A UAE Labour Card is an essential document that allows employees to work legally in the United Arab Emirates. Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE). Every private-sector worker must have this card to confirm legal employment and access labour rights in the UAE. In this guide, you will learn what a labour card is, who needs it, how to apply, check it online, and keep it valid.
What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?
A Labour card is an official Document that allows Employees and Workers to work legally in the UAE. It is also known as a Work permit and is mainly required for people employed in the Private sector and Mainland companies. The Labor card registers workers in the Labor system and helps protect the Rights of both Employees and Employers under UAE Law.
The UAE Labor Card is issued by the MoHRE or by a relevant Free zone authority. This Card acts as a form of identification and contains important Information such as the worker’s Name, Nationality, Employer, Job title, Work permit number, and other Job details. This Record confirms legal Employment and gives Workers proper Access to Labour rights under UAE Law.
Who Needs a Labour Card in the UAE?
A Labor card is required for most Employees and Workers working legally in the UAE. It confirms legal Employment and Work authorization in the Country.
Immigrants, Foreign workers, and Non-citizens hired by Private sector companies in the Mainland must have this Card to work for a registered Company.
Free zone employees working in Free Zone or Free Zones usually receive approval from their Zone authorities or another Authority, while mainland Private sector employees are registered through MOHRE.
In some Roles, UAE nationals working in Government entities follow a different System for employment documents.
In special cases, Individuals such as Tutors who provide private Lessons may need a Teacher Work Permit instead of a standard Labor card.
If you are working in the UAE, you can also calculate your end-of-service benefits using our free Gratuity Calculator.
Eligibility for a UAE Labour Card
- The eligibility criteria apply to workers, employees, and other individuals who want legal employment in the UAE.
- The age of the worker must generally be at least 18 years, although some exceptions may apply depending on the job role.
- Applicants must have the required qualifications related to the job and receive a valid job offer from a registered or hiring company.
- A medical fitness test is required to confirm the employee’s health, and the applicant must complete the necessary examination process.
- A valid work permit must be issued through MOHRE before starting work.
- Company compliance is important the company must have a valid trade license and should not have any violations.
- In some cases, additional certification from the employee’s home country may also be required.
Types of Labour Cards and Work Permits
The UAE provides different types of Work permits options depending on the Employment situation and Requirements of a Person or Company. Each Card or Work Permit follows specific Rules, Validity, and Regulations based on the job role and the Employment structure in the Country.
Common Types of Work Permits
- Standard Work Permit: Issued when a Company hires a foreign Person to work in the UAE. It is one of the most common Work permits used by Companies and Employees.
- Free Zone Employment Card: A Free Zone Employment Card issued by Free zone authorities in Free zones such as JAFZA, DMCC, or DIFC, based on the Free zone Regulations.
- Transfer Work Permit: This Permit allows Employees already in the Country to change their Employer without restarting the full Process.
- Temporary Work Permit: This Permit is used for short Assignments in certain Industries, usually when work is needed for a limited Project period.
- Mission Work Permit: This Permit is issued for Specialists or Consultants hired for a specific task or project for a short time.
- Part-Time Work Permit: This Permit allows Employees to work under more than one Employer, with each Arrangement approved by MoHRE.
- Freelance Work Permit: This Permit allows Individuals, Professionals, and Freelancers to work independently and serve multiple Clients.
- Golden Visa Holder Permit: This permit applies to Golden Visa Residents, Holders, or participants of the Program who want to take part in legal Employment.
- Juvenile Work Permit: ThisPermit is issued for young Workers, and it includes strict rules related to Job types.
- Student Internship/Training Permit: This Permit allows Students to gain Work experience through Internships or Training programmes, usually requiring Guardian consent.
- National Trainee Permit: This Permit supports Emirati Nationals and Citizens through Emiratisation training programs.
- Private Teacher Permit: The Private Teacher Permit allows qualified Teachers to provide private Tutoring services while supporting the Education sector.
What Information Does a Labour Card Contain?
Important Information Included in a Labour Card
- Employee Name and Nationality
- A Labour Card Number and Work Permit Number used as official Identifiers.
- The worker’s Job Title / Occupation linked with the employing Company.
- Employer Details such as the Employer Name and sometimes the Company License Number.
- The Issuance Date, Expiration Date
Modern cards also include QR Code or Reference Number that allows Scanning from MOHRE App to view digital Employee Records.
