UAE Tasheel & Amer Service Center: MOHRE + DED License Guide 2026

Updated August 2026.

What Are Tasheel and Amer Service Centers?

Tasheel and Amer service centers are UAE government-franchised business service outlets that process official government transactions on behalf of individuals and companies. Unlike standard PRO services companies (which provide advisory and application coordination services), Tasheel and Amer centers have direct system access to MOHRE and GDRFA transaction portals under an official government franchise arrangement — giving them unique authorised status to complete specific transaction types that are exclusive to the franchise network.

The concept emerged from the UAE government’s recognition that processing millions of annual immigration and labour transactions through centralised government offices created unmanageable queues and inefficiencies. By franchising a network of private sector service centers — each equipped with the required hardware, software, and trained staff, but operating under direct government system integration — the UAE effectively extended its transaction processing capacity while maintaining quality control through franchise standards and government oversight.

The Tasheel and Amer franchise brands are among the most recognisable government-linked service brands in the UAE. The distinctive branding — Tasheel’s orange-accented design and Amer’s blue — is tightly controlled by MOHRE and GDRFA respectively through franchise agreement requirements. For entrepreneurs, operating a Tasheel or Amer center offers the competitive advantage of a government-mandated service that cannot be replicated by non-franchised competitors for its core transaction types.

Tasheel Centres — MOHRE’s Franchise Labour Network

Tasheel (تسهيل — meaning “facilitation” in Arabic) is MOHRE’s exclusive franchise network for processing Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation transactions. Tasheel centres are the authorised gateway through which companies submit: employment contract registrations, work permit applications, labour card renewals, establishment card registrations and renewals, UAE domestic worker contract attestations (Ministry-approved contracts), and MOHRE complaint filings.

As of 2026, over 360 Tasheel centres operate across the UAE’s seven emirates. The network is most dense in Dubai and Abu Dhabi, with significant presence in industrial areas (Jebel Ali, Mussafah, KIZAD) where large manufacturing and logistics employers generate high transaction volumes. Sharjah, Ajman, Ras Al Khaimah, Fujairah, and Umm Al Quwain each have smaller Tasheel networks proportionate to their business populations.

MOHRE controls Tasheel franchise issuance directly — new Tasheel franchise licences are issued through a MOHRE competitive selection process, not through DED. Applicants must submit detailed business plans, financial capability documentation, proposed location plans, and proposed staffing qualifications. MOHRE evaluates applications against the geographic density of existing Tasheel centres (to avoid oversaturation in already-served areas) and the applicant’s demonstrated operational capability. Successful applicants receive a Tasheel franchise agreement and corresponding MOHRE system access credentials. New franchise issuances have been limited in high-density urban areas (central Dubai, central Abu Dhabi) since approximately 2022, but remain available in under-served areas and new development zones.

A Tasheel franchisee receives: a MOHRE-branded fit-out specification, direct access to the MOHRE TASHEEL transaction processing system, a defined service menu with government-mandated fee schedules, ongoing staff training from MOHRE, and MOHRE quality audits (annual inspections). In exchange, franchisees pay: an initial franchise fee (which MOHRE does not publicly disclose but is estimated at AED 50,000–150,000), an annual franchise renewal fee, and commit to meeting MOHRE’s service level standards. Franchisees set their own service charges above the government transaction fees, within MOHRE-permitted ranges.

Amer Centers — GDRFA Dubai’s Residency Franchise Network

Amer (آمر) centres are GDRFA Dubai’s (General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs — Dubai) franchise network for residency and visa services. The name “Amer” means “prosperous” in Arabic and reflects the service center’s role in making residency processes accessible to Dubai’s international population. Amer centers process: visa change of status applications, residency visa stamping, exit permit applications, travel ban inquiries, family visa applications, and Emirates ID coordination (in conjunction with ICP).

As of 2026, more than 35 Amer centres operate across Dubai, strategically located in high-demand residential and commercial areas — Deira, Karama, Business Bay, Jumeirah, and Al Barsha are among the highest-traffic Amer locations. Like Tasheel, Amer franchise licences are issued by GDRFA Dubai directly, with limited new licences being issued as the network has matured. GDRFA evaluates new Amer franchise applications against geographic coverage gaps and applicant operational capability.

