UAE Labour Card | Check Status, Download, And Renewal Guide

For employees, the UAE Labour Card is a mandatory requirement under UAE Labour Laws. This card is primarily used for identification, and without it, you are not eligible to work legally in the UAE. That’s why employers always check and keep records to ensure employees hold valid Labour Cards.

Therefore, it is crucial to understand the significance of this card, its eligibility criteria, and the benefits it provides to employees.

What is a UAE Labour Card?

The UAE Labour Card serves as your work identification, containing both personal and professional details, as well as your job type and the name of the company for which you work. It’s a type of digitally printed card issued by MOHRE or the free zone authority. It’s similar to your ID card, however, including additional information primarily focused on your role as an employee.

Whether you are a foreign national or a local, working in the private sector or the government, this employment card is a must. Below is the detail of what is actually printed on an employee’s UAE Labour Card.

Name
Profession/Occupation
Work Permit Number
Nationality
Personal Number
Card’s Expiry Date
Estabilsihment
Personal Photo
MOHRE signature or stamp

Eligibility Criteria to Apply for Labour Card UAE 2026

Now that you have become familiar with the importance, it is essential to understand the eligibility criteria to receive the Labour card.

Requirements for Employees

Individuals under the age of 18 and those who are over 60 years of age are not eligible to apply for the Labour card.
An academic qualification is a must to apply for the specific job, whether a diploma or a degree.
Employees undergo a Medical examination to ensure that they are physically fit for the job.
A certificate from their home nation is a must requirement.

Responsibilities of Employers

There are several responsibilities of employers, too, one of which includes keeping the employee’s track record up to date. Because it helps to maintain a check and balance on Labour cards, some of which have expired, and which ones are still valid.
Secondly, to ensure there are no legal complications regarding any employee’s Labour card.
It is also the employer’s responsibility to provide the labour card after checking eligibility within 60 days.

Documents Required for UAE Labour Card

If you are eligible to get the work permit, the next step is to apply for the card. You will then be required to submit specific documents that ensure the identification of workers, after which the process for your card is initiated.

First, a clear photograph of the employee is required.
Secondly, a photocopy of the company’s valid trade license is required.
Employees’ passports and their entry visas are required.
A health certificate is required to ensure you are suitable for the job.
The employment contract copies are required to ensure whether you have signed a limited or unlimited contract.
An academic record is also considered, depending on the specific job requirements.

How to check the UAE Labour Card Status Online?

To check the UAE Labour Card Status Online, there are two simple methods to choose from.

Using the Official MOHRE App

The first method is using the MOHRE app. So, download the application from the Google Play Store if you are an Android user or from the iOS App Store if you are an iPhone user.
After downloading the app, you can sign in to your account using your ID and password.
Then simply navigate to the profile section.
There you will find all your employment details for the UAE Labour Card. You can even download a digital copy of your card.

By Visiting the Tas’Heel Centre

You can visit any nearest Tas’Heel centre as they are located all over the UAE.
Then, talk to any employee working there and provide them with your employment details, such as your work permit number.
The staff will assist you with accessing the Labour Card information.

Using the UAE Pass Application

Create your account in UAE Pass App
After creating an account open you UAE Pass App
Click on Documents button
Click on request a document search “Labour Card” & then click on Request button
In the last step click on View Document

Easy Steps to Print and Download the UAE Labour Card Online

Whether you are a new employee looking to download the Digital Labour Card or an existing employee just rechecking card details, the steps mentioned below will help you.

Open the UAE Pass application on your mobile.
Tap on the “Documents” button at the bottom left.
Find the “Labour Card” document in the list.
Click the “Request” button on the right side.
After approval, check your Labour Card under “All Documents.”
Finally, tap “View Document” — and that’s it!

Labour Card Validity, Fee, Expiry, Fines, and Renewals

It is crucial to understand your Labour Card validity because expired cards do not work at employment centres. Secondly, the fee structure, fines, and renewal costs associated with these cards are also important to be aware of.

Labour Card Validity and Expiry

Regarding the validity of the Labour card in the UAE, it is valid for two years for all employees, except those in the government sector, for whom the card is valid for three years. Well, it is an opportunity for government employees.

UAE Labour Card Fee

The second important question people often ask is about the UAE Labour Card Fee for issuing and renewing the card if it expires. There is no fixed cost for every sector, and it depends on the company or job type you are working in. Therefore, the cost can typically range from AED 250 to AED 3,450.