Benefits of Having a Labor Card
- The UAE Labour Card plays an important role in managing Employee Benefits Systems in the Workplace. The Information on the card is used by Employers and Employees in Payroll Processing and Health Insurance Applications to manage work related Benefits correctly.
- When the correct Information is entered into company Systems, it helps track Work Hours, manage Sick Leave Payments, and calculate Annual Leave Entitlements . This makes daily employment management easier for both Employers and Employees.
- The card also helps maintain Compliance with UAE Employment Regulations under the Law. These rules include Maximum Working Hours (48 per week, 8 per day) and limits on Overtime across different Sectors, ensuring proper Compensation for extra work.
- It also supports better Working Conditions in the Workplace. Employers must follow required Standards, provide proper Safety Equipment, and prevent Discrimination based on Religion, Sex, or Disability.
Emirates ID vs Labour Card: How They Work Together
In the UAE, both the Emirates ID and the Labour Card are important document types used for legal work and identity purposes in the Country.
| Feature | Emirates ID | Labour Card |
| Type of Document | A national ID is used by every resident in the UAE. | An official Document confirming legal Employment and Work Permit status. |
| Issued By | Issued by ICP (Identity Authority) for residents in the Country. | Issued by MOHRE or a Free Zone Authority. |
| Who Uses It | Required for all Residents living in the UAE. | Mainly issued to Private Sector Workers working under an Employer. |
| Purpose | Used for official Transactions such as Banking, Healthcare, and Government Services. | Stores Employment Information like Job Title, Employer, and Work Permit Number to confirm Employment Legality. |
| Connection With Visa | Works as Residency Proof linked to the Residency Visa. | Linked to the Visa and confirms legal Employment for a Worker. |
| Application Process | Issued after the Application and Issuance procedures once residency is approved. | Employers apply for it after the Worker completes a Medical Check and receives a Work Permit. |
| System Integration | Connected through Integration with official Records used by government systems. | Works together with the Emirates ID to confirm legal work status. |
| Termination Process | If employment ends, the Cancellation of the Visa and card may follow. | During Termination, the Labour Card is usually cancelled first, which affects the Visa and Emirates ID. |
Documents Required for Labour Card Application
To complete process for a Labour Card in the UAE, both the Employee and the Employer must submit specific Documents to the MOHRE.
Employee Documents
- Passport Copy of the Employee.
- Recent Passport-size Photographs.
- Signed Employment Contract that confirms the Job Title.
- Valid Entrance Visa or Residency Visa.
- Educational Certificatesif required for the job role.
- Medical Fitness Report issued by a Clinic.
Employer Documents
- Valid Company Trade License of the Employer.
- Establishment Labour Card of the company.
- Company Labour File registered with MOHRE.
- Emirates ID and Signature Card for official approval.
UAE Labour Card Check Online And Validity
You can easily check your Labour Card or Labor Card Status in the UAE using following method.
Using the MoHRE Website
- Visit the MOHRE Website and open the Inquiry Service section.
- Choose the option to print the Electronic Work Permit.
- Enter details such as Personnel Number, Work Permit Number, or Passport Number.
- Add your Date of Birth, complete the Captcha, and use the Search Option.
The system will display your Labour Card Details, including the Digital Copy of the Labour Card with a download Option.
Using the MoHRE Mobile App
- Download the MOHRE Mobile App from App Stores on Android or iOS devices.
- Sign in with UAE Pass and open the Employee Section or Profile Section.
You can view your Labor Card Number, Employment details, and download the Digital Copy of Labor Card.
Watch this YouTube video for a clear and easy way to download the UAE Labour card.
Other Ways to Check Your Labour Card
- Visit a TasheelCenter or other Service Centers in the UAE for Assistance.
- You can also contact the Call Center (600 590 000) to get help regarding your Labor Card Status.
Labour Card Validity in UAE
In the UAE, labour cards for private-sector employees are usually valid for two years, while certain government or free zone roles may have a validity of up to three years.
Labour Card Fees in UAE 2026
In the UAE, the Labour Card has different Fees depending on the Company Category defined by the MOHRE.
Category 1 (High Compliance) – AED 250 for Companies with strong compliance records.
Category 2 ( Partial Compliance) – AED 1,200 for mid-level Company Category businesses.
Category 3 (Low Compliance) – AED 3,450 for Companies with lower compliance.
Additional Charges
AED 50 when submitting the Work Permit Request and Application.
AED 72 as Service Center Fees for processing services.
AED 200 if the Labour Card is lost or damaged.
