The Must-Have Document for Every UAE Professional
If you are employed in the UAE—whether you are a seasoned expatriate, a new recruit, or a local talent—there is one document that legalizes your professional life: the UAE Labour Card (officially known as the Work Permit).
This is not just an ID card; it is your official certificate, issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), which guarantees your legal employment status, outlines your contractual rights, and connects you to the benefits and protections under the landmark Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 (the new UAE Labour Law) and its amendments in 2025.
The UAE has fully embraced digitalization. The traditional physical Labour Card has been replaced by a digital Work Permit. This guide is updated for 2025 to cover everything you need to know, from eligibility and application steps to checking your status online and understanding the vital link between your Labour Card and your rights.
What Exactly is the UAE Labour Card (Work Permit)?
The term ‘Labour Card’ is the traditional name for the document officially called the Work Permit. It is the legal authorization for an employee to work in the UAE.
Key Information Contained in Your Digital Work Permit:
| Detail | Significance |
| Employee’s Full Name & Nationality | Standard identity details. |
| Job Title/Profession | The role you are legally permitted to perform in the UAE. |
| Employer/Company Name | The registered name and license number of your legal employer. |
| Work Permit Number | The unique identification number for your permit. |
| Contract Type | Fixed-term (mandatory under the new law) and nature (Full-time, Part-time, Remote, etc.). |
| Salary (Basic & Allowances) | The amount registered with MoHRE, vital for gratuity and dispute resolution. |
| Issue and Expiry Date | The legal start and end date of your employment authorization. |
The UAE has fully phased out the plastic Labour Card. The Work Permit is now electronic (e-Permit), accessible via the official MoHRE app and website. This digital move provides:
- Convenience: Easily accessible via the MoHRE app, linked to your UAE Pass.
- Security: Eliminates the risk of loss or damage to a physical card.
- Efficiency: Instant updates and printing options for official use.
Who Needs a UAE Labour Card?
Required For:
- All expatriate employees working in the UAE private sector
- Domestic workers (through Tadbeer centers)
- Employees switching jobs within the UAE
- New graduates starting their first job in the UAE
- Part-time workers (under new flexible work permits)
Not Required For:
- UAE nationals
- Government sector employees (they receive different documentation)
- Freezone employees (they get freezone-specific work permits)
- Business owners on investor visas
- Dependents not working (spouse/children on family visa)
Types of Labour Cards in 2025
1. Standard Work Permit
The most common type issued to foreign employees working full-time for UAE companies. Valid for 2 years and renewable upon contract extension. This permit covers all regular employment positions across various sectors and requires standard sponsorship from the employer.
2. Employment Transfer Permit
Allows expatriate workers to switch employers within the UAE without exiting the country. Requires completion of notice period with current employer and NOC if applicable. The new employer must apply through MOHRE with settlement confirmation from the previous company.
3. Temporary Employment Permit
Designed for short-term employment needs lasting up to 6 months. Commonly used in construction, events, and seasonal businesses. Can be renewed once for another 6 months if the project extends. Ideal for companies with fluctuating workforce requirements.
4. Project-Based Work Permit (One Mission)
Issued for specialists hired to complete specific assignments or projects. Duration tied to project timeline rather than standard contract periods. Often used for technical consultants, specialized engineers, or experts needed for particular tasks.
5. Mission Visa (90-Day Permit)
Short-term visa valid for 3 months with possibility of single extension. Primarily used by free zones and government entities for urgent temporary staffing. Suitable for consultants, auditors, and technical specialists on brief assignments.
6. Minor Employment Permit
For workers aged 15-18 years under strict regulatory conditions. Restricted working hours and specific safety requirements apply. Employers must ensure compliance with child labor protection laws and educational requirements.
7. Internship/Training Permit
Enables UAE-based students to undertake practical training with registered companies. Links academic programs with industry experience. Duration typically aligns with academic semester or training program requirements.
8. National Training Permit
Supports Emiratization initiatives by facilitating UAE nationals’ entry into private sector roles. Combines practical experience with professional development programs. Includes mentorship components and career progression pathways.
9. Freelance Permit
For self-employed professionals working independently without fixed employer sponsorship. Popular among media professionals, consultants, designers, and IT specialists. Holders can work with multiple clients while maintaining legal status.
