The labour card in the UAE is the official work permit that proves your right to work. Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or by a free zone authority, it links directly to your Emirates ID and employment record. Without a valid labour card, you cannot legally work in the UAE, and employers risk heavy fines if they hire without one.
In this guide, we explain why the labour card matters, what it contains, who needs it, and how to apply, check, renew, and stay compliant in 2025.
What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?
A labour card, also known as a work permit, is the digital record of your legal employment in the UAE. It contains essential information about you and your job, including your name, nationality, employer, job title, work permit number, and validity dates.
Historically, a physical plastic card was issued. Today, the system is fully digital and integrated with UAE Pass and Emirates ID. You may not carry a card in your wallet, but your details are always available through official portals.
The legal requirement for a labour card comes from Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. Article 6 states that no person may work without a valid permit and no employer may hire without obtaining one.
What Information Does a Labour Card Contain?
The labour card record includes:
- Full name and nationality.
- Job title (occupation).
- Employer name (sponsor).
- Work permit number and labour card number.
- Personal ID number.
- Issue and expiry dates.
The labour card number is a 14-digit unique identifier. It plays a key role in salary transfers through the Wage Protection System (WPS), recordkeeping, and renewals.
While the Emirates ID is the primary physical identification, labour card details remain essential and must always be up to date.
Emirates ID vs Labour Card: How They Work Together
Although closely linked, the Emirates ID and the labour card serve different purposes:
- Labour Card: Issued by MoHRE or a free zone authority. Confirms your right to work legally and contains employment information.
- Emirates ID: Issued by the Federal Authority for Identity and Citizenship (ICP). Serves as your official identification for banking, healthcare, and all government services.
They are not interchangeable, but your labour card is tied directly to your Emirates ID record. You need both to remain compliant with UAE law.
Why the Labour Card Matters
The labour card is much more than an administrative requirement. It protects both employer and employee by ensuring:
- Legal right to work in the UAE.
- Timely salary payments through the Wage Protection System (WPS).
- Access to leave, sick pay, and end-of-service benefits.
- Employer-provided health insurance.
- Protection under UAE labour law, including working hours and overtime pay.
- Access to government services and visa applications.
By holding a valid labour card, employees are guaranteed their rights, while employers demonstrate compliance with UAE regulations. This is why every employment relationship in the country begins and ends with a labour card.
Who Needs a Labour Card in the UAE?
Every employee working in the UAE requires a labour card, whether employed in the mainland or in a free zone. This applies to:
- Expatriates employed by private sector companies.
- UAE nationals employed in government and semi-government roles.
- Free zone employees, sponsored by their zone authorities (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, DIFC).
Examples:
- Family-Sponsored Worker: Spouse on family visa requires a work permit to take a job.
- Changing Jobs: Old labour card must be cancelled; new one issued under new employer.
- Part-Time Worker: Part-time permit required for multiple employers.
- Golden Visa Holder: Must still obtain a labour card from the employer.
- Free Zone Employee: Employment card issued by the zone authority.
Key Eligibility Requirements
- Age: Between 18 and 60. Permits can be issued above 60 but are renewed yearly.
- Valid job offer and employment contract.
- Educational or professional qualifications (for skilled roles).
- Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE health centre.
Employers are responsible for applying on behalf of employees. Employees should never work without an active labour card.
Types of Labour Cards and Work Permits
The UAE issues different types of work permits depending on your employment situation:
Standard Work Permit
Issued to new employees hired from abroad. This permit allows companies to bring foreign workers into the UAE and is typically valid for two years.
Free Zone Employment Card
Issued by free zone authorities such as JAFZA, DMCC, or DIFC. Validity can range from one to three years, depending on the free zone’s regulations.
Transfer Work Permit
For employees already in the UAE who are moving from one employer to another. This avoids the need to exit the country and start the process from scratch.
Temporary Work Permit
Used for short-term projects or assignments, often lasting up to six months. This is common for project-based industries where employment is not permanent.
Mission Work Permit
A short-term permit, valid for up to 90 days, designed for specialists or consultants brought in for a specific task or project
Part-Time Work Permit
Allows professionals to legally work for more than one employer at the same time. Each part-time arrangement must be approved by MoHRE.