AED 5,000 for a Worker (Above 65 Years).
Labour Card Renewal
The Labor Card Renewal is very important that ensures an Employee continues legal Employment in the UAE. A Labor Card usually has a Validity (2–3 Years) and must be renewed before te Expiry date. Employers should begin the process early because there is a Grace Period (50–60 Days) after expiry, and delays can result in Fines.
Documents Required for Labour Card Renewal
- Old Labor Card Copy
- Passport Copy
- Visa Copy
- Employment Contract (Updated)
- Trade License Copy
- Company Labour Establishment Card
- Photograph / Passport-size Photos
Steps for Labour Card Renewal
1.The Employer submits the renewal through the MOHRE Portal, MOHRE App, or Tasheel / Tas’heel Centers.
2.The Employment Contract (Updated) is reviewed to confirm ongoing Employment.
3.All Documents Required are uploaded according to official Requirements.
4.Renewal Fees are paid based on Company Classification.
For Employees Above 65 Years, renewal is still possible, but an extra AED 5,000 (Additional Fee for Employees Above 65 Years) applies within the Age Limit (65 Years)
Labour Card Cancellation
The Labour Card Cancellation is required when an Employee leaves a job due to Contract End, Resignation,Termination or Jobs change in the UAE. This cancellation process is handled by the Employer / Sponsor through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) using platforms such as the MOHRE Website,App, or registered Typing Centers (Tasheel / QSM). Once the Application is submitted, the process normally takes Processing Time (1–3 Working Days), depending on Approval from the authority.
Documents Required for Labour Card Cancellation
- Resignation / Termination Letter
- Passport (Original)
- Labour Card Copy
- Cancellation Form
- Dues Clearance Confirmation
Steps for Labour Card Cancellation
- The Employer begins the application submission and submits the cancellation request submission to MOHRE.
- Required Documentation is prepared and verified before submitting the request.
- The request is submitted through the MOHRE Website, App, or Typing Centres (Tasheel / QSM).
- MOHRE Approval: The authority reviews the request and provides MOHRE Approval.
- Certificate Issuance: After approval, a Certificate Issuance (Cancellation Certificate) is provided.
- Visa Cancellation: The final step is Visa Cancellation, which completes the process.
Labor Card Penalties in the UAE
In the UAE, violating Labour Card rules set by the MOHRE can lead to serious Penalties for both the Employer and Employee due to Non-Compliance.
Common Violations:
Working Without Valid Labour Card
Hiring Without Valid Labour Card
Late Renewal
Incorrec Information
Forged Documents
Penalty Range: Fine Range AED 500 – AED 50,000+, with severe cases reaching up to AED 1,000,000 (Severe Violations).
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I work without a labour card in the UAE?
No, you cannot legally work in the UAE without a valid labour card or work permit issued through MOHRE. - How to get a copy of UAE labour card online?
You can download a digital copy of your labour card from the MOHRE website or mobile app using your work permit details. - Tips for a smooth labour card number check
Use correct details such as passport number or work permit number and check through the official MOHRE website or app. - How to get a labour card in the UAE?
Your employer applies for the labour card through MOHRE after you sign the job offer, pass the medical test, and submit required documents. - How can I get a labor card in the UAE?
The employer submits the work permit request and documents through the MOHRE portal or Tasheel center to issue your labour card. - How do I check my labour card online?
Visit the MOHRE website or app, enter your passport or work permit number, and view your labour card details. - What is the purpose of labour card in UAE?
The labour card confirms your legal employment and allows you to work under UAE labour laws. - Can I enter the UAE without a labour card?
Yes, you can enter the UAE with an entry permit or visa, but you must obtain a labour card to work legally. - How to Download Your UAE Labour Card?You can download your UAE labour card through the MOHRE website or mobile app by logging in with your details. After accessing your profile, select the labour card option and download it as a PDF. This allows you to keep a digital copy for official use.
- How to Check Labour Card Status with Passport Number?You can check your UAE labour card status by visiting the MOHRE website or app and entering your passport number in the enquiry section. The system will display your employment and labour card details. This method is quick and helps verify your legal work status in the UAE.
Final Words:
The Labour Card plays an important role in confirming legal work status for employees in the UAE. It connects employment records with the MOHRE system and helps ensure workers receive proper rights and benefits. Employers and employees must follow the correct process for application, renewal, and cancellation to stay compliant with labour regulations. Keeping the labour card valid and updated helps avoid penalties and ensures smooth employment in the UAE.
