PRO Services: Guide to Visas, Government Approvals & More (2025)

PRO services in Abu Dhabi help individuals and businesses manage important government paperwork, like visas, trade licences, and approvals. These services make sure everything follows UAE rules and is done on time.

Whether you're starting a company, hiring staff, or renewing a visa, PRO support saves you time and avoids costly delays. It's a trusted way to stay compliant without handling the complex steps on your own.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through what PRO services include, how they support business setup in Abu Dhabi, and why working with the right partner makes all the difference.

What Are PRO Services

PRO services refer to the work carried out by a Public Relations Officer (PRO) to manage official tasks with government departments in the UAE. These services help both individuals and businesses complete legal and administrative procedures correctly and on time.

A Public Relations Officer acts as a link between the client and various government authorities. The PRO makes sure that all applications, documents, and approvals meet the legal requirements of the country.

Typical PRO services include:

• Visa Processing: Applying for, renewing, or cancelling employment, investor, and family visas.

• Emirates ID Services: Coordinating appointments and paperwork for new or renewed Emirates ID cards.

• Labour and Immigration Approvals: Managing work permits, labour contracts, and other related processes.

• Company Licensing: Applying for new trade licences, renewing existing ones, and managing changes in business activity.

• Document Attestation and Translation: Getting documents certified, notarised, or translated for official use.

• Medical Testing and Insurance Setup: Supporting medical test bookings and linking insurance with visa requirements.

• Government Communication: Submitting and collecting documents from authorities such as the Department of Economic Development (DED), Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), and General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA).

These services are essential for keeping personal and business matters legal and updated in the UAE.

Visa Services in Abu Dhabi

Visa services in Abu Dhabi are a core part of PRO support. These services help both companies and individuals handle visa-related tasks according to UAE laws. The process involves several steps and must be done through government channels such as the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) and the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE).

1. Employee Visa Processing

For companies in Abu Dhabi, employee visa processing is required to legally hire and sponsor staff. The process includes:

• Applying for a work permit from MOHRE

• Getting entry permits for new employees

• Coordinating medical tests and Emirates ID registration

• Stamping the residence visa on the employee’s passport

Each step must follow the legal timeline, and errors or delays can lead to fines or permit rejection. PRO services ensure that all forms are correctly submitted and approved.

2. Family Visa Support

Residents in Abu Dhabi who meet salary and housing requirements can sponsor family members. PRO services help with:

• Checking eligibility for family sponsorship

• Preparing the necessary documents, including tenancy contracts and salary certificates

• Submitting the family visa application

• Managing medical testing and Emirates ID steps for dependents

• Following up until visa stamping is complete

This service ensures that all family sponsorship rules are followed to avoid rejection or visa cancellation.

3. Visa Renewals and Cancellations

All UAE residence visas are valid for 2 or 3 years, depending on the visa type. Before expiry, they must be renewed. PRO services help by:

• Tracking visa expiry dates

• Submitting renewal applications on time

• Booking medical tests and updating the Emirates ID

• Ensuring renewed visas are correctly stamped

When a person leaves the country or changes jobs, their visa must be cancelled. PROs handle the cancellation process by:

• Submitting the required documents to immigration

• Coordinating with the employer (if needed)

• Ensuring the cancellation is officially recorded

Accurate visa handling protects both the sponsor and the visa holder from legal issues or penalties.

Government Approvals and Documentation

In Abu Dhabi, many personal and business activities require formal approval from government departments. PRO services assist by preparing, submitting, and collecting the necessary documents to ensure compliance with local laws and procedures.

Labour and Immigration Approvals

All businesses must work with government bodies such as the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) and the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA) to hire and manage employees. PRO services help by:

• Applying for new labour quotas and work permits

• Registering the business with MOHRE and the immigration systems

• Submitting labour contracts for approval

• Ensuring employee details are updated in government records

Proper handling of these steps is required for the company to operate legally and sponsor staff.

Trade Licence Applications and Renewals

Any company operating in Abu Dhabi must hold a valid trade licence, usually issued by the Department of Economic Development (DED). PRO services help businesses by:

• Applying for new licences during company setup

• Adding or removing business activities

• Renewing trade licences before expiry

• Coordinating payments and fee submissions

Delays or mistakes in licence renewal can result in fines or business suspension, so timely management is essential.