Juvenile Work Permit
Issued for workers aged 15 to 18. It is subject to strict rules on working hours and job types to protect young employees.
Student Internship/Training Permit
Enables students to gain work experience through internships or training programmes. Typically valid for three months and requires guardian consent.
National Trainee Permit
Designed for Emirati nationals in training programmes. It supports Emiratisation by giving UAE citizens hands-on work experience.
Golden Visa Holder Permit
For residents holding a long-term 10-year Golden Visa who wish to take up employment. It allows companies to legally hire Golden Visa holders.
Freelance Work Permit
Grants self-employed individuals the ability to work independently in the UAE. Freelancers can take on projects with multiple clients without being tied to a single employer.
Private Teacher Permit
Allows qualified professionals to provide private tutoring legally in the UAE. This helps regulate the education sector and protect both teachers and students.
Most permits are valid for two years. Government roles often allow three years, while employees above 60 are renewed annually.
Documents Required for Labour Card Application
For Employees
- Passport copy (minimum 6 months validity).
- Recent passport-size photos.
- Educational certificates (attested if required).
- Entry permit or current visa copy.
- Medical fitness certificate.
For Employers
- Trade licence copy.
- Establishment card.
- Signed employment contract.
- Application form submitted via MoHRE or free zone system.
How to Apply for a Labour Card in the UAE
For Mainland Employment (MoHRE Process)
1. Job Offer and Contract: A formal offer is signed through MoHRE.
2. Work Permit Application: Employer applies for quota and work permit.
3. Entry Permit Issued: Overseas employees receive a pink visa.
4. Medical Test and Emirates ID: Employee undergoes medical checks and biometric capture.
5. Residence Visa Stamping: Visa is issued digitally or stamped on the passport.
6. Labour Card Issuance: MoHRE issues the electronic labour card, usually within 5 working days.
Tawjeeh centres may be involved in onboarding and training for certain workers, especially in skill levels 3 and below. Tas’heel centres also assist with processing applications.
For Free Zone Employment
Each free zone has its own system. For example:
- JAFZA: Digital employee cards via the JAFZA app.
- DIFC: Access via the DIFC client portal or government services desk.
- DMCC: Employment card issued through the DMCC member portal.
Employees in free zones are not covered by federal labour law but must follow their zone’s regulations.
How to Check Your Labour Card Online
Employees can access their labour card details through several official channels:
MOHRE App
- Download “MOHRE UAE”.
- Log in with UAE Pass.
- Tap Employee > Labour Card.
- View, download, or print.
UAE Pass App
- Download “UAE PASS”.
- Log in and go to Documents.
- Select MoHRE > Labour Card.
- Link to Emirates ID and retrieve details.
MOHRE Website
- Visit mohre.gov.ae.
- Go to Services > New Enquiry Services.
- Select “Print Electronic Work Permit”.
- Enter work permit number, person code, and date of birth.
- View and print a PDF copy.
Source: MOHRE
Tas’heel Centres
Visit in person with your Emirates ID and passport to print or verify records.
Free Zone Portals
Check through your free zone system (e.g., JAFZA, DIFC, DMCC).
Labour Card Renewal in the UAE
Labour cards must be renewed before expiry to remain valid.
- Validity: 2 years in mainland (3 years in some government roles). 1–3 years in free zones. 1 year for employees over 60.
- Renewal Window: 50 days before expiry to 50 days after.
- Required Documents: Updated passport, Emirates ID, medical certificate (if required), and employer’s trade licence.
- Process: Employer submits renewal via MoHRE or free zone portal. Tas’heel centres can also process renewals for mainland companies.
Failure to renew on time leads to fines and suspension of new work permits.
Labour Card Fees and Costs in 2025
The cost of a labour card in the UAE depends on the employer’s classification under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) system. This tiered system rewards companies that comply with labour laws and penalises those that do not.