UAE Labour Card Fines

MOHRE has strict policies regarding the work permit, and violating them can result in fines. Employers who fail to apply for a card within the 60-day limit after the employee’s entry will be charged a fine of AED 500. In contrast, employees working illegally would be fined AED 50,000.

Work Permit From Inside the Country (Valid Resident Visa Holders)

According to the MOHRE or the free zone authority, UAE residents can apply for a Labour Card within the country if the following requirements are met.

Requirement

Valid Residence Visa

License and Registered Company to be applied for.

The employment contract must be officially approved.

Required documents include a passport copy, a residence visa, and verifications of medical and educational history.

Work Permit From Outside the Country (All Employment Types)

Employees who reside outside the country can apply for a work permit after meeting the requirements outlined below.

Requirement

Applicant must be a UAE-based company employee

The company should be registered under the Free Zone Authority or the MOHRE

Before the Visa begins, the employment contract must be officially approved by the authorities.

Renewal of Work Permits

Moving on to the next topic, which is the renewal of World Permits, it is crucial to understand that the renewal should be done within 50 days if your Labour Card has expired.

Process of Renewal

All you have to do is visit the MOHRE portal, or you can go to Tas’Heel’s nearest branch for submission of a new card application after submitting the required information.
Pay the fees for the card.
The process will take 10 days to deliver your card. Until then, you can check the application status at the official MOHRE website.

Modification of Employment Contracts

Yes, you can make modifications to the UAE Labour Card related to your employment contract. In that case, you should contact the MOHRE’s website for assistance and explain the reasons for these modifications.

Once your application is approved and there are no issues, the renewal process will take a few days. However, legal documents as proof must be required by the company for making modifications.

Transfer of Employees from One Establishment to Another (All Contract Types)

Under both limited and non-limited contracts, employees after quitting their jobs can move on to another company, but only if specific conditions are met.

Conditions

Employees must have completed their probation period with their current employer.
All employees must settle all the pending dues, such as monthly salary, bonuses, and profits, before transferring to another establishment.
A transfer approval or NOC by the company authorities is required, mentioning the contract type and rules.
Once the MOHRE or Free Zone Authorities accept your application, your Labour Card will automatically include the information of the new company.

Licensing of Meditation and Employment Agencies

A license is a must-have requirement from the MOHRE to build a connection between employers and their employees to ensure work quality and better communication. Talking about the labour laws, these are very strict in recruitment and employment agencies, including fair rules, no overcharges, and zero violations.

Benefits of the UAE Labour Card

There are several benefits related to the labour card.

One of the major benefits includes Legal Work Authorisation, which means it is proof that you are a legal employee working in the UAE.
Secondly, you will get full job security by working in a safe environment in which all of your rights will be protected.
With this card, you can avail of the medical and healthcare services in case of need.
In official works, this card will help you in quick identification by labelling you as a trusted employee.
Financial long-term security, end-of-service entitlements, and how your gratuity in salary is calculated are some other benefits that you will get.

Types of UAE Labour Card and Work Permits (2026 Updated)

There are different types of Labour Cards and Work Permits, and it is very crucial to get yourself familiar with all of their types if you are an employee working in the United Arab Emirates.

Standard Work Permit

Foreign employees who work 24 hours in the UAE get this standard work permit, which is based on the contract type and is valid for 2 years. This card is a must-have requirement for foreign employees to work legally.

Employment Transfer Permit

Temporary Employment Permit

Employees who are going to sign or have already begun their short and temporary contract, for 6 months, should have a temporary employment permit, which will show their job details and legality for working in the UAE.

Project-based Work Permit

Have you just signed out of an assignment-based project or mission task? So these are quite different from other job types, which is why the work permit is also specific to them, depending on the work’s timeline and requirements.

Mission Visa

Mission Visa is a short-term kind of permit valid for 90 days for employees in urgent staffing in the free zone authorities.

Minor Employment Permit

For individuals aged 15 to 18, following the child labour rules and laws, agencies provide them a minor employment permit, which not only secures their rights regarding their age but also shows the legality of their work.

Internship/Training Permit

Registered companies in the UAE, like IT companies and firms, allow people to take part in internships to let them learn and gain job experience. For that purpose, an internship permit is a must for employees to work.

