If you would like to work and live in the United Arab Emirates, then you need to know the UAE Labor Card.
This convenient but official paper is your legal work status, qualifies you for benefits, and protects you under the UAE labor laws.
You’re going to Dubai to work for a multinational company or going to Sharjah to work for an Arabic company?
This guide leads you through it all—eligibility and application, all the way through to charges, renewals, and workers’ rights.
What is the UAE Labor Card?
The UAE Labor Card is an authentic document printed by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) on behalf of legitimate private sector UAE employees (not free zone, who also possess their authorities). It is proof of employment and includes the following details:
- Full name of employee
- Labor card number
- Nationality
- Occupational/professional title
- Work permit number
- Name and establishment number of employer
- Expiry and issue date of card
- MoHRE QR Code or electronic approval
In short, the card makes your work to be law-governed, providing the employer and employee with a sense of security and transparency.
Who is Eligible for a UAE Labor Card?
To become eligible for a UAE Labor Card, the applicant must meet the following:
Basic Eligibility Requirements:
- Age: 18 to 60 years (there may be exceptions in some skilled professions).
- Job: Must possess a valid employment offer and employment contract from a UAE private company.
- Residency Visa: Must possess a valid UAE residence visa.
- Medical Fitness Certificate: Must possess a medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved medical center.
- Security Clearance Certificate: Must possess a clean record certified by UAE authorities.
- Educational Qualifications: Mandatory for some types of employment; requires attestation.
Not Eligible:
- Visitors or tourists.
- Dependent visa holders who have converted.
- Freelancers not on approved platforms.
- Government employees (they receive individual employment ID cards).
Application Process and Required Documents
Employees as well as employers have their share in getting a labor card. Following is the step-by-step procedure:
Step-by-Step Application Process:
Here is a step by step procedure of how to the application process worked.
1. Job Offer and MoHRE Pre-Approval
Your job offer and company sponsorship request are given by your employer and are pre-approved.
2. Processing of Entry Permit/Visa
After approval, a 60-day temporary entry permit is issued if you are outside the country.
3. Medical Fitness Test
On arrival into the UAE or locally status change, the employee must undergo a mandatory health test in one of the listed medical centers.
4. Registration of Emirates ID
At the same time, the employee submits an application for the Emirates ID to an ICP center.
5. Signing of Employment Contract
Employee and employer sign a MoHRE-standard labor contract, i.e., job designation, salary, benefits, and working hours.
6. Submission of Documents
Employer submits all the documents to MOHRE for the issuance of the Labor Card and Work Permit.
Documents Required (Submission by Employer)
- Copy of passport of Employee
- White-background passport-sized photo
- Copy of Residence visa (entry permit for new arrival)
- Emirates ID application receipt
- this is a medical test certificate
- Actionable academic certificates (if required, attested)
- Signed. labor contract
- company trade license and establishment card
UAE Labor Card Check Online
Your UAE Labor Card verification or download. Here is how it has been made easy for you:
MoHRE Android/iOS Mobile App:
- Download and install the MOHRE app.
- Sign up with UAE Pass or mobile/email login.
- Go to My Dashboard > Labor Card or Documents.
- Verify or download your labor card in PDF.
MoHRE Website:
- Access mohre.gov.ae.
- Go to e-Services > Employee Services > My Contract.
- Enter your passport number and birth date or Emirates ID.
- Confirm your employment information, i.e.: labor card number, expiry, and company.
UAE Labor Card Fees, Expiry, and Fines
The cost of applying for or renewing your work permit depends on the current company. There are different fees for different applications.
1. Labor Card Fees:
Labor card charges depend on your employer’s classification (A, B, or C category) and level of skill:
- AED 250 to AED 3,450
- Labor permit, labor card issuance, and administration fees.
Note: The employer will have to absorb such charges according to UAE labor law.
2. Validity and Expiry:
- Labor Cards is valid for 2 years (in the majority of private sector employment).
- Free zones provide cards with the 1 or 3 year validity as per authority.
3. Delay Fines:
- AED 100/day upon lapse of labor card.
- Delay fines can be imposed on companies with prospects of suspension of hiring new personnel or blacklisting.
- Lapse of the labor card can also affect Emirates ID and visa renewals.
Modification and Renewal of Existing Labor Card
If you are applying for a certain modification or a renewal of your labor card uae then this
Renewal Process:
- Begin 30 to 60 days before card expiration date.
- Second medical check-up and renewal of Emirates ID.
- Employer presents MoHRE with new contract in case of modified.
Modifiable Fields:
- Occupation or profession
- Monthly salary or allowances
- Employer (in case of transfer within)
- Company or contact
MoHRE approval on any modification, and new contract signed by both parties.
New UAE Employment Regulations Updates in 2023
The Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, which came into effect from February 2022 and was amended up to 2023, presented a series of changes in UAE labor and employment law:
Key Changes:
- Forced Fixed-Term Contracts: All new recruit contracts are fixed-term (up to 3 years) with an extension feature.
- Flexible Working Patterns Introduced: Consists of part-time, temporary, remote, and freelance working visas.
- Probation Period Rules Strengthened: Z Workers must be given 14-day notice before cancellation on probation. Staff must give 1 month notice when switching employers.
- Ban on Non-Compete Clauses: Permitted only where reasonable and not for more than 2 years from the date of termination.
- Reformation of Gratuity – New Saving Scheme: A new End-of-Service Savings Scheme was introduced as a substitute for traditional gratuity.
- Harsher Penalties for Delayed Renewals: MOHRE began to enforce higher fines on employers for delay in the renewal of work cards or visas.
Labor Card Advantages: Access to Employee Benefits and Protections
Here are a few advantages of Labor card uae that you would like to know about.
1. Legal and Workplace Protections
- Legally hired UAE status verification.
- Dispute settlement at MOHRE.
- Shield against illegal termination.
- Compensation upon workplace injury or death.
2. Employment Benefits
- Health insurance (employer-mandatory).
- Annual leave (30 calendar days after a year).
- Sick leave (maximum 90 days/year with proof).
- Gratuity pay after 1 year.
- Maternity/Paternity leave and family-friendly workplace.
3. Other Uses of Labor Card
- Bank account opening
- Sponsoring family members
- Credit card or loan facilities
- Tenancy contracts
- Driving license application
UAE Labor Card FAQs
Here are a few questions that others have asked on the topic that might help you out to have a better understanding of the topic on hand.
It holds you in lawful employment and it gives you access to such benefits as wages, insurance, and end-of-service wages.
No. Working without a labor card in the UAE is against the law and may result in deportation or fines.
Normally 2 years in the private sector. Free zones could be 1 or 3-year valid.
The employer needs to apply and pay for it.
No. You will need to apply for a job transfer or end job and a new labor card with the new employer.
Through the MoHRE app or mohre.gov.ae. Login through UAE Pass and download in PDF format.
The Importance of Labor Card UAE
The UAE Labor Card is not an afterthought—it’s the gateway to a safe, legal, and regulated UAE labor life.
It ensures workers’ rightful wages and benefits. To employers, it is an easy way out of the hassle of dealing with evolving labor legislation.
Understanding the application process, renewal date, benefits, and changes in regulations is crucial to each UAE worker and business.
Because the government becomes paperless, never easier is it to track your labor card online—compliance and business achievement at your fingertips.
