Labour Card UAE 2025: Rules, Costs, Validity, Renewal & Online Check Guide

Beginning a new job in the UAE can be very exciting and even stressful. You have so much to consider, such as your agreement, your pay, and your visa. Nevertheless, there is one very important thing that you cannot forget about, and that is your Labour Card UAE. With this card, you are certain that you can work in the country. In its absence, you can get into serious trouble, such as being fined hefty fines on your part and on behalf of your employer. The labour card is attached to your work permit and your Emirates ID; hence, everything should be similar.

In addition, it secures your rights as an employee since it displays your job designation, employer, and remuneration. The services, such as the wage protection system, are also provided with this card. Thus, it is quite important to get your labour card in time. This guide will clarify the rules, the cost, the validity, the process of renewal, as well as the process of checking it online at any time.

What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?

The Labour Card UAE is similar to your formal working ID. It certifies that you are permitted to work in the country. Additionally, this card is provided by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which regulates all employment issues. The labour card in the past was a small plastic card. But this time round, it is digital and can be accessed with ease on the MoHRE app or site. These details include your name, job title, employer’s name, and work permit number, which are crucial when you are carrying your card. Moreover, it connects your employment agreement to the Emirates ID. 

The onus is on the employers to apply for this card immediately after employment. In case of absence of a valid labour card, the employee as well as the employer may undergo strict fines as well as prosecution. Hence, a labour card is not a mere formality. Rather, it is the primary evidence of your legal working status.

Types of Labour Cards and Work Permits

Work permits are of various types in the UAE. All of them are dependent on your occupation and personal circumstances. Furthermore, the proper license should be selected. It assists in appropriate legal work and secures your employer to act in accordance with the law.

1. Standard Work Permit

This permit is a permission for foreign employees. It permits legal practice in the UAE and generally takes two years.

2. Transfer Permit

This license assists employees in switching employment within the UAE. It gets you through the process of transferring your sponsorship from one employer to another.

3. Free Zone Employment Card

Free zones such as JAFZA or DMCC issue them. Depending on zone regulations, validity is normally one to three years.

4. Temporary or Mission Permit

It is in case of small projects, consultants, or an emergency in the company. It does temporary employment with legal compliance maintained.

5. Part-Time Permit

The permit will enable employees to work more than one job. It can be used by professionals who desire to work flexibly.

6. Golden Visa Permit

This license applies to permanent UAE inhabitants. It facilitates stable employment, and it gives numerous future advantages.

Such permits are useful in controlling workers, industries, and ensuring that the labour law is followed in the UAE.

What Information Does a Labour Card Contain?

All the major job and personal information is stored on the labour card. For example:

• Nationality and name of employees.
• The name and the license number of the employer.
• Work permit number.
• Emirates ID number.
• Job title and contract type
• Salary and allowances.
• Issue and expiry date.

This information is also connected with the wage protection system UAE. This system ensures remunerations are paid on time using banks.

Who Needs a Labour Card in the UAE?

Labour Card UAE is a mandatory necessity for almost all workers. Furthermore, it concerns the employees of the private sector, the employees of the free zone, and even the special visa holders. In the absence of it, employment is unlawful.

1. Mainland firms that employ expats

To begin with, every foreigner employed by companies based on the mainland is obliged to possess a labour card. It enables them to prove that they have the legal right to work in the UAE.

2. Free zone staff

Second, a free zone employment card is also required for employees who will be hired in free zones. Their visa sponsorship is directly related to this card.

3. permits required for family-sponsored

After that, even the workers under the family sponsorship have to request a labour card. It guarantees that they are registered in the UAE during their employment.

4. Employees who are part-time and work in several jobs

Then, part-time employees require special permission. It also enables them to legally and safely work with several employers.

5. Golden Visa holders are employed

Lastly, the residents of the Golden Visa will also have to receive a labour card. In case they are employed, then this card will connect them to their employer.

Even training permit students and young employees between 15 and 18 years of age require special cards. The employers must arrange the permit.

Legal Framework Governing Labour Cards

The labour law compliance UAE is founded on Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. It substituted the old rules and established new ones. The law says:

• One cannot work without a work permit UAE.
• Employers are expected to enroll employees.
• Wages and contracts have to be in accordance with the labour card information.
• MoHRE enquiry services are in charge of violations.

The legislation secures the rights of employees. It also offers fair play on the part of the employers.

Eligibility for a UAE Labour Card

Some rules are required to obtain the MoHRE labour card application approval:

• Age must be between 18 and 60. Above 60, there is a special renewal which is annual.
• Valid job offer or contract.
• Certification of medical fitness.
• Professional or educational group requirements of professional positions.

