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

A new employment in the UAE is always a thrilling experience. You receive new opportunities, meet new people, and begin to create your future. However, before enjoying the comfort of the job place, there is one thing that you cannot afford to do without: the Labour Card UAE. This card is not merely another piece of paperwork. Instead, it is your legal evidence that you are legally permitted to work in the country. Failure to comply can attract heavy fines or legal huddles against you and even your employer.

This is why this step should be taken into consideration by all new employees. When you have the card, you are completely guaranteed the law, your pay is safe, and your occupation is genuine. Therefore, we are going to discuss the rules, expenses, renewal, validity, and checking online in 2025.

What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?

The Labour Card UAE is similar to the work ID. It demonstrates that you have the right to work in the country. It is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), and linked to your Emirates ID and your working contract. Consider it to be the mediation between you, the employer, and the government.

That has your information, position, and employer. When an employee is hired, they should apply to get this card. To you, it is evidence of rights. In the case of your company, it demonstrates labour law compliance UAE

Types of Labour Cards and Work Permits

There is not only one kind of card. The UAE can provide alternatives to other working requirements. There are rules and a time for each type.

• Standard Work Permit UAE: It is issued upon hiring a foreign person by a company. Usually valid for two years.
• Free zone employment card: A Special permit provided by free zones such as JAFZA or DMCC. Valid for one to three years.
• Transfer permit: Employees who are transferring to another company located within the UAE.
• Temporary or mission permit: Temporary permit, normally not exceeding six months or 90 days. Perfect for projects.
• Part-time permit: Allows you to work under more than one employer.
• Freelance permit: It is intended to be given to independent professionals. Digital workers and consultants are fond of it.
• Golden Visa permit: Long-term residents in the Golden Visa program.

This combination of choices demonstrates that the UAE is a flexible place in terms of employment.

What Information Does a Labour Card Contain?

Application of the MoHRE labour card is not a mere formality. It keeps valuable information that keeps your work life together. Here’s what is on it:

• Full name and nationality
• Passport number
• Emirates ID number
• The name and trade license of the employer.
• Profession code and position title.
• Work permit number and labour card number.
• Type of contracts and dates of validity.
• Pay information on the wage protection system in the UAE.

This information secures your pay, entitlement, and position legally.

Who Needs a Labour Card in the UAE?

Practically, all workers require a labour card in the UAE. This is regardless of whether you are an expatriate, a national, or work in free zones.

1. Expatriates

All foreign employees in the private companies should have a valid Labour Card UAE. This makes their employment legal, and their employment rights are fully guarded.

2. UAE nationals

Special labour cards are also given to citizens who work in the government or semi-government organisations. Such cards are the official documents about their work in the country.

3. Family-sponsored workers

Even when you are on a spouse or parents visa, you would still need a labour card. This is a policy before your working legality.

4. Golden Visa holders

Long-term residents of the Golden Visa program should also hold a labour card. It should be attached to their employment contract to make their employment status legal.

5. Free zone employees

The workers in free zones do not receive a typical labour card. Instead, they are given a free zone employment card by their authority.

In its absence, it is an illegal way of working. Employers face the risk of penalties, and the employees can be deported.

Legal Framework Governing Labour Cards

Labor cards are not mere pieces of paper, but are supported by legislation. The rules come from:

1. Federal Decree

Law No. 33 of 2021 states that no human being is permitted to work without a valid work permit UAE.

2. Ministerial Resolutions

Describe fees, types of permits, and responsibilities of the employers.

3. The Wage Protection System

Tries to tie your pay to your labour card to make sure that you are paid on time.

This legal foundation brings equity and safeguards the rights of workers. It also maintains employers in line with the labour law in the UAE.

Eligibility for a UAE Labour Card

None of them is automatically eligible for a labour card. The UAE has articulated provisions to keep employees at the required age, health, and work-related provisions before successful application.

1. Be between 18 and 60 years

You should be aged 18 to 60 years. Nevertheless, employees with an age exceeding 60 may also be eligible under some other requirements by the MoHRE.

2. Have a good employment offer and agreement

A signed employment agreement and a real job offer are a must. You cannot begin the application for the MoHRE labour card without them, and you cannot work legally.

3. Successful medical examination in a recognised health centre in the UAE

There is a medical fitness test. This test is administered at governmentally approved centres, and it is an assurance of healthiness to work and satisfy visa conditions.

4. Possess the desired educational or professional excellence

Certain jobs require certain qualifications or certificates. To be eligible, your education or professional experience has to match the role that is designated in your contract.

It is the responsibility of the employers to apply within 60 days after your entry or on the visa stamping.