Amer center setup involves: a franchise agreement with GDRFA Dubai (franchise fee estimated AED 100,000–200,000), fit-out to GDRFA Amer brand specifications (typically AED 100,000–200,000 for a standard center fit-out), hardware (biometric equipment, GDRFA-approved scanning and printing equipment — AED 50,000–100,000), staff training from GDRFA, and working capital for the first 3–6 months of operation (AED 50,000–100,000). Total Amer center setup cost: AED 300,000–600,000.

Amer centers earn revenue through GDRFA transaction service charges (AED 100–300 per transaction) plus additional service fees charged to clients for PRO assistance, form completion, and document preparation. High-traffic Amer centers in busy residential areas process 100–300+ transactions per day, making per-center monthly revenue of AED 100,000–300,000 realistic for well-located outlets. The Amer brand’s government affiliation is a powerful trust signal for clients who prefer dealing with a government-linked service point for sensitive immigration matters.

TAMM and Abu Dhabi Government Service Alternatives

Abu Dhabi’s approach to government service center franchising differs materially from Dubai’s Tasheel/Amer model. Abu Dhabi has not established an equivalent exclusive franchise network for its TAMM (Abu Dhabi Digital Government) platform. Instead, Abu Dhabi operates a network of “Government Excellence Centres” (Karamah) — government-operated service points that provide physical access to TAMM services — rather than franchising private sector operators.

This means that private entrepreneurs seeking to set up a government services business in Abu Dhabi do not have access to the Amer-equivalent franchise model. Abu Dhabi private sector service companies can provide ICP-related services (Emirates ID assistance, entry permit preparation), DED registration assistance, and PRO coordination services — but cannot offer the exclusive GDRFA transaction processing access that Dubai’s Amer network provides. Abu Dhabi entrepreneurs interested in the government services space typically focus on: PRO services (MOHRE-accredited), document attestation (MOFAIC), and DED administrative services.

The Tasheel brand (MOHRE) operates across all emirates including Abu Dhabi — MOHRE’s mandate is federal, covering all seven emirates. Abu Dhabi Tasheel centres are governed by MOHRE’s Abu Dhabi regional office and follow the same MOHRE franchise framework as Dubai Tasheel, with Abu Dhabi-specific processing for Abu Dhabi-based companies (domestic worker contracts registered with Abu Dhabi courts, for example, follow Abu Dhabi-specific procedures).

Tasheel vs Amer vs General Typing Center — Cost Comparison 2026

Center Type	Franchise Authority	Setup Cost (AED)	Per-Transaction Revenue (AED)
Tasheel (MOHRE)	MOHRE (federal)	200,000–500,000	50–200
Amer (GDRFA Dubai)	GDRFA Dubai	300,000–600,000	100–300
ICP Service Point	DED (non-franchise)	30,000–100,000	50–150
DED Now Assistance Center	DED (non-franchise)	20,000–80,000	100–500
General Typing Center	DED (non-franchise)	10,000–50,000	20–100

ICP SMART Services and Typing Centers

The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) operates the ICP SMART application, which provides digital access to Emirates ID and entry permit services. Unlike MOHRE Tasheel and GDRFA Amer which operate as exclusive franchise networks, ICP SMART services can be assisted by any DED-licensed company — there is no exclusive franchise required. This makes ICP service assistance an accessible revenue stream for any established typing center, PRO firm, or document services company.

ICP assistance services include: Emirates ID renewal application preparation, entry permit (e-visa) application support, residency permit application form completion, and status inquiry assistance using the ICP SMART app. Service centers typically charge AED 50–150 per ICP transaction for form preparation and submission support, above the direct ICP government fees (AED 100–300 per person per transaction depending on the specific service).

General typing centers — operating under DED’s “Computer Typing Center” economic activity (licence cost AED 5,000–10,000 annually) — represent the lowest-cost entry point into the government service center market. Typing centers assist Arabic-speaking and low-digital-literacy clients with form completion for any government portal (not limited to ICP), and serve as a stepping stone for operators who aspire to eventually graduate to a full Tasheel or Amer franchise when licences become available. A well-located typing center in a residential area with high immigrant worker populations can process 50–150 transactions per day across ICP, DED Now, MOHRE self-service, and other portal services.

