manage portals without a PRO?
Technically yes, but most foreign investors use a PRO because portal requirements change frequently. Missed renewals trigger fines and can block visa processing.
How long does an employee visa take in Dubai?
In-country status changes typically take 2 to 3 weeks. Overseas hires with attested documents usually need 4 to 8 weeks from offer letter to stamped visa.
Do you provide GRO services outside Dubai?
Yes. We handle Abu Dhabi (ADDED), Sharjah and Northern Emirates filings. Abu Dhabi is a service location; our offices are in Riyadh, Dubai and London.