Documents Required for Labour Card Application

The labour card application at MoHRE needs uncomplicated yet significant documents:

For employees:

• Copy of passport (at least 6 months of validity).
• Recent passport-size photos.
• Fitness certificate in medicine.
• Educational certificates (where necessary).
• Entry permit or visa copy.

For employers:

• Valid trade license.
• Establishment card.
• Signed employment contract.

With these prepared, the process becomes easy.

How to Apply for a Labour Card in the UAE

It is the duty of the employer to obtain a labor card. Nevertheless, it is beneficial to know the steps. It involves employment opportunities, licensing, health exams, and, lastly, the issuance of digital cards.

1. Get an employment opportunity and sign the agreement

One is to accept the official job offer. Sign your contract of employment carefully, then. This contract is the basis for applying for your labour card.

2. Application for a work permit in the UAE

Then your employer makes an application online. They apply either the MoHRE system or the free zone portal, using which they apply for your official UAE work permit.

3. Permit to enter in case you are overseas

If you are not in the UAE, you are given an entry permit. This paper will enable you to travel and work legally.

4. Health check-up and Emirates ID procurement

Upon arrival, you will undergo a medical fitness test in an approved centre. Next, go and get your Emirates ID registered by official government means.

5. Residence visa stamping

Your residence visa is then marked on your passport. This significant measure guarantees your legal residence and preconditions the issue of a labour card.

6. The employer submits the final MoHRE labour card

After visa stamping, it is the employer who forwards the final labour card request. MoHRE verifies every piece of information prior to granting you approval on your status of employment.

7. Issued as a digital card

Lastly, with its endorsement, you obtain a digital labour card. It may be obtained at any time in the official MoHRE application or on the government site.

The processing period normally occupies 5-7 working days.

Why the Labour Card Matters

What is so big about the Labour Card UAE? Here’s why:

• Proves your right to work.
• Make sure that the salary is paid under the wage protection system in the UAE.
• Provides health insurance and end-of-service benefits.
• Required loans, credit cards, and government services.
• Guarantees both employees and employers in controversies.

In the UAE, it is impossible to work without it.

UAE Labour Card Check Online

Checking your labour card online is easy and fast in 2025. The UAE offers several digital options. You can be assisted with the help of apps, websites, or even paying visits to service centres.

1. MoHRE App

All you need to do is download the MoHRE app, log in using your UAE Pass account, and then look under My Documents, and you will instantly see your active labour card details.

2. MoHRE Website

Go to the official MoHRE website, open the section of enquiry services, and input the card details (either a labour card number, Emirates ID, or a passport) to access your card.

3. UAE Pass App

Through the UAE Pass app, you will be connected to MoHRE services. It gives safe access to your digital labour card anywhere and at any time.

4. Tas’heel Centres

Those individuals who want physical documents may visit any one of the Tas’heel service centres and ask to have their valid labour card printed.

An online UAE labour card check can assist you in avoiding the expiry problems and penalties.

Labour Card Validity in UAE

The validity of labour cards in the UAE does not apply to all. This varies depending on the place of work, contract, and age.

1. Mainland: Generally, the 2 years

In the case of mainland companies, labour cards are usually valid for two years. Once they expire, they have to be renewed to make employment legal.

2. Free zones: 1 to 3 years

The duration of the labour cards ranges from one to three years in the free zones. It takes time, depending on the regulations of a given free zone authority.

3. The Self-employment benefit is over 60 years old

The labour card is only issued to employees who are over 60 years old on a one-year term basis. Nonetheless, it is renewable on an annual basis.

4. Golden Visa holders: Corresponds to a visa (5-10 years)

The residents of Golden Visas are given labour cards based on the visa period. This is five years or even ten years of validity, which is dependent.

When you are planning to check validity, always use the MoHRE enquiry services.

Labour Card Renewal UAE

It is quite essential to renew your labour card so that you can keep on working in the UAE legally. You will be fined and punished without renewal. It is an easy process that one has to follow step by step to ensure that no problems arise.

1. Renewal should begin 50 days before expiry

You should always renew at least 50 days before the expiry of your card. This gives sufficient time to deal with the delays.

2. The employer applies to the MoHRE

Your employer would fill out the renewal request. They do it in an online way via the MoHRE systems or the free zone portal.

3. Present new documents

To ensure the renewal process goes smoothly, you are required to provide your employer with new copies of your passport, Emirates ID, and medical certificate.

4. Pay charges based on the type of employer

The renewal rate is based on the level of the employer and the compliance rating. More compliant companies tend to pay a smaller renewal fee on the whole.

