How to Get Labour Card in the UAE

A labour card UAE is an official job ID issued by MoHRE to private and public sector employees working in the nation.  

UAE attracts millions of workers from across the globe due to its 0% taxed income, promising economy and a rich lifestyle. Everyone who works in the UAE needs a labour card, both local and foreign employees. This card verifies their legal employment status in UAE and contains all essential details about the job.  

Whether you are someone looking to land in your first job in UAE, a fresh recruit or are running a company here, understanding the labour card is essential for smooth legal employment. This guide will explain what a labour card is, its importance, how to get one, along with associated UAE labour laws, so that you know where to begin. 

What is a Labour Card in UAE (Work Permit)?

A UAE labour card, also called a work permit, is an official certificate issued by Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) that allows individuals to work in the nation. 

It specifically contains details about the worker and their UAE job, such as their name, employer details, nature of the job, card expiry date, labour card number, etc. Therefore, foreigners as well as UAE citizens wishing to work in the UAE must have a labour card.

For employees: Remember that the labour card is proof that you are allowed to work in the UAE. It is required for payroll and the employment benefits under the official UAE Labour Law. So, make sure you take care of it and always keep it within reach.  

For employers: In most cases, the employer is responsible to get Dubai labor card for their workers. Hiring employees without a labour card is illegal and results in legal action. 

Earlier, workers received a physical card, but now the labour card is fully digital (e-permit). No more risk of loss or damage. Employees can just simply save the digital copy on their phones or access it anytime visa MoHRE website and app. 

What Information Does UAE Labour Card Contain?

The labour card UAE details your job role, contract terms, employer’s details, and authorization dates. As per MoHRE, a labour card provides following key information: 

Expert tip: The information on the labour card must be up-to-date and correct. If there is any change in the details, it must be updated by applying for a work permit modification via MOHRE. 

Who is Eligible for UAE Labour Card?

Anyone working in the public or private sector in UAE can get a labour card, provided they meet MoHRE’s eligibility conditions. It doesn’t matter if you are a UAE citizen or an expat, without it, you cannot work legally in the UAE. 

Eligibility for candidates:

• Age: You must be at least 18 years old. Exceptions for those over 60 are possible under specific conditions. 
• UAE job offer and contract: You must have a confirmed job offer and a signed employment contract with a licensed UAE employer. 
• No existing permit: You should not possess any active work permit. 
• Qualification: Make sure you have necessary academic qualifications for the job. 
• MoHRE adherence: The employee must adhere to MoHRE rules and regulations. 
• Health fitness: You must pass the medical examination to prove you are fit to stay in UAE. 

Requirements for employers: 

Employers take care of labour cards for their recruits. They must obtain it within 60 days of the employee’s arrival in the country. Additionally, employers should ensure: 

• Current contract details are updated on MoHRE’s website. 
• All their records about employees, their jobs, are in order and they do not possess any expired labour cards. 
• Employee’s salary is corresponding to the job role. 
• Company adheres to MoHRE regulations and procedures regarding employment.

Failing the rules is non-negotiable. It may lead to fines and legal penalties. 

Types of Labour Cards in UAE by MoHRE 

MoHRE issues thirteen types of work permit in the UAE. Below are the key ones explained:

1. Work permit for foreign employees

This permit is issued to recruit workers from outside the UAE. UAE-based licensed employers can apply for this. It is valid for 2 years.

2. Transfer work permit

This is required to transfer a non-UAE worker from one company to another. It is valid for 2 years and allows job switching without leaving the UAE.

3. Work permit for dependent residents

It allows companies to hire UAE residents who hold a family sponsorship from within the UAE. Moreover, it is valid for 2 years.

4. Temporary work permit

A temporary labour card UAE allows an employee to work for another company for a temporary period to complete a specific task, after which they return to their original employer.

5. Mission work permit

Through this permit, companies can bring workers from outside the UAE to complete a specific project.

