A UAE labour card is the commonly used name for the electronic work-permit record issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) that authorises an employee to work legally for a specific employer in the UAE mainland private sector. UAE law requires the employer to obtain the correct work permit before employing a worker; working without it can expose both parties to fines and regulatory action, though it does not automatically strip a worker of every legal protection.
With the UAE private-sector workforce growing 12.4% during 2025 and a further 2.5% in the first quarter of 2026, according to the MoHRE Labour Market Observatory, more businesses than ever are navigating the labour card process. Whether you are a new hire, an HR manager, or a business owner, this guide explains what a UAE labour card means, who needs one, the documents involved, official fees, processing times, status checks, downloads, renewals and cancellations.
What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?
The term “labour card” is commonly used for the worker’s electronic work-permit record maintained by MoHRE. It is tied to your employment contract and should not be confused with an Emirates ID.
Every labour card record contains:
- Employee’s full name
- Job title/occupation
- Employer name and establishment number
- Work permit number
- Card validity dates
- MoHRE file reference
The card is not a physical card you carry in your wallet. Since the UAE moved to a fully digital system, it exists as a digital record accessible via the MoHRE portal and the MoHRE UAE smart app.
Who Needs a Labour Card?
Every expatriate and UAE national working in the mainland private sector for an establishment registered with MoHRE must hold a valid work permit. This includes full-time employees, part-time workers, and those on fixed-term contracts.
Free-zone employees receive an equivalent work permit from their respective free-zone authority (for example, JAFZA, DMCC or IFZA) instead of a MoHRE labour card. Government-sector workers, domestic workers and freelancers follow separate permit systems.
Do Golden Visa Holders Need a Work Permit?
Yes. Holding a Golden Visa removes the need for employer-sponsored residence, but it does not remove the work-permit requirement. A private-sector employer registered with MoHRE must apply for the Golden Visa Holder Work Permit before employing the individual. This permit is normally valid for two years and allows Golden Visa holders to keep their long-term residence while being legally employed by a MoHRE-registered company.
UAE Labour Card 2026: Key Legal Basis
The UAE labour card is governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations in the Private Sector. Under this law, the employer, not the employee, is legally responsible for applying for and maintaining the work permit.
Employer obligations under UAE law:
- Apply for the work permit so that the contract is submitted within 60 days of the employee entering the UAE or completing an in-country status change
- Submit the signed employment contract to MoHRE within 14 days of work-permit issuance (Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022)
- Renew the permit before it expires
- Cancel the permit when employment ends
- Ensure the job title on the record matches the actual role
Failure to comply can trigger fines, work bans, visa cancellations and suspension of the employer’s MoHRE establishment account.
Documents Required for a UAE Labour Card Application
The following are typically required when applying for a new work permit through MoHRE.
From the employer:
- Valid trade licence
- MoHRE establishment card/company file credentials
- Signed fixed-term employment contract (all private-sector contracts have been fixed-term since 2 February 2022)
- Job offer letter matching the contract terms
Relating to the employee:
- A recent colour photograph with a white background
- A passport copy valid for at least six months
- The official MoHRE job-offer form signed by employer and employee
- Academic certificates where required for the relevant skill level
- A professional licence where the occupation is legally regulated
Workers from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Iraq and Iran must also provide a clear copy of both sides of the valid national identity card issued by their home country.
Academic qualification thresholds (standard overseas permit):
- Skill levels 1 and 2: bachelor’s degree or higher
- Skill levels 3 and 4: diploma or higher
- Skill level 5: secondary-school certificate
- Skill levels 6 to 9: no academic certificate normally required for the permit
Pro tip: For regulated professions, such as healthcare, teaching, fitness training, law and certain other occupations, approval from the relevant licensing authority is required before submitting to MoHRE. Requirements differ by occupation and emirate, so not every role within a field automatically needs the same approval. Missing this step is one of the most common causes of application delays.
Note that medical fitness testing, residence approval and Emirates ID registration generally belong to the later residence stage rather than the first work-permit application.
How to Get a Labour Card in the UAE (Step-by-Step)
The process is handled entirely by the employer. Employees cannot apply directly.
