UAE Labor Card: Complete Guide to Application & Renewal

UAE Labor Card: Complete Guide to Application & Renewal

Quick Summary: The UAE labor card (now officially the e-Work Permit) is a mandatory digital document authorizing employment in the UAE private sector. Governed by Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and Ministerial Resolution No. 1 of 2022, it is issued by MOHRE for mainland employees and by individual free zone authorities for free zone employees. Application takes 2-3 weeks and costs AED 3,000-7,000. Renewal must begin 60 days before expiry. Late renewal attracts fines of AED 200/month per employee. Employing workers without valid permits carries penalties of AED 50,000 per worker. Emirates ID is now fully integrated with the labor card system.

The UAE labor card is one of the most critical employment documents for any business operating in the United Arab Emirates. Whether you are an HR manager onboarding new hires, a PRO officer managing visa processes, or an employee seeking to understand your work authorization status, a thorough understanding of the labor card system is essential.

This guide covers everything you need to know about the UAE labor card in 2026: what it is, who needs one, the complete application process, required documents, Emirates ID integration, how to check your labor card number online, the renewal process, free zone vs mainland differences, costs, penalties, cancellation procedures, and job transfer rules under current law.

What Is a UAE Labor Card?

A UAE labor card is the official government-issued document that authorizes an individual to work legally in the UAE private sector. Historically issued as a physical plastic card, the labor card has been fully digitized and is now known as the e-Work Permit. It is accessible through the MOHRE app and the MOHRE eServices portal.

The labor card is issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE) for mainland private sector employees. Free zone employees receive equivalent work permits from their respective free zone authority.

Labor Card Details

Field	Description
Work Permit Number	Unique identifier assigned by MOHRE
Employee Name	Full name as per passport
Nationality	Country of citizenship
Job Title	Official designation registered with MOHRE
Employer Name	Sponsoring company name and establishment number
Issue Date	Date the labor card was issued
Expiry Date	Date the labor card expires (typically 2 years from issue)
Personal Number	Linked to Emirates ID number
Skill Level	Classification from 1 (highest) to 5 (lowest)
Salary	Basic salary registered with MOHRE
Status	Active, Expired, Cancelled, or Suspended

Labor Card vs Work Permit

The terms "labor card" and "work permit" are often used interchangeably, but there are technical distinctions.

Aspect	Labor Card (e-Work Permit)	Work Permit Approval
Definition	The actual authorization document for employment	The initial approval from MOHRE to hire a specific worker
Timing	Issued after residency visa is stamped	Issued before the employee enters the UAE
Purpose	Confirms legal right to work	Confirms employer is approved to hire
Validity	2 years from issue date	60 days to complete the hiring process
Issued By	MOHRE (mainland) or Free Zone Authority	MOHRE (mainland) or Free Zone Authority
Format	Digital (e-Work Permit via MOHRE app/portal)	Digital approval notification
Legal Reference	Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 6	Ministerial Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Article 2

Important: In practice, MOHRE uses "work permit" to refer to the entire authorization. The term "labor card" persists in common usage and refers to the same document. This guide uses both terms where appropriate.

Who Needs a Labor Card?

Employees Who Require a Labor Card

Category	Labor Card Required?	Notes
Foreign nationals in mainland private sector	Yes	Standard MOHRE work permit
UAE nationals in private sector	Yes	Separate Emiratisation-linked permit
Part-time workers	Yes	Part-time work permit (Type 8)
Temporary workers	Yes	Temporary work permit (Type 4)
Freelancers	Yes	Freelance permit (Type 10)
Domestic workers	Yes	Domestic worker permit under MOHRE
GCC nationals	Yes	Simplified process, no entry permit needed
Students (work placement)	Yes	Student training permit (Type 7)
Free zone employees	No (MOHRE)	Permit issued by free zone authority
Government employees	No (MOHRE)	Covered under separate federal/emirate rules
Military personnel	No	Governed by military employment law
Diplomatic staff	No	Covered under diplomatic agreements

UAE Work Permit Types

The UAE recognizes 13 types of work permits to accommodate different employment arrangements under Ministerial Resolution No. 1 of 2022.

Type	Name	Description	Validity
Type 1	Standard Work Permit	New employee from outside UAE	2 years
Type 2	Transfer Work Permit	Employee transferring from another UAE employer	2 years
Type 3	Work Permit for Dependents	Spouse or family member already on residence visa	2 years
Type 4	Temporary Work Permit	Short-term project or assignment	6 months
Type 5	Juvenile Work Permit	Workers aged 15-18 with guardian consent	1 year
Type 6	National Trainee Permit	UAE national undergoing training	1 year
Type 7	Student Training Permit	Student on work placement or internship	6 months
Type 8	Part-Time Work Permit	Employee working fewer hours than full-time	1 year
Type 9	Golden Visa Work Permit	Holders of Golden Visa (10-year)	Linked to visa validity
Type 10	Freelance Work Permit	Self-sponsored freelance professionals	1-2 years
Type 11	Green Visa Work Permit	Holders of Green Visa (5-year self-sponsored)	Linked to visa validity
Type 12	One-Mission Permit	Single task or mission from outside UAE	90 days
Type 13	Domestic Worker Permit	Household domestic staff	2 years