National Training Permit

For people having UAE nationalities, a permit is required to allow them to take the opportunity to work in the private sector.

Freelance Permit

Freelancers should also have a permit that shows the individual is not associated with any company, but is self-dependent and earns independently.

Dependent Work Permit

Employees who sponsor their spouse, siblings or parents to work after them are required to have a dependent work permit to show their legality and dependency.

Multi-Employer Permit

UAE residents who do jobs for multiple employers, like part-time jobs, should have a multi-employer permit to work.

GCC National Employment

For hiring United Arab Emirates and other GCC country citizens, there is a simplified process and documentation that you need to follow to get your GCC National work permit.

Golden Visa Employment

Next is the Golden Visa Holders, the class to which basically 5 to 10-year visa holders belong. These long-term residents can have the compensation of working without a labour card. However, some registration with authorities, Golden Visa employment is required for them too.

Remote Work Visa

The Remote Work Visa is for those employees who work at the UAE companies remotely while living there. Validity of this remote work Visa remains for one year.

How to Apply for a Lost or Damaged Labour Card in the UAE?

Have you lost your UAE labour Card and are worried about what to do next? Just read carefully and follow the guide.

For Lost or Stolen Labour Card

If your card has been stolen, first of all, don’t panic and follow the steps below.

Immediately talk to your employer and give an exact report about how you lost it, whether at the company or at another place. He will help you for sure if you lost it at the company through proper research.
Secondly, go to a police station and file a report.
In case the card hasn’t been found, your Employer will help you get a replacement after you pay the new card fee.
Just like the renewal process takes time, your new card will be delivered to you in a short time.

For a Damaged Labour Card

If your Labour Card has been damaged, follow the steps below.

Talk to your Employer or submit an online application form for the card.
Submit your documents, and the process for a new card will be initiated.
Within a few days after submission of the application, your new card will be ready to use.

Labour Card Cancellation in the UAE

Well, yes, employees can cancel their UAE Labour Cards. However, there are some terms and conditions to do this.

How to cancel a Labour Card in the UAE?

To cancel the UAE Labour Card, there are some terms and conditions you need to follow.

If there are any unpaid fines, for the reasons that you got your work permit late or any other reason, you have to clear them.
Secondly, MOHRE or any Free Zone Authority that you are working with will issue a statement that says the employee’s dues, statements, and all fines have been cleared up.
Thirdly, the employee has to sign the work permit cancellation agreement.

Please note that the overseas employees, deceased, and those who are sick are excluded from this agreement.

Labour and Immigration Cancellation Charges

The labour and immigration cancellation charges are AED 80 to AED 10, depending on the MOHRE or any free zone authority you are associated with.

Important Amendments in the UAE Labour Law 2026

Some amendments have been made to enhance the UAE Labour Law to provide flexibility for employees.

The first amendment is salary continuation; it doesn’t matter if there is any dispute ongoing, the employee will get their wages for sure.
Employees must provide a 14-day minimum notice period before leaving the job, which is one of the amendments made regarding the probation period notice.
Part-time job opportunities and major flexibilities for working hours have been introduced to the UAE labourers, removing the one-job option.
Monetary values will be considered for the resolution of disputes. If the claim doesn’t reach the Dh 50,000, MOHRE will make binding decisions.
No complicated legal processes will be required once MOHRE declare the decisions.

FAQs

Below are the frequently asked questions about the UAE Labour Card.

The UAE Labour card number is specifically assigned to every employee, which differs among employees based on their residential status and employment details.

Of course not, you cannot work without a labour card in the UAE, as it is a strict rule for AE and foreign employees.

To check the Labour Card status, simply visit the MOHRE’s official website, visit the work permit or labour card section to access your information.

In case you need a Labour card without the MOHRE association, simply contact your Employer and he will help you get your card.

Both are the same, and they are used for identity verification at the workspaces of employees in the UAE.

Final Words

Finalising this UAE labour Card article, it is indeed a must requirement for employees to register themselves if they haven’t yet for a work permit. Otherwise, they will be charged with huge fines. Not only does this card have legality benefits, but employers register such employees for end-of-service financial bonuses and make sure they are getting paid correctly. By using a Gratuity Calculator UAE, employees can also determine their end-of-service rewards.

Moreover, in case you need any further assistance regarding the labour card number, how to apply, a stolen card or any other matter, just visit the MOHRE official website and your matter will be solved with full attention.