- Step 1: Employer submits a work permit application. Log in to the MoHRE portal (mohre.gov.ae) or use the Work Bundle (workinuae) platform, MoHRE’s integrated system that reduces the process from 15 steps to 5 and cuts in-person visits from 7 to 2. Under the 2026 Zero Government Bureaucracy upgrades, MoHRE reports work-permit processing time has been cut by around 95%, with identity, passport, contract and qualification checks verified in under a minute.
- Step 2: Upload required documents. Upload the employee’s passport, entry permit (for those applying from outside the UAE who do not yet hold a residence visa), employment contract and any professional approvals.
- Step 3: Pay the applicable fees. Fees are calculated based on the company’s MoHRE classification (see Fee Breakdown below).
- Step 4: MoHRE reviews and approves. For cleanly documented applications, MoHRE’s AI-based verification can now clear the work-permit step very quickly under the 2026 digital system; cases needing manual review take longer. Confirm current processing times on the official portal before applying.
- Step 5: Labour card issued digitally. Once approved, the labour card is linked to the employee’s records and available for download via the MoHRE portal or app.
Alternative route: Applications can also be submitted in person at any Tas’heel service centre, which charges a small additional typing and service fee per transaction.
UAE Labour Card Fees 2026
Labour card fees in the UAE are not a flat rate. They depend on your employer’s MoHRE classification, which reflects the company’s compliance with UAE labour law, the Wages Protection System (WPS), relevant MoHRE resolutions, workers’ rights rules and the policy of promoting cultural and demographic diversity.
For work-permit fees, the official classification is Category A, B or C:
- Category A establishments that meet general labour-market requirements and at least one additional qualifying criterion set by MoHRE (such as Emiratisation, training UAE nationals or supporting diversity).
- Category B establishments that comply with the relevant laws and workforce-diversity requirements but do not meet the additional criteria needed for Category A. A business can be fully compliant and still sit in Category B.
- Category C establishments with recorded or serious violations involving labour law, wages, worker protection, false information or unauthorised employment.
The official cost of issuing or renewing a two-year work permit ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450, depending on classification.
| MoHRE Category | Classification basis | Work Permit Fee (2 Years) |
|---|---|---|
| Category A | Meets requirements + extra qualifying criteria | AED 250–300 |
| Category B | Compliant, no extra Category A criteria | AED 1,200 (indicative) |
| Category C | Recorded violations | Up to AED 3,450 |
Indicative figures. Note: “1/2/3” labels appear in wider Emiratisation contexts, but the official labelling for work-permit fees is A/B/C.
Additional costs to budget for:
- Medical fitness test: AED 200–350 (varies by emirate)
- Emirates ID: AED 100–370 (depending on visa duration)
- Typing / Tas’heel processing fee: AED 100–300 (if not using the online portal directly)
Always verify the exact fee for your company’s category on the official MoHRE portal at mohre.gov.ae, as fees are subject to change without notice.
UAE Labour Card Processing Time
Under the 2026 system, the work-permit verification step itself is near-instant for cleanly documented files; overall timelines still vary by channel.
| Application Type | Processing Time |
|---|---|
| Standard online via the MoHRE portal | 3–7 working days |
| Fast-track processing | 3–5 working days |
| Via Tas’heel service centre | 5–10 working days |
Delays are most commonly caused by:
- Missing degree attestation for regulated roles
- WPS non-compliance by the employer
- Mismatch between the job offer letter and contract terms
- Pending medical fitness results
How to Check Your UAE Labour Card Status Online
Employees and employers can check the status of a work permit through three official channels.
Option 1: MoHRE UAE Smart App
- Download the MoHRE UAE app (available on iOS and Android)
- Log in using your UAE Pass
- Tap on your profile picture
- Select “Labour Card” to view your status, card number and a downloadable digital copy
Option 2: MoHRE Website
- Go to mohre.gov.ae
- Navigate to “Services” → “New Enquiry Services”
- Select “Print Electronic Work Permit” and enter the requested permit or transaction details
Option 3: Tas’heel Centre. Visit any Tas’heel centre with your passport or Emirates ID, and staff can pull up your labour card details on the spot.