Revenue Model and Profitability

The revenue model for Tasheel and Amer service centers is transaction-volume driven. Each centre’s profitability depends on: location (foot traffic density, proximity to residential or industrial employment areas), transaction mix (higher-value visa and residency transactions vs. lower-value typing and form completion), service add-ons (PRO services bolt-on packages at AED 500–2,000 per visa), and operational efficiency (staff cost management, queue processing speed).

A well-positioned Tasheel center in a Dubai industrial zone, serving manufacturing and logistics company employees, might process 200–400 MOHRE transactions per day during peak periods. At AED 100 average revenue per transaction, this generates AED 20,000–40,000 per day or AED 500,000–1,000,000 per month in gross revenue. After direct government fee pass-throughs, staff costs (AED 30,000–60,000/month for a 5–8 person team), rent (AED 10,000–30,000/month), and technology costs (AED 5,000–10,000/month), net profit margins of 20–35% are achievable for high-volume locations. Break-even for an investment of AED 300,000 can realistically be achieved within 12–18 months for a well-located center.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do you get a Tasheel franchise licence in UAE?

Tasheel franchise licences are issued by MOHRE directly — not through DED. To apply, you submit a franchise application to MOHRE’s Tasheel franchise management department with a business plan, proposed location details, financial capability proof, and proposed staffing plan. MOHRE evaluates applications against geographic coverage gaps (new licences are more readily available in under-served areas), applicant financial strength, and operational experience in government services. Successful applicants enter a franchise agreement with MOHRE, complete the prescribed Tasheel fit-out and system integration, pass a MOHRE inspection, and receive system access credentials to begin processing. The full process typically takes 3–6 months from application to launch.

Is there an Amer Center equivalent in Abu Dhabi?

No direct equivalent exists in Abu Dhabi. GDRFA is a Dubai-specific authority; Abu Dhabi’s residency services are handled by ICP’s Abu Dhabi Regional Office (ADRO). Abu Dhabi does not operate an Amer-style private sector franchise for residency transactions. Private sector operators in Abu Dhabi can offer ICP service assistance (open to any DED-licensed entity), PRO services (MOHRE-accredited), and document clearing services, but cannot replicate the exclusive transaction processing access that Dubai’s Amer network has for GDRFA-specific transactions. Abu Dhabi’s government operates its service touchpoints through government-managed Karamah Excellence Centres rather than private franchises.

Can a Tasheel or Amer center also offer PRO services?

Yes. Most successful Tasheel and Amer centers offer a range of complementary services beyond their core franchise transaction processing, including PRO services (employment visa processing packages, trade licence renewals, DED amendments), document attestation coordination, and Emirates ID assistance. The franchise agreement does not restrict centers from offering non-competing services, and the additional revenue streams significantly improve center profitability. Centers that bundle PRO services with their Tasheel or Amer transactions achieve higher per-client revenue and stronger client retention — companies that use the center for MOHRE transactions are natural leads for PRO package upsells.

What technology systems do Tasheel centers use?

Tasheel centers access MOHRE’s proprietary Tasheel transaction processing system, which is a web-based application provided by MOHRE with unique login credentials for each franchised center. The system is updated by MOHRE to reflect current government fee schedules, available service types, and processing procedures. In addition, Tasheel centers use standard office technology: UAE customer management systems, document scanning hardware (MOHRE-specified models), a secure payment terminal for government fee collection (integrated with UAE payment gateways), and queue management systems (for high-volume centers). MOHRE mandates specific hardware specifications for biometric handling where required by the transaction type. Total hardware investment at center setup: AED 30,000–80,000.

How much can a Tasheel or Amer center earn per month?

Monthly earnings depend heavily on location, transaction volume, and service mix. A high-traffic Tasheel center in an industrial area serving large employer workforces can generate AED 150,000–400,000 per month in gross revenue (before government fee pass-throughs). After direct costs (government fees remitted to MOHRE, staff, rent, technology), net monthly income of AED 30,000–120,000 is achievable for well-managed high-volume centers. Average-traffic centers in mixed residential/commercial areas typically generate AED 50,000–150,000 gross, with net income of AED 10,000–50,000 per month. Amer centers in Dubai residential hotspots — processing high volumes of family visa and residency renewal transactions — can achieve similar or higher revenue, given the higher per-transaction charges for GDRFA services (AED 100–300 per transaction vs. Tasheel’s AED 50–200).