The Federal Tax Authority (FTA) has announced that businesses must complete Corporate Tax registration within 90 days from the Date of Incorporation / MOA.
In the United Arab Emirates, a labour card is one of the most important documents for expatriates working in the country. It is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) If you don't secure a valid labour card soon after starting, employers and employees face heavy fines under UAE Labour Law (Federal Decree-Law No. 33).
Having a valid labor card is mandatory to avoid fines or penalties and ensures smooth access to employment rights. Our step-by-step guide explains how to apply for a labour card, detailing necessary documents, associated fees, and professional tips for an efficient process.
What is a UAE Labour Card ?
A labour card, also referred to as an employment card, is an official identification card issued to every employee working in the UAE under a legal employer.
- Who needs it?: All expatriates working in the private sector require this card.
- Purpose: It protects the rights of both employers and employees by proving the employee’s legal status.
- Difference from Emirates ID: While an Emirates ID is a national identification card, the labour card specifically represents work authorization and employment details.
In recent years, MOHRE has also introduced the digital labour card in UAE, which can be accessed online instead of waiting for a physical copy.
Types of UAE Labour Cards and Work Permits
MOHRE currently issues several types of labour cards and work permits, each suited for a different work scenario. If you’re an employer or candidate, choosing the correct category matters—using the wrong permit risks card rejection or legal fines.
- Standard Labour Card/Work Permit: For full-time employees in the private sector sponsored and employed by companies licensed by MOHRE.
- Transfer Work Permit: For employees switching jobs within the UAE or moving between companies under MOHRE. The new employer must complete this process for you and both old/new contracts require MOHRE approval.
- Temporary Work Permit: For short-term assignments, projects, or contracts (usually less than 6 months). Often needed for project-based roles or trial employment.
- Part-Time Work Permit: For workers intending to work part-time across more than one employer. Each employer must have the right permit before you start.
- Freelance Work Permit: For self-employed professionals and freelancers not tied to one employer.
- Golden Visa Work Permit: For those holding a UAE Golden Visa, MOHRE issues a special work permit if you want to take up employment under a company.
- Remote Work Permit: For overseas staff working remotely for UAE-based entities (pilot and regulated sectors only).
Eligibility and documentation vary if you pick the wrong category or miss a supporting document, MOHRE will reject the application. Always cross-check the permit you actually need before you or your company submit paperwork.
Eligibility Criteria for a UAE Labour Card
Not every individual is eligible to obtain a labour card. The main conditions include:
- Age requirement: The applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old.
- Employer sponsorship: The labour card application can only be initiated by the employer.
- Work permit approval: A valid UAE work permit card approval is necessary from MOHRE before applying. Your documents and intended job title must match exactly between both applications, or the process is delayed.
Documents Required for Labor Card Application
To ensure smooth processing, employees must prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport copy (minimum 6 months validity).
- Copy of the residence visa.
- Work permit approval from MOHRE.
- Recent passport-size photographs with a white background.
- Employment contract copy signed by both employer and employee.
These documents are mandatory for the MOHRE labor card application to proceed.
Step-by-Step Process to Apply for a UAE Labour Card
Step 1: Employer Initiates the Application
- The employer begins the process by submitting the application on the MOHRE portal after obtaining work permit approval.
- Statutory Deadline: The employer must apply for your labour card within 60 days of your entry to the UAE or status change. If this deadline is missed, an AED 500 fine is applied per month of delay under MOHRE guidelines.
Step 2: Upload Required Documents
Scanned copies of the employee’s passport, visa, photographs, and contract are uploaded online.
Step 3: Payment of Fees
The employer pays the standard UAE labor card fees, which vary depending on the company’s category and the employee’s skill level.
Step 4: MOHRE Review and Approval
The Ministry verifies the application details. The review period usually takes 3–7 working days, but delays may occur if documents are incomplete.
Step 5: Labour Card Issuance
Once approved, the labour card is issued. Today, most employees can directly download the digital labor card in UAE from the MOHRE app or website.
Labour Card Fees in UAE
The cost of obtaining a labour card depends on the employee’s skill category and the company classification.
- Fees range between AED 250 to AED 3,450.
- Service charges may apply if using typing centers or online service providers.
- Renewal fees are similar and must be paid before the card expires.
Employers are responsible for paying the full cost of the UAE employment card process.
Processing Time for a Labour Card
The labour card processing time in UAE is generally quick, ranging between 3 to 10 business days.
However, factors that may cause delays include:
- Missing or incorrect documents.
- Pending work permit approvals.
- Errors in the employment contract.
Employees can check the status of their card online through the MOHRE portal.
Labour Card Renewal Process
Your UAE labour card is valid for either 1 or 2 years, as per your contract and MOHRE regulations. If it’s not renewed before it expires, both you and your employer risk fines and possible work bans.
- When to renew: Employers must start the renewal application at least 1 month before the expiry date.
- Deadline: Card must be renewed within 30 days after its expiry to avoid penalties. If the deadline is missed, an AED 500 fine is applied for every month of delay.
- Documents Needed: Valid passport, UAE visa, signed contract, recent photo, medical fitness certificate (if required for category), and original old labour card number.
- Fees: Identical to new card; refer to above table for exact amount based on your employer’s category and your skill level.
If you wait too long, you may lose legal work status and your employer will have difficulty renewing visas or licenses for your company in the future.
Why Choose Reyson Badger for Labour Card Services?
Applying for a labor card in the UAE requires precision, proper documentation, and timely submissions to avoid penalties or rejection. This is where Reyson Badger makes the difference.
Expertise in UAE Employment Laws: Our team stays updated with the latest MOHRE guidelines and immigration regulations.
End-to-End Assistance: From preparing documents to submitting applications, we handle the process on behalf of employers and employees.
Fast & Hassle-Free Processing: We streamline the labor and immigration card services so you don’t face unnecessary delays.
Tailored Support for Businesses: Whether you are a small business or a large corporation, we ensure compliance with labor laws.
By choosing Reyson Badger, you get more than just application support; you get a trusted partner committed to making your employment processes in the UAE smooth and compliant.