Exemptions from MOHRE Labor Card

Category	Reason for Exemption	Governing Authority
Free zone employees	Separate regulatory framework	Respective Free Zone Authority (e.g., JAFZA, DAFZA, DMCC)
Government employees	Federal/Emirate employment law applies	Federal Authority for Government HR / Emirate HR departments
Military personnel	Military employment law	UAE Armed Forces
Diplomatic staff	Diplomatic immunity and agreements	Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Investors with no employment role	No employer-employee relationship	Department of Economic Development

Labor Card Application Process

The labor card application is a multi-step process that involves MOHRE, the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA), and the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP).

Step 1: Employer Applies for Work Permit Approval

The employer initiates the process by submitting a work permit application through the MOHRE eServices portal or a Tas'heel service center.

Requirement	Details
Platform	MOHRE eServices Portal (eservices.mohre.gov.ae) or Tas'heel
Who submits	Employer or authorized PRO
Key information	Employee name, passport details, job title, salary, contract terms
Quota check	MOHRE verifies Emiratisation compliance and company establishment card validity
Bank guarantee	Required for certain company categories
Processing time	2-3 working days
Approval validity	60 days to complete the hiring process

Step 2: Entry Permit (Employment Visa) Issuance

Once the work permit is approved, the employer applies for an entry permit (employment visa) for the employee to enter the UAE.

Requirement	Details
Platform	GDRFA e-Channels or ICP Smart Services
Who submits	Employer or authorized PRO
Key documents	Passport copy, work permit approval, colored photo
Entry permit type	Employment entry permit (pink visa)
Validity	60 days from date of issue
Extensions	Can be extended once for 30 days
Processing time	1-2 working days
GCC nationals	Entry permit not required; can enter on national ID

Step 3: Employee Enters UAE

The employee enters the UAE using the entry permit.

Requirement	Details
Entry point	Any UAE port of entry (airport, land border, seaport)
Document required	Valid passport with entry permit
Biometric capture	Fingerprints and photo taken at immigration
Timeline	Must enter within 60 days of entry permit issuance
Status change	If employee is already in UAE on visit visa, a status change application is required
Status change fee	AED 570-670 depending on processing speed

Step 4: Medical Fitness Test

All employees must undergo a medical fitness test at an approved health center.

Requirement	Details
Test location	DHA-approved health centers (Dubai), HAAD-approved (Abu Dhabi), MOH-approved (other emirates)
Tests included	Blood test (HIV, Hepatitis B and C, Tuberculosis), chest X-ray
Who must take it	All foreign employees applying for residency visa
Exemptions	GCC nationals are exempt in some emirates
Result timeline	2-3 working days
Validity of results	60 days from test date
Cost	Starting from AED 320
Failed test	Employee may be required to leave the UAE

Step 5: Emirates ID Application

The employee must apply for an Emirates ID card through ICP.

Requirement	Details
Platform	ICP Smart Services or authorized typing centers
Who submits	Employee (biometrics required in person)
Biometric data	Fingerprints, iris scan, photograph
Documents required	Passport, entry permit, medical fitness certificate, photo
Processing time	5-7 working days (standard), 3 working days (urgent)
Cost	AED 370 (standard 2-year), AED 570 (urgent processing)
Card delivery	Delivered to registered address via Emirates Post

Step 6: Residency Visa Stamping

The employer applies to have the residency visa stamped in the employee's passport.

Requirement	Details
Platform	GDRFA e-Channels or ICP Smart Services
Who submits	Employer or authorized PRO
Documents required	Passport, Emirates ID application receipt, medical fitness certificate, work permit approval
Visa validity	2 years (standard), 5 years (Green Visa), 10 years (Golden Visa)
Processing time	2-3 working days
Cost	AED 100-200 depending on visa type

Step 7: Labor Card (e-Work Permit) Issuance

The final step is the issuance of the labor card itself.

Requirement	Details
Platform	MOHRE eServices Portal or Tas'heel
Who submits	Employer or authorized PRO
Prerequisite	Valid residency visa, Emirates ID, and work permit approval
Contract registration	Employment contract must be registered with MOHRE
WPS enrollment	Employee must be added to employer's WPS payroll
Processing time	3-5 working days
Labor card validity	2 years from issue date
Format	Digital (accessible via MOHRE app and portal)

Application Processing Timeline

Step	Duration	Cumulative Timeline
Work permit approval	2-3 working days	Days 1-3
Entry permit issuance	1-2 working days	Days 3-5
Employee entry to UAE	Varies	Days 5-10
Medical fitness test	2-3 working days	Days 7-13
Emirates ID processing	5-7 working days	Days 12-20
Residency visa stamping	2-3 working days	Days 14-23
Labor card issuance	3-5 working days	Days 17-28
Total estimated time	2-4 weeks	Varies based on individual steps

Fast-Track Processing: MOHRE and ICP offer expedited services for an additional fee of AED 500-1,000, which can reduce the total processing time to approximately 5-7 working days. Fast-track is available for Emirates ID, medical fitness, and visa stamping.