Late renewal attracts fines. Those who work are in danger of deportation, and employers are fined heavily.

Labour Card Fees in UAE 2025

The Labour Card UAE prices will be driven by the compliance score of your company and the skill level of the worker in 2025. There are also different charges based on the category, age, and the type of card.

1. Category 1 firms: AED 250 in 2 years

In case your employer is classified under the first category (Category 1), then the labour card price will be just AED 250. This charge encompasses a two-year validity.

2. Category 2 companies: AED 1,200 (skilled) to AED 2,000 (unskilled)

In the case of the Category 2 companies, the fees are higher. The price of skilled workers is approximately AED 1,200, and unskilled jobs may cost up to AED 2,000 to be issued.

3. Category 3 companies: Up to AED 3,450

The cost of category 3 companies is the highest. Under this category, the price of a labour card may rise to AED 3,450 per work permit issued.

4. Replacement card: Around AED 200

In case you lose your labour card, it is damaged, or there are errors on it, you can order a new one. The replacement cost is estimated to be AED 200.

5. Workers above 65: Extra AED 5,000 fee

An extra charge is imposed on workers above 65 years old. Businesses will be required to shell out an additional AED 5,000 in addition to the normal labour card fees.

This fee structure will benefit those companies that have good compliance with labour laws in the UAE and penalize corner-cutters.

Emirates ID vs Labour Card: How They Work Together

Many confuse the two. Let’s clear it:

• Emirates ID: Your national banking, healthcare, and daily ID.
• Labour Card UAE: Your legal right to work and your employment history.

They have a connection, but are not equal. Your work and life in the UAE are not complete without either of the two. This is why the Emirates ID vs the labour card is an issue.

Penalties for Not Having a Valid Labour Card

The UAE is strict about rules. If you or your employer fail:

• AED 500 fine for late renewal.
• Fine of AED 50,000 per worker without a permit.
• Repeat violation business closure.
• Employee deportation and bans.

Ensuring that there is a regular follow-up of the MoHRE enquiry services assists in preventing such risks.

Labour Card Cancellation Process

In case you change jobs or move out of the UAE, you will have to cancel.

Steps:

• Employers make a cancellation request through MoHRE.
• Benefits are paid upon termination.
• Employee signs the disappearance of papers.
• Fees paid (AED 100 approx).
• Issue of the cancellation certificate.

This enables easy movement to a new employer or moving out of the country.

Get Help From Us

Handling government bureaucracy in the UAE may also be bewildering and hectic at times. Regulations can be altered easily, and failure to follow the steps may result in delays or even fines. That is what our business establishment gurus in Dubai can assist you with. We simplify the process and make it stress-free. Be it to help you renew your labour card in the UAE, provide you with a free zone employment card, or assist you with all of the steps of your very own company formation in Dubai, we help you in all steps, step-by-step.

Furthermore, our efficient business formation advisors in Dubai do all the painful details, such as MoHRE registration, wage protection system UAE (WPS) registration, and screen checks. This implies that you do not spend time and energy on lengthy processes. Rather, you can concentrate on expanding your employment or managing a business. Through us, you remain submissive, escape punishment, and proceed with your business with confidence. Then take the details in hand, and you will be successful.

FAQs

Q1: What is the time taken to obtain a Labour Card UAE?

The average working time is five days. MoHRE is fast and effective in handling an application once all the documents are submitted by your employer.

Q2: Is it possible to check a UAE labour card without the number online?

Yes, you can. Rather than the card number, you can use your Emirates ID or even valid passport details.

Q3: What is the labour card validity in the UAE?

The majority of labour cards are renewed in two years. Nevertheless, the card can be up to three years in a few free zones.

Q4: Does my visa automatically renew my labour card?

No, they are different. Although your visa should be renewed, you will also need to have your labour card renewed every time with MoHRE.

Q5: What happens when my employer postpones my application for the MoHRE labour card?

When that happens, then you are to report directly to MoHRE. Employers can be fined heavily, punished, or have their work banned.

Conclusion

Labour Card UAE is not a mere document. Your work in it is your legal shield. It defends your rights, secures good wages, and prevents you from breaking the law in the UAE. You save the stress by knowing the process of the MoHRE labour card application to labour card renewal in the UAE.

You should always verify your status with the UAE labour card check online tools, remember to track labour card fees in the UAE 2025, and you should never overlook the aspect of labour card validity in the UAE. To make the business setup process smooth, rely on business setup experts in Dubai and business setup consultants in Dubai. They simplify the process of company formation in Dubai and employment conformity.