10. Dependent Work Permit
Allows family-sponsored residents (on spouse or parent visa) to work legally. Employee maintains existing residency sponsorship while gaining work authorization. Employer must obtain MOHRE approval before employment begins.
11. Multi-Employer Permit (Part-Time)
Permits working for multiple employers simultaneously with defined hours per employer. Maximum working hours regulated to prevent exploitation. Requires consent from all employers and clear contract terms.
12. GCC National Employment
Simplified process for hiring UAE and other GCC country citizens. Minimal documentation required compared to expatriate hiring. No traditional sponsorship needed in most cases, facilitating regional workforce mobility.
13. Golden Visa Employment
Long-term residents (5-10 year visa holders) have simplified work authorization. Includes investors, entrepreneurs, specialized talents, and outstanding students. May work without traditional labour card but requires registration with relevant authorities.
14. Remote Work Visa
Allows foreign company employees to reside in UAE while working remotely. Valid for one year with renewal option. Applicants must prove employment with overseas company and meet minimum salary requirements. Supports UAE’s digital nomad initiatives.
Employment Visa and Labour Card Fees (2025)
The total estimated cost for a standard 2-year Employment Visa and Labour Card is approximately:
| Expense Category | Approximate Cost (AED) | Who Pays? |
| Total Estimated Range | AED 3,000 to AED 7,000 | Employer |
Detailed Cost Components (What you are paying for):
| Cost Component | What is it? | Approximate Fee Range (AED) | Notes |
| 1. Labour Card / Work Permit Fee | This is the fee paid to the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE) for your work authorization. | AED 300 to AED 5,000 | This is the most variable cost. Lower fees are for highly-skilled workers and companies with high compliance. Higher fees are for lower-skilled jobs or companies with low compliance. |
| 2. Medical Fitness Test | A mandatory health check (blood tests and X-ray) to prove you are fit to work. | AED 300 to AED 800 | Conducted at a government-approved health center. |
| 3. Emirates ID | The mandatory national ID card, which now acts as your residence proof. | AED 370 to AED 570 | For 2-year validity. |
| 4. Residence Visa Issuance Fee | The fee for the immigration authorities (GDRFA/ICP) to process and issue your residence visa. | AED 1,000 (for 2 years) | This is the fee to legally live in the country under your employer’s sponsorship. |
| 5. Entry Permit Fee | The cost to issue the initial permit that allows you to enter the UAE for employment. | AED 300 to AED 550 | Only applicable if you are applying from outside the UAE. |
| 6. Change of Status Fee | Fee for changing your visa status (e.g., from a Tourist Visa to an Employment Visa) without leaving the country. | Around AED 550 | Only applicable if you are applying from inside the UAE. |
| 7. Knowledge & Innovation Fees | Small mandatory government fees. | AED 20 (AED 10 each) | Applied to almost all government transactions. |
| 8. Health Insurance | Mandatory health insurance coverage. | Varies (Approx. AED 700 – 1,500+ per year) | The cost depends on the level of coverage your employer chooses. |
| 9. Other Fees | Includes initial application fees, typing center charges, and courier costs. | AED 200 to AED 500 | Administrative costs. |
Eligibility, Validity, and Renewal
Understanding the legal framework is essential for both employees and employers to maintain compliance and avoid hefty fines.
Who is Eligible for a Labour Card?
Every employee working in the mainland or a Free Zone (though Free Zones issue their own Work ID/Permit) must possess a valid Work Permit.
Employee Eligibility Criteria:
- Age: Must be between 18 and 60 years old (special conditions apply for those over 60).
- Qualifications: Must possess the academic and professional qualifications required for the specific job role.
- Medical Fitness: Must pass the mandatory medical fitness test in the UAE, confirming they are free from communicable diseases.
- Contract: Must have a signed, fixed-term employment contract registered with MoHRE.
Validity and the Renewal Window
| Type of Contract | Standard Validity | Renewal Deadline |
| Private Sector (Expat/National) | 2 Years | 50 days before the card expires. |
| Government Sector (Federal/Local) | Up to 3 Years | 50 days before the card expires. |
| Over 60 Years Old | 1 Year (Requires annual renewal) | 50 days before the card expires. |
Important Note: The employer is responsible for initiating and bearing the cost of the Labour Card (Work Permit) application and renewal. Failure to renew on time can result in fines against the employer.