Required Documents

Documents Required from Employee

Document	Specifications	Notes
Valid passport	Minimum 6 months validity from application date	Must be original for visa stamping
Passport-size photographs	White background, 4.3 x 5.5 cm, recent (within 6 months)	6-8 copies recommended
Educational certificates	Originals and attested copies	Required for skill levels 1-3
Professional certificates	Relevant to job title	May be required for regulated professions
Experience certificates	From previous employers	May be required for certain job titles
Medical fitness certificate	From approved health center	Obtained during application process
Emirates ID application receipt	From ICP	Obtained during application process
Existing UAE visa (if applicable)	For status change or transfer	Required if employee is already in UAE
NOC from current sponsor (if applicable)	For dependents seeking employment	Sponsor must provide NOC for dependent's employment

Documents Required from Employer

Document	Specifications	Notes
Valid trade license	Current and active	Must match the activity of the job being offered
Establishment card	Active MOHRE establishment card	Must be valid and not suspended
Immigration card	Active GDRFA immigration card	Required for visa applications
Memorandum of Association	Attested copy	For new establishments or when adding partners
Tenancy contract (Ejari)	Registered with RERA or equivalent	Proves physical office space
Bank guarantee	Letter from bank	Required for certain company categories
Offer letter	Signed by employer and employee	Must match MOHRE contract terms
Employment contract	MOHRE standard form or compliant custom contract	Must be bilingual (Arabic and English)
WPS registration confirmation	From WPS agent (bank or exchange house)	Proves salary payment channel is active
Emiratisation compliance certificate	From MOHRE	Required for companies with 50+ employees

Document Attestation Requirements

Document	Attestation Required	Process
Educational certificates (outside UAE)	Yes	Home country Foreign Affairs Ministry, UAE Embassy in home country, UAE MOFA
Educational certificates (within UAE)	Varies	May require UAE MOFA attestation
Professional certificates	Varies by profession	Some require licensing authority attestation (e.g., DHA for healthcare)
Experience certificates	Generally not attested	May need translation to Arabic
Passport	No attestation required	Must be valid original
Trade license	No attestation required	Must be valid and active
Employment contract	MOHRE registration serves as attestation	Bilingual Arabic-English required

Important: Document attestation requirements change periodically. Some countries have bilateral agreements with the UAE that simplify or eliminate attestation. Always verify current requirements with MOHRE or your PRO.

Emirates ID Integration

Since the integration of the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security (ICP) with MOHRE systems, the Emirates ID has become the central identifier linking all employment-related documents.

How Emirates ID Integrates with Labor Card

Integration Point	Description
Personal number link	The Emirates ID number is linked to the labor card record in MOHRE systems
Biometric verification	Emirates ID biometrics are used to verify identity during employment processes
Digital access	Emirates ID credentials (via UAE Pass) provide access to labor card information online
Status synchronization	Changes to visa or labor card status are reflected in Emirates ID records
Employer verification	Employers can verify an employee's work authorization using Emirates ID
WPS link	Emirates ID is linked to WPS salary records
Insurance link	Health insurance is linked to Emirates ID

Checking Labor Card Status via Emirates ID

Method	Steps	Cost
UAE Pass App	Log in with Emirates ID credentials, navigate to MOHRE services, view labor card details	Free
MOHRE eServices Portal	Enter Emirates ID number and date of birth, view work permit status	Free
MOHRE Mobile App	Log in with UAE Pass (linked to Emirates ID), access labor card section	Free
ICP Smart Services	Log in with UAE Pass, view linked employment information	Free
Tas'heel Service Center	Present Emirates ID, request labor card status inquiry	AED 20-50 service fee

Emirates ID Application for Workers

Aspect	Details
Application platform	ICP Smart Services (smartservices.icp.gov.ae) or authorized typing centers
Required documents	Passport, entry permit, medical fitness certificate, passport photo
Biometric enrollment	Must be done in person at ICP service center
Standard processing	5-7 working days, AED 370
Urgent processing	3 working days, AED 570
Card validity	Matches residency visa validity (2, 5, or 10 years)
Renewal	Must be renewed when residency visa is renewed
Lost/damaged card	Replacement costs AED 300 plus typing fees
Card delivery	Emirates Post delivery to registered address
Digital Emirates ID	Available through UAE Pass app as digital alternative to physical card

Checking Labor Card Number Online

There are several ways to check your labor card number and status online. All official channels are free of charge.