6. Part-time work permit

A UAE company can hire a worker from inside or outside the UAE for a job with fewer hours than a full-time role. Such workers can even work for multiple employers after getting approval from MoHRE

7. Juvenile work permit

Companies can obtain a juvenile work permit to hire individuals aged 15 to 18 years. Additionally, it is valid for 1 year, and therefore, the company must provide a safe and protective work environment for minors.

8. Student training and employment permit

It is a 3-month work permit that allows companies to hire students aged 15 who are studying in the UAE. Mostly suitable for students interested in internships and trainings with licensed company in UAE.

9. UAE/GCC national work permit

This permit allows a company to hire a UAE or GCC national as an employee. It is valid for 2 years.

10. Golden visa work permit

It is a 2-year work permit issued to UAE golden visa holders

11. National trainee work permit

Companies can provide training programs to UAE nationals for up to 12 months using this permit.

12. Freelance work permit

Individuals who wish to work as freelancers in the UAE without being tied to an employer can apply for this permit. Consequently, they can offer services to clients and work on projects. Moreover, this permit is available to UAE nationals and residents on self-sponsorship.

13. Private teacher work permit

This permit allows specialists and qualified professionals to offer private lessons legally in the UAE. Who can apply?

• Government or private school teachers
• Unemployed individuals
• School students aged 15 to 18
• University students

The permit is free and valid for 2 years.

How to Apply for Labour Card in UAE?

You can apply for a labour card UAE through the official MoHRE website or the relevant free zone authority in the UAE. Remember, to work in the UAE, foreign workers will need: 

• Work permit (labour card): authorization to work in the UAE 
• Work visa: permission for residency in the UAE 

Application for both is usually made simultaneously. 

Here is a step-by-step guide on how to get a Dubai labor card: 

Step 1: UAE job offer

Everything starts with getting a job offer. Once a UAE employer offers you a job, the work permit process begins. Your employment contract must be signed and legally registered with MoHRE.

Step 2: Employer applies for work permit

Once the job contract is signed, the employer applies for labour card permission with MoHRE or the relevant free zone authority. The process involves submitting various documents including your passport, photos, qualification certificates, etc. 

During this stage, MoHRE checks the authenticity of the hiring company and whether they have a valid trade licence. After satisfaction, MoHRE issues initial approval for the work permit for the employee. This step is necessary for the employee’s entry into the nation. 

Step 3: Issuance of entry permit

After the labour card’s initial approval, you will be given an entry visa. The entry visa is a temporary visa (valid up to 60 days), which allows you to enter the UAE and complete pending labour card as well as work visa formalities. 

Step 4: Undergo medical tests

Once you arrive in the UAE, you will need to undergo medical tests (chest X-rays, blood tests, etc.) as part of the process. Such tests are conducted only at government-approved healthcare centres. Your employer will make the necessary arrangements and book your appointment. 

Step 5: Apply for Emirates ID

Emirates ID will serve as your official identification card in UAE. To get one, you must apply through authorized center and get your biometrics registered. 

Step 6: Apply for residency visa 

After that, your employer will apply for your residence visa in UAE. Work visa is issued by the immigration authority (ICP or the GDRFA). It gets linked to your employment in UAE is sponsored by your employer. The validity of a standard work visa is 2 to 3 years, renewable if you continue to meet the eligibility conditions. 

Step 7: Finalize labour card 

Once you have your residence visa in hand, employer will complete the formalities of your labour card with MoHRE.  

Step 8: Approval and receipt of labour card 

MoHRE will review your application and after final approval, your work permit will be successfully granted, thus legalizing your legal employment status in UAE. You can easily download copy of your labour card online through MoHRE website or app. We shall discuss the process in next section. 

By following these steps, getting a company labour card UAE becomes easier. While your employer handles most of the process, your quick responses (whether for document checks or in-person steps) keep things moving smoothly. It’s a team effort. And once your labour card is issued, your UAE work visa is granted too.

How to Download Labour Card in UAE Online?

