The UAE Labor Card is a mandatory digital document that confirms your legal right to work in the country. It contains key details about your employment, such as your name, job title, employer, and work permit number.
Every employer must apply for this card within 60 days of hiring an employee to stay compliant with MoHRE regulations. Without a valid labor card, both the employer and employee can face legal penalties.
In this guide, you will learn everything about the UAE Labor Card, also known as the work permit. We explain what it is, who needs it, how to apply, and what documents are required.
What is the UAE Labor Card?
A UAE Labor Card, also called a work permit, is an official digital document that allows you to work legally in the UAE. It contains all key information related to your employment, such as:
- Your full name
- Job title or occupation
- Employer’s name and company details
- Nationality
- Labor card number
- Work permit number
- Expiry date of the card
The card acts as your employment ID and confirms your right to work in the UAE. Employers must issue this card for every employee within 60 days of their arrival in the country. Without it, both the employer and employee may face penalties.
Types of UAE Labour Cards and Work Permits
1. Standard Work Permit for Foreign Workers
This is the most common type of permit. It allows UAE-based companies to hire employees from outside the country for full-time roles. The permit is valid for two years and can be renewed if employment continues. It ensures that both the employer and the employee comply with UAE labour laws and that the worker receives all legal benefits such as salary, leave, and health coverage.
2. Transfer Work Permit
The transfer work permit helps employees who want to switch jobs within the UAE without exiting the country. It’s commonly used by skilled professionals seeking better career opportunities. The permit protects both parties by ensuring that the current and new employers follow proper notice, clearance, and settlement rules set by MoHRE before the transfer takes effect.
3. Temporary Work Permit
This permit is ideal for short-term or project-based employment. It is usually valid for up to six months and can be renewed once. Companies in construction, hospitality, events, and logistics often use this permit to meet temporary staffing needs. It gives flexibility to employers and provides legal protection to employees working on limited-time projects.
4. One-Mission Work Permit
The one-mission work permit is issued to professionals who are hired for a specific project or assignment. It is directly tied to the completion of that particular task. This permit helps businesses bring in specialists for short-term, high-value projects without committing to long-term contracts. Once the project is done, the permit automatically ends.
5. Mission Visa (Short-Term Work Visa)
Mission visa is a short-term work visa that allows foreign experts to work in the UAE for 90 days, which can be extended once. It’s commonly used by consultants, auditors, and engineers who come for short assignments. The mission visa speeds up the hiring process and reduces paperwork for urgent or short-duration business needs.
6. Student Training or Internship Work Permit
The student training permit allows university students in the UAE to gain practical experience while studying. It connects education with the workplace by allowing students to take internships with registered companies. Students get to build real-world skills, while employers can discover potential talent early and support future workforce development.
7. National Apprentice Permit
National apprentice permit supports the UAE’s Emiratisation goals. It allows Emirati citizens to receive structured, hands-on training in private sector companies. The program combines work experience with mentoring, helping young nationals develop practical knowledge, confidence, and long-term career readiness in their chosen industries.
8. Freelance Work Permit
The freelance work permit is perfect for independent professionals who want to work on their own terms. It allows individuals to offer services without being tied to a single employer. Popular among designers, writers, marketers, developers, and consultants, this permit encourages entrepreneurship and gives workers the freedom to take on multiple clients legally.
9. Remote Work Permit (Virtual Work Residency Visa)
The remote work permit allows individuals employed by foreign companies to live in the UAE while working remotely. It is designed for digital nomads, remote employees, and entrepreneurs who want to enjoy the UAE’s quality of life. Valid for one year and renewable, it allows them to legally reside in the country without needing a local sponsor.
10. Part-Time Work Permit
This permit gives employees the freedom to work for more than one employer at the same time, usually with limited weekly hours per job. It’s suitable for people who want flexible schedules or extra income, such as students, freelancers, and parents. Both employers must approve the arrangement to ensure work hours stay within legal limits.
11. Work Permit for Citizens Sponsored by Relatives
This permit allows individuals living in the UAE under family sponsorship, such as a spouse or parent, to work legally without changing their residency visa. It’s especially useful for dependents who want to contribute financially while maintaining family status. Employers must still apply for approval from MoHRE to keep everything compliant.