MOHRE eServices Portal

Aspect	Details
Website	eservices.mohre.gov.ae
Registration required	No (for basic inquiry), Yes (for detailed information)
Information needed	Work permit number and date of birth, OR Emirates ID number
Steps	1. Visit eservices.mohre.gov.ae 2. Select "Work Permit Inquiry" 3. Enter work permit number and date of birth 4. View labor card details and status
Information displayed	Work permit number, employee name, employer name, job title, salary, issue date, expiry date, status
Cost	Free
Availability	24/7
Language	Arabic and English

MOHRE Mobile App

Aspect	Details
App name	MOHRE UAE
Available on	iOS (App Store) and Android (Google Play)
Login method	UAE Pass (linked to Emirates ID)
Steps	1. Download MOHRE UAE app 2. Log in with UAE Pass 3. Navigate to "My Labor Card" or "Work Permit" section 4. View labor card details
Features	View labor card status, download digital labor card, receive expiry notifications, access employment contract
Cost	Free
Availability	24/7
Additional services	Request labor card copy, check complaints status, calculate gratuity

MOHRE Hotline

Aspect	Details
Phone number	600 590 000
Operating hours	Sunday to Thursday, 7:30 AM to 3:00 PM
Languages	Arabic, English, Urdu, Hindi
Information needed	Emirates ID number or work permit number
Steps	1. Call 600 590 000 2. Select language 3. Choose "Work Permit Inquiry" 4. Provide Emirates ID or work permit number 5. Receive verbal confirmation of labor card status
Cost	Standard call charges apply
Wait time	Typically 5-15 minutes

Tas'heel Service Centers

Aspect	Details
Locations	Over 50 centers across all seven emirates
Operating hours	Sunday to Thursday, 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM (varies by location)
Documents needed	Emirates ID (original)
Steps	1. Visit any Tas'heel center 2. Take a queue number for "Inquiry Services" 3. Present Emirates ID 4. Receive printed labor card details
Cost	AED 20-50 service fee (varies by center)
Additional services	Can also request official labor card letter, employment status letter

Information Available When Checking Online

Information	Available Online	Notes
Work permit number	Yes	Primary identifier for all labor card inquiries
Employee full name	Yes	As registered with MOHRE
Nationality	Yes	Country of passport
Job title	Yes	Official designation registered with MOHRE
Employer name	Yes	Sponsoring company
Employer establishment number	Yes	MOHRE registration number
Basic salary	Yes	As registered in employment contract
Total salary	Yes	Including allowances registered with MOHRE
Issue date	Yes	Date labor card was issued or last renewed
Expiry date	Yes	Date labor card expires
Card status	Yes	Active, Expired, Cancelled, or Suspended
Skill level	Yes	Classification 1-5
Personal number	Yes	Linked to Emirates ID
Employment contract	Yes (via MOHRE app)	Digital copy of registered contract
WPS status	Partial	Basic compliance status visible
Complaint history	Yes (via MOHRE app)	Any labor complaints filed

Labor Card Renewal Process

Labor card renewal is a mandatory process that must be completed before the card expires to avoid penalties. MOHRE accepts renewal applications up to 60 days before the expiry date.

Renewal Timeline

Timeline	Action Required
60 days before expiry	Begin renewal preparations, gather documents, verify compliance
45 days before expiry	Submit renewal application to MOHRE
30 days before expiry	Ensure application is in progress; follow up on any delays
Expiry date	Labor card expires; grace period begins
1-30 days after expiry	Grace period for completion without penalty
31-60 days after expiry	Extended grace period; risk of minor penalties
61+ days after expiry	Fines of AED 200/month per employee begin

Step 1: Pre-Renewal Check

Before submitting the renewal application, verify the following compliance requirements.

Check Item	Requirement	How to Verify
Trade license validity	Must be current and active	Department of Economic Development portal
Establishment card	Must be valid and not suspended	MOHRE eServices portal
Emiratisation compliance	Must meet 2% quota (companies with 50+ employees)	MOHRE Nafis portal
WPS compliance	All salary payments current and compliant	WPS agent reports
Outstanding fines	All MOHRE fines must be cleared	MOHRE eServices portal
Labor complaints	No unresolved complaints against employer	MOHRE eServices portal
Health insurance	Employee must have valid health insurance	DHA/HAAD/DOH portal depending on emirate
Emirates ID validity	Must be valid or renewed	ICP Smart Services
Medical fitness	May require new medical test if expired	DHA/HAAD/MOH approved centers
Employee in UAE	Employee must be in the UAE during renewal	Immigration records via GDRFA

Step 2: Submit Renewal Application

Aspect	Details
Platform	MOHRE eServices Portal or Tas'heel service center
Who submits	Employer or authorized PRO
Required documents	Valid passport copy, Emirates ID copy, current employment contract, health insurance proof, medical fitness certificate (if required), passport photos
Contract updates	Any changes to job title, salary, or terms require a new contract
Salary verification	Salary on renewal must match or exceed the current registered salary
Job title verification	Job title must match the actual role; mismatches may trigger audit
Processing time	3-5 working days

Step 3: Process Completion

Aspect	Details
Approval notification	Via MOHRE app, SMS, and email
New expiry date	2 years from date of renewal approval
Emirates ID renewal	May need to be renewed simultaneously if expiring
Residency visa renewal	Must be renewed in conjunction with labor card
WPS update	Employee records automatically updated in WPS system
Digital card	Updated digital labor card accessible via MOHRE app

