If you are working or planning to work in the UAE, you should know about an important document that is the UAE Labour Card. This card provides proof that you are legally employed and protected under the UAE’s labour laws.

For both employers and employees, it is important to know how a labour card works. It ensures that you comply with legal requirements, protects workers’ rights and helps businesses avoid penalties. This guide will teach you everything you need to know about the UAE Labour Card, including how to apply, check its status, costs, benefits and helpful resources.

What Is a UAE Labor Card?

In the UAE, a labour card is an official employment document issued to workers by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) or the relevant Free Zone Authority. It serves as proof of employment and must be carried by the employee at all times. The card contains details such as the worker’s name, job title, employer, nationality, expiry date, personal ID number, work permit number and labour card number.

In addition, a labour card is essential for effective payroll management, as it helps maintain accurate records and ensures that both the employee and the employer are complying with regulations. This makes it an essential document for workplace accountability and transparency.

Who Needs a Labor Card in the UAE?

Not every worker in the UAE needs a labour card, but most private sector employees do. Here’s a simple breakdown:

• Private sector employees – all individuals working under a UAE-registered company in the mainland.

• Foreign workers – those who are sponsored by companies and hold a valid employment visa.

• Free zone employees – they obtain their work permits from their respective free zone authorities rather than the MOHRE.

• Domestic workers – they follow a separate process under the Tadbir system, not the standard labor card framework.

What Is The Use Of a Labor Card in the UAE?

A labor card is mandatory for every worker in the UAE, both local and expatriate.

It ensures that employment practices comply with UAE laws and regulations, which helps maintain smooth operations between employers and employees.

It also protects the rights of workers, serving as official evidence for all matters related to employment.

Labor Card Eligibility

All individuals working in the UAE, whether in private companies or government organizations, are required to have a labor card.

It applies to both UAE citizens and expatriates. To obtain one, workers must meet certain criteria.

A labor card ensures that all employees comply with legal standards and employment regulations in the country.

If you are working in the UAE, it is important to obtain a labor card.

1. Responsibilities for Employers:

Stay Organized: Employers must maintain records of active labor cards and remove any expired cards.

Follow the Rules: Employers must follow the Ministry’s regulations to ensure fairness and legality in the workplace.

Fair Wages: Employers are required to pay workers according to the salary expected for their role and position.

2. Responsibilities for Employees:

Fully Qualified: Workers must have the necessary certificates for the position they are hired for.

Age Requirements: Employees must be between 18 and 60 years of age.

Health Check: Workers must pass a medical examination and provide a health certificate from their home country.

Process to Obtain a UAE Labor Card

Here are the main steps to obtain your UAE Labor Card:

Required Documents

First, you need to collect all the necessary documents to complete the application. You can use the checklist below as a guide:

You will need:

• A recent photograph of the employee

• A copy of the company’s valid trade license

• Copies of the employee’s passport and entry visa

• Employee’s health certificate

• Employment contract (three copies)

Academic certificates relevant to the job, such as a university degree for doctors, engineers, lawyers, etc.

The Applications Process

Follow these step-by-step instructions to obtain your UAE Labor Card:

1. Foreign workers must first have a valid residence visa with a work permit to work legally in the UAE. A residence visa confirms your eligibility to live and work in the country, and is mandatory for applying for a work permit or labor card.

2. Next, obtain your work permit before starting your job. The employer usually handles this step. Often, a labor card is issued along with the work permit application.

3. The employer needs to obtain visa quota approval from the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE).

4. Free zone companies must obtain this approval before the employee arrives in the UAE.

5. As part of the process, the applicant undergoes a background check and security check.

6. The employee must have a signed employment contract in both Arabic and English.

7. The ministry then issues an entry visa, often called a “pink visa,” which allows the employee to enter the UAE.

8. The employee completes a mandatory medical examination and obtains all necessary documents.

9. Additional documents may be required as per the application form, and the employee must visit an Emirates ID center.

10. After paying the applicable fee, the labor card is issued by the sponsoring company.

11. Once the permit is approved, the passport, Emirates ID, and work permit are officially stamped.

The entire process of obtaining a UAE labor card usually takes 2 to 3 weeks. By following these steps carefully, you can avoid unnecessary delays.

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Labor Card Fees and Costs in 2025

The cost of a labor card in the UAE varies depending on the employer's category under the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratization (MoHRE) system. This tiered system rewards companies that comply with labor regulations and penalizes those that do not.

How to Check Your MoHRE Labor Card Status

Waiting for approval? Stop guessing. Here’s how to check your MoHRE labor card status in a few minutes:

Option 1: Through the MoHRE portal

• Log in using your establishment credentials

• Go to the ‘Labor Card Services’ section

• Enter the employee’s application number to view the progress

Option 2: Through the MoHRE mobile app

• Install the MoHRE app on your phone

• Enter the employee’s passport number or unified number to view the status

Types of status you can view

• Pending: Application received but not yet reviewed.

• Under process: Documents are being verified.

• Approved: Labor card has been issued and is ready to download.

• Rejected: Application not passed; reason will be given.

Common Mistakes That Cause Delays in Labor Cards

Here are the top 5 problems to avoid:

• Missing documents or mismatched documents

• Non-payment of fines associated with company establishment cards

• Mistakes in employees' personal information (spelling errors, wrong dates, etc.)

• Uploading expired medical fitness certificates

• Missing mandatory e-signatures on contracts

A simple check before submission can save you weeks of work.

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Conclusion

The UAE Labor Card is an important document that every employee must have to comply with labor laws and protect their rights at all times.

This card enables workers to receive fair wages, health coverage, and a range of additional benefits. That is why anyone looking to work in the UAE should be aware of the labor card requirements.

By staying updated, having all the necessary documents ready, and following the necessary guidelines, employees and employers can avoid violations and ensure full compliance with UAE labor laws and regulations.

Contact DBS Group today to manage your UAE labor card processes without errors. From obtaining a labor card to making timely and accurate fee payments, we guide you effectively through every step of the process