12. Permit for Hiring Emirati or GCC Citizens
This permit makes it easier for companies to hire UAE nationals and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) citizens. It requires minimal paperwork and does not always need a new sponsorship. It encourages regional employment and supports the UAE’s mission to empower local talent across the private sector.
13. Golden Visa Work Permit
Golden Visa holders, such as investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, and creative professionals, can work in the UAE without needing a traditional labour card. Their visa itself provides them with legal work rights.
However, they must still register their employment details with MoHRE. This permit type attracts high-skilled professionals and long-term residents who contribute to the UAE’s economic growth.
How to Apply for a UAE Labour Card as a Candidate?
Step 1: Log in to the Employer Portal with Your Establishment Credentials
The employer must log in to the official Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) portal using their establishment credentials. This verifies the employer’s identity and confirms the company is eligible to hire employees.
Step 2: Select the Service for Labour Card/Work Permit Issuance
The employer navigates to the applicable service such as “Labour Card Issuance” or “Work Permit for New Employee”.
This links the application to the correct type of employment and job category.
Choosing the right service ensures the process flows without confusion or delay.
Step 3: Upload All Required Employee and Company Documents
The employer uploads scanned copies of: the employee’s valid passport, recent photo, visa (if applicable), the signed employment contract (in Arabic and English), the company’s trade licence, and any educational or professional certificates required.
Accurate and complete document uploads reduce the risk of rejections or requests for more information.
Step 4: Pay the Government Fees According to Company and Job Category
After submission of documents, the employer pays the fees required by the MoHRE, based on the company’s classification and the job/employee skill level. Paying the correct fees promptly helps keep the application moving without interruption.
Step 5: Wait for MoHRE Review and Approval of the Application
The MoHRE reviews all submitted data, checks the company quota, validates the contract, and confirms compliance with regulations. If all is correct, MoHRE approves the application. During this review phase the employer may need to respond quickly if the Ministry requests additional documents or clarification.
Step 6: Labour Card Issued to the Employee
Once MoHRE approves, the labour card (or work permit / electronic card) is issued and linked to the employee. This card confirms the employee is legally registered to work. The employer should notify the employee and store the card for compliance and record-keeping.
Step 7: Download, Print or Distribute the Digital Labour Card Copy
The employer or employee can log in to the MoHRE app or portal to view and print the digital labour card. The card shows issue date, expiry date, job title, employer name and other details. Keeping a printed copy is good for the employee’s records and may be needed for visa stamping or other legal processes.
Who is eligible for the UAE Labor Card?
To get a UAE Labor Card, the applicant must be between 18 and 60 years old, medically fit, and hold the required educational or professional qualification for the job.
The employer must apply for the card within 60 days of the employee’s entry into the UAE and ensure compliance with MoHRE regulations. Both local and foreign workers meeting these conditions are eligible.
UAE Labor Card application process and required documents
Applying for a UAE Labor Card is a mandatory process for all employees working legally in the country. The employer is responsible for completing the application through the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE).
Below is a detailed breakdown of each step and the list of required documents.
1. Receive a Formal Job Offer
The process starts when a candidate receives a formal job offer from a registered employer in the UAE. The job offer must clearly mention the job title, salary, working hours, and employment terms. Once both parties agree, the employer can begin the labor card application process on behalf of the employee.
2. Employer Applies for a Work Permit
After the job offer is accepted, the employer applies for a work permit through the MoHRE online portal. The work permit allows the employee to legally enter the UAE for employment. It also verifies that the employer is authorized to hire and that the company follows all labor regulations.
3. Entry Permit Issuance
Once the work permit is approved, the Ministry issues an entry permit (also known as a pink visa) if the employee is outside the UAE. This document allows the employee to legally enter the country for work purposes. The entry permit is typically valid for 60 days from the date of issue.
4. Complete the Medical Fitness Test
After arriving in the UAE, the employee must undergo a mandatory medical examination at an approved UAE health center. The test ensures the individual is medically fit to work and free from communicable diseases. A valid medical fitness certificate is required to proceed with the labor card application.