Renewal Fees

Fee Component	Amount (AED)	Notes
Work permit renewal (Category A)	250	Companies meeting or exceeding Emiratisation targets
Work permit renewal (Category B)	1,200	Companies with some progress on Emiratisation
Work permit renewal (Category C)	2,500	Companies not meeting Emiratisation requirements
Work permit renewal (Category D)	3,450	Companies in violation of Emiratisation targets
Medical fitness test	Starting from 320	If required (varies by emirate)
Emirates ID renewal	370-570	Standard vs urgent processing
Visa stamping	100-200	GDRFA fees
Health insurance	700-1,100	Mandatory annual or biennial premium
Typing and service fees	50-150	Tas'heel and typing center fees
Total estimated renewal cost	2,000-6,000	Depends on company category and optional services

Late Renewal Penalties

Delay Period	Penalty	Additional Consequences
1-30 days after expiry	Warning	Grace period; no financial penalty
31-60 days after expiry	Warning to minor fine	Extended grace; process completion urged
61-90 days after expiry	AED 200/month per employee	Cumulative monthly fines begin
91-180 days after expiry	AED 200/month per employee (cumulative)	Risk of work permit suspension
181+ days after expiry	AED 200/month per employee (max AED 2,000)	Work permit suspension, hiring restrictions
Continued non-renewal	AED 2,000 cap per employee + suspension	Cannot hire new employees until resolved

Free Zone vs Mainland Differences

Understanding the difference between mainland and free zone labor cards is critical for HR managers and PRO officers managing employees across both jurisdictions.

Key Differences Between Mainland and Free Zone

Aspect	Mainland (MOHRE)	Free Zone
Issuing authority	Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)	Respective Free Zone Authority
Governing law	Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021	Free zone-specific employment regulations
Work permit scope	Work anywhere in mainland UAE	Primarily within free zone jurisdiction
Emiratisation requirement	Mandatory (2% of skilled roles for 50+ employees)	Generally exempt
WPS requirement	Mandatory for all companies	Varies by free zone
Processing time	2-3 weeks	5-10 working days
Cost structure	Based on company category (A-D)	Fixed fee schedule per free zone
Establishment card	MOHRE establishment card required	Free zone establishment card
Contract registration	Registered with MOHRE	Registered with free zone authority
Dispute resolution	MOHRE labor courts	Free zone dispute resolution then labor courts
Health insurance	Mandatory (emirate-specific rules)	Mandatory (free zone may specify provider)
Gratuity calculation	Per Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021	Per free zone regulations (often aligned)

Free Zone Work Permits by Zone

Free Zone	Processing Time	Approximate Cost (AED)	Special Features
JAFZA (Jebel Ali)	5-7 working days	3,000-5,000	Largest free zone; integrated logistics
DAFZA (Dubai Airport)	5-7 working days	3,000-5,000	Aviation and technology focus
DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities)	7-10 working days	4,000-6,000	Commodities trading focus
DIFC (Dubai International Financial Centre)	5-10 working days	5,000-8,000	Common law jurisdiction; own employment law
ADGM (Abu Dhabi Global Market)	5-10 working days	5,000-8,000	Common law jurisdiction; own employment law
Dubai Silicon Oasis	5-7 working days	3,000-5,000	Technology and innovation focus
Dubai Internet City	5-7 working days	3,500-5,500	IT and telecommunications focus
Dubai Media City	5-7 working days	3,500-5,500	Media and creative industries
RAKEZ (Ras Al Khaimah)	3-5 working days	2,000-4,000	Cost-effective option
SAIF Zone (Sharjah)	3-5 working days	2,000-4,000	Industrial and trading focus
Ajman Free Zone	3-5 working days	1,500-3,500	Budget-friendly option
Fujairah Free Zone	3-5 working days	1,500-3,500	Shipping and oil trading
KIZAD (Khalifa Industrial Zone)	5-7 working days	3,000-5,000	Industrial and logistics focus

Transfer Between Mainland and Free Zone

Scenario	Process	Timeline	Notes
Mainland to Free Zone	Cancel mainland labor card and visa, apply for new free zone permit	2-4 weeks	Cannot do direct transfer; full cancellation required
Free Zone to Mainland	Cancel free zone permit and visa, apply for new MOHRE labor card	2-4 weeks	Cannot do direct transfer; full cancellation required
Free Zone to Free Zone	Cancel current free zone permit, apply with new free zone	1-3 weeks	Some free zones have inter-zone transfer agreements
Mainland to Mainland	Direct transfer via MOHRE (no cancellation needed)	2-4 weeks	NOC no longer required since February 2022

DIFC and ADGM Special Rules

DIFC and ADGM operate under separate common law jurisdictions with their own employment regulations.