Document Attestation and Translation

Some documents must be attested, notarised, or legally translated for use in government applications. PRO services assist with:

• Attestation of personal documents (e.g. birth or marriage certificates)

• Notarisation of legal papers such as contracts or powers of attorney

• Certified translation of non-Arabic documents into Arabic, as required by law

• Coordinating with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and other authorised entities

These steps confirm that all documents are valid, complete, and accepted by the relevant departments.

PRO Services for Business Setup in Abu Dhabi

Setting up a business in Abu Dhabi requires coordination with multiple government departments. PRO services provide direct support through each stage of the setup process. These services ensure that all legal steps are followed, documents are submitted correctly, and deadlines are met. This helps new business owners avoid delays, penalties, or rejected applications.

1. Company Registration and Trade Licence Issuance

Before a company can legally operate, it must be registered and licensed by the Department of Economic Development (DED) or a relevant free zone authority. PRO services assist by managing the complete documentation and approval process, including:

• Choosing the legal structure (LLC, branch, sole establishment, etc.)

• Reserving the trade name and submitting it for approval

• Preparing documents such as passport copies, NOCs, and application forms

• Filing for initial approval from the DED or other authority

• Submitting final documents for the trade licence and company registration

Each business activity may require different forms or conditions, and PROs ensure that all requirements are fulfilled accurately.

2. Government Liaison and Special Approvals

Some business activities in Abu Dhabi require extra approvals from other departments besides the DED. These vary depending on the industry. PRO services help identify and secure these approvals by:

• Coordinating with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce for membership

• Getting health or safety clearance from the Municipality, Civil Defence, or Environmental authorities

• Applying for sector-specific approvals, such as:

• Department of Health for clinics or pharmacies

• Department of Education for training centres or schools

• Telecommunications Regulatory Authority for IT and telecom firms

A PRO ensures the business receives all relevant approvals before it begins operations.

3. Labour and Immigration Setup

After company registration, a business must set up accounts with labour and immigration departments to legally employ staff. PRO services manage this process by:

• Opening a Labour Establishment Card with the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)

• Opening an Immigration Establishment Card with the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA)

• Linking the company’s trade licence with the labour and immigration portals

• Enabling the company to sponsor employees, issue work permits, and apply for residence visas

Without these setup steps, a company cannot legally hire or sponsor any workers in the UAE.

4. Ongoing PRO Support for Expansion and Compliance

Even after the business is set up, PRO services are required to manage ongoing legal and administrative needs. This includes:

• Trade licence renewals: Ensuring the business remains active and legal

• Amending trade licences: Adding or changing business activities

• Opening new branches: Applying for branch licences in Abu Dhabi or other emirates

• Staff-related services: Processing visas, labour contracts, and Emirates IDs

Continued PRO support ensures the business remains in full compliance with UAE regulations during its growth and operation.

Other Common PRO Services

In addition to visas and business setup, PRO services in Abu Dhabi cover several other government-related tasks. These are essential for both individuals and companies to stay compliant with UAE regulations.

Emirates ID Processing

PROs help arrange appointments for biometric scanning, submit the required documents to the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship, and follow up until the Emirates ID is issued or renewed.

Medical Testing and Health Insurance

As part of the visa process, PRO services include booking mandatory medical tests and ensuring health insurance is linked correctly to the visa record, as required by UAE law.

Document Attestation and Legal Translation

Many official documents need to be attested or translated into Arabic. PROs manage this by coordinating with approved UAE authorities, including the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, to ensure the documents meet legal standards.

Branch Licence Applications

For companies looking to expand, PROs handle the application for branch licences by submitting the necessary trade name approvals, legal documents, and parent company certificates. They also liaise with DED or free zone authorities, depending on where the branch will be located.

Bank Account Documentation

Opening a company bank account requires several verified documents. PRO services help prepare and submit the required paperwork, such as trade licences, Memorandum of Association (MOA), and ID proofs, in line with the bank's requirements.

These services make it easier to meet government requirements, reduce the chance of errors, and save time for both individuals and businesses.

Choosing the Right PRO Partner in Abu Dhabi

Outsourcing PRO services makes it easier to manage tasks like visa applications, licence renewals, and document approvals. It removes the need to deal with government offices directly, which saves time and lowers the chance of delays or mistakes. For businesses, it also reduces the workload on internal teams and ensures that all legal requirements are followed correctly.

Choosing the right PRO partner is important. Look for a provider with local experience and a good track record. They should offer clear pricing, explain the process step by step, and provide regular updates. A reliable PRO partner will understand your specific needs and make sure all documents are handled professionally and on time.