Step-by-Step Application Process (New Employee)
The process is generally handled by the employer or their Public Relations Officer (PRO) but the employee must provide the necessary documents and complete the medical test.
| Step | Action | Responsibility | Notes (2025 Compliance) |
| 1. Job Offer & Contract Signing | Employee signs the official MoHRE offer letter and then the fixed-term employment contract (both Arabic & English). | Employee & Employer | Fixed-term contracts are mandatory under the new Labour Law. |
| 2. Work Permit Application (Pre-Entry) | Employer applies for the initial Work Permit (often called the Entry Permit) through the MoHRE system. | Employer (PRO) | This permit allows the employee to legally enter the UAE for employment purposes. |
| 3. Entry to UAE & Medical Test | Employee enters the UAE and undergoes the mandatory medical fitness test at a government-approved centre. | Employee | Test results are electronically linked to the visa process. |
| 4. Emirates ID & Residency Visa Stamping | Employee applies for the Emirates ID. The Residency Visa is then stamped in the passport. | Employee & Employer (PRO) | The Work Permit is intrinsically linked to the Residency Visa and Emirates ID. |
| 5. Final Work Permit Issuance | Once the Residence Visa is approved, the final Work Permit (Labour Card) is issued electronically. | MoHRE | The Work Permit number is generated and appears on your MoHRE profile. |
Documents Required (Employee Side):
- Valid Passport Copy (minimum 6 months validity).
- Passport-size Photographs (usually white background).
- Signed Employment Contract (Registered with MoHRE).
- Academic/Professional Certificates (Attested, if required by the job role).
- Medical Fitness Certificate (Issued in the UAE).
- Entry Permit/Visa Copy (For newly arriving employees).
How to Check and Download Your Digital Labour Card Status Online
Since the card is digital, accessing it is fast and simple via the official government channels.
Method 1: Via the MoHRE Website (Electronic Work Permit Print)
- Visit the official MoHRE Website.
- Navigate to “Services” → “New Enquiry Services” → “Print Electronic Work Permit.”
- Enter your Work Permit Number or Passport Details.
- Click “Search.”
- Your official electronic Work Permit (Labour Card) will be displayed. You can download or print this document for any official requirement.
Method 2: Via the MoHRE Mobile App / UAE Pass
- Download and open the official MoHRE App (Available on iOS/Android).
- Log in using your UAE Pass credentials (The primary secure digital identity for all government services).
- Go to your Profile or “My Dashboard.”
- Your Work Permit details, including the number, job title, and expiry date, will be displayed under the “Labour Card/Work Permit” section.
Why Your Labour Card is Crucial: Your Rights & Protection (2025 Updates)
The Work Permit is the legal backbone of your employment and ensures you benefit from the protections of the UAE Labour Law.
| Area of Impact | Significance | New Law Update (2025 Focus) |
| Legal Status | Proof that you are working legally. Working without a valid permit is a serious offence punishable by heavy fines on the employer. | The law mandates all contracts must be fixed-term (maximum 3 years), increasing transparency on duration. |
| Salary Protection | The card details are linked to the Wage Protection System (WPS), ensuring your salary is paid on time as per the contract. | MoHRE actively monitors WPS compliance, with non-compliant companies facing severe sanctions. |
| Dispute Resolution | In case of any labour complaint, MoHRE will use the details on your Work Permit/Contract as the official reference point. | Employees now have greater protection against harassment and discrimination, as well as clearer rules on gratuity calculation and unlawful termination. |
| End-of-Service Gratuity | Your entitlement is calculated based on the Basic Salary registered on your Work Permit/Contract. | Gratuity calculation rules for fixed-term contracts have been standardized, providing clarity on entitlements. |
| Golden Visa Holders | While the Golden Visa grants residency, holders must still obtain a Work Permit from MoHRE or a relevant Free Zone ID to legally work. | Employers must not assume the Golden Visa is a work permit substitute; failure to issue a Work Permit incurs fines. |
Conclusion: Stay Informed, Stay Compliant
The UAE Labour Card (Work Permit) remains the single most important document for legal employment in the Emirates. With the transition to a fully digital format and the robust protections offered by the 2025 Labour Law updates, the system is designed for greater employee welfare and administrative efficiency.
Ensure your employer handles your documentation promptly and accurately, and use the official MoHRE channels to check your card’s status and expiry date regularly. Staying informed about your rights and compliance status is the first step toward a successful and secure career in the UAE.