You can download your UAE labour card through the MoHRE website. Dubai labor card is no longer a typical physical card to be kept in your pocket. Recently, MoHRE has introduced the digital labour card. You can view it online, and if you want to keep a copy, just simply download it using the following steps: 

1. Visit the official website of MoHRE. 
2. On the homepage, after scrolling a bit, you will find and select “Inquiry Service” under the “Topic of Interest” section. 
3. Choose “Print the Electronic Work Permit” under the Work Permit option. 
4. A pop-up will appear asking for details: transaction number, personal number, work permit number, date of birth, and captcha. 
5. Submit the details. Your digital work permit will be displayed. You can then print it easily. 

In case you face any issues, you can reach out to MoHRE through their helpline.

Documents needed for Labour Card Application in UAE

Documents required for labour card in UAE include:

• Valid passport copy with minimum 6 months validity
• Passport sized photographs (against white background) 
• Signed employment contract (Arabic + English version), registered with MoHRE. 
• Attested educational and professional certificates. 
• Medical fitness certificate issued in UAE. 
• Entry permit, for newly arriving employees. 
• Copy of employer’s valid trade license

Expert tip: Want your labour card application to fly instead of flop? Keep your documentation perfect.

How to check the UAE Labour Card online? 

You can check your UAE labour card easily online through the MoHRE website, MoHRE app, or UAE Pass app.

Method 1 – Through MoHRE website 

Here are the simple steps to check labor card online UAE using MoHRE website: 

1. Visit the MoHRE website. 
2. Look for “Inquiry Service” on the homepage. 
3. Under Work Permit, select “Electronic Work Permit Information.” 
4. Enter your transaction number (found in approval emails) and solve the captcha. 
5. Information related to your labour card will be displayed on the screen.

Method 2 – Through MoHRE app

You can use MoHRE app to check your labour card by following these steps:

Download the MoHRE mobile application from Play Store (android) or App Store (iOS) 

1. Log in using UAE Pass or your credentials. 
2. If not already registered, register using your details. Then, log in. 
3. Tap on the “View Labour Card” option on your profile dashboard. 
4. Then, you can view your digital labour card and job contract details

Method 3 – Through UAE pass app

You can also check your company labour card UAE using the UAE Pass app. Here is how: 

1. Download the UAE Pass app from the Play Store or App Store. 
2. Open the app and create your account to register as a new user. To do that, you can scan your Emirates ID card. The app will retrieve your personal details. 
3. Double-check the information and enter your phone number and email to complete the verification. 
4. Once logged in, tap on the “Add Document” category. 
5. Scroll down until you find MoHRE. Tap on the “Labour Card” option. 
6. Tap “View Document” and you will be able to access your labour card.

Alternative method: Tasheel Center

If you prefer face-to-face service, you can visit any Tasheel center near your area.

1. Go to the center and request assistance with your labour card.  
2. The staff there may ask for your passport copy or Emirates ID number for identification.
3. On verification, they will help you with information related to your labour card. 

There are more than 80 Tasheel centers across the UAE that operate six days a week, from Saturday to Thursday. Their working hours are 8 AM to 8 PM.

Can’t find your labour card details? Do not panic. Call MoHRE’s helpline at: 

• Call: 600590000
• International call: 00971 – 68034000
• Email: ask@mohre.gov.ae

What is the Cost of UAE Labour Card?

The cost of a UAE labour card is AED 250 (for highly complaint companies in category 1), AED 1200 (for category 2 companies), and AED 3,450 (for category 3 firms), typically paid by the employer. However, when getting a labour card, you also need your employment visa, medicals, entry visa, Emirates ID and all of these come with their own fees. 

Here are the expenses involved in getting your labour card and work visa in UAE:

 Other ad-hoc costs: 

• Lost or damaged card replacement: AED 200 approx. 
• Hiring employees over 65: Additional AED 5,000 

Should you need more assistance, please feel free to reach out experts at Dubiz. 

Penalties for working without a Labour Card

Both the employee and employer will have to face penalties for not having a valid labour card. Under Article 166 of the UAE Labour Law, MoHRE inspectors conduct regular inspections to check company compliance.

Please note that for major breaches such as illegal hiring or fraudulent practices, company may even face cancellation of trade license.

How to Check Labour Card Fines?