How to Download Your UAE Labour Card
The UAE labour card is a fully digital document there is no physical card to collect.
Via the MoHRE app:
- Open the MoHRE UAE app and sign in with UAE Pass
- Tap your profile icon
- Scroll to “View Labour Card”
- Tap “Download” to save a PDF copy
Via the MoHRE portal:
- Log in at mohre.gov.ae
- Go to “Enquiry Services” → “Print Electronic Work Permit”
- Enter the requested permit or transaction details to access and download the record
The electronic work permit is an official MoHRE record. A bank, government office or other organisation may still request an Emirates ID, employment contract, salary certificate or additional supporting document alongside it.
UAE Labour Card Validity
- Private-sector employees: valid for 2 years.
The card is tied to the employment contract. If the contract ends, the permit must be cancelled. Government-sector and free-zone staff are covered by separate authorities and are not issued a standard MoHRE labour card, so the “3-year” figure sometimes quoted for government roles does not apply to a MoHRE private-sector card.
Renewal should begin around 60 days before the expiry date to avoid any processing gaps.
UAE Labour Card Renewal Process 2026
Renewal follows the same process as the initial application and is the employer’s responsibility.
Steps to renew:
- Log in to the MoHRE portal or visit a Tas’heel centre
- Navigate to “Work Permit Services” → “Renew Work Permit”
- Upload updated documents (Emirates ID, passport, contract if changed)
- Pay the renewal fee based on your company’s classification
- MoHRE processes the renewal typically within 3–5 working days for online applications
When to start: begin at least 60 days before the card’s expiry date to avoid penalties and allow buffer time for any documentation issues.
Penalties for Late Renewal or Non-Compliance
Missing renewal deadlines is costly.
- Late renewal (failure to renew within 60 days of expiry): AED 200 per month, up to a maximum of AED 2,000, under Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020.
- Continued non-renewal: the AED 200 per month accrues to the AED 2,000 cap.
- Working without a valid work permit can result in an employee work ban, visa cancellation and potential deportation.
- Employer consequences: MoHRE establishment account suspension, blocking all new visa and labour card applications until fines are cleared and compliance is restored.
Check and pay outstanding MoHRE fines at any time via the Fine Calculator on mohre.gov.ae or at any Tas’heel centre.
Key Labour Card Rules and Digital Services in 2026
The UAE continues to modernise its labour compliance framework. Points that matter for labour card holders and employers in 2026:
- Work Bundle. Introduced in March 2024 and expanded across all emirates in June 2024, this platform combines work-permit issuance, status adjustment, contract issuance, medical examination, Emirates ID registration, residence issuance, renewals and cancellations into one journey, reducing steps, documents and in-person visits. Under the 2026 Zero Government Bureaucracy upgrades, MoHRE reports work-permit processing time has been cut by around 95%, with data verification completed in under a minute.
- WPS compliance for renewals. Employers who are not compliant with the Wages Protection System face barriers to work-permit renewal.
- Minimum wage for Emirati private-sector employees. From 1 January 2026, the minimum monthly wage for Emirati citizens in the private sector increased to AED 6,000, applying to new, renewed and amended citizen work permits. Establishments employing eligible Emiratis before that date were given until 30 June 2026 to adjust salaries.
- Fixed-term contracts. All private-sector contracts have been fixed-term since 2 February 2022, so every work permit must reflect fixed-term contract terms. This is an established rule rather than a new 2026 change.
- Working for more than one employer. This is permitted through the correct MoHRE permit, such as an approved part-time permit. Part-time and multiple-employer arrangements existed before 2026 and are not a new reform — but they must be formally registered rather than handled informally.
UAE Labour Card Cancellation: What Happens When Employment Ends
When an employee resigns, is terminated or reaches the end of the contract, the employer normally needs to cancel the MoHRE work permit and employment contract.
Cancellation steps:
- The employer submits the work permit and employment contract cancellation through MoHRE.
- Any required fines or outstanding permit matters are addressed.
- The employer confirms the employee’s employment dues have been handled as required.
- MoHRE processes the work-permit cancellation.
- The employer or sponsor then completes the separate residence-cancellation process through ICP or the relevant residency authority.