5. Apply for Emirates ID
Next, the employee needs to apply for an Emirates ID, which is a national identification document required for all UAE residents. The process involves submitting biometric data such as fingerprints and a photograph at an Emirates Identity Authority center. The Emirates ID is linked to your work and residency status.
6. Residency Visa Processing
Once the Emirates ID process is complete, the employer applies for a residency visa through the immigration department. This visa allows the employee to legally live and work in the UAE during the contract period. The residency visa must be stamped in the employee’s passport before proceeding with the labor card application.
7. Submission of Documents to MoHRE
After obtaining the residency visa, the employer collects all necessary documents and submits them to MoHRE for final verification. These documents confirm the employee’s legal status and eligibility to work. The employer must ensure all details match across the contract, visa, and company records to avoid rejection.
8. Labor Card Issuance
Once MoHRE reviews and approves the application, the UAE Labor Card is issued digitally. Employees can access and download it through the MoHRE mobile app or website. The card contains details such as the employee’s name, job title, employer name, labor card number, and expiry date. The card is valid for up to two years for private sector employees.
Documents Required for UAE Labor Card Application
To complete the labor card process smoothly, both the employer and employee must prepare the following documents:
- Valid passport copy (with at least six months’ validity)
- Copy of the residence visa
- Work permit approval issued by MoHRE
- Recent passport-size photograph with a white background
- Signed employment contract in Arabic and English
- Copy of the company’s valid trade license
- Medical fitness certificate from an approved UAE health center
- Educational and professional qualification certificates (attested if required)
UAE Labour Card Processing Time
The standard processing time for a UAE Labor Card ranges from 3 to 7 working days, depending on the completeness of the documents and the speed of verification. Any errors, missing information, or unverified certificates can cause delays, so it’s best to ensure all documents are accurate before submission.
How to Check the UAE Labor Card Online?
You can check your UAE Labor Card online through the MoHRE app, the MoHRE website, or Tas’heel service centers. Log in using your UAE Pass on the MoHRE app or visit www.mohre.gov.ae and select the “Work Permit Inquiry” option based on your permit type:
Enter your labor card or passport number to view or download your digital card details.
How long is an UAE labor card valid for?
A UAE Labor Card is usually valid for two years for private sector employees and three years for government employees. The employer must renew it within 50 days before the expiry date through MoHRE. Renewal helps avoid fines and keeps your work status active and legal.
Can I work without a labour card in the UAE?
No, you cannot work in the UAE without a valid labor card, work permit, or residency visa. Working without these documents is illegal and can lead to fines, deportation, or an employment ban. Employers can face penalties of up to AED 50,000 per worker for hiring without a valid labor card.
How much does a UAE Labor Card cost in 2025?
The UAE Labor Card fee varies based on the employer’s company category as defined by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). For a two-year work permit, the official government fees are:
- Category 1: AED 250 (for fully compliant companies)
- Category 2: AED 1,200 (for partially compliant or mid-tier companies)
- Category 3: AED 3,450 (for companies with low compliance or violations)
An AED 50 application fee applies when submitting the initial work permit request. Additional service center fees of up to AED 72 per application may also apply. These charges cover the job offer, employment contract printing, and permit processing.
All labor card fees must be paid by the employer, not the employee, and exclude VAT or other collection fees. The labor card is typically valid for 2 years, after which the same fee applies for renewal.
How Yomly Helps Enterprise Employers Manage Employees
Yomly provides a complete HR and payroll management solution for enterprise companies in the UAE. The platform helps employers manage employee records, monitor work permit renewals, and stay compliant with MoHRE requirements.
👉 Learn more about Yomly HR software for the UAE.
With Yomly, employers can:
- Track labor card and visa expiry dates automatically
- Generate and submit MoHRE-compliant employee records quickly
- Store all employee information securely in the cloud
- Ensure full compliance with UAE labor laws and WPS standards
By automating HR and compliance tasks, Yomly helps enterprise businesses save time, reduce human errors, and maintain accurate workforce data. Visit Yomly to learn how Yomly can simplify HR and payroll management for your organization in the UAE.