The employers should also apply within 60 days of your entry. Delay means fines.

Documents Required for Labour Card Application

To apply for a Labour Card UAE, one will require the following papers:

• Passport (valid 6 months).
• New photograph (white background).
• Emirates ID application.
• Medical test report.
• Signed employment contract.
• Trade license of the company.
• Entry permit (if from abroad).

Free zones can request additional paperwork. As an example, zone-specific forms can be required by a free zone employment card.

How to Apply for a Labour Card in the UAE

The process of the MoHRE labour card application is not complicated, but it should be paid attention to. Further, the timely completion of every step is a guarantee of legal employment and cost elimination or time wastage.

1. Sign a job offer and contract

To begin with, the worker signs a job offer and employment contract. The step will affirm the working conditions, salary, and job description between the employer and the worker.

2. An online application for a work permit

Then the employer applies for a work permit online via MoHRE. It is done to legalize the worker, and the actual employment process starts.

3. Obtain an entry permit if out of the UAE

In case the employee is not within the country, then an entry permit is required. Thus, this is a document that enables employment in the UAE legally.

4. Do medical tests

Then the employee has to undergo health examinations. These involve blood tests and X-rays to check fitness to work as well as ascertain eligibility for the labour card.

5. Apply for an Emirates ID

The worker then applies for an Emirates ID. This procedure is significant because the Emirates ID is connected to the labour card.

6. Residence visa stamping

After approval, the stamping is done in the passport on the residence visa. It confirms the legal stay of the worker and is necessary before issuance of the final card.

7. Employer sends labour card request to MoHRE

Lastly, the employer forwards the labour card request to MoHRE. Upon approval, the digital labour card is displayed online on the profile of the employee.

The processing period range is 2-5 working days. The card is now digital. You can see it in your profile.

Why the Labour Card Matters

Labour Card UAE is not merely a regulation. It helps in many ways:

• Legal right to work.
• UAE Salary protection through the wage protection system.
• Health insurance and banking.
• Proof in case of disputes.
• Employer compliance proof.

In its absence, both can be fined heavily and banned.

UAE Labour Card Check Online

The UAE online labour card check is easy and rapid. Furthermore, it is possible to access your card in a great number of ways. Both of them are convenient to use and maintain your information.

1. MOHRE Website

To begin with, you may go to the MoHRE site. Thereafter, input your passport, Emirates ID, or labour card number. Immediately, you will find your card information.

2. MoHRE App

Next, download the MoHRE app. To check the digital labour card and ensure the presence of personal data, it is possible to log in with UAE Pass and directly check the card.

3. UAE Pass App

Then, use the UAE Pass app. Several government documents are connected through this platform. You can find a combination of quick access to your labour card details and other services.

4. Tasheel Centres

Lastly, you may also pay at any Tas’heel service centre. Swipe in with your Emirates ID, and employees will assist you in checking/printing your labour card.

Always ensure that your card is active. It helps you avoid penalties.

Labour Card Validity in UAE

The labour card validity in the UAE is based on your occupation and contract:

• Normal contracts: normally 2 years.
• Government roles: up to 3 years.
• More than 60 years: 1-year renewal.
• Golden Visa holders: for up to 10 years.
• Free zone contracts: 1- 3 years based on zone.

Avoid problems by constantly renewing in good time.

Labour Card Renewal UAE

UAE labour card renewal is extremely significant to employees. Also, renewal keeps you out of trouble. It normally originates 5060 days to expiry.

1. Passport copy

Firstly, you have to submit a copy of a valid passport. This measure is to confirm your identity and nationality, which is crucial in the process of renewal.

2. Emirates ID

Next, submit your Emirates ID. All your records are linked to this card. Hence, it is mandatory each time on the renewal of the labour card in the UAE.

3. Medical test (for some jobs)

Then, some employees are to be tested medically. It will keep you fit and healthy to be able to work under your legitimate permit.

4. Employer’s trade license

Thereafter, the employer offers an authentic trade license. This document verifies that the company is in operation and is within the law, as it is capable of hiring employees in the UAE.

5. Current labour card copy

Lastly, provide a copy of your current labour card. This record enables MoHRE to verify information and issue the new updated card.

The employers place their applications online via MoHRE or free zone portals. Late renewal means fines.

Labour Card Fees in UAE 2025

The labour card charges in the UAE 2025 are determined by the category as well as the level of compliance of the company. Besides, the government gives rewards to the firms that abide by labour laws. Conversely, those companies that have low compliance records will be required to pay increased fees.