Aspect	DIFC	ADGM
Governing law	DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019	ADGM Employment Regulations 2019
Dispute resolution	DIFC Courts	ADGM Courts
Work permit authority	DIFC Authority	ADGM Registration Authority
Gratuity	21 days per year (first 5 years), 30 days per year (after 5 years)	21 days per year (first 5 years), 30 days per year (after 5 years)
Notice period	Per employment contract (minimum 30 days)	Per employment contract (minimum 30 days)
Probation period	Maximum 6 months	Maximum 6 months
Health insurance	Mandatory	Mandatory
WPS	Not applicable (separate payment systems)	Not applicable (separate payment systems)
Transfer to mainland	Requires full cancellation and reissuance	Requires full cancellation and reissuance

Costs and Fees

Understanding the full cost structure of the labor card process is essential for budgeting and compliance.

Work Permit Fees by Company Category

MOHRE classifies companies into categories based on their Emiratisation compliance, Wage Protection System adherence, and overall labor law compliance.

Company Category	Description	Work Permit Fee (AED)	Criteria
Category A	Fully compliant, exceeding Emiratisation targets	250	Meets or exceeds all Emiratisation and compliance targets
Category B	Partially compliant, making progress	1,200	Some Emiratisation progress; minor compliance gaps
Category C	Non-compliant, below targets	2,500	Below Emiratisation targets; compliance issues identified
Category D	Significantly non-compliant	3,450	Significantly below targets; multiple compliance violations

Total 2-Year Employment Visa Cost Breakdown

Fee Component	Minimum (AED)	Maximum (AED)	Notes
Work permit application	250	3,450	Based on company category
Entry permit (employment visa)	200	350	Standard vs urgent processing
Medical fitness test	320	—	Starting from AED 320
Emirates ID application	370	570	Standard vs urgent processing
Residency visa stamping	100	200	Standard GDRFA fee
Health insurance (annual)	700	1,100	Mandatory; varies by plan and emirate
Typing and service fees	50	150	Tas'heel and typing center charges
Employment contract registration	0	50	Included in some Tas'heel packages
Total (first year)	2,170	6,670	Excluding health insurance renewal
Health insurance (second year)	700	1,100	Must be maintained throughout employment
Total (2-year cycle)	2,870	7,770	Full 2-year employment cost

Additional Costs to Consider

Cost Item	Amount (AED)	When Applicable
Status change (visit to employment)	570-670	Employee already in UAE on visit visa
Bank guarantee	3,000-5,000	Required for certain company categories
Attestation of educational certificates	500-2,000	For skill level 1-3 positions
Arabic translation of documents	100-300	Per document, if not already in Arabic
PRO service fees	500-2,000	If using external PRO services
Fast-track processing	500-1,000	For expedited Emirates ID and visa processing
Employee insurance deposit	Varies	Some companies require refundable deposits
Accommodation (if employer-provided)	Varies	Legal requirement for certain skill levels
Flight ticket (recruitment)	Varies	Employer typically covers initial flight

Important: Under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021, Article 6, employers must bear all costs related to recruitment and employment. Charging employees for recruitment costs is prohibited and carries a penalty of AED 100,000.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

The UAE government has significantly strengthened penalties for labor card and work permit violations under Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 and its Executive Regulations.

Common Violations and Penalties

Violation	Penalty (AED)	Legal Reference
Employing worker without valid work permit	50,000 per worker	Article 60(1)
Using work permit for purpose other than intended	100,000-1,000,000	Article 60(2)
False Emiratisation (fictitious employment of nationals)	100,000-1,000,000	Article 60(3)
Charging recruitment costs to employee	100,000	Article 60(4)
Late labor card renewal (after grace period)	200/month per worker (max 2,000)	Ministerial Resolution
WPS salary non-compliance	5,000 per worker + permit suspension	Article 54
Failure to provide employment contract	20,000 per worker	Article 60(5)
Employing juvenile without proper permit	50,000	Article 60(6)
Failure to maintain employee records	10,000-50,000	Article 60(7)
Operating establishment without valid license	50,000-200,000	Article 60(8)

Employer Consequences

Consequence	Trigger	Duration
Financial penalties	Any violation listed above	Immediate upon determination
Work permit suspension	Repeated violations or severe non-compliance	Until violations are resolved
Hiring restrictions	Failure to meet Emiratisation targets or repeated violations	6-12 months
Establishment card downgrade	Non-compliance with MOHRE standards	Until compliance is restored
Trade license revocation (extreme cases)	Persistent severe violations	Permanent or until judicial review
Criminal prosecution	Trafficking, forced labor, or exploitation	Per UAE Penal Code
Double penalties for repeat offenses	Same violation within 3 years	Applied per occurrence
Public listing	Severe violations	Company listed on MOHRE non-compliant register

Employee Consequences

Consequence	Trigger	Impact
Labor ban (historical)	Absconding or violation of employment terms	Largely abolished under new law
Deportation	Working without valid permit	Immediate removal from UAE
Fines	Overstaying visa after labor card cancellation	AED 100/day for overstay (GDRFA)
Inability to work	Expired labor card without renewal	Cannot legally work until renewed
Loss of end-of-service benefits	Termination for disciplinary reasons per Article 44	Benefits may be forfeited
Entry ban	Serious violations or criminal activity	1 year to permanent

How to Avoid Penalties

Best Practice	Details	Responsible Party
Track expiry dates	Maintain a centralized document expiry tracker for all employees	HR Manager
Begin renewal 60 days early	Submit renewal applications well before expiry	PRO Officer
Maintain WPS compliance	Process all salaries through WPS on time	Finance / Payroll
Register accurate contracts	Ensure MOHRE contracts match actual employment terms	HR Manager
Meet Emiratisation targets	Hire and retain UAE nationals per quota requirements	HR Director
Conduct regular audits	Monthly review of all employee document statuses	HR / Compliance
Use HR software	Automated reminders and tracking for document expiry	HR Manager
Stay updated on law changes	Monitor MOHRE announcements and legal updates	Legal / Compliance
Clear fines promptly	Pay any outstanding MOHRE fines immediately	Finance
Maintain health insurance	Ensure all employees have continuous valid coverage	HR Manager

Labor Card Cancellation

Labor card cancellation is required when employment ends, whether through resignation, termination, or mutual agreement.

When Cancellation Is Required

Scenario	Cancellation Required	Timeline
Employee resignation	Yes	Within 30 days of last working day
Employer termination	Yes	Within 30 days of termination date
Mutual agreement to end employment	Yes	Within 30 days of agreement date
Contract expiry (not renewed)	Yes	Within 30 days of contract end date
Employee death	Yes	Within 30 days of death
Company closure	Yes	Must cancel all employees before closure
Employee transfer to new employer (mainland)	Automatic	Cancelled as part of transfer process
Employee transfer (mainland to/from free zone)	Yes	Manual cancellation required before new permit

Cancellation Process

Step	Action	Timeline
Step 1	Settle all employee dues (salary, gratuity, leave balance, repatriation)	Before initiating cancellation
Step 2	Submit cancellation request via MOHRE eServices or Tas'heel	Within 30 days of employment end
Step 3	Cancel health insurance or transfer to employee	Concurrent with cancellation
Step 4	Cancel residency visa via GDRFA	After MOHRE labor card cancellation
Step 5	Deactivate Emirates ID employment link	Automatic upon visa cancellation
Step 6	Provide employee with cancellation confirmation	Upon completion
Step 7	Issue end-of-service certificate	Upon request by employee

Grace Period After Cancellation

Employee Category	Grace Period	Purpose
Standard employees (skill levels 3-5)	30 days	Find new employer or arrange departure
Skilled workers (skill levels 1-2)	Up to 90 days	Find new employer or arrange departure
Green Visa holders	Up to 180 days	Find new employer or arrange departure
Golden Visa holders	Up to 180 days	Find new employer or arrange departure
Domestic workers	30 days	Find new sponsor or arrange departure
Dependents losing sponsor	30 days	Transfer to new sponsor or arrange departure

Important Cancellation Notes

Topic	Details
Employee dues settlement	All dues must be paid before or upon cancellation; failure to do so may result in labor complaints and fines
Gratuity payment	Must be paid within 14 days of last working day per Article 51
Annual leave balance	Unused leave must be paid in cash based on last salary
Repatriation flight	Employer must pay for return flight to home country (or country of recruitment)
NOC requirement	No longer required for job transfers since February 2022
Absconding reports	Employer can no longer file absconding reports; replaced with "work discontinuation" notification
Grace period extension	Can be requested in exceptional circumstances via GDRFA
Overstay fines	AED 100/day after grace period expires (GDRFA)
Re-entry after cancellation	No automatic ban; employee can re-enter on new visa
Freelance transition	Employee can apply for freelance permit during grace period

Job Transfer Rules Under Current Law

The UAE significantly reformed its job transfer rules in February 2022 with the implementation of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021. The most significant change was the abolition of the NOC (No Objection Certificate) requirement.

Key Changes Since February 2022

Aspect	Previous Rule	Current Rule (Since February 2022)
NOC requirement	Mandatory from current employer	Abolished; no longer required
Notice period	30 days (limited contract)	30-90 days per contract terms
Labor ban	Imposed for certain transfer scenarios	Abolished for most scenarios
Limited vs unlimited contracts	Different transfer rules for each	All contracts are now limited (fixed-term)
Transfer fee	Charged to new employer	Abolished
Probation period transfer	Restricted	Allowed with 14 days written notice and 1 month notice to employer
Skill level restriction	Transfers limited within same skill level	No skill level restriction
Salary requirement	New salary must exceed previous	No minimum salary increase required
Grace period for job seeking	30 days	30-180 days depending on visa type
During notice period	Cannot start new employment	Cannot start new employment until notice period is served

Transfer Process

Step	Action	Timeline	Responsible Party
Step 1	Employee submits written resignation to current employer	As per contract terms	Employee
Step 2	Employee serves notice period (30-90 days)	Per employment contract	Employee
Step 3	Current employer settles all dues (salary, gratuity, leave)	Within 14 days of last working day	Current Employer
Step 4	Current employer cancels labor card and visa	Within 30 days of last working day	Current Employer / PRO
Step 5	New employer submits transfer work permit application (Type 2) to MOHRE	After cancellation is processed	New Employer / PRO
Step 6	MOHRE processes transfer application	2-3 working days	MOHRE
Step 7	New employer completes visa and labor card process	1-2 weeks	New Employer / PRO
Step 8	Employee begins work with new employer	After new labor card is issued	Employee

Important Notes on Transfers:

• Direct transfers between mainland and free zone are not possible. The current labor card and visa must be cancelled, and a new permit must be issued by the receiving jurisdiction.
• Employees who resign during probation must give 14 days written notice and serve a 1-month notice period.
• If the employee wishes to leave the UAE after resignation, the employer must still pay all end-of-service dues.
• The new employer does not need to compensate the previous employer for any transfer costs.

How RadixHR Simplifies Labor Card Management

Managing labor cards, work permits, and visa documents for a growing workforce is complex and error-prone when done manually. RadixHR provides a comprehensive HR platform designed to simplify and automate the entire process.

Document Tracking

• Centralized dashboard showing all employee document statuses at a glance
• Automated expiry date tracking for labor cards, Emirates IDs, visas, passports, and health insurance
• Color-coded alerts: green (valid), yellow (expiring soon), red (expired)
• Configurable notification periods (30, 45, 60, or 90 days before expiry)

Employee Document Management

• Secure cloud storage for all employee documents (labor cards, contracts, certificates)
• Digital copies of Emirates ID, passport, and visa accessible anytime
• Document version history and audit trail
• Role-based access control for sensitive employee information

Renewal Workflow Automation

• Automated renewal reminders sent to HR managers and PRO officers via email and in-app notifications
• Pre-built renewal checklists ensuring all prerequisites are met before submission
• Task assignment and tracking for multi-step renewal processes
• Integration with payroll to verify WPS compliance before renewal

Compliance Reporting

• Real-time compliance dashboard showing Emiratisation percentages, WPS status, and document validity
• Monthly compliance reports for management review
• Audit-ready reports for MOHRE inspections
• Penalty risk assessment based on current compliance status

Ready to streamline your labor card management? Book a free demo of RadixHR and see how our platform can help your HR team stay compliant and save time.

Summary: UAE Labor Card Key Facts

Aspect	Details	Reference
Official name	e-Work Permit	MOHRE
Issuing authority (mainland)	Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)	Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Issuing authority (free zone)	Respective Free Zone Authority	Free zone regulations
Governing law	Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021	UAE Official Gazette
Executive regulations	Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022, Ministerial Resolution No. 1 of 2022	UAE Official Gazette
Format	Digital (MOHRE app and portal)	MOHRE
Standard validity	2 years	Article 8
Work permit types	13 types	Ministerial Resolution No. 1 of 2022
Application timeline	2-4 weeks (standard), 5-7 days (fast-track)	MOHRE
Total application cost	AED 3,000-7,000	MOHRE fee schedule
Renewal window	60 days before expiry	MOHRE
Late renewal penalty	AED 200/month per employee (max AED 2,000)	Ministerial Resolution
Penalty for no permit	AED 50,000 per worker	Article 60(1)
Penalty for false Emiratisation	AED 100,000-1,000,000	Article 60(3)
NOC requirement	Abolished since February 2022	Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021
Grace period after cancellation	30-180 days depending on visa type	GDRFA regulations
Employer cost obligation	All recruitment and employment costs borne by employer	Article 6
Emirates ID integration	Fully integrated; linked via personal number	ICP
Online status check	Free via MOHRE portal, app, hotline, or Tas'heel	MOHRE
WPS requirement	Mandatory for all mainland private sector	Ministerial Decree No. 788 of 2009
Health insurance	Mandatory for all employees	Emirate-specific health insurance laws
Contract type	All contracts are limited (fixed-term) since February 2022	Article 8
Emiratisation quota	2% of skilled roles for companies with 50+ employees	Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022
Mainland to free zone transfer	Requires cancellation and reissuance	MOHRE / Free Zone Authority

Sources and References

1. Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 on the Regulation of Labour Relations — UAE Official Gazette
2. Cabinet Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on the Executive Regulations of Federal Decree-Law No. 33 of 2021 — UAE Official Gazette
3. Ministerial Resolution No. 1 of 2022 on Work Permit Types and Conditions — MOHRE
4. Cabinet Resolution No. 95 of 2022 on Emiratisation Targets in the Private Sector — UAE Official Gazette
5. Ministerial Decree No. 788 of 2009 on the Wage Protection System — MOHRE
6. MOHRE eServices Portal — eservices.mohre.gov.ae
7. ICP Smart Services — smartservices.icp.gov.ae
8. GDRFA Dubai e-Channels — gdrfad.gov.ae
9. DIFC Employment Law No. 2 of 2019 — DIFC Authority
10. ADGM Employment Regulations 2019 — ADGM Registration Authority
11. Dubai Health Authority (DHA) — Medical Fitness Requirements
12. MOHRE Company Classification Guidelines — MOHRE
13. UAE Pass Digital Identity Platform — uaepass.ae
14. Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) — icp.gov.ae
15. Nafis (Emiratisation Program) — nafis.gov.ae