Work-permit cancellation does not automatically complete residence cancellation the two are connected but legally and administratively separate.
Grace period after residence cancellation. There is no universal 30-day grace period for every resident. Current rules provide different periods by residence category, which may include 180 days for certain long-term residents, 90 days for certain skilled workers and property owners, 60 days for some sponsored residence categories and 30 days for others. Always check the final departure or status-change date in the official immigration record; remaining beyond the applicable grace period can lead to overstay fines.
End-of-service benefits. Eligible private-sector employees may be entitled to end-of-service gratuity when employment ends, subject to length of service, employment dates, contract terms, applicable UAE labour law, any alternative savings scheme, amounts already paid and lawful deductions.
Get Help with UAE Labour Compliance
Managing labour cards, payroll, WPS compliance and employment contracts for a growing team is a significant administrative burden especially when your company’s MoHRE classification directly affects how much you pay in labour card fees.
At Bestax Chartered Accountants, we support businesses in Dubai and across the UAE with:
- Payroll Services: ensuring WPS compliance so your company maintains Category A status and lower labour card fees
- Business Setup Services: handling MoHRE registration, trade licence applications and employee onboarding compliance
- Accounting & Bookkeeping: clean financial records that support strong MoHRE compliance scores
- Golden Visa Service: for eligible professionals exploring an alternative to the standard sponsored-employment route
Our team understands the nuances of UAE labour compliance, from MoHRE category assessments to WPS reporting to employment contract requirements. Many of our clients have moved from Category B or C to Category A simply by addressing payroll and compliance gaps, saving thousands of dirhams in labour card fees each year.
Quick (FAQs)
What is a labour card in the UAE?
A labour card (also called a work permit or MoHRE labour card) is a digital document issued by MoHRE that confirms an employee’s legal right to work for a specific employer in the mainland UAE. It includes the employee’s name, job title, employer details and work permit number.
How do I get a labour card in the UAE?
Labour cards are applied for by the employer, not the employee, through the MoHRE portal or a Tas’heel centre. For a new contract, the application generally must be submitted within 60 days of the employee entering the UAE or completing an in-country status change not 60 days from the hiring date.
How much does a UAE labour card cost in 2026?
Work-permit fees range from AED 250 (Category A companies) to AED 3,450 (Category C companies), depending on the employer’s MoHRE classification. Medical tests, Emirates ID and any service-centre fees are separate residence/identity costs, not part of the labour-card fee itself. Always check the latest fees at mohre.gov.ae.
How long does UAE labour card processing take?
Online processing is typically a few working days, and under MoHRE’s 2026 digital system, the verification step is near-instant for cleanly documented applications. Tas’heel in-person applications may take longer, and cases needing manual review take longer still.
How do I check my UAE labour card status?
Use the MoHRE UAE app (log in with UAE Pass) or visit mohre.gov.ae and navigate to “New Enquiry Services” → “Print Electronic Work Permit.”
How do I download my UAE labour card?
Open the MoHRE UAE app, sign in with UAE Pass, and open your work-permit record to download a PDF. You can also use the “Print Electronic Work Permit” service on the MoHRE portal.
What is the validity of a UAE labour card?
2 years for private-sector employees. Government and free-zone staff fall under separate authorities and are not issued a standard MoHRE labour card.
What happens if my labour card is not renewed on time?
Failure to renew within 60 days of expiry incurs a fine of AED 200 per month, capped at AED 2,000 (Article 3 of Cabinet Resolution No. 21 of 2020). Employees without a valid card risk work bans and visa cancellation, and employers may have their MoHRE accounts suspended.
Can employees in free zones get a MoHRE labour card?
No. Free-zone employees receive work permits from their respective free-zone authority (for example JAFZA, DMCC or IFZA). The function is similar to a mainland labour card but is governed by the free zone’s own regulations.
Does a Golden Visa holder need a work permit?
Yes. A Golden Visa removes the need for employer-sponsored residence, but a MoHRE-registered employer must still obtain a Golden Visa Holder Work Permit before employing the individual.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog is for general informational purposes only. For professional assistance and advice, please contact experts.