Mainland (MOHRE) Fee Tiers
| Category | Fee (2 Years) | Compliance Level | Examples of Criteria |
|---|---|---|---|
| Category 1 | AED 250 | High compliance | Salaries paid on time via WPS, meets Emiratisation targets, provides proper accommodation, employs more skilled workers. |
| Category 2 | AED 1,200 | Moderate compliance | Generally compliant but does not meet all benchmarks for Category 1. Sub-divided (A, B, C) based on mix of skilled vs. unskilled workers. |
| Category 3 | AED 3,450 | Low compliance | Repeated labour law violations, WPS salary delays, hiring without permits, heavy reliance on low-skilled workers. |
Other Costs
- Lost or damaged card replacement: around AED 200.
- Hiring employees over 65: additional AED 5,000 surcharge.
This system makes it clear: companies that follow the rules and invest in skilled staff pay the lowest fees, while those that cut corners face higher costs. Failing to pay the correct fee or cutting corners leads to penalties, which MoHRE enforces strictly.
Penalties for Not Having a Valid Labour Card
Penalties are strict for both employees and employers. MoHRE inspectors, under Article 166 of the UAE Labour Law, conduct regular field inspections to check that companies are compliant.
| Violation | Penalty | Who Is Liable | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Late Application or Renewal | AED 500 | Employer | Fine applies if the labour card is not issued within 60 days of entry or not renewed within the grace period. |
| Working Without a Permit | Up to AED 50,000 per employee | Employer and Employee | Employer fined per worker; employees risk deportation or a work ban. |
| Repeat Violations | Higher fines and suspension of permits | Employer | Companies may be banned from obtaining new work permits until compliance is restored. |
| Serious Cases | AED 100,000–1,000,000 | Employer (and Employee in extreme cases) | For major breaches such as illegal hiring, fraudulent practices, or systemic non-compliance. |
What To Do If Your Labour Card Is Missing, Incorrect, or Not Found
If you want to avoid these penalties, here’s what to do if your labour card is missing or incorrect.
Mainland Employees:
- Check Inputs: Ensure the correct work permit number and date of birth.
- Check Processing Status: New permits may take a few days to appear.
- Contact MoHRE: Call 600-590000 for assistance.
- Visit Tas’heel Centres: Bring your Emirates ID and passport to retrieve or correct details.
Free Zone Employees:
- Contact your company PRO or HR department.
- Use free zone customer support channels.
- Visit the free zone authority’s office with ID and documents.
Talk to Virtuzone
Staying on top of labour card requirements is essential if you want your business to run smoothly in the UAE. Missing a deadline or filing the wrong paperwork can lead to costly fines and unnecessary stress.
At Virtuzone, we handle the entire process for you. Whether you need a new labour card, a renewal, or support with free zone employee cards and WPS compliance, our PRO team makes sure everything is done quickly and correctly.
If you are ready to save time and stay compliant, contact us today. One of our experts will walk you through the steps, answer your questions, and make sure your employees are covered so you can focus on growing your business.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get a labour card after approval?
Once the work permit is approved and all documents are submitted, MoHRE usually issues the labour card within 5 working days. Free zones may have slightly different timelines, but most issue the card within one week.
How do I replace a lost labour card?
If your digital record cannot be retrieved or you need a formal replacement, your employer can request one through MoHRE or a Tas’heel centre. A replacement fee of around AED 200 usually applies.
What if my labour card shows incorrect details?
Contact your employer immediately. Employers can apply for a modification request through MoHRE to correct errors such as job title, name spelling, or passport number. Supporting documents may be required.
Is my labour card automatically renewed with my visa?
No. The visa and labour card are linked but require separate renewals. Your employer must submit both applications to ensure you remain compliant.
Can I hold two labour cards at once?
No. You cannot hold two active labour cards. If you want to work for multiple employers, your company must apply for a part-time work permit.
What happens if I change jobs?
Your old labour card must be cancelled and a new one issued under your new employer. The process may involve a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and termination of your current contract before the new application can be submitted.
Can I check my labour card status using Emirates ID?
Yes. MoHRE can retrieve your labour card details via your Emirates ID number. This is useful if you don’t know your labour card number.
Does the labour card include health insurance?
No. Health insurance is mandatory in the UAE, but details are kept separately. However, a valid labour card is required for your employer to enrol you in a health insurance plan.
