If you’re planning to work in the UAE or are already employed there, one document you can’t ignore is the Labour Card. Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE), it’s your official permit to work legally in the country. Without it, both you and your employer could face penalties.
In this guide, we’ll break down the rules, costs, validity period, renewal process, and digital updates you need to know about the UAE Labour Card.
What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?
A labour card (work permit) in the UAE is a digital record of your legal employment. It includes key details like your name, nationality, employer, job title, permit number, and validity dates. Previously issued as a plastic card, it is now fully digital and linked with UAE Pass and Emirates ID. As per Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (Article 6), no one can work in the UAE without a valid labour card, and no employer can hire without obtaining one.
What Information Does a UAE Labour Card Contain?
- Full name and nationality
- Job title (occupation)
- Employer’s name (sponsor)
- Work permit number & labour card number
- Personal ID number
- Issue and expiry dates
The labour card number is a unique 14-digit code used for salary transfers via the Wage Protection System (WPS), recordkeeping, and renewals. Although the Emirates ID is the main physical ID, keeping labour card details accurate and updated is essential.
Why the UAE Labour Card Matters
- Legal right to work in the UAE
- Salary protection through the Wage Protection System (WPS)
- Access to leave, sick pay, and end-of-service benefits
- Employer-provided health insurance
- Coverage under UAE Labour Law (working hours, overtime pay, etc.)
- Eligibility for government services and visa applications
With a valid labour card, employees are assured of their rights, while employers remain compliant with UAE regulations. Every job in the UAE officially starts and ends with a labour card.
Who Needs a Labour Card in the UAE?
Every employee in the UAE—mainland or free zone—must have a labour card. This includes:
- Expatriates working in private sector companies
- UAE nationals in government or semi-government roles
- Free zone employees sponsored by their zone authorities (e.g., JAFZA, DMCC, DIFC)
- Family-Sponsored Worker: A spouse on a family visa needs a work permit.
- Job Change: Old labour card canceled; new card issued under new employer.
- Part-Time Worker: Requires a permit for multiple employers.
- Golden Visa Holder: Must still obtain a labour card from the employer.
- Free Zone Employee: Employment card issued by the free zone authority.
Key Eligibility Requirements for a UAE Labour Card
To obtain a labour card in the UAE, employees must meet the following:
- Age: 18–60 (permits for over 60 are renewable annually)
- Valid job offer and signed employment contract
- Educational or professional qualifications (for skilled positions)
- Medical fitness certificate from a UAE-approved health centre
The UAE issues different work permits depending on employment type:
- Standard Work Permit: For new employees from abroad; usually valid 2 years.
- Free Zone Employment Card: Issued by free zones (JAFZA, DMCC, DIFC); validity 1–3 years.
- Transfer Work Permit: For employees switching employers within the UAE without exiting the country.
- Temporary Work Permit: Short-term projects, typically up to 6 months.
- Mission Work Permit: For specialists/consultants on tasks; valid up to 90 days.
- Part-Time Work Permit: Allows working for multiple employers; MoHRE approval required.
- Juvenile Work Permit: For workers aged 15–18, with strict working hour rules.
- Student Internship/Training Permit: For internships; usually 3 months with guardian consent.
- National Trainee Permit: For Emirati nationals in training programs (supports Emiratisation).
- Golden Visa Holder Permit: For 10-year Golden Visa residents seeking employment.
- Freelance Work Permit: Enables self-employed individuals to work independently.
- Private Teacher Permit: Allows legal private tutoring by qualified teachers.
Validity: Most permits last 2 years; government roles up to 3 years; employees above 60 renewed annually.
- Passport copy (valid for at least 6 months)
- Recent passport-size photos
- Educational certificates (attested if required)
- Entry permit or current visa copy
- Medical fitness certificate
- Trade license copy
- Establishment card
- Signed employment contract
- Application form submitted via MoHRE or free zone authority
- Job Offer & Contract: Employer and employee sign a contract via MoHRE.
- Work Permit Application: Employer applies for quota and work permit.
- Entry Permit Issued: Overseas employees receive a pink visa.
- Medical Test & Emirates ID: Employee completes medical checks and biometrics.
- Residence Visa Stamping: Visa issued digitally or stamped in passport.
- Labour Card Issuance: MoHRE issues the electronic labour card, usually within 5 working days.
- JAFZA: Digital employee cards via the JAFZA app
- DIFC: Issuance via DIFC client portal or services desk
- DMCC: Employment card through DMCC member portal
- Download MOHRE UAE app
- Log in with UAE Pass
- Go to Employee > Labour Card
- View, download, or print your details
- Download UAE PASS app
- Log in and navigate to Documents
- Select MoHRE > Labour Card
- Linked to your Emirates ID to retrieve information
- Visit mohre.gov.ae
- Navigate to Services > New Enquiry Services
- Select “Print Electronic Work Permit.”
- Enter your work permit number, person code, and date of birth
- View and print a PDF copy of your labour card
- Check your labour card through your free zone authority’s online system, e.g., JAFZA, DIFC, DMCC.
The cost of a UAE labour card varies based on the employer’s classification under MoHRE’s tier system. Compliant companies benefit from lower fees, while non-compliant employers may face higher charges or penalties.
- Check Inputs: Verify 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 Emirates ID and passport to retrieve or correct details.
- Contact your company PRO or HR department
- Use free zone customer support channels
- Visit the free zone authority office with ID and documents
Staying on top of labour card requirements is essential to keep your business running smoothly in the UAE. Missing deadlines or filing incorrect paperwork can lead to costly fines and unnecessary stress.
At KrezKo Business Setup Services, 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 ensures everything is done quickly and accurately.
If you’re ready to save time and stay compliant, contact us today. Our experts will guide you through each step, answer your questions, and make sure your employees are fully covered so you can focus on growing your business.