To check if there are any fines linked to your labour card, you can use the inquiry services provided by MoHRE.

• Visit this portal: https://www.mohre.services/
• Choose the service: “Fine Calculator”
• Enter your labour card UAE number
• Solve the captcha and search

If there are any fines, you will be able to see them. You can make the payment using the online payment option available on the site. 

Validity and Renewal of Labour Card in UAE 

The labour card UAE is valid for 2 to 3 years depending on the terms of employment. It must be renewed before it expires (usually 60 days pre-expiry) if you wish to continue the job in UAE.  After expiry, there is a 50-day grace period for renewal.

Steps for labour card renewal: 

1. Application with MoHRE:  Your employer will apply for the renewal with MoHRE or at a Tasheel center by submitting the application and required documents. 
2. Fee Payment: The renewal fees must be paid, which is taken care of by employer. 
3. Renewed Labour Card: Once the application is processed and approved, the renewed labour card will be available for download.

Be cautious: Failure to renew on time leads to fine and rejection of new labour card requests. 

Documents Required for Labour Card Renewal:

• Completed application form 
• Passport-size photos 
• Valid passport copy (at least 6 months validity) 
• Copy of current labour card 
• Copy of current Emirates ID 
• Medical fitness test results 
• Education and qualification certificates, especially if there have been updates since the last application 
• Company’s valid trade licence copy 
• Updated employment contract, if applicable 

Renewal fees:

The renewal fees for the labour card are the same as the initial application fees determined by MoHRE:

• Category 1: AED 250 
• Category 2: AED 1,200 
• Category 3: AED 3,450

Can Dubai Labor Card be Cancelled?

Yes. Typically, a labour card is cancelled when a job ends in the UAE. Both the employer and employee sign the cancellation agreement, and the employer submits the request to MoHRE along with the required documents. Once the cancellation certificate is issued, the former employee can either leave the country or look for other opportunities during the grace period.

Common reasons of cancellation of labour card:

• Job change: Moving to new employer requires cancellation of old permit.
• Contract end: When the employment ends or if terminated by either of the party.
• Leaving UAE: For permanent relocation out of the country.
• Absconding: Employee stops showing up without a valid reason for more than 7 consecutive days.
• By MoHRE: In case of law violations by company or employee.

Time and fees: Labour card will be cancelled in 2 working days by MoHRE. Cancellation fee is approx. AED 70.

What to do in case Cabour Card is lost/stolen?

In case your company labour card UAE gets stolen or lost, contact the authorities immediately.

• Notify your HR department and file a lost card report with MoHRE. 
• Apply for a duplicate labour card and pay the replacement fees.

Once request is processed, a new labour card will be issued.

How Labour Card protects employees in UAE?

The labour card keeps your employment in UAE on track. It ensures employees’ rights and benefits are protected under UAE laws. Here are the benefits of having a valid labour card UAE:

• Legal status: A work permit gives you legal permission to work in the UAE. Working without having it is a punishable offence.
• Salary protection: It gets linked to WPS and makes sure you receive your salary on time as per your job contract.
• Dispute support: MoHRE will use your work permit to solve disputes, as it is a proof of your employment.
• UAE labour law benefits: It makes you officially eligible for all labour benefits like working hours, compensation, leaves, and more.

New law updates related to labour card

1. Fixed-term contract: All employment contracts in UAE must be fixed-term (maximum 3-year term), renewable for a similar or shorter period as required.
2. Working hours: Maximum working hours are 48 hours per week, with at least 1 hour of break after 5 hours of continuous work.

Dubiz assists with UAE Labour Card

Understanding the labour card is essential for smooth employment in the UAE for both employers and employees. Neglecting labour card responsibilities, filing wrong paperwork, or ignoring renewals can lead to costly fines and penalties.

At Dubiz Business Setup, we make compliance simple for your business. Whether it is work visas, employee permits, WPS compliance, payroll management, free zone employment cards, or any other support, you can count on us.

Contact us today:

📞 Call: +971 56 369 5485

💬 WhatsApp: +971563695485

📧 Email: info@dubiz.co

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