Labour Card UAE Complete Guide 2025 – Number, Status, Renewal and Fines

Picture this: you arrive in Dubai or Abu Dhabi with a signed contract and big dreams. But on your first day, HR tells you, “Without a labour card, you can’t start.” It’s not just a card. It’s the cornerstone of every employment relationship in the UAE.

This guide walks you through everything: what a labour card is, how to find your labour card number, check your labour card status, renew it, cancel it, and avoid labour card fines. By the end, you’ll know exactly why it matters and how to stay compliant.

What is Labour Card in UAE?

A labour card is an official work permit issued by the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation (MoHRE). It legalizes your employment, records your contract details, and connects you to the UAE’s labour law protections.

Without it, you’re essentially working off the grid—no legal protections, no wage security, and a high risk of penalties for both worker and employer. That’s exactly what is labour card in uae—your legal proof that you’re employed in compliance with the law.

What Information Does a Labour Card Contain?

The labour card record is more than just a name and number. It includes:

• Full name and nationality
  
• Job title (occupation)
  
• Employer name (sponsor)
  
• Work permit number and labour card number
  
• Personal ID number
  
• Issue and expiry dates
  

The labour card number itself is a 14-digit unique identifier. It’s critical for salary transfers through the Wage Protection System (WPS), official recordkeeping, and renewals.

And while the Emirates ID is your primary physical identification, labour card details remain essential and must always be up to date.

What is Labour Card Number in UAE?

So, what is labour card number in uae exactly? It’s your unique work permit ID issued by MoHRE. This number ties your entire employment history together. It’s also the one you’ll use when checking status, fines, or processing renewals.

How to Get Labour Card Number

If you don’t know yours, here’s how to get labour card number:

• Log into the MoHRE portal or app and check your profile.
  
• Ask your HR or employer’s PRO team.
  
• Visit a Tas’heel service centre with your Emirates ID and they can pull it up for you.
  

How to Check Labour Card Number with Emirates ID

Many workers wonder how to check labour card number with emirates id. It’s possible—MoHRE services can match your Emirates ID to your labour card details. This is useful if you’ve misplaced your work permit information but still have your Emirates ID handy.

Labour Card Check

A labour card check allows you to verify your details online. Through MoHRE’s services, you can confirm that your job title, contract duration, and employer information match what you signed for.

How to Check Labour Card Status

Your card doesn’t last forever. To see if it’s still valid, here’s how to check labour card status:

1. Visit the MoHRE website.
   
2. Use “New Enquiry Services.”
   
3. Enter your labour card number or passport details.
   
4. View your card’s validity, issue date, and expiry.
   

This small step prevents nasty surprises like expired cards and unexpected fines.

Labour Card Renewal Process

When the expiry date is near, the labour card renewal process kicks in. Employers are responsible for this, but you should keep track too. Renewals usually require:

• Updated contract
  
• Valid residency visa
  
• Sometimes, a new medical test
  

Labour Card Renewal Fees

Renewals aren’t free. The labour card renewal fees depend on your employer’s category. High-compliance companies pay as little as AED 250, while others might pay AED 3,000 or more.

Labour Card Cancellation Process

Switching jobs or leaving the UAE? Then the labour card cancellation process applies. Employers must submit the cancellation request to MoHRE and clear outstanding obligations before approval.

Labour Card Cancellation Online

Today, it’s simpler. Employers can handle labour card cancellation online through the MoHRE portal. Once cancelled, workers can either transfer to a new employer or exit the country.

Labour Card Fine

Delays come at a price. A labour card fine is applied when cards expire without renewal or when employees work without one. These penalties can add up quickly, impacting both worker and employer.

How to Check Labour Card Fine

Wondering if you owe anything? Here’s how to check labour card fine:

• Go to MoHRE’s online fine inquiry service
  
• Enter your labour card number
  
• The system lists all penalties and payment options
  

UAE Labour Card Processing Time

The UAE labour card processing time is usually between 2 and 3 weeks. But delays happen if employers miss paperwork or compliance requirements.

Difference Between Labour Card and Emirates ID

Here’s the difference between labour card and emirates id:

• The labour card proves you’re legally employed.
  
• The Emirates ID proves you’re a legal resident and gives access to government services.
  

Both are essential, but they serve very different functions.

Why the Labour Card Matters

The labour card is much more than bureaucracy. It protects both workers and employers by guaranteeing:

• Legal right to work in the UAE
  
• Salary payments through WPS
  
• Paid leave, sick pay, and end-of-service benefits
  
• Employer-provided health insurance
  
• Protection under labour laws, including overtime rules
  
• Access to visas and government services
  

Holding a valid card means employees get their rights, and employers stay compliant.

Who Needs a Labour Card in UAE?

Every worker—expat or national—requires a labour card. This includes:

• Expatriates in private companies
  
• UAE nationals in government or semi-government roles
  
• Free zone employees under their zone authority (e.g., DMCC, DIFC, JAFZA)
  

Examples:

• Family-Sponsored Worker: Needs a permit if taking a job while on family visa
  
• Changing Jobs: Old card cancelled before a new one is issued
  
• Part-Time Worker: Requires a part-time work permit
  
• Golden Visa Holder: Still needs a labour card issued by the employer
  
• Free Zone Employee: Gets an employment card issued by the free zone
  

Types of Labour Cards and Work Permits

There are different permits under MoHRE, such as:

• Standard work permits (full-time jobs)
  
• Part-time permits
  
• Temporary work permits
  
• Juvenile work permits (for under 18s with parental consent)
  
• Free zone employment cards (issued by each free zone authority)
  

Documents Required for Labour Card Application

To apply, employers must submit:

• Passport copy of the worker
  
• Residence visa or entry permit
  
• Employment contract
  
• Medical fitness certificate
  
• Passport photos
  
• Emirates ID application or copy
  
• Trade licence of the employer
  

Official Authority

All processes, renewals, cancellations, fines etc, are handled by MoHRE. For official information, visit the Ministry of Human Resources and Emiratisation.

FAQs

How can I get labour card in UAE?
Your employer applies through MoHRE after your contract is signed and your medical test is cleared.

How do I check my labour card online?
Log into MoHRE’s website or app with your labour card number or Emirates ID.

How much is the labour card fee in UAE?
It ranges from AED 250 to AED 3,450 depending on employer compliance category.

Is a labour card the same as a visa?
No. A visa lets you live in the UAE, while a labour card lets you work legally.

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