Category 1: AED 250 for 2 years

This type is the lowest priced. It applies to very compliant companies. Thus, employees do not spend more than AED 250 for a validity period of two years.

Category 2: AED 1,200

This fee is higher. It applies to mixed compliance companies. In this way, the cost of labour cards goes up, and employees are forced to pay AED 1,200.

Category 3: AED 3,450

This category is the highest in cost. It applies to companies that have breaches. Therefore, employees here will spend AED 3,450 in two years.

Additional expenses: AED 200 to replace, AED 5,000 to workers aged over 65. Companies that avoid paying more.

This payment system complies with the labour law compliance UAE.

Emirates ID vs Labour Card: How They Work Together

The question that many people would be asking is Emirates ID vs labour card. They are not the same, yet they are connected.

• Emirates ID: Your one-stop ID for health, banking, and government.
• Labour Card: Your legal working history. Display your job, employer, and permit.

Both are required. You can not substitute one for the other.

Penalties for Not Having a Valid Labour Card

Violence: Fines in case of working without a valid Labour Card, UAE:

• Late renewal: AED 500 fine.
• Illegal employees: AED 500 and the risk of deportation.
• Employers: AED 50,000 each per illicit employee.
• Recidivist offenders: Company prohibition.

Here, the timely labour card renewal in the UAE is of much importance.

Labour Card Cancellation Process

The cancellation of the labour card happens when the job terminates in the UAE. This process is simple. In addition, it assures the employer and employee of doing all the legal requirements correctly and without any hitch.

1. Services of the MoHRE enquiry

The employer will send the cancellation request online by using the MoHRE enquiry services. It initiates the official cancellation procedure.

2. Sign cancellation papers

After that, the employer and employee have to sign the cancellation documents. It will be to verify consent and avoid any conflict.

3. Benefits at the end of services are paid

Thereafter, the employer makes end-of-service benefits. These are gratuity, future salaries, or allowances as per contract.

4. Pay any fines if due

In case of delays or violations, first of all, fines should be paid. This measure will guarantee a clean record.

5. A cancellation certificate is given

Lastly, MoHRE will grant a cancellation certificate. This certificate is a document of cancellation and enables the employee to revert to their status.

Then you have a grace period either to secure other employment, a visa change, or leave the UAE.

PRO Is Here to Help

Government paperwork in the UAE, at times, can be stressful and time-consuming. Here, the rescue of the PRO services in Dubai comes in. An example of a company that assists employees and businesses in the PRO services company in UAE, which handles all the necessary paperwork, including labour cards, residence visas, and even the forms needed by the MoHRE. In addition, these professionals are very familiar with the rules and processes and hence can accomplish their tasks faster and error-free. Consequently, not only are you saving on precious time, but you are also saving on expensive fines. 

Moreover, a professional service also comes with the added benefit of leaving all the work to professionals. A large number of businesses set up in Dubai also offer PRO support. It is possible to have your company registration, employee permits, and compliance requirements in a single location. Thus, regardless of whether you are a fresh employee or a company manager, PRO services save you time.

FAQs

Q1. What is the duration taken to obtain a Labour Card UAE?

As a rule, it is approximately five working days. It, however, is subject to the fast submission of all the right documents by your employer.

Q2. Can I check my labour card without the number?

Yes, you can. Rather, enter your Emirates ID or passport numbers on the UAE labour card check online system.

Q3. What happens if my information is incorrect on the card?

In case of the wrong details, then call your HR or employer as soon as possible. They can rectify their mistakes easily with MoHRE enquiry services.

Q4. Does the card include health insurance?

No, it is not included. You need to enrol in a health insurance plan, though you have to possess your labour card first.

Q5. Can I work part-time with a different employer?

Yes, you can. However, in the first instance, you need to apply for a special part-time work permit UAE by way of approval by the MoHRE.

Conclusion

Labour Card UAE is highly critical when a person desires to work legally by 2025. It is not merely a card, but it is evidence that you are permitted to work, and your rights as an employee are safeguarded. Moreover, it ensures that your employer is law-abiding. You can be fined without a valid labour card, and your employer may also be punished. It is the reason why one should be aware of the rules, the renewal procedure, the price, and how to check on the card online.

Additionally, such knowledge will not cost you time and stress. You can, however, seek help whenever the process becomes confusing. A PRO services company in UAE, can take care of all the hassles of applying and renewing. The same applies to you who plan a business setup in Dubai, since such services would simplify the process and reduce the time spent, and you would not have to face any fines.