UAE Labour Card Everything You Need to Know in 2025

Introduction

The UAE Labour Card, also known as a work permit card, is an essential legal document for all employees working in the private sector. Issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE), this card proves that a worker is officially employed and legally allowed to work in the UAE.

In this article, we’ll cover what the Labour Card is, how to apply, who needs it, what details it includes, and what happens if it’s missing or expired. If you’re new to the UAE job market or just want clarity, this guide will answer all your questions.

What Is a Labour Card in the UAE?

The Labour Card is an official identification document issued by MoHRE. It is mandatory for all private-sector employees, and contains essential information like:

• Employee’s name and profession
• Labour Card number
• Work permit number
• Company name and establishment number
• Nationality
• Expiry date

This card confirms your employment status and ensures that your labor rights are protected under UAE law.

Who Needs a Labour Card?

All employees working in the UAE private sector must have a Labour Card. It is required whether you are:

• A new employee
• Transferring jobs within the UAE
• Changing your visa status

Exemptions apply to domestic workers, government employees, and freelancers under specific permits.

How to Apply for a Labour Card in UAE (2025)?

Documents Required:

• Valid passport copy
• Residence visa copy
• Medical fitness certificate
• Passport-size photo
• Employment contract copy
• Education certificate (for skilled workers)
• Emirates ID application or card copy

Steps:

• Employer applies for a work permit on your behalf via MoHRE.
• Once the permit is approved, you’ll undergo medical testing.
• Submit required documents to MoHRE.
• Receive Labour Card, usually valid for 2 years.

Labour Card Fees in UAE

The cost of a labour card depends on the company’s classification and the employee’s skill level.

• Category A (highly compliant companies): AED 250 – AED 500
• Category B or C (less compliant): Up to AED 3,000
• Fee includes issuance, medical testing, and processing charges.

How to Check Your UAE Labour Card Status

You can easily check your Labour Card status through:

• MoHRE website (www.mohre.gov.ae)
• MoHRE mobile app
• Or call 80060 for assistance

You’ll need your Emirates ID, passport number, or Labour Card number to check your status.

What Happens If You Don’t Have a Labour Card?

Working without a valid Labour Card is illegal in the UAE. Consequences include:

• Fines up to AED 50,000 for the employer
• Deportation for the worker
• Blacklisting of the company

It’s crucial that both employers and employees ensure the card is issued within 60 days of arrival in the country.

Labour Card Renewal in UAE

The Labour Card is valid for 2 years and must be renewed before it expires. The renewal process is similar to the initial application:

• Employer submits renewal request
• Updated documents may be required
• Renewal fee is similar to issuance fee

Avoid delays, renewals must be filed before expiry to avoid penalties.

Lost or Expired Labour Card: What to Do?

If your card is lost or expired:

• Notify your HR department immediately
• File a lost card report with MoHRE
• Apply for a duplicate Labour Card

Late renewals or missing cards can lead to legal and financial issues for both parties.

What is the difference Between Labour Card and an Emirates ID?

While both are important, they serve different purposes:

Labour Card	Emirates ID
Issued by MoHRE	Issued by Federal Authority for Identity (ICA)
Shows work authorization	Shows national identification
Required only for employees	Required for all UAE residents
Used for employment tracking	Used for banking, government services, etc.

E-Signature Card and Its Role in Digital Employment

If you’re working in the UAE, whether you’re a foreigner or a citizen, there’s no escaping the need for secure online transactions and verified digital identity. In today’s fast-paced world, where most employment and government processes are shifting online, having a Labour Card alone isn’t enough.

While the Labour Card confirms your employment status, the E-Signature Card becomes just as important for handling digital approvals, contracts, and secure transactions. If you are part of the UAE workforce, this card becomes your digital key, ensuring your identity is verified every time you engage in paperless processes like banking, legal agreements, or government e-services.

But here’s where many people get confused. They often wonder, “Isn’t my Labour Card enough for all work-related needs?” The answer is no. The Labour Card and E-Signature Card serve different purposes. Both are important in their own way, one confirms your right to work, the other secures your digital activities.

To clear up this confusion once and for all, I’ve outlined a simple comparison table below. It will help you understand the exact difference between these two important cards, so you can feel confident about why you might need both in the UAE.

Difference between UAE Labour Card and E-Signature Card

Feature	E-Signature Card	Labour Card
Purpose	Used for digital identity verification and electronic signatures in online transactions	Serves as proof of employment and legal work authorization in the UAE
Issued By	UAE Telecommunications and Digital Government Regulatory Authority (TDRA) or relevant digital authorities	UAE Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MOHRE)
Target Users	Businesses, employees, and individuals involved in digital transactions or government processes	Employees working under private sector or companies in the UAE
Main Function	Authorizes secure online signatures, ensures digital identity, and supports paperless processes	Contains employee details like employer name, job title, and work permit status
Mandatory For	Not mandatory for all, but required for certain digital government services and high-level transactions	Mandatory for all private sector employees in the UAE
Usage Scenarios	E-contracts, online government approvals, banking transactions, legal agreements	Employment verification, gratuity calculation, labour rights enforcement
Validity	Depends on the issuing authority and type of digital certificate (usually 1-3 years)	Generally valid for 2 years but may vary based on employment contract
Linked To	Digital ID systems, UAE Pass, and secure platforms	Work permits, residency visa, and MOHRE records

Conclusion

The UAE Labour Card 2025 is more than just a work ID, it’s a legal shield that protects your rights and confirms your employment status in the country. Employers must act responsibly by ensuring their employees receive valid Labour Cards, while employees should track